Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
IMBRA Special Topics	Trying To Feel At Ease With FilipinaHearts and IMBRA	My quick answer is that the law is regarding the operators of such businesses, not the consumer. They don't want the "end user" but the facilitator. The government of the Philippines doesn't mind its citizens marrying foreigners but not in an automated fashion that could be exploitative to the ladies in particular... Just my two cents.... Live long and prosper... Hello, I'm new here to the forums (memberwise) but have been reading them for a while. I'm an American (of course) and my soon-to-be fiancée is from the Philippines. I know that the issue of IMBRA and what constitutes a marriage broker have been beaten to death, but still, I still feel uneasy, and was hoping for solid evidence to ease these qualms. I have done a lot of reading of material from this site and others about this. And, of course, I raise this question because my (soon-to-be) fiancée and I met on FilipinaHeart (though never talked there - started on Yahoo IM, Facebook, Email, and Skype). Here is the email response that I have recieved from FilipinaHeart: Please be advised that section 4 ( B) (ii) of IMBRA exempts dating companies whose principal business is not to provide dating services between US citizens and foreign nationals so long as it charges comparable rates and offers comparable services to all individuals regardless of gender or country of citizenship. Consequently our company is exempt as it falls within this exemption (as do many other large dating companies). Here is the primary contention in the IMBRA law concerning the definition of marriage broker: (4) INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER.— (A) IN GENERAL.—The term ''international marriage broker'' means a corporation, partnership, business, individual, or other legal entity, whether or not organized under any law of the United States, that charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking services, or social referrals between United States citizens or nationals or aliens lawfully admitted to the United States as permanent residents and foreign national clients by providing personal contact information or otherwise facilitating communication between individuals. ( B) EXCEPTIONS.—Such term does not include— (i) a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature that operates on a nonprofit basis and otherwise operates in compliance with the laws of the countries in which it operates, including the laws of the United States; or (ii) an entity that provides dating services if its principal business is not to provide international dating services between United States citizens or United States residents and foreign nationals and it charges comparable rates and offers comparable services to all individuals it serves regardless of the individual's gender or country of citizenship. As you can see, FilipinaHeart (as well as any service including Yahoo or Match.com) would surely meet this definition. EXCEPT, for Section 4 B) ii) - FilipinaHeart is a service that specifically says in the About Us page that it is for those of Western Backgrounds and Filipinos to meet (not U.S. Citizens and a foreign national specifically). Further, Cupid Media specializes in many types of dating - worldwide dating, in fact, based on sexual preferences, niches, and more. It is not American focused. Heck, it's not even an American company, and many clients on FilipinaHearts are in Britain, throughout Europe, and in Australia, as well as in the Philippines itself. Additionally, FilipinaHeart gives the same three membership options at the same approximate cost (dollars equaling php) to all members - regardless of location or gender (I proved this by creating an account with a membership with female gender from the Philippines - then closed it down after my test was over). We may well conclude that FilipinaHearts is exempt. It is a very large company, not quite like Match.com, but still significant. Perhaps that is its advantage; it has the money to lobby (or at least copy the lobbyists) who petitioned the government for that exception (Yahoo and Match.com included). So why all the fear (with me and others)? Because so many people continue to claim that it is an IMB, even though many other people clearly state they meet in FilipinaHearts on Part B, Question 18 (not 19) of their I-129F. It rarely seems to matter, even in the consular interview in the Philippines. Still, the fear is always there because the adjudicators literally control the fate of any two lives that seek to join. So, my questions are thus: A). Is it smart to include in Part B, Question 18, while describing the details of how we met, the initial meeting in FiliipinaHearts? (And no, I will not check the Yes box of Question 19 because that makes little logical sense based on my research and goes against how I truly feel the law to read). B) . Has anyone in this forum actually done this and still been approved for the K-1 Visa after the consular interview? I am dying to hear some answers to this question. C). If I were to check Yes to Part B, Question 19, that would invalidate the whole relationship because it would not be a proper introduction due to the requirement that the IMB do a background check and send the provided information to beneficiary so that s/he can agree to an initial contact. This would really screw anyone over. How could such a situation be remedied, if it were to be so unfortunate enough as to occur? K-3 visa? A re-establishment of the bona fide relationship from the point of actually personally meeting, and from there, refilling the K-1 petition? D). Is it commonly told by the beneficiary to the Philippines consular that the couple met online through FilipinaHearts or a similar site? Are they given much grief? Is it looked over? E). Should I call the USCIS and ask them personally if FilipinaHeart is an IMB. I seen a response on another site that said out of a survey of 200 people who did this for Cherry Blossoms, only 2 reported that the USCIS official said that Cherry Blossoms was indeed an IMB. For me personally, I plan to include all the details of the relationship in Part B, Question 18, and include something like this: "We initially met each other online, on a site called FilipinaHeart (which is not classified as an IMB due to Section 4 B) ii) in the IMBRA law)... We began our relationship through Yahoo Instant Messenger, Facebook, Email, and soon, Skype... etc." I don't see any reason to hide this fact; others don't seem to be. They will find out sooner or later anyway. Moreover, it is not an IMB as I understand the exemption. She will mention we met online, and if pressed, FilipinaHeart at the interview. I don't anticipate this honesty being reciprocated with a denial. Thanks a lot guys, please let me know if my thinking is correct. I hope this is a very comprehensive analysis and inquiry of the situation, and I hope it helps many people out through its discussion =)	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-01-13 00:48:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears...	QUOTE (Binas @ Oct 13 2009, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I sent in the a) Letter of Employment and pay stubs from the last 6 months in addition to the items in your list. The Dept of State lists these as additional evidence and are not required in all cases. But I sent them anyway. And I only sent in the IRS transcripts (No 1099, W2 etc.) I stapled each year's transcript separately and put a big clip for the package. I dont think it really matters. That is just to make it easy for them to read it. Binu Binu, Thanks for your words. Very comforting. I sent mine in just as I stated and so far its wait and see... If successful, I will be happy to let the community know. You have had quite a long journey by reading your signature/timeline... It must have been horrible... Its incredible what we have to go to just simply be with our spouse just cause a person was born on another part of the planet. You'd think we are marrying Martians... I wonder what the process would be if we married a Martian? Thanks again, Binu!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-10-13 10:47:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)	Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears...	Bout to drop off the I-864EZ to the NVC. Is this as simple as sending in the a.) The barcoded cover sheet b.) The five pages of the I-864EZ application (without sending in the instructions) and c.) Last 3 years of tax transcripts ONLY (No 1099s, W2s, 1040s, etc...) ??? Am I missing something? Question is for those that have actually done this successfully. I have read and searched the forums and it appears I'm in the clear. Just wondering if veterans of this process agree... Plus could use the validation sniff... sniff... Also, did you staple all forms with one big staple or staple application separately, each year tax transcript separately, all tax years together... you get my meaning.... Thank you for answering.... You are in a way answering for many people who are yet to ask this question! Thank you VJers! Edited by THX1138, 09 October 2009 - 11:02 AM.	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-10-09 11:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	About to file I-130. Where or when do I let them know I am filing for K3?	wedding_5_resize.jpg   43.32KB   3 downloads QUOTE (DouglasFiel @ Jul 6 2009, 07:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (THX1138 @ Jul 6 2009, 05:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Dear friends, I have been reading the forums and the guides and for the life of me can't figure out where I should let the government know I am after a K3 visa for my wife. I am about to mail in my completed I-130 packet but want to know if my intention needs to be mentioned somewhere. Perhaps they will ask me later down the road? Thank you! Review the guides: http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k3guide When you get the I-797 also called NOA#1 from submitting the I-130. About 2 weeks after mailing the I-130. You submit the I-129F with the NOA#1... Follow the K3 instructions for the I-129f. Regards, Thank you very much, Doug! I can now go drop off my little package o' joy at the USPS!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-07-06 18:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures	About to file I-130. Where or when do I let them know I am filing for K3?	Dear friends, I have been reading the forums and the guides and for the life of me can't figure out where I should let the government know I am after a K3 visa for my wife. I am about to mail in my completed I-130 packet but want to know if my intention needs to be mentioned somewhere. Perhaps they will ask me later down the road? Thank you!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-07-06 17:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	qatar police clearance	Be patient and get all police clearances. Yes I know from my own wife that cousin so an so and so and so's friend filled their DS230 or I-130 without mentioning they worked abroad and by altering the timelines in the applications... Save yourself some heartache and fear later down he road... My wife and I waited for months to get her Taiwanese and Korean clearances (Turned out it was just a month wait but wife assumed it was going o be mailed back, not picked up at the embassy which it was.). I'm sure lots of people apply without being truthful and get away with it. There is always a visa interview where what comes out orally might not match documentation or the timeline given does not match visa stamps in his/her passport. But remember that the DS230 states: Warning: Any false statement or concealment of a material fact may result in your permanent exclusion from the United States. This form (DS-230 Part I) is the first of two parts. This part, together with Form DS-230 Part II, constitutes the complete Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration. And	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-02-17 04:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I-751 MARCH 2012 FILERS	Yay! Today was our day! I resubmitted the RFE on February 20, 2013 even though the request came in November. Wasn't going to worry about it during the holidays. Now we can move on with our lives! California Service Center (30 applicants, 27 approved 90%) VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved.... LEXRJ................02/29/12........03/03/12.......03/30/12........08/14/12....(Card Received 08/20) BLUEROSE001..........03/01/12........03/05/12.......04/02/12........08/02/12....(Card Received 08/10) MISSYOUHUN...........03/01/12........03/05/12.......04/13/12........08/20/12....(Card Received 08/24) NIK+HEATHER..........03/01/12........03/08/12.......04/06/12........--/--/--....(RFE Received 09/04, responded 11/20)(Interview is scheduled) IAHMJPINOY...........03/01/12........03/12/12.......04/09/12........07/30/12....(Card Received 08/08) RHIANNERCAKES........03/02/12........03/05/12.......04/03/12........08/27/12....(Card Received 08/31) SARAHANDANIS.........03/03/12........03/05/12.......04/02/12........09/14/12....(RFE Received 08/11, responded 08/24)(Card Received 09/20) SAIF9171.............03/03/12........--/--/12.......04/10/12........08/22/12....(Never received NOA) JBG805...............03/05/12........03/06/12.......04/06/12........10/16/12....(Card received 10/20) FONFANSCOTT..........03/07/12........03/12/12.......04/05/12........12/11/12....(RFE Received 10/12, responded 12/3) ANONEEMOOSE..........02/15/12........03/12/12.......04/05/12........--/--/--.... JSVP2008.............03/08/12........03/12/12.......04/23/12........08/24/12....(Card received 09/01) OSIN.................03/09/12........03/12/12.......04/02/12........08/06/12....(Card received 08/10) MOONLIGHT7...........03/13/12........03/15/12.......05/14/12........08/29/12....(Card received 09/04) AMIN&ANI.............03/14/12........03/22/12.......04/21/12........10/18/12....(RFE received 09/28)(Card Received 10/24) FABULOUS02...........03/16/12........03/21/12.......05/16/12........10/12/12.... CDAGIRLMI............03/16/12........03/19/12.......05/08/12........--/--/--.... CHIEFS341............03/16/12........03/19/12.......04/18/12........08/31/12....(Early Bio 04/05) SUPREMECOMPLEX.......03/16/12........03/19/12.......04/19/12........08/27/12....(Card received 08/31) KBANKS...............03/16/12........03/19/12.......05/09/12........09/05/12....(Early Bio 04/18)(Card received 09/10) CALLOFDUTY...........03/19/12........--/--/12.......04/25/12........09/24/12....(Card received 09/28) M&ME.................03/20/12........03/22/12.......05/02/12........10/12/12....(Card received 10/19) LARRY C..............03/22/12........03/26/12.......05/24/12........09/25/12.... KEVIN-N-MERLAINE.....03/23/12........03/26/12.......04/27/12........09/12/12....(Early Bio 4/18) (Card received 09/17) TINYPYRAMIDS.........03/23/12........03/26/12.......05/07/12........10/10/12....(Card received 10/15) MARKIEBOY............03/23/12........03/26/12.......05/02/12........10/23/12....(Received RFE 10/12)(Card received 11/01) AK+TK................03/23/12........03/31/12.......05/02/12........11/07/12....(RFE received 09/28,responded 10/31) ANDRELLE.............03/24/12........03/26/12.......05/23/12........09/26/12....(Card received 10/01) UNIQUE...............03/24/12........03/26/12.......04/24/12........09/10/12....(Early Bio 04/13)(Card received 09/15) RITZZ................03/29/12........--/--/12.......05/11/12........10/10/12....(No NOA yet)(Card received 10/15) Vermont Service Center (34 applicants, 30 approved 88%) VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved.... SACHINKY.............02/27/12........03/01/12.......03/26/12........12/07/12....(Card received 12/13) OSEN74...............02/28/12........03/01/12.......04/27/12........12/05/12....(Card received 12/10) SANISH...............02/28/12........03/02/12.......04/02/12........12/03/12....(Early Bio 03/15) SDHIMAN..............??/??/12........03/02/12.......04/03/12........11/14/12.... HAPPY2012............03/01/12........03/06/12.......04/??/12........12/07/12.... DAVE AND MELANIE.....03/06/12........03/09/12.......03/30/12........12/14/12....(Card received 12/20) JACK999..............03/XX/12........03/XX/12.......04/XX/12........01/07/13.... JULIAVA..............03/08/12........03/12/12.......04/27/12........11/23/12....(Card received 12/06) ACLOSIPIC............03/08/12........03/12/12.......04/19/12........11/30/12....(Early Bio 04/06) LUCKYNIZ.............03/09/12........03/13/12.......04/27/12........12/06/12.... MATTRICA.............03/09/12........03/17/12.......--/--/12........11/28/12.... SPOOM................03/12/12........03/14/12.......04/19/12........12/04/12....(Early Bio 04/09) (Approved w/o interview) SKV..................03/13/12........03/16/12.......04/26/12........--/--/--.... JO & DANNY...........03/14/12........03/19/12.......05/02/12........11/30/12....(Early Bio 04/11)(Card received 12/10) LILRASKLS............03/16/12........03/20/12.......04/18/12........12/10/12....(Card received 12/16) CAMHAE...............03/16/12........03/21/12.......XX/XX/XX........05/22/12....(Sent from Japan/military) KIRTHIRAJ............03/16/12........03/22/12.......05/07/12........11/30/12....(Card received 12/5) BOTKILLA.............03/16/12........03/23/12.......04/06/12........12/12/12.... SWEET ANGEL..........03/19/12........03/24/12.......04/19/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 4/11/2012)(Need to redo Bio 05/09)(RFE received 11/30 for fingerprint) KNJ..................03/19/12........03/22/12.......04/23/12........--/--/--....(RFE 11/21) THX1138..............03/20/12........03/22/12.......05/30/12........03/04/13....(RFE 11/26) GBOREE...............03/21/12........XX/XX/XX.......04/18/12........11/21/12....(Never received NOA and got I-551 stamp)(Card received 11/27) LEO&FARAH............03/21/12........--/--/12.......04/23/12........--/--/--....(RFE received 11/29) MLIFETIME............03/21/12........--/--/--.......05/04/12........11/21/12....(Never received NOA) BUNZARELLI...........03/21/12........03/22/12.......04/19/12........11/19/12.... ANIUTA...............??/??/12........03/23/12.......??/??/12........11/16/12.... JLP9576..............03/22/12........--/--/12.......04/30/12........11/26/12.... SUNFLOWERSISS........03/22/12........03/23/12.......04/24/12........11/28/12....(Card received 12/03) ANTIPODEANPHIL.......03/23/12........--/--/12.......05/07/12........11/26/12....(Never received NOA and got I-551 stamp @infopass on the same day as Bio) THARNSUR.............03/23/12........03/27/12.......05/07/12........12/17/12.... CALA BEL.............03/26/12........03/28/12.......04/26/12........11/30/12....(Card received 12/10) ROBBY999.............03/27/12........03/29/12.......05/07/12........12/04/12....(Card received 12/10) GHANOU...............03/28/12........03/30/12.......??/??/12........11/19/12....(Card received 11/23) ATHILA...............03/xx/12........03/30/12.......05/04/12........12/12/12....(Card received 12/15) IMPORTANT! * Make sure that your VJ Text Editor setting is set to Rich Text Editor. * Go to the MOST RECENTLY POSTED VERSION of this list (go to the last post and scroll UP) and "Reply" to it, deleting the "quote" tags in your reply. * Please DO NOT change the font, font size, add colors, stuff like that. * Please PREVIEW before posting to make sure it is properly formatted. * Please check that you have not deleted anyones NAME & DATA. Date of I-751 = The Date you sent your application NOA Date = The Receipt Date on your original NOA letter Biometrics = The Date of your biometrics appointment Approved = The Date your case was approved * Please Capitalize your VJ Name when adding it to the list. * When you're on this list, please come back to update your information accordingly. * If you cannot add your information yourself, please ask another VJ member to help you do so.	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2013-03-07 18:36:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I-751 MARCH 2012 FILERS	Updating our biometric appointment. California Service Center (24 applicants) VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved.... BLUEROSE001..........03/01/12........03/05/12.......04/02/12........--/--/--.... MISSYOUHUN...........03/01/12........03/05/12.......04/13/12........--/--/--.... NIK+HEATHER..........03/01/12........03/08/12.......04/06/12........--/--/--.... SARAHANDANIS.........03/03/12........03/05/12.......04/02/12........--/--/--.... JBG805...............03/05/12........03/06/12.......04/06/12........--/--/--.... ANONEEMOOSE..........02/15/12........03/12/12.......04/05/12........--/--/--.... JSVP2008.............03/08/12........03/12/12.......04/23/12........--/--/--.... MOONLIGHT7...........03/13/12........03/15/12.......05/14/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 4/27) AMIN&ANI.............03/14/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... FABULOUS02...........03/16/12........03/21/12.......05/16/12........--/--/--.... CDAGIRLMI............03/16/12........03/19/12.......05/08/12........--/--/--.... CHIEFS341............03/16/12........03/19/12.......04/18/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 04/05) SUPREMECOMPLEX.......03/16/12........03/19/12.......04/19/12........--/--/--.... M&ME.................03/20/12........03/22/12.......05/02/12........--/--/--.... LARRY C..............03/22/12........03/26/12.......05/24/12........--/--/--.... KEVIN-N-MERLAINE.....03/23/12........03/26/12.......04/27/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 4/18) TINYPYRAMIDS.........03/23/12........03/26/12.......05/07/12........--/--/--.... MARKIEBOY............03/23/12........03/26/12.......05/02/12........--/--/--.... ANDRELLE.............03/24/12........03/26/12.......05/23/12........--/--/--.... UNIQUE...............03/24/12........03/26/12.......04/24/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 04/13) OLIVER-CHRIS.........03/28/12........04/02/12.......04/30/12........--/--/--.... RITZZ................03/29/12........--/--/12.......05/11/12........--/--/--....(No NOA yet) GINA2010.............03/30/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... SCOTT AND MHAY.......03/30/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--....(Sent from Italy) Vermont Service Center (19 applicants) VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved.... SACHINKY.............02/27/12........03/01/12.......03/26/12........--/--/--.... OSEN74...............02/28/12........03/01/12.......04/27/12........--/--/--.... SANISH...............02/28/12........03/02/12.......04/02/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 03/15) DAVE AND MELANIE.....03/06/12........03/09/12.......03/30/12........--/--/--.... JULIAVA..............03/08/12........03/12/12.......04/27/12........--/--/--.... ACLOSIPIC............03/08/12........03/12/12.......04/19/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 04/06) SPOOM................03/12/12........03/14/12.......04/19/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 04/09) SKV..................03/13/12........03/16/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... LILRASKLS............03/16/12........03/20/12.......04/18/12........--/--/--.... CAMHAE...............03/16/12........03/21/12.......XX/XX/XX........--/--/--....(Sent from Japan) KIRTHIRAJ............03/16/12........03/22/12.......05/07/12........--/--/--.... SWEET ANGEL..........03/19/12........03/24/12.......04/19/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 4/11/2012)(Need to redo Bio 05/09) THX1138..............03/20/12........03/22/12.......05/30/12........--/--/--.... LEO&FARAH............03/21/12........--/--/12.......04/23/12........--/--/--.... BUNZARELLI...........03/21/12........03/22/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... JLP9576..............03/22/12........--/--/12.......04/30/12........--/--/--.... THARNSUR.............03/23/12........03/27/12.......05/07/12........--/--/--.... CALA BEL.............03/26/12........03/28/12.......04/26/12........--/--/--.... SHANH................03/30/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... IMPORTANT! * Make sure that your VJ Text Editor setting is set to Rich Text Editor. * Go to the MOST RECENTLY POSTED VERSION of this list (go to the last post and scroll UP) and "Reply" to it, deleting the "quote" tags in your reply. * Please DO NOT change the font, font size, add colors, stuff like that. * Please PREVIEW before posting to make sure it is properly formatted. * Please check that you have not deleted anyones NAME & DATA. Date of I-751 = The Date you sent your application NOA Date = The Receipt Date on your original NOA letter Biometrics = The Date of your biometrics appointment Approved = The Date your case was approved * Please Capitalize your VJ Name when adding it to the list. * When you're on this list, please come back to update your information accordingly. * If you cannot add your information yourself, please ask another VJ member to help you do so. [/quote]	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2012-05-30 13:09:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I-751 MARCH 2012 FILERS	adding THX1138 to VSC list Our receipt date is 03/22/2012.... Two days before the deadline...That was close (and reckless)! California Service Center (17 applicants) VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved.... BLUEROSE001..........03/01/12........03/05/12.......04/02/12........--/--/--.... MISSYOUHUN...........03/01/12........03/05/12.......04/13/12........--/--/--.... NIK+HEATHER..........03/01/12........03/08/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... SARAHANDANIS.........03/03/12........03/05/12.......04/02/12........--/--/--.... JBG805...............03/05/12........03/06/12.......04/06/12........--/--/--.... JSVP2008.............03/08/12........03/12/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... MOONLIGHT7...........03/13/12........03/15/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... AMIN&ANI.............03/14/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... FABULOUS02...........03/16/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... CDAGIRLMI............03/16/12........03/19/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... CHIEFS341............03/16/12........03/19/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... SCOTT AND MHAY.......03/16/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... SUPREMECOMPLEX.......03/16/12........03/19/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... M&ME.................03/20/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... KEVIN-N-MERLAINE.....03/23/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... ANDRELLE.............03/24/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... UNIQUE...............03/24/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... Vermont Service Center (14 applicants) VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved.... SACHINKY.............02/27/12........03/01/12.......03/26/12........--/--/--.... OSEN74...............02/28/12........03/01/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... SANISH...............02/28/12........03/02/12.......04/02/12........--/--/--....(Early Bio 03/15) DAVE AND MELANIE.....03/06/12........03/09/12.......03/30/12........--/--/--.... JULIAVA..............03/08/12........03/12/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... SPOOM................03/12/12........03/14/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... LILRASKLS............03/16/12........03/20/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... CAMHAE...............03/16/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... KIRTHIRAJ............03/16/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... SWEETANGEL...........03/19/12........03/24/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... THX1138..............03/20/12........03/??/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... LEO&FARAH............03/21/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... BUNZARELLI...........03/21/12........03/22/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... THARNSUR.............03/23/12........--/--/12.......--/--/12........--/--/--.... IMPORTANT! * Make sure that your VJ Text Editor setting is set to Rich Text Editor. * Go to the MOST RECENTLY POSTED VERSION of this list (go to the last post and scroll UP) and "Reply" to it, deleting the "quote" tags in your reply. * Please DO NOT change the font, font size, add colors, stuff like that. * Please PREVIEW before posting to make sure it is properly formatted. * Please check that you have not deleted anyones NAME & DATA. Date of I-751 = The Date you sent your application NOA Date = The Receipt Date on your original NOA letter Biometrics = The Date of your biometrics appointment Approved = The Date your case was approved * Please Capitalize your VJ Name when adding it to the list. * When you're on this list, please come back to update your information accordingly. * If you cannot add your information yourself, please ask another VJ member to help you do so. I have that part on my NOA. I think it's just to remind people not to ONLY send the I-751. Please tell me the date marked on your NOA so that I can add it to the list	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2012-03-26 19:24:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	I-751 MARCH 2012 FILERS	20120326_171720.jpg   397.7KB   22 downloadsHello! Sent our I-751 on 3/20/12 and got our NOA today 3/26/12 from the VSC.... Question is the highlighted portion something you all get? I have no intention of sending more documentation. Sent plenty.	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2012-03-26 16:43:00
Philippines	sending flowers in the philippines?	Thanks for the info. It has been hit or miss for me. Sometimes I pay and it gets delivered and sometimes it doesn't. Don't remember the shady sites anymore. My wife is 4 hours north of Manila in Pozorrubio. I guess it is out of the way so who knows why it does or doesn't get there.	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-09-23 16:50:00
Philippines	Wedding photos	Congratulations! May you have a long and happy marriage!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-10-05 18:59:00
Philippines	CFO fees and rquirements??? hope to hear from u all	I hope this helps my friend. Good luck on your journey! Source: http://www.cfo.gov.p...anila.htm#Peers Original valid passport; Original and photocopy of visa; One (1) 2x2 or passport-size photograph; One (1) valid identification card with photograph; Original and photocopy of Confirmation of Permanent Residence (for Canada-bound emigrant); Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary (for USA bound emigrant); Photocopy of Certificate of Eligibility (for Japan bound emigrant); Original and photocopy of letter of approval for Work to Residence visa (for New Zealand bound emigrants); Photocopy of employment contract (for immigrant workers); Duly completed registration form (downloadable at www.cfo.gov.ph); Payment of P400.00 registration fee; and Attendance in the PDOS or peer counseling session; Destination CountryDayTime United States of America and other countries Mondays to Fridays10:00 am - 12:00 nn 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm Important Reminder: Beginning January 2008, all emigrants attending the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) and Peer Counseling must reserve a slot in the session, five (5) working days prior to the intended date of attendance. Reservation for the orientation / counseling sessions can be made through the telephone by calling the PDOS reservation line at (02) 563-1965 or 561-8321 local 103, or via e-mail at pdosreserve@cfo.gov.ph, or online by clicking on the following link: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/reservation.htm	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-10-09 07:44:00
Philippines	Trying to get my bearings back... need your help...	Thank you my friend! You have put my heart at ease! Thanks for extending your experience. It makes this forum a real value to our niche community!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-01-13 17:41:00
Philippines	Trying to get my bearings back... need your help...	I considered myself pretty knowledgeable and effecient moving forward at top speed through the CR1 process. Even got through the AOS and IV Bill stage at the NVC without a hitch. Until the police certificate ordeal (by ordeal I mean 2 ton bulbous mass of pulsating tripe) which cost me 9 weeks of head in the sand timeout. Everything is good now that we have the police certificates. Fellow brothers and sisters, I need reorientation and affirmation. Yes or No : After the IV Bill is "Paid" and the AOS is "Paid" you are on your own. You go to the State department webpage with the DS230 instructions and need for supporting documents. NOTHING is going to be mailed to my spouse correct? This websites infers in the "Guide" that something will be sent... Outdated? Yes or No: My wife is to mail to the NVC the IV Bill Cover Page with the barcode and DS230 with Part I signed and a copy Marriage certificate and a copy Birth Certificate and a copy Biographic page of her passport 2 passport style photographs per State department standards NBI clearance and a copy Police certificates (Korean and Taiwanese already come translated in English) and copies of each Those of you that have done the CR1 process, your input is desired... My wife is literally very close to mailing these documents... Also... Will all these documents be present at the time of her interview? The NVC will mail back for the interview right? I humbly thank you and am eternally grateful! Excelsior!!!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-01-13 00:36:00
Philippines	buying the ticket for Pam to come here what does she need	My situation is a little different since she's flying March 23rd thus lower rate and just from Hong Kong to NYC and that's it... No Phoenix leg... Don't know if they (Cathay) flies anywhere near there though... Sounds like your way may be the only way since she has no debit/credit card of her own... I'm trying to get my wife to fly alone cause me meeting her in Manila to fly out together sounds romantic and reassuring but it is also a $1600 or more waste of money. Told her we could get some brand new furniture or clothes for her with that money. Told her it shouldn't be that bad... Get in metal flying tube from Manila to Hong Kong and repeat one more time to NYC... In a plane full of Filipino bretheren... Meet in NYC and fly together to Baltimore...	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-02-17 13:45:00
Philippines	buying the ticket for Pam to come here what does she need	How about this.... I'm thinking of sending her $900 and having her go online to Cathay Pacific and buy her one way ticket for $845 from Manila to NYC where we meet and fly together to Baltimore... The only benefits I see is that she is buing the ticket with her own debit/credit card and only has to show her ID at the airport. Would such a scenario work for you?	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-02-17 11:58:00
Philippines	Pam is in the air!!!!	Congratulations! All the hard work and effort to be together is going to pay off... Following your journey online has been helpful to many by asking questions that answered questions we had or made us think about issues.	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-02-23 15:28:00
Philippines	Jenny made it finally to the medical exam!	Just a quick update for closure's sake... Jenny did pass her medical on the 25th and are now facing our last biggest obstacle for now which is the interview... Its been a long hard road... But worth every moment! Thank you for your comments	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-02-28 14:13:00
Philippines	Jenny made it finally to the medical exam!	I wish Jenny the best of luck at St. Luke's! I hope she wouldn't go through what I went through (sputum test). I hear you! She was complaining of a slight cough... Also she was able to dig up a prior XRAY from 2007... She just texted... "Intended Port of Entry?" Told her JFK, Queens, New York, USA... "Contact no. area code + phone number?" XXX-XXX-XXXX Thank God for Yahoo instant messenger? She couldn't have known some of these details...	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-02-23 17:06:00
Philippines	Jenny made it finally to the medical exam!	Right now she is texting me questions she is not sure about... "When are you able to depart to U.S.?" Told her March 2010... "Prior country of residence?" I told her put Philippines cause that is where she is coming from... Also told her to ask them questions... they are there to help... I hope... Edited by THX1138, 23 February 2010 - 04:50 PM.	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-02-23 16:47:00
Philippines	Jenny made it finally to the medical exam!	It's 0430 Manila time and she's across the clinic. She couldn't sleep from all the anxiety... she wants sleep more than anything else after a long bus trip 4 hours away from Pangasinan right to her uncle's house... then insomnia probably due to the stress and anxiety... Told her I think it is way to early to be there but I guess she was just to wound up... She printed and read the pinned St Luke's exam guide... I hope it helps her... I hope she finds someone to chat and pass the time with her... Her cousin (also named Jenny) will accompany her but don't know for how long given the nature of the place/situation. Well, we could use all your prayers/Force/positive feelings you folks can provide... Free Bird!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-02-23 15:39:00
Philippines	Question for those who have interviewed already...	Naturally, at the NVC stage an I-864 was submitted and accepted before the visa interview. Now, the embassy it appears wants an I-864 at the interview in Manila. Am I supposed to prepare and send a new I-864 to my spouse? (I have also changed address and job. The NVC acknowledge my change of address.) OR Send a copy of the original I-864 I prepared months and months ago? I intend to send the 2009 W2 and 1040 also... (The original I-864 was for the 2008 tax period.) One more thing. Am I supposed to send a notarized letter of employment and wages? The Manila embassy instructions talk about sending the I-864 and then throws in this part about employment letter... If any of you have interviewed I deeply appreciate your input... If you are the petitioner what is the safest venue to send overnight documents to PI? Specifically four hours north of Manila in Pangasinan.... DHL? Federal Express? USPS? Thank you! I appreciate yor help!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-03-04 11:35:00
Philippines	Thank you!	My wife passed the interview! She said it was 3 hours and twenty minutes start to finish. I almost puked from the anxiety and wait. Kept calling and calling.. Of course the phone was off cause it was with security... Thank you for all your help!!! But... She was told to wait 10 days for her visa.. Is that something they tell everyone? Cause I read examples of people getting it in 2 days... Will she know it's coming by telephone call? Will she be given a tracking number? I'm so happy! Thank God! Next I'll be asking how to open the package! Thank you all again!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-03-14 21:01:00
Philippines	Thank you!	My wife passed the interview! She said it was 3 hours and twenty minutes start to finish. I almost puked from the anxiety and wait. Kept calling and calling.. Of course the phone was off cause it was with security... Thank you for all your help!!! But... She was told to wait 10 days for her visa.. Is that something they tell everyone? Cause I read examples of people getting it in 2 days... Will she know it's coming by telephone call? Will she be given a tracking number? I'm so happy! Thank God! Next I'll be asking how to open the package! Thank you all again!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-03-14 21:01:00
Philippines	Embassy Visa Packet	Thank you for the reassurance! So stressful this CFO business. I guesss its only stressful due to a self imposed timeline. Need her to land JFK on the 23rd US date and time. Asked her to depart PI whatever date facilitates this. She's done so much hard work to make this visa come to fruition. I really appreciate her hard work and attention to detail. Right now she'll be leaving 0100am with her dad to Manila for the CFO at the Good Shepherd Convent location... I'll be posting a new topic soon about the JFK POE process (Is it possible to be present where she is during the immigration officer questions/interview.) Wow, this board is good therapy... Good shrinkage...	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-03-18 06:34:00
Philippines	Embassy Visa Packet	Sorry folks, disregard... she says: Honey it's okey.it says here do not open the visa packet or yellow envelope.you may only open the plastic pouch to retrieve your passport. I'm getting confused... Just crossing my fingers, whistling...	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-03-18 05:30:00
Philippines	Embassy Visa Packet	This is totally freaking me out... Want to explode! Today my wife got her visa delivered by Air21. I went over with my wife all the precautions about not opening certain things... Naturally, you have to open the Air21 packaging to get to the passport which you need to affix the CFO sticker and present at the airport.... I am assuming now that the IDS is attached to the brown envelope BUT wrapped in clear plastic which is not to opened (Is this true?). Now my wife tells me the post master opened the outer Air21 envelope and claim the passport was inside the clear plastic wrapper (So he opned it) along with the IDS attached to the brown envelope because they needed to retrieve the passport (makes sense I guess?). I don't think the embassy would set such a silly trap /Catch-22? Puting the passport with visa inside a pakage you are not supposed to open? Your thoughts please! Going to have a stroke!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-03-18 05:12:00
Philippines	Wife Finally Coming Home! Re: JFK Immigration	Thanks for your input! I will relay it to my wife... Thank you!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-03-22 13:55:00
Philippines	Wife Finally Coming Home! Re: JFK Immigration	I have a question for those of you who have had a loved one come through the JFK POE. Can I meet my wife before she goes before the immigration officer or be present at the time she sees the immigration officer? I'm interested in the mechanics of it. Last time I was at JFK I was a boy. I don't remember anything so... I visualize driving to NYC to JFK... parking in some parking lot... then I head to arrivals... find her flight number and gate number... This is where I draw a blank. Since this is an international flight I'm sure I just can't go to the gate itself and finder her stepping off the plane... go to baggage claim and drive home... too easy Do I seek some employee or official to some "secret area" for spouses or fiances? Thank you for sharing your past experiences! My sweety will be here March 24th! Wooohoooo!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-03-21 18:30:00
Philippines	immigrant data summary CR1/IR1	The CFO website says do not remove IDS from packet. Photocopy as is. If you remove it, the whole package has to be returned to embassy. Hope this helps!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-03-18 13:02:00
Philippines	My wife was an OFW in Korea, police clearance issue	There is hope! The system seems to work! I was the OP of this thread October 16, 2009 when our police certificate "education/troubles" started. Since the end of October I buried my head in the sand regarding all immigration issues since until we had the clearances in hand we could not proceed with the DS230 package. After 11 weeks of waiting, we now have the final piece (Korean Clearance) of the puzzle in hand. We had the Taiwanese police clearance within 2 weeks of applying for it. Now I am pretty lost regarding the process and what to do next but am quickly getting up to speed. I even forgot my case number, had to look it up... I just want to add a bit of information that can be overlooked and cost you a lot of time. It happened in our case. From what I gather from my wife, you have the option to pick up the police clearance AT the Korean embassy or have it mailed to you... Check the slips you have and the boxes your spouse checked! My wife thought it was going to be mailed to her home and all the while it was at the Korean embassy. Things happen, this is unexplored territory for all involved. Call them! Will save you grief! Now we are going to assemble the DS230 package and move on with the process... Just hang in there, you will get it. I hope this helps! Excelsior!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2010-01-08 20:23:00
Philippines	My wife was an OFW in Korea, police clearance issue	QUOTE (honey bear @ Oct 17 2009, 07:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> great to read this thread. I have the same problem. I had been to Vietnam for more than 6 months. I asked help from Vietnam embassy in Manila but they're pushing me to personally go back to Vietnam. They're not giving a help. I tried to search about it, it says I can authorize somebody to get the PCC on my behalf but my friends who are still in Vietnam are telling me to get it personally. Plane ticket is just expensive + hotel only to get the PCC which is only for $15. I know this is important but what do you think should I do? Do I have to write a letter of hardship too? Or don't have choice but to get it personally? Enlighten me please. By the way,I am in the Philippines now and it's just hard to go back to Vietnam. Thanks. honey bear, this is what I found. Link included... Police and Prison Records Available. Residents: Requests for a "Justice Record Check" (Phieu Ly Lich Tu Phap) are made at the Department of Justice office in an individual's district or official residence. The official residence is that registered in the "household registry" (Ho Khau) issued by the district police. There is a fee. The record check takes approximately three weeks to complete. The record check must be initiated in the district listed in the household registry as the citizen's official residence. Non-Residents: Vietnamese citizens living overseas may request the "Justice Record Check" through the Vietnamese Embassy in their current country of residence. They may also request the "Justice Record Check" in person at their last place of residence in Vietnam, as reflected in their household registry. Foreigners: Foreigners who reside or resided in Vietnam should contact the Vietnamese Department of Immigration in the district in which they currently reside/formerly resided to request the "Justice Record Check." http://travel.state....ocity_3705.html Here is the link to the Vietnamese Department of Immigration http://www.vnimm.gov.vn/%5CIndexe.asp I hope this is helpful... This site wants $155 and states "Quick turnaround time" for Vietnamese police background check but it doesn't anything about getting an actual police certificate... if they did then maybe its worth it... http://www.infocubic...nal/vietnam.htm Maybe greasy palms make things work quicker Edited by THX1138, 17 October 2009 - 08:39 AM.	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-10-17 08:35:00
Philippines	My wife was an OFW in Korea, police clearance issue	QUOTE (Mike's Lucy @ Oct 17 2009, 08:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> hi again, I just wanna ask, is your wife from Manila or Cebu? Please tell her to apply in Manila even if there's a Korean Embassy in Cebu too. It will take longer if you apply in the province than in Manila. My wife lives 4 hours north of Manila in a little town called Pozorrubio in Pangasinan province. Since its Saturday night at this time, I told her don't worry about contacting them (Korean embassy) until Monday. I told her to make this her top priority for now because no matter how fast the case gets to Manila, gets the medical exam done, etc... she is still going to need that clearance at the interview. It could potentially slow any quick progress we have already made... Anyhow, thanks for the advice cause maybe someone out there could use the Manila vs Cebu alternatives... Good luck on your journey! www.meinhofer.com	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-10-17 08:21:00
Philippines	My wife was an OFW in Korea, police clearance issue	QUOTE (Mike's Lucy @ Oct 16 2009, 11:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> hi, Have you tried calling Korean Embassy in the Philippines? I have a friend here in VJ (but I have not seen her here for a long time) and she used to work in Korea, she got her Police Clearance thru Korean Embassy in Manila. You can pm her if you like, her account name is sayitonce. This is her timeline for applying the said Police Clearance. Apply police clearance @ Korean Embassy - March 10, 2009 Got my police clearance @ the Korean Embassy - April 21,2009 QUOTE (THX1138 @ Oct 16 2009, 08:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Thank you all for your interest in the question I submitted to the forum. Especially thanks to marriedtomrg for capturing the essence of my question. I'm sure someone out there has gone through this very same issue and its just a matter of putting their thoughts to the keyboard... I hope an answer is out there that will benefit future members (Especially my wife ). Thank you all! Thank you for your reply! I messaged her and hope to get a reply... Texted my wife with the Korean embassy phone numbers and told her this is top priority... It could potentially delay things... It got me thinking too. Did some looking around and got to the Korean National Police Agency website.. Guess what I found? People asking about getting police clearances... Luckily the website is in English too... Bottom line it seems from the conversations that they want you to go through the embassy of your respective country... Here's the link: http://www.police.go...seling_list.jsp enjoy! You'll see many topics are regarding the police clearance for former overseas workers. Embassy information: Korean Embassy in Makati City, Philippines Embassy of Korea (Republic) in Manila, Philippines 18th Floor, The Pacific Star Building Sen. Gil Puyat corner Makati Avenue Makati City, 1226 Metro Manila, Philippines City: Makati City Phone: (+63) 2 811-6139 to 44 Fax: (+63) 2 811-6148 Web Site: http://embassy_philippines.mofat.go.kr Email: dipinfom@mofat.go.kr Office Hours: 08.30-12.00 and 13.30-17.30	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-10-16 23:27:00
Philippines	My wife was an OFW in Korea, police clearance issue	Thank you all for your interest in the question I submitted to the forum. Especially thanks to marriedtomrg for capturing the essence of my question. I'm sure someone out there has gone through this very same issue and its just a matter of putting their thoughts to the keyboard... I hope an answer is out there that will benefit future members (Especially my wife ). Thank you all!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-10-16 19:23:00
Philippines	My wife was an OFW in Korea, police clearance issue	Like many Filipino citizens, my wife was an OFW in Korea for 3 years. Naturally, since she was gone that long she needs a police clearance from South Korea. Per the State Department website: Police Records Korean National Police Certificate (Crime-Investigation History Report: Bomjoi-Soosa Kyongreok Johoi Hoiboseo) is available to visa applicants of any nationality who are physically present in South Korea. The new KNPC now includes all serious crimes since 1945, regardless of expungement benefits under Korean law, and misdemeanors for five years, according to the Individual Information Protection Law of March 2003. Applicants presently in Korea: Foreign nationals, regardless of visa status, and Korean citizens must apply in person at any local police station. The KNP checks non-Koreans according to the requestor's Korean alien registration card or passport. Korean citizens must show a Korean identity card with the Korean citizen's unique, lifetime Korean identification number, which is found on Korean national identity cards and Korean passports adjacent to the applicant's name. KNP processing is no fee and takes less than one hour. The new KNPC bears a red ink half inch square stamp on the bottom containing the Korean characters for National Police. It is issued in Korean only and applicants must attach a complete English translation, certified as true and correct by anyone competent in Korean and English, for the visa interview. A simple computer printout of criminal records is issued with the Korean annotation for information only, has no red ink stamp and is not a KNPC for visa purposes. Applicants outside of Korea: Unavailable. If your wife or fiancee was an OFW in Korea could you please tell me how this was addressed? I would like to hear only from those whose loved one worked in Korea please... Your input is very much appreciated... www.meinhofer.com	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-10-16 08:50:00
Philippines	It has been a while...	Almost time to file the I-751 Petition to Remove the Conditions on Residence. Two years have come and gone quickly! Have to get thinking about this stuff again... Jenny is doing great here. Thank you all for past positive comments!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2011-12-10 15:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Approved finally!	Congratulations! I hope you are both happy!	THX1138	Male	Philippines	2009-09-24 17:09:00