biggish data

Advice please: Maiden vs. Married name

You are married to him so you use married name and USCIS only requires the marriage certificate from your city/municipal hall. ( the one you signed at wedding) Only you need the NSO copy when you do your interview at Embassy in Manila. So feel free to file the I-130 now if you wanted.

The only id u need really is the passport.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-12 12:55:00

Advice please: Maiden vs. Married name

Hi everyone!

Advance Merry Christmas!

We shall be filing our I-130 this coming January. I am not sure if I should use my maiden name still or married name. A brief background of what I meant by mixed usages of maiden & married name:

1. Updated my SSS status to married - but my ID is still in my maiden name, since ID capturing takes a while...
2. With the new company I am joining within the month, they are addressing me via my married name, company ID will be in my married name plus other documents like HMO, etc. I am not sure yet about the Philhealth and BIR.
3. Passport is still in maiden name - can't update yet because NSO copy is not available yet. I photocopied my passport and the pages with travel stamps to establish my trips to the US, as among the evidences of how real the relationship is.
4. Driver's license - still in maiden name; don't know if I should update to married name by the time I need to renew it.

Do they require other IDs aside from the Passport when in the NVC processing stage already or even during the interview? What I know, referring to the US embassy Manila website, the following are the basic documentary requirement: Passport, Birth Certificate, NBI Clearance, Police Clearance, Marriage Certificate.

Would appreciate your inputs base on your own experiences...

Thank you for your time!

You are married to him so you use married name and USCIS only requires the marriage certificate from your city/municipal hall. ( the one you signed at wedding) Only you need the NSO copy when you do your interview at Embassy in Manila. So feel free to file the I-130 now if you wanted.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 20:30:00

how am I wrong?

how am I wrong? you cant get a CENOMAR if you been married in the Philippines and it was filed with the NSO.
I went through a K-1 process in Manila already, I even went there to the interview with my fiancee at that time. We were approved. So I have first hand experience. She had never been married so she had a CENOMAR but while there I was chatting with other people there for their K-1 interview. One girl was married but her filipino husband died, she had the death certificate, they never asked her for a cenomar or a cemar. This was in 2009 but I dont think much has changed except now the Embassy has a new building, I was there 3 weeks ago, its nice.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-13 06:51:00

how am I wrong?

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-13 06:34:00

^^^ You are a K-1er, so you need to bring your annulment papers and you need to bring your NSO CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages.

You can get your NSO CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages from the NSO by applying for a CENOMAR through the NSO. You apply for a CENOMAR and, since you have been married before, the NSO will issue you the CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages. That document is unofficially called a CEMAR. So, in short, no matter if someone is single or if they are married, they apply for a CENOMAR. If they are married or have been married, they will receive the CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages (CEMAR). If they have never been married, they will be issued the NSO CRS Form No. 4 - (CENOMAR).

For photo examples of these documents, please click here.

Is that as clear as mud?

Also, the consular officer may ask you to submit a Certificate of Marriage from your previous marriage. You can also get those from the NSO.

^^^ You almost got it. Please see my post above.

I'm not wrong, you cant get a CENOMAR if you have a mariage on file at NSO. Yes you are right , they will give a CEMAR . The embassy might not ask for it though. Sometimes they don't bother if you have the divorce/anullment records. BUT I do know someone who got delayed because she didn't bring the CEMAR so bring it.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-13 06:30:00

I was married but then already terminated. So all i need to bring is my proof of annulment?

Thank you!

yes bring it.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-12 19:05:00

Hello VJ,

I have another question. I was reading 1 post and it says if never been married provide the CENOMAR or if divorce or annulled proof of annulment. So does this means that I don't need a CENOMAR when I have proof of annulment? or do i still secure CENOMAR in NSO?

Thanks and God bless!

If you never been married then you need the CENOMAR. If you have been married you need the divoce/anullment papers. If you are/were married then you cant get a CENOMAR

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-12 18:20:00

Marriage in the Phils

GETTING MARRIED IN THE PHILIPPINES: click here

"In late 2011, the U.S. Embassy learned that the following local registrars had refused to accept the Affidavit In Lieu of Certificate of Legal Capacity to Marry as a viable alternative to the Philippine document: Makati City, Quezon City, Davao City.

Please note that all fees paid for this notary service are non-refundable. Because U.S. Consular Officers are not in a position to respond with authority to questions involving interpretation of specific Philippine laws, such questions may best be addressed by an Attorney licensed to practice law in the Philippines. American diplomatic and consular officers do not have legal authority to perform marriages."

Oh thats news to me , I bet it dont last. I bet in a few weeks Makati, Quezon City, and Davao City change their toon real quick when they figure out how much money they are losing. It just didn't dawn on them yet.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-15 17:45:00

Marriage in the Phils

Hope to get some help regarding marrying in the Phils. I see that updates have been made about getting married there. If the girl is from Davao, Manila, or Cebu (I think) the foreign man's certificate in lieu of divorce will not be accepted. My question is - Has anyone done this process in the last couple of months to give us some updates. How many certified copies of the divorce decree and birth certificates are needed? I have seen some post (4) and other threads mention (1). Thanks in advance!

I been married there 3 times, what do you mean the Affidavit in Lieu of Capacity to marry is no good there? Who told you that? We just got married there less then a month ago.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-15 17:29:00

TBTest Reaction

hi vj's i'm done with my tb test last saturday and came back to check my tb test reaction and it's 18mm and they refer me to the health department to undergo chest xray. just wanna ask if this is negative or positive? i really don't know im start to worried right now. though they told me it's fine and it doesn't mean i have tb. anyone can share with me their experience?

over 15mm is positive. This doesn't mean you have TB, it just meant that you have been exposed to TB sometime in your past OR you had the TB vaccine in your past. They will use the chest x-ray now to rule out if you have active TB or not.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-13 18:10:00

My detailed USEM Manila Interview experience 12/09/2011

I've read a lot of consulate reviews here in VJ and all did help me during my USEM interview yesterday. As a way of giving back and helping others, I'm gonna write my experience and share it with everyone.

Arrived at the embassy around 7am for my 8:30am appointment. The line wasn't that long (prolly coz its raining. hehe). Presented my passport and appointment letter at the officers inside the tent. They put a numbered sticker at the back of my passport and put it inside a zip lock (passport wide opened with the biographic page visible). Another sticker (with the same number) was put in a blank 2go visa delivery form. They then instructed me to proceed to the 2nd door (entrance for immigrant visa applicants). Here, I did undergo security check and I must say strict compliance is a MUST! No electronics, no fluids in any form, no foods! Candies are allowed though! They're gonna put your bags in a scanner (like the ones in an airport). After that, went through another door, did fall in line to get your queuing number (3 windows were dispensing the numbers). At the window, they're gonna ask for your appointment letter. They returned the last two pages (I believe they only need the first two) then gave me my lucky number 6169 (time 7:13am). They told me to proceed to the new building, 2nd door again (with entrance for immigrant visa applicants signage) and wait for my number to be called. All metal doors are heavy. Haha!

When I entered the new building, there was another security check (manual), yhen I took my seat and waited for my number to flash. Waited for two hours. My number flashed at window 40 for the biometrics (only 2 windows cater inkless finger scanning, window 40&41). 2 questions was asked, your name and birthday. Then they will instruct you to put your four left fingers in the scanner, then the right, then both thumbs. It only took a minute and its done. I sat and waited again for my number to flash for the filipino pre-screener. Waited for another two hours then I was called at window 43. The filipina prescreener was nice. We converse in tagalog. She requested me to hand her over my passport and sign the part 2 of the DS230 form. Asked my name, birthday, who is my petitioner, my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet (when I told her we were schoolmate during gradeschool), she was in awe, "akalain mong kayo din pala magkakatuluyan" she commented, I just smiled. She continued asking, when did you get married, when was the last time you saw him, and was surprised to my answer, "2 days after ng kasal nyo umalis na sya?", I nodded in approval. She continued asking, when did he arrive in the US, how did he got there, how did you meet again, "nurse din sya?", I corrected her, I answered "he's an automotive technician". She asked me who is our co-sponsor and what is his relation to my hubby. She later asked for our pictures. Coz my scrapbook can't fit through the provided slot, she asked me to flip the pages. As she was looking/reviewing my files, I saw a small pink slip on top of all the documents stamped with the word "APPROVED". Deep inside, I was rejoicing. Haha! Then she said I take my seat again and wait for my number to flash for the final/american CO interview.

After 2 hours, my number flashed at window 59 (time 11:30am). My American CO interviewer looks "cool". Irish-American wearing a shirt (unlike the other CO's wearing long sleeves and tie) and with lots of blings around his neck. Haha! He greeted me good morning, I greeted him back, asked me how am I doin, I said great, He then asked me how do I want our interview to be, tagalog or english. I chose english. He then asked me to raise my right hand and swear before him. He asked me what is my name, my birthdate, who is my petitioner, what is my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet, what does he do for a living (I told him I have here with me my hubby's new employment letter coz hubby's unemployed during our NVC stage, but he didn't asked for it). Asked when hubby arrived in the US, how did he get there, and reacted "How could you possibly marry someone who have been in the US for 11 years?", I told him how my hubby and I met again after so many years and was convinced. What really bothered and confused me was when the CO started asking about my co-sponsors AOS papers. Below is our conversation:

CO: Who is "the name of co-sponsor"?
Me: He is our co-sponsor
CO: What is his relation to your petitioner?
Me: He is my hubby's uncle
CO: Does he have a wife?
Me: His wife passed away a year ago
CO: Does he have any kids?
Me: He has three
CO: How many are still living with him?
Me: One
CO: The co-sponsor didn't declare in his IRS that he has a son living with him. He stated that a parent and a sister was staying with him.
Me: (shocked inside coz the CO was focusing on my co-sponsor's papers, good thing I reviewed his documents) I believe his son pays for his own taxes
CO: Ohhh, how old is his son?
Me: 25 sir
CO: okay

And this time, I noticed him looking at my co-sponsor's I-864 form, shaking his head. I saw that on the household size part of the AOS, (which my co-sponsor totaled "02" : me and him, instead of "04" : me, him and his 2 declared dependents) the CO put "4" beside the "02" total and wrote something.

After that he told me that would be all, that's all the questions he needs to ask, and that I should take a seat and wait for my number to be called again for further instructions. I was waiting for him to tell me the magic words "CONGRATULATIONS YOUR VISA IS APPROVED AND WELCOME TO AMERICA" but no to avail. So I asked him, Sir, is my visa approved? He told me,"I CANNOT CONFIRM THAT AS OF THE MOMENT. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME TECHNICALITIES but your papers looked good. Just wait for your number to be called again".

After hearing this, I felt devastated. All that's running in my mind during that time was that the CO was shaking his head while looking at my co-sponsors AOS form. Okay, it is true that he put a wrong total number of house hold size (putting "02" instead of "04"), but hey, his annual income ranges $38K per year. That would be enough for a house hold size of 6. And I was also thinking, was it my fault he put the wrong total number of house hold size? Can that simple mistake jeopardize everything we did? A lot of things were going through in my mind and I was literally shaking!

Cut off time (12noon-1pm), so I went outside and talked to my mom. I was cranky and felt sorry for being mataray to her. I was so stressed and all that. Glad she accompanied me, we sat together in the middle of the rain downpour and started praying. She also texted my entire family and asked to pray for me. After that, I felt somewhat relieved and re-enter the building (same process all over again).

When my number was called again, I was praying, crossing my fingers and toes hoping that I don't get a 221g form. Thank GOD! The guy at the last window told me that I can be with my prince this christmas. He also asked me if I'm still practicing my profession (I am a nurse). Then commented that I work in the US as a nurse coz I'll earn more that what I'll be earning here in PI. He later instructed me to drop my 2go form at a window for the visa delivery! I am approved right? What y'all think?

Over all it was still a pleasant experience (expect for the fact that it was raining cats and dogs the whole time). The American CO was strict but I do believe that he's just doin his job.

Lesson learned: PRAY! It can really do MIRACLES! I'm a living and breathing proof of that. Study all of your documents. You never know what your American CO might ask you! All of the time I spent reviewing really paid off. Smile all the time. Be confident and defend your answers. That's what I did.

Nurse here in the states makes 40,000 piso to 90,000 piso per WEEK depending on what field your in. 48 hour work week. I'm a nurse too. I'm a fireman/paramedic and a nurse. Good luck and God Bless

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-10 01:54:00

My detailed USEM Manila Interview experience 12/09/2011

I've read a lot of consulate reviews here in VJ and all did help me during my USEM interview yesterday. As a way of giving back and helping others, I'm gonna write my experience and share it with everyone.

Arrived at the embassy around 7am for my 8:30am appointment. The line wasn't that long (prolly coz its raining. hehe). Presented my passport and appointment letter at the officers inside the tent. They put a numbered sticker at the back of my passport and put it inside a zip lock (passport wide opened with the biographic page visible). Another sticker (with the same number) was put in a blank 2go visa delivery form. They then instructed me to proceed to the 2nd door (entrance for immigrant visa applicants). Here, I did undergo security check and I must say strict compliance is a MUST! No electronics, no fluids in any form, no foods! Candies are allowed though! They're gonna put your bags in a scanner (like the ones in an airport). After that, went through another door, did fall in line to get your queuing number (3 windows were dispensing the numbers). At the window, they're gonna ask for your appointment letter. They returned the last two pages (I believe they only need the first two) then gave me my lucky number 6169 (time 7:13am). They told me to proceed to the new building, 2nd door again (with entrance for immigrant visa applicants signage) and wait for my number to be called. All metal doors are heavy. Haha!

When I entered the new building, there was another security check (manual), yhen I took my seat and waited for my number to flash. Waited for two hours. My number flashed at window 40 for the biometrics (only 2 windows cater inkless finger scanning, window 40&41). 2 questions was asked, your name and birthday. Then they will instruct you to put your four left fingers in the scanner, then the right, then both thumbs. It only took a minute and its done. I sat and waited again for my number to flash for the filipino pre-screener. Waited for another two hours then I was called at window 43. The filipina prescreener was nice. We converse in tagalog. She requested me to hand her over my passport and sign the part 2 of the DS230 form. Asked my name, birthday, who is my petitioner, my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet (when I told her we were schoolmate during gradeschool), she was in awe, "akalain mong kayo din pala magkakatuluyan" she commented, I just smiled. She continued asking, when did you get married, when was the last time you saw him, and was surprised to my answer, "2 days after ng kasal nyo umalis na sya?", I nodded in approval. She continued asking, when did he arrive in the US, how did he got there, how did you meet again, "nurse din sya?", I corrected her, I answered "he's an automotive technician". She asked me who is our co-sponsor and what is his relation to my hubby. She later asked for our pictures. Coz my scrapbook can't fit through the provided slot, she asked me to flip the pages. As she was looking/reviewing my files, I saw a small pink slip on top of all the documents stamped with the word "APPROVED". Deep inside, I was rejoicing. Haha! Then she said I take my seat again and wait for my number to flash for the final/american CO interview.

After 2 hours, my number flashed at window 59 (time 11:30am). My American CO interviewer looks "cool". Irish-American wearing a shirt (unlike the other CO's wearing long sleeves and tie) and with lots of blings around his neck. Haha! He greeted me good morning, I greeted him back, asked me how am I doin, I said great, He then asked me how do I want our interview to be, tagalog or english. I chose english. He then asked me to raise my right hand and swear before him. He asked me what is my name, my birthdate, who is my petitioner, what is my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet, what does he do for a living (I told him I have here with me my hubby's new employment letter coz hubby's unemployed during our NVC stage, but he didn't asked for it). Asked when hubby arrived in the US, how did he get there, and reacted "How could you possibly marry someone who have been in the US for 11 years?", I told him how my hubby and I met again after so many years and was convinced. What really bothered and confused me was when the CO started asking about my co-sponsors AOS papers. Below is our conversation:

CO: Who is "the name of co-sponsor"?
Me: He is our co-sponsor
CO: What is his relation to your petitioner?
Me: He is my hubby's uncle
CO: Does he have a wife?
Me: His wife passed away a year ago
CO: Does he have any kids?
Me: He has three
CO: How many are still living with him?
Me: One
CO: The co-sponsor didn't declare in his IRS that he has a son living with him. He stated that a parent and a sister was staying with him.
Me: (shocked inside coz the CO was focusing on my co-sponsor's papers, good thing I reviewed his documents) I believe his son pays for his own taxes
CO: Ohhh, how old is his son?
Me: 25 sir
CO: okay

And this time, I noticed him looking at my co-sponsor's I-864 form, shaking his head. I saw that on the household size part of the AOS, (which my co-sponsor totaled "02" : me and him, instead of "04" : me, him and his 2 declared dependents) the CO put "4" beside the "02" total and wrote something.

After that he told me that would be all, that's all the questions he needs to ask, and that I should take a seat and wait for my number to be called again for further instructions. I was waiting for him to tell me the magic words "CONGRATULATIONS YOUR VISA IS APPROVED AND WELCOME TO AMERICA" but no to avail. So I asked him, Sir, is my visa approved? He told me,"I CANNOT CONFIRM THAT AS OF THE MOMENT. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME TECHNICALITIES but your papers looked good. Just wait for your number to be called again".

After hearing this, I felt devastated. All that's running in my mind during that time was that the CO was shaking his head while looking at my co-sponsors AOS form. Okay, it is true that he put a wrong total number of house hold size (putting "02" instead of "04"), but hey, his annual income ranges $38K per year. That would be enough for a house hold size of 6. And I was also thinking, was it my fault he put the wrong total number of house hold size? Can that simple mistake jeopardize everything we did? A lot of things were going through in my mind and I was literally shaking!

Cut off time (12noon-1pm), so I went outside and talked to my mom. I was cranky and felt sorry for being mataray to her. I was so stressed and all that. Glad she accompanied me, we sat together in the middle of the rain downpour and started praying. She also texted my entire family and asked to pray for me. After that, I felt somewhat relieved and re-enter the building (same process all over again).

When my number was called again, I was praying, crossing my fingers and toes hoping that I don't get a 221g form. Thank GOD! The guy at the last window told me that I can be with my prince this christmas. He also asked me if I'm still practicing my profession (I am a nurse). Then commented that I work in the US as a nurse coz I'll earn more that what I'll be earning here in PI. He later instructed me to drop my 2go form at a window for the visa delivery! I am approved right? What y'all think?

Over all it was still a pleasant experience (expect for the fact that it was raining cats and dogs the whole time). The American CO was strict but I do believe that he's just doin his job.

Lesson learned: PRAY! It can really do MIRACLES! I'm a living and breathing proof of that. Study all of your documents. You never know what your American CO might ask you! All of the time I spent reviewing really paid off. Smile all the time. Be confident and defend your answers. That's what I did.

CONGRATS !!!!!!

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-10 01:51:00

Emotional Time For My Fiancee: Dealing With Moving To Another Country

I watch online video streaming of live TV programs ( plus some filipino movies - for free ) from the Philippines so no need for additional expenses just for that

ok im gonna try that for Racquel, the direct tv package is like 40 dollars a month.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-15 23:07:00

Emotional Time For My Fiancee: Dealing With Moving To Another Country

Tell more more about streaming TV shows from the Phils. I already stream netflix, vudu, hulu, crackle so adding one more would be a breeze.

Thanks

Direct TV has a Pinoy package, like 15 or more Pinoy stations avail.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-15 20:12:00

Emotional Time For My Fiancee: Dealing With Moving To Another Country

Hey guys,

I just hope others can offer some advice and speak from their experiences how they handled moving to another country.

Yesterday, I was talking to my fiancee online and everything was going great, but then the conversation moved to our life together in the US and how I was excited to be with her. She sort of got emotional about it and told me I didn't understand what she was going through and the reality of the situation really hit her the other day. She later apologized and told me it wasn't my fault. She told me that everything just hit her... she was moving to a foreign country and leaving her family, friends, culture, everything behind that she knew all her life to move to foreign country that she doesn't know everything about and only people she knows are me, my family, and a few friends scattered across the USA.

She was telling me how it was hard to pack her boxes (I brought back 2 already) because how could she fit everything she owns or want to bring with her in two 50 pound boxes. Her life basically had to fit in these little boxes... and when she was explaining this to me, it hit me that she is sacrificing a lot to be with me.

She gets emotionally attached to things, like when she had to sell/give away all our belongings in our apartment (We have been together for almost 7 years, me going back and forth...) she cried over it because that apartment basically was filled with memories. Everything we bought in that apartment... we had a story to go along with it. I didn't realize how emotional she was over it and being a guy I told her that it was just material things and to just get rid of it. The entire time I was consumed by the whole visa process and wanting us to be approved that I ignored the fact that she was leaving everything behind just for me.

When we got approved I was so happy, but I didn't want to rush her to go to the USA, so I told her to spend time with her family for Christmas, New Year's, and even the month of January. I didn't want to rush her to be with me and get homesick during the process, so I told her we are going to take this slowly so she can adjust. She told me she wants to go here after New Year's, but right now I'm not making any plans and we will take this one step at a time.

I've read posts on here where guys were rushing to get their fiancees over to the US even when their visas were not on hand... I understand how everyone wants to be with their loved ones, but it's also scary for our fiancees...

How can I make this easier for her?

Get on a plane Dec 30th and surprise her for New Years Eve and start the new year, the new life off together and escort her here to USA , a personal escort by her ever loving Soulmate and best friend. Don't let her travel 20+ hours alone.

Edited by Frank and Racquel, 15 December 2011 - 08:06 PM.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-15 20:02:00

CFO Orientation

I am not sure the address of the CFO. It is in Manila. She is gone to Province to celebrate Mother's day and her departure on Friday. I will ask her when she skyps me.

If you go to the one on taft accross street from de la salle university, it peoples reform something or other. Then CFO office is not far, after orientation take a taxi to CFO, its on Pres Quirno blvd. not sure of the spelling lol. This is your best bet, they dont hassle you on the paperwork as much as the other place that offers the seminar.

Edited by Frank and Racquel, 13 May 2012 - 01:47 AM.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2012-05-13 01:46:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

CFO Orientation

Another example of how out of control those folks can be at the counseling sessions.

"The lady at the CFO Orientation asked her for my proof of support and proof of employment. Right when things seem to be over the Lady wanted to see my driver’s license. Luckily we included the license in the document binder. Then she asked for a copy of my Passport. Then the lady asked her Parents to produce their driver’s licenses."

Those females at SMEF-COW and PRISM really are drunk on power and high on bureaucratic-crack!

And most of the time they dont have a clue to what they are talking about, misinformation galore!!

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2012-05-13 01:35:00

Need SSN before marriage?

The resident of the State of Florida needs to have a SS number. They dont need the actual card, just know the number.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-12 13:43:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

NO NOA2

SOoooo frustrating! We're on our 5th month since NOA1. July filer am I alone here?What is going on USCIS huhuhu i miss my Fiance!!!

What to do guys? we tried calling and says wait a month wuaaahhhh!!!

You would have been better off getting married there in Philippines.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-12 14:11:00

K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports

NO NOA2

SOoooo frustrating! We're on our 5th month since NOA1. July filer am I alone here?What is going on USCIS huhuhu i miss my Fiance!!!

What to do guys? we tried calling and says wait a month wuaaahhhh!!!

your problem is TEXAS service center. They always take like 6 months to process the K-1's

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-12 14:08:00

Form G-325A, Biographic Information HELP!

Another dumb question

-when filling up addressees, is it okey if I only put PHILS. instead of Philippines?

I put RP, thats the international accepted abreviation

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 13:32:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

you dont have to send it..its your choice to send any evidence for my understanding..but when you go for visa interview you gotta bring it with you coz for sure they will ask..we have lots of pictures together, remittances from 2009-present, i printed my detailed phone bills, also, copied of my stamped passport..and my roaming sim card packaged..that should be enuff

Thats plenty , and you know what? At the interview when you pull all that evidence out they hardly look at it. So its best to bring everything including the kitchen sink because when you hand them a stack of email, txt logs etc etc etc they dont mess with you on it. I even handed them a stack of reciepts , like in Philippines everytime you pay a toll they give you a reciept right, I saved them all and included it with my evidence lol. The lady looked at me and I can read her mind and she just laughed. Reciepts for buying loads , everything. Give it all. Oh and especially bring them proof that your petitioner supports you like Western Union reciepts, any proof that he gives money is great, they love to see that.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 20:23:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

YES U ARE RIGHT USCIS ROLE IS TO MAKE SURE EVERYONE IS QUALIFIES AS A RELATIVE. THEN GOES TO NVC...CHECK THAT ALL DOCUMENTS ARE IN YOUR FILE, COLLECT FEES...THEN GOES TO EMBASSY WHO MAKE THE DECISION BASED ON THE DOCUMENTS YOU HAVE SUBMITTED AND THE EVIDENCES YOU BRING TO THEM...

yep, and the embassy has the final say.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 20:16:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

i didnt send any evidence that support the bonafides of our relationship at all...and i never got an RFE for not submitting any evidence to prove our relationship except for the marriage cert....when i filed for I-130 I included our marriage/birth certs..copy of my passport, my citizenship, g325, our pics (passport size) and check...

You should send in pictures, you should send in atleast 3 affidavits from people who know you and can atest that your marriage is real, some emails between you, txts between you.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 15:34:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

i didnt send any evidence that support the bonafides of our relationship at all...and i never got an RFE for not submitting any evidence to prove our relationship except for the marriage cert....when i filed for I-130 I included our marriage/birth certs..copy of my passport, my citizenship, g325, our pics (passport size) and check...

The real role of the USCIS is to make sure everything is good and in order, and everyone qualifies as a relative. Its the NVC and then the Embassy who will investigate the bona fides of your relationship. I think most of the people here reading haven't been in the NVC phase yet. Wait and see.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 15:20:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

i can assure you that we didn´t get a RFE. and yes, they told us why we got denied. because we didn´t send in all the evidence they wanted to see. if we would have gotten a RF it would have been an easy fix coz we had everything ready waiting for a RFE. criminal records!? i wouldn´t be married to my husband if he had criminal records! we both have never been married, have no kids, are the same age, our families know and like each other,... believe me, there was no reason to deny us except for the fact that we didn´t send in everything. just because we thing everybody should get a RFE if the file is missing something and everybody should get a chance to fix what´s missing doesn´t mean that uscis agrees with us.

i was talking in general , i didnt say you guys have criminal records lol. i didn't mean it that way.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 15:15:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

The people you know who have done that before must have gotten lucky. I say that because anything sent to USCIS unsolicited is usually an exercise in futility because such items usually do not get matched with the file.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/user/68866-scottthuy/ this is 1 of them, ask him. And I know 2 others from work who sent in stuff later and USCIS put it in their file.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 15:11:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

Thaaankkk you..So there is nothing that we can do now while waiting their response?

Actually you can figure out what you were suppose to send and send it now. Make sure you attach a cover letter to everything and explain you forgot to send in all this stuff with your I-130. You dont need to wait for an RFE. I know people who have done this before and had no problem.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 14:49:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

lol, you obviously didn´t read my entire post! otherwise you would have read thet the same happened to us. we even sent in more than just the I-130 and the fee, but we got denied right away, WITHOUT RFE!!! that´s exactly why I think chances are that they´ll get denied. USCIS is pretty fast accepting something and chashing the money. then 5 months later they look at it and decide they don´t have any evidence to base their decision on. that´s when they deny you. and you know what. if ppl reaply uscis is getting paid a 2nd time. meaning more money for them... they didn´t send in anything except the I-130, marriage certificate and the money. you said "You only get denied if you fail to prove a real relationship" well. with just the I-130 and a marriage certificate you don´t prove a relationship.

Yeah but they didn't send in all the forms like the instruction say to do, thats why I dont think they will get denied. It is grounds to get rejected though. Rejected is not the same as denied. I put my money on they will get an RFE, thats all i'm saying. And I did read your post, you said after 5.5 months you didn't get an RFE just a denial. Well did they say they sent an RFE and you never responded? Did they tell you why the case was being denied?

Most denials happen not for lack of papers or evidence, other things come into play like was the petitioner or beneficiary arrested or have a criminal record? Is the marriage certificate sent in check out with vital stats, is the petitioners divorce decrees recorded in their state's vital stats office, etc etc etc .

I'm not saying you didn't get screwed, believe me I am on your side and i'm really sorry you guys got denied for probably some silly reason. Im just saying it shouldn't happen and they should give them a chance to fix it.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 14:14:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

Getting denied is a pretty crappy thing for them to do, 420 dollars isnt chicken feed nowadays. They dont just issue denials on a whim. Maybe it happens on occasion, but not as much as you think. The bottom line is PRINT THE INSTRUCTIONS, READ THEM, AND FOLLOW THEM. I know someone who got his application rejected because he used a bluish/purple pen. HAHAHAHA it sound funny but its true. And you know what, in the instructions it says use black ink. That little thing cost him atleast a 2 month delay. If you really cant do it on your own I guess one of them rip-off lawyers is the way to go , they do all the papers for you, you sign them and they mail it for you. I think they charge like 2500 nowadays.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 14:01:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

why get their hopes up? chances are they´ll get denied!!!

if you are really licky and the officer working on you petition has a good day you could get a RFE, but don´t get your hopes up! we were in a similar situation, just with more evidence. we realized pretty soon, that we should have sent in even more evidence, called them, they told us, if something was missing we´d get a RFE, well after 5.5 months of waiting we got denied without a RFE. the cheapest and fastest thing to do after you got denied is to just refile and yes, the waiting starts all over again.
they´ll probably tell you
- you can appeal (but an appeal means you can´t send in new evidence, so if you get denied because you didn´t send in all the evidence they wanted to see an appeal doesn´t make any sence - you´ll get denied again and wasted time and money)
-you can file a motion to reopen the case (cost:630$ which is more than to refile, time: nobody knows, first they need some time if they even reopen your case, if they reopen it, you´ll hopefully get an rfe and the chance to send in the missing documents)
all of that costs time and money that´s why we decided to just refile and send in whatever evidence we could think about. in the end our package weighted almost 5kg... let´s hope we get approved this time!!!

maybe you get lucky and get a rfe, if not, just refile and be patient. if something is important to you it´s worth fighting for it!!! don´t give up!!!

If you know your suppose to send something and never get an RFE and more then 4 months go by and you dont hear anything then you better start calling, emailing, and sending them letters to get a status update because maybe they sent an RFE and you dont get it? The post office kinda sucks nowadays. USCIS dont know you didnt get it if they sent it right? And then after a while they are waiting for you thinking you got it and then a day comes when they get tired of waiting then your file goes into the denied room. Your right, its not worth appealing or whatever, just refile, but you can send a request with the refile for expedited service. 50/50 chance they will feel sorry and grant you expedited service and that will shave off about 2 months.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 13:48:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

why get their hopes up? chances are they´ll get denied!!!

if you are really licky and the officer working on you petition has a good day you could get a RFE, but don´t get your hopes up! we were in a similar situation, just with more evidence. we realized pretty soon, that we should have sent in even more evidence, called them, they told us, if something was missing we´d get a RFE, well after 5.5 months of waiting we got denied without a RFE. the cheapest and fastest thing to do after you got denied is to just refile and yes, the waiting starts all over again.
they´ll probably tell you
- you can appeal (but an appeal means you can´t send in new evidence, so if you get denied because you didn´t send in all the evidence they wanted to see an appeal doesn´t make any sence - you´ll get denied again and wasted time and money)
-you can file a motion to reopen the case (cost:630$ which is more than to refile, time: nobody knows, first they need some time if they even reopen your case, if they reopen it, you´ll hopefully get an rfe and the chance to send in the missing documents)
all of that costs time and money that´s why we decided to just refile and send in whatever evidence we could think about. in the end our package weighted almost 5kg... let´s hope we get approved this time!!!

maybe you get lucky and get a rfe, if not, just refile and be patient. if something is important to you it´s worth fighting for it!!! don´t give up!!!

Getting denied means losing the 420 dollar fee and starting over. Now why do you think chances are that they will get denied? On what grounds, for being in a rush and not sending in all the required papers? I dont think so, they will be givin the opportunity to fix it. You only get denied if you fail to prove a real relationship or submit false document , something like that. In actuality, the pack should have been rejected by Chicago and sent back to them as incomplete. Someone there didn't do their job sounds like the real problem. When they recieve the package, they are suppose to give it a quick going over before sending it off to CA or VT.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 13:40:00

We didn't submitt all necessary documents for I-130

Yes they cashed check and I got first AOS back

thanks I fill the glass half full effect..

You wont get denied but for sure you will get an RFE ( Request for Further Evidence ) , they will ask for the 2 g-325a forms and any evidence that supports the bona fides of your relationship.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 08:52:00

how do I know that my co sponsor qualifies?

Hi everyone,

since ive been residing with my spouse for the past 7 months in Argentina, I need a co sponsor for my petition. I want to use my brother in law. He isnt actually married to my sister but he has two kids with her. the thing is that my sister lives in my parents home and he lives with hs family. He makes more than 40k a year but my sister receives foodstamps and medicaid for her two kids since she resides with my mom and dad and they both receive it too. My dad had a kidney transplant two years ago but works in a hospital but only makes 23k a year and I have 4 siblings along with my two nieces. So I have no idea how to know if he qualifies and that he also did his taxes with her. So what do I do to make sure he qualifies? He has a vehicle under his name and cell phone but thats it. I dont want to send my petition and then not get the visa for my spouse if I don't qualify. Help please.

Basically you can use anyone as a co-sponsor. You yourself still need to fill up a I-864, you know that right? and then your co-sponsor fills one up too. If he is making 40K it should be ok. They will go by his dependants. Look at his tax return and see how many dependants he claims, thats what the embassy goes by. Then look at the poverty guidlines to make sure he qulifies

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 14:24:00

accept job offer on CR1 before receiving GC

i know that i have to wait around 1 month to receive the GC after POE,but is it legal to work while waiting for the GC?

Yes , your visa in your passport allows you to work while waiting for GC to come in the mail, you can also apply for a SS card if the embassy didnt already apply for u

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-13 05:12:00

2nd Immigrant Visa?? Possible or Not

Hi All,

I guess my other question is: How quickly should I wait before marrying another lady from the Philippines? I think on the next one I will marry her there and bring her over as a spouse rather than a fiance.

Thank you all for the replies

If your divorce is final on a monday morning technically you can get married again Monday after lunch hahaha . Its up to you and the bride. You know the truth is you really cant go wrong with a filipina, I mean most are the best women you can meet on the planet. Me, I just made a few bad choices. I was stupid , fooled, and just in a rush. Take your time and with your experience now and advice from others i'm sure you will find the right one and be happy ever after. I finally found my baby.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-13 17:20:00

2nd Immigrant Visa?? Possible or Not

Talk about a string of bad luck. It is situations like you (twice) have encountered, that should cause one to choose wisely, look for red flags and think looooooooooog and hard about his potential mate.

Yes your right and I am proud to say I finally found the ONE, my SOULMATE. I trust Racquel with anything, she is my life.

Frank and Racquel

Not Telling

Philippines

2011-12-11 06:22:00