ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesPhilippine Forum Hall of Fame
I'd like to acknowledge vsmtghdy for all the helpful information and advise given. good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-24 18:05:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Forum Hall of Fame
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Nov 22 2007, 06:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We had two letchon for our official engagement party. Sure didn't last long blink.gif


so did we, didn't last long either.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-24 18:02:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Forum Hall of Fame
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Nov 21 2007, 05:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'd like to nominate Claudeth just because whistling.gif


spouses will have a separate wing. tongue.gif whistling.gif smile.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-21 20:38:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Forum Hall of Fame
QUOTE (prettyfacenbody @ Nov 21 2007, 03:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i'd like to add randyandrina. she has been of great help to a lot of VJs too!

feel free to anyone whose contributions have been help to others good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-21 19:12:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Forum Hall of Fame
If their could be a Philippine Forum Hall of Fame I'd like to nominate the following individuals,

windchaser for starting the Manila Embassy Interview Thread.

PatientlyWaiting aka PW for the many, many months of maintaining the timeline in Interview Thread and all of her advise and information that helped so many.

The Sheriff for the time and effort he put into creating the Manila Embassy K-1 Visa Guide.

a big good.gif and toast to you all...


sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-21 18:53:00
Philippinesk3/k4 visa
QUOTE (irene @ Nov 25 2007, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Haole @ Nov 26 2007, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should apply for the I-130s for the kids ASAP as it takes awhile for approval.
You can't file for AOS for them until you have their I-130 approval.
Better to file for AOS at the same time as you file.
$600 each if you file at the same time.
$1010 each if you file for them later.

so file their 130 along with my AOS ? wat if my AOS approved and their 130 is not yet approved wat will happen then ?


file their I-130's as soon as you can. you can apply for an EAD, so you can have your SSN and work authorization.
wait to file your AOS until the children's I-130's have been approved, then you can file together and the chidren's AOS will be $600 each. if you file for AOS and the chidren's I-130's have not been approved yet, they will have to pay $930 each for AOS ( no biometrics fee if under 14)
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-27 20:13:00
Philippinesk3/k4 visa
I'm not very familar with K-3/K-4. hopefully someone will come along and give you more detailed answers.

yes you can apply for your EAD card before you AOS. once you have the EAD card, you can apply for your SSN.
as far as the children go, if they are going to be follow to join, they need to have applied for their K-4 Visas before you have AOS, otherwise they lose their derivative status.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-25 19:15:00
PhilippinesUSEM interniew about fiance ITR
as has been stated, what the CO will what to determine is that you will not become a public charge once here in the USA. assets can be used to make up an income short fall. I didn't see any guidelines in the I-134 as to how much assets would be required. I would suggest using what is in the I-864. minimum income required for household size minus income from ITR. multipy the difference times five for the amount of assets required. have the documentation to back up those assets.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-25 15:08:00
PhilippinesHow much is the Delbros?
QUOTE (DavidandJenny @ Nov 25 2007, 02:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks so much for the replies. It really doesnt matter how expensive or whether it is least expensive (although that is refreshing) I just wanted to get an idea of what to expect, to prepare for. . .thanks again good.gif ~david


sshh... we wouldn't want Delbros to raise the fees laughing.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-25 15:21:00
PhilippinesHow much is the Delbros?
it's one or the least expensive parts of the process. under 200p. you posted in the AOS Forum. best to post in the Philippine Forum. there someone should be able to give you an exact amount. check the Sheriff's Manila
K-1 Info Guide. beleive the amounts are listed there.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-23 23:21:00
Philippinesphone cards
QUOTE (foxyroxy @ Nov 28 2007, 05:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Haole @ Nov 28 2007, 08:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (foxyroxy @ Nov 28 2007, 03:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Haole @ Nov 28 2007, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (foxyroxy @ Nov 28 2007, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello! i would just like to know if anyone here on visajourney has ever used phone cards like the pldt budget cards or phone cards in the US as proof of relationship? my fiance and i call each other on the phone using the phone cards since it is more economical. making long-distance calls is so expensive. my fiance and i communicate through snail mail, cards, and phone calls. he doesnt know how to use the internet nor does he have a cellphone. do you think the consul would accept phone cards as proof of our relationship? hope i can get your opinon on this matter guys. thanks!


Unless you have receipts for the phone cards in your name they don't hold much weight as people can get them from anywhere and also they don't show who you called.

Best to open a international phone account and make short calls on it for the record and use the cards for long conversations.


What is an international phone account? who will open, my fiance in the US or me in the Philippines?

Fiance in the US. I used AT+T international. !8 cents a min to landline and 22 to CP.


does he need to register to use the AT+T phone line?

would need to have an ATT Domestic calling plan
http://www.consumer....comparison.html
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-28 21:04:00
Philippinesphone cards
I used this phone service. http://www.talkloop.com/ it's a relatively inexpensive service, but as I recall the service hasn't that great. I used it because I could print out a call log of my phone calls to my wife. the interviewer at the Embassy seemed impressed by the several pages of almost daily phone calls.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-28 20:22:00
PhilippinesAnybody Tried Getting CFO Seminar in Cebu & Stamp in Manila?
QUOTE (kev_n_jena @ Nov 30 2007, 08:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Bill, That's not a problem at all. That's how Jena did it. I was with her at her interview and we asked where to go for the stamp in Manila. They actually sent us to the wrong office. To get the actual stamp you have to go to the main office rather than one of the satelite offices. I had to wait outside for about 2 hours for her.

The first place they sent us couldn't do the stamp. They could only give the seminar. Go figure.

Kev and Jena


yap, go to the main office. http://www.cfo.gov.ph/cfolocation.htm
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-30 16:20:00
Philippineschanging my last name...
QUOTE (spidergirl @ Dec 3 2007, 06:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sheryl&Robert @ Dec 3 2007, 07:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi guys..

Me and my husband just got married last Nov. 17, 2007... yes.gif kicking.gif We are now preparing to apply for AOS ... what we want to know is regarding of changing my last name to my husband's last name before filing AOS or better to change it after filing AOS because we're thinking that if i change it now it will affect with my papers/documents for AOS...

Hope to hear from u guys...

We need your help! helpsmilie.gif

THANKS!!!

Sheryl



You have to change your name on your AOS because whatever name you will use in your AOS application that will appear on your Green Card and it will cost you $300+ to change it later. It will not affect your documents and you have the Marriage certificate to prove that you are allowed to change your name. Goodluck


agree good.gif if you are going to use your husband's last name as your married name, it's better to do so when you file for AOS. It will not cause you any problems. when you have your biometrics appointment, just bring a copy of your marriage certificate in case there are any questions.

Edited by Roy and Yazi, 03 December 2007 - 09:14 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-03 21:13:00
PhilippinesMy CR1 visa interview experience
Congrats good.gif have a happy life together here in the USA.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-03 19:44:00
PhilippinesMiddle name to be used when filling up adjustment of status form
QUOTE (rjp44 @ Dec 3 2007, 11:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jom @ Dec 3 2007, 12:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi to all those who have done Adjustment of Status.

By Philippine culture we use our mother's maiden name as our middle name and its the middle name I used in filling up forms for the K1 application and in my passport and all other documents upon entering the USA (SSN application, I-94, Marriage Certificate) . Now that I am married I definitely changed my previous surname to my husband's family name and by Philippine custom my previous surname is now my middle name but the system here is different because US citizens can choose their middle names and not necessarily their mother's maiden name.

My questions:

When applying for the AOS what middle name should I use? Should I follow the Phillipine system to the effect that my middle name now is my previous surname or should I retain the middle name I used in my SSN, I-94 and Marriage Certificate?

Thanks for the help.

Myla


I agree, the choice is yours. My wife was agonizing over the choice since she wanted to honor both parents, who have passed away. I suggested that she keep her name as it was and just add my name with a hyphen. That's what we did. You should use the name on your marriage certificate for now though so that the paperwork matches names IMO. You could always change it later.


when my wife signed the marriage license, it was in her maiden name. when she filed for AOS, she used my last name as her married name, no problems. if you choose to change your name after AOS, there will be more fees involved. as others have said, the choice is yours. good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-03 14:54:00
Philippinespacket 3 and packet 4?
sorry didn't notice you are K-3. blush.gif here's a link to what the K-3 packet will be:
http://usembassy.sta...la/wwwfivk3.pdf
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-03 21:07:00
Philippinespacket 3 and packet 4?
There is no packet 3. you may receive a letter from the Embassy when they receive your physical petition.
you receive packect 4, the Fiance Visa Appointment Packet, after you have been scheduled an interview.
you will need the I-134 Affidavit of support for your interview.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-03 20:37:00
Philippinesxray and vaccination documentation sheet
QUOTE (irene @ Dec 4 2007, 01:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i dont bring my xray only the vaccination result. coz that is what slec told me so , but the consul dont even ask for the vaccination


agree, would seem to be a hassle to carry the x-ray, when it is not needed. at least the DS-3025 can be put in file with rest of the papers. remember to save the original since will need it for AOS.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-04 17:02:00
PhilippinesPNB Remittance
we use PNB. no problems good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-04 19:23:00
PhilippinesPreparation of AOS documents
let's see, from the top of my head, for the I-485

copy of marriage certificate
copy of applicant's birth cetificate
copy of I-94 front and back
copy of bio page of applicant's passport
copy of visa
I-693 vaccination supplement
I-864 and supporting documents
two passport style photos
G-325a for the applicant

follow the guide on VJ and you should do fine good.gif

no need to include evidence such as photo, copies of joint accounts, etc... save that for the interview should you have one.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-04 20:11:00
PhilippinesX Ray Film - What do we do with it?
souvenir of the process.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-04 20:21:00
PhilippinesSurvey Says?
Yazi is from Davao City, so speaks Bisaya, Tagalog and English.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-10-28 12:49:00
PhilippinesChild on Follow To Join Benefits
QUOTE (Derrel & Lai @ Dec 5 2007, 05:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have included my fiancee's son on the K1 application to follow.

Here are my questions:

helpsmilie.gif
  • Does he have the medical the same time as his mother?
  • Does he attend the interview the same time?
  • If he does not go to the interview, does he still receive a visa or will he need to be interviewed at a later date?
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-05 14:25:00
PhilippinesChild on Follow To Join Benefits
depends on when you plan to have the child follow to join. If you plan to have the k-2 visa applied for at the same time as the K-1 visa, remember it will expire 6 months after it was issued. it cannot be extended. your fiance will not be able to travel back for the child unless she has her green card or Advance Parole.
the easiest way is for both to come here at the same time.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-05 14:12:00
PhilippinesCFO QUESTION
go to CFO prepared, stay positive and don't let any questions that may be asked during your one on one frazzle you. everything should be fine good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-03 21:37:00
PhilippinesCFO QUESTION
QUOTE (Vann @ Dec 2 2007, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the feedback, guys!

So, if she doesn't get in early enough because of attendence, she basically has to come back the next day and try to get in early?

yes.gif good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-02 19:43:00
PhilippinesWE GOT APPROVED AT MANILA US EMBASSY!!!
Congrats good.gif have a safe flight and happy life together in the USA.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-04 18:56:00
PhilippinesSan Francisco POE experience
QUOTE (prettyfacenbody @ Dec 8 2007, 03:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks chispas for the advice!

goodluck to you!

QUOTE (chispas @ Dec 8 2007, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do just what he asked. I like S.F. because it is a more modern airport and there is lots to do there while you wait for your loved ones. As for you, your family will be able to watch you snake your way through immigration before, during and after you pick up your luggage. There isn't much traffic over there either, so you won't feel like you are in a village market once you arrive.
You might even find several people who are of Filipino decent who can help you with the baby.



Congrats on your approval good.gif I don't remember the particulars, but my wife encountered no problems with her POE at SFO. someone will probably direct you which line to go to if your not sure.
your family will not be able to see you go through Immigration, but they will be able to see you on the monitors in the arrival waiting area as you are walking thru the corridor to the arrival waiting area.
have a safe flight good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-08 13:49:00
PhilippinesAOS question
QUOTE (martinbr @ Dec 8 2007, 11:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What I am trying to figure out which way to go with the petition. So it sounds like everyone has to do one of these. But my money is very limited. I know it's a way off but these are things that I have to plan for if I want to get her over here + the kid.

So the K-3 might be a better way to go because of some time for AOS when she got over here? If she could start working, it might take the burden off me a little.
martinbr


with a k-3, your wife could apply for an EAD Card before she would AOS. first she would first file a I-765 for work authorization. takes about 3 months to be approved. after she has her EAD Card, she could then apply for an SSN.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-08 14:33:00
PhilippinesAOS question
If I remember your previous posts, you were recently married in the Philippines. It's too soon to be thinking of AOS. that would be done if they were already here. your options are to file for CR-1/ IR or K-3.
an advantage of K-3, is the interview might occur faster than the CR-1. I've seen some cases for K-3 where the CR-1 was caught up to the K-3 in Manila.
best of luck good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-08 13:11:00
Philippineswhat could be the best answer for this question in the interview?
I agree with the others and just be honest with any questions you may be asked. I'm not trying to be judgemental, since I was in a similar position not long ago. we just made a different decision. I realize everyone's sitution is different, but to me the most important thing is to be together as a family. time lost with your daughter is time you will never be able to replace.
best of luck with whatever decisions you make. hope everything works out in the end. good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-08 13:33:00
Philippines10 MONTHS OLD AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT
I agree with the others suggesting to have an updated I-134. An Affidavit of Support is not required to be submiited with the I-129f. It probably would be, but you can't be sure it will be forwared to the Embassy along with the petition. better to be safe and have an updated one available for the interview.

Edited by Roy and Yazi, 08 December 2007 - 04:39 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-08 16:38:00
PhilippinesNovember Interview at US Embassy Manila
QUOTE (Forever in Love @ Nov 7 2007, 05:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My nerves are a wreck. She's in the interview and I'm having to work while she's there. I hate this. I can't wait to hear from her.


hopefully it will not be long now and soon you hear she's been approved. good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-11-07 20:40:00
PhilippinesNeed Experiences: Filipina K1 traveling with Children from potential hostile departure
QUOTE (raquel_1208 @ Dec 9 2007, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rouguewave @ Dec 10 2007, 02:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Are there any filipina's out there who have had to bring children (derivitive K2 from K1) while leaving with hostile ex-family situation?

Honey ko has children that we will bring with her (derivitive K2 from K1). Some days her ex is fine with this, saying "its good for kids to go and have opportunity". Other days he threatens to make trouble for their departure.

I'm hoping there are others on the forum who have brought children over with potential hostile ex-family that might be willing to share their experiences (public or PM me). We have taken all the necessary steps for the Visa process and the kids will attend the Medical and Interview. We don't expect any problems from USEM.

Right now, honey ko has physical custody of 2, while the 3rd child lives with ex's mom. I am confident that we can manage the situation, but as things progress she becomes more nervous. Sharings from other filipina's about bringing their children over with them would help.


Can you get them far away from the father after the medical exam and til they depart? The father doesn't have to sign any documents for the mother to be able to get them out of the country and she has full custody of them. No need for DSWD clearances, thank God for the change of law last 2005.


perhaps a lawyer who knows Philippine Family Law can give you a definative answer.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-09 17:35:00
PhilippinesNeed Experiences: Filipina K1 traveling with Children from potential hostile departure
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Dec 9 2007, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Has the other parent signed a release to allow the children to come to the US? If not the K-2 will be denied.


In our situation, not one question was asked during the interview about my daughter's biological father.
If there are any potential problems, I think it would be departing the country where there might be any possible complications.
rouguewave, I hope you find the answers to your situation. good.gif
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-09 15:13:00
PhilippinesNeed Experiences: Filipina K1 traveling with Children from potential hostile departure
QUOTE (Credzba @ Dec 9 2007, 11:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have read from the embassy in China, if the mother does not have 100% custody per the divorce decree, then she needs a letter from the ex stating he approves of the children immigrating to the USA.
This letter should be signed by him, and be notarized.

If she can get him in one of the "yes" moods and get this letter and signature from him, then her worries are over, and he really can't bother her any more about it.


In the Philippines, alot depends on if the children were legitamate or illegitamate. The mother doesn't need a DSWD travel permit for the children to travel outside of the country. however if legitamite and custody is in dispute, the father could put the children on a watchlist, which would make it difficult for them to leave the country.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-09 14:35:00
PhilippinesNeed Experiences: Filipina K1 traveling with Children from potential hostile departure
I do not have personal experience with this situation, hopefully someone who does can post or PM you.
Here's a link to an attorney who specializes in immigration from the Philippines, should you decide to seek advise from one.
http://www.gurfinkel.com/
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-09 14:01:00
PhilippinesWorld Class Talent!
QUOTE (fish @ Dec 7 2007, 04:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,

I was bitten by this Charice Pempengco bug so I'd like to share her talent to everyone here... She's just so awesome!
I hope you'll all be captivated by her....

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=hFwhcgkCPfQ

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related


couldn't get link to work, here'e another

http://www.youtube.c...feature=related
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-09 16:06:00
PhilippinesU.S. Immigration
I not many have posted the x-ray even being taken at the POE. I'm thinking it's for some other reason. Don't worry, if you've passed the medical and issued a Visa, you shouldn't have any problem with that.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-12-09 20:14:00