ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesWhen can Joan begin to work??
basically, when she has an EAD or her green card. she would file an I-765 for an EAD when she AOS. seems to take about 3 months to receive the EAD. she can apply for her SSN after arriving here. best to do it no later than 2 to 3 weeks before I-94 expires, otherwise will have to wait till she has her EAD or green card.

Edited by Roy and Yazi, 27 May 2007 - 03:35 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-05-27 15:34:00
PhilippinesWhat to do about Fiance's son ?

hi Mac,

the fact that the son is under your fiancee's name & the BioFather is not listed in BC..there's no need to have the POA.
BC itself speaks out that its your fiancee who has the full custody to the child.
tell her, not to worry about anything! :thumbs:


regards,
alexandra


ok thank you jj1028 and alexandra! That clears up that part.

After discussing with Fiance and son, we have decided that son will follow my Fiance within the year. That will give us time to get settled and make way for him. As island_princess instructed, we will have to make sure to get the travel clearance from DSWD since he will be under 18 and traveling alone.

Now what about the process of getting a K2 for the son, and how does the 1-30 relate to that? I am confused about this part.

If I understand the process correctly. After the I-129F is approved, my fiance will get an interview and if successful they will send her K1 visa to her. Will an interview be scheduled for the son also? Is that automatic, or do we have to schedule that? And if his interview is successful, will they automatically mail him the K2? Where and how does the I-130 fit in here?

Thanks everyone for all the help :)
Mac


if you are going for a K-2 for the son, I-130 is not needed.
basically, a K-2 visa need to be issued within one year from the date the K-1 is issued.
as far as interview goes, it depends on when the son will follow to join. if it's within six months, then you would want the son to attend the interview with your fiancee. when the visa is issued, you have up to six months to enter the USA.
If you plan to have the son follow to join six months to one year after your fiancee, then you would have to schedule an interview. remember to allow enough time to schedule the interview since the k-2 will have to be issued before the end of one year from the issuance of your fiancee's K-1. If over a year, then an I-130 petition would have to be submitted for the son. that process would probably take over a year.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-06-02 13:14:00
PhilippinesWhat to do about Fiance's son ?

I want to be clear about this though, my Fiancé' has always taken care of her son and will continue to do so. One of the things that initially impressed me about her is what she has done as a single mother to take care of her son with no support from the boys father. Her mom has looked after him while she has worked in the city working to earn a living for them all. She has taken care of them and helped put a neice through school at the same time. Im sorry if I gave the impression that she has abandoned her son to her mother to raise. That’s not what has happened there. Its not that she wants to leave her son with her mom to take care of him when she goes, its that she wants her son to be there for her mom.

The point I am trying to understand is about him turning 21. What happens then, why is it harder to bring him to the US after he is 21? I don't understand that part of the immigration laws and will have to do some research there.


I can sympathize with the decision you and your fiance will be making concerning her child. My wife's situation was similar to that of your fiance. she also was a single mom. after her father died, my wife took on the responsibility of being the bread winner of the household. her mom would look after her daughter while she was at work.
we also considered having our daughter come here at later date, but in the end decided to have our daughter come at the same time. the most important reason for our decision was for us to be together as a family.
everyone's circumstances are different. I wish you well in deciding what is best for your family.
as an example of petitioning a child over age 21. my wife had a co worker who was over 21 when his parents petitioned him back in 1996. his petition has just recently been approved, over a 10 year wait.
best of luck with everything

Roy
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-05-29 16:00:00
PhilippinesWhat to do about Fiance's son ?

Regardless if the child is coming or not, you should list him in your I-129F. Don't forget to include the child's birth certificate and 2x2 ID.


Thank you for your reply, I think this is good advice, and thanks for the reminder on the BC and IDs.


child's BC and 2x2 photos are not required with submission of the 129F. important thing is to remember to list the child.

here's link to Manila Embassy website with info about K-2
http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3204.html
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-05-29 13:14:00
PhilippinesNew Philippines Regional Forum .. WoOhOo .. :)
This is a great idea. Thanks Capt. :thumbs: would it be possible to have a thread pinned here with a link to the Manila Embassy thread in the Forum section?
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-05-18 22:54:00
PhilippinesK1 interview location

Virgil...

All of the visa interviews are held at the US Embassy in Manila. The only option between Cebu and Manila that the beneficiary has is where he/she attendances the Guidance and Counceling Seminar for the Commission of Filipinos Overseas (CFO),
which is a requirement POST receipt of the approved visa in order to travel outside of the Phils for spouses and fiance(e)s of US Citizens.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

:thumbs: for CFO, visa needs to be in hand for the stamp in your passport. the seminar can be attended at any time.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-06-04 15:16:00
PhilippinesPort of entry? on medical form?
It really doesn't matter what POE is listed. wont be required to use the one listed on the form.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-06-11 14:05:00
PhilippinesPhilippines - Question on Packet 4
you can call the Embassy and request to have the packet picked up at St Lukes. beleive the number is 011 63 2 528 6300.

your fiancee can download the Fiancee Appointment Package.only thing she'll be missing is the appointment letter. to attend the medical, she can bring copy of NOA2 or appointment printed out from the Embassy website. I've heard some same they just told the guard they were there to pick up their packet and were let inside. Medical can be done before the scheduled date.

best of luck

Roy
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-06-10 20:23:00
PhilippinesCopy of NOA2 from USCIS Web Site
this seems like such a dumb requirement to have to send a copy of NOA2 with AOS. wonder why it's asked for with AOS. just a way for USCIS to collect extra fees from those who lost or never received one? I spent a couple of hours looking for ours when I misplaced it. hopefully you can use your email copy without paying the outrageous duplication fee.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-06-16 17:12:00
PhilippinesCan we change the POE ???
It doesn't matter what POE was listed. you can use any POE. no need to call the Embassy. She'll have alot of other things on her mind for the interview. don't worry about the POE listed on the DS form.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-06-20 13:53:00
Philippineswhere is lees summit MO
It's in Missouri. It's where the National Benefits Center is located. AOS applications are sent there from Chicago. you probably see MSC at the beginning of your receipt number. that's because NBC was orginally created as Missouri Service Center.
best of luck with your AOS.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-06-27 16:56:00
PhilippinesTrying to learn Visayan, any tips?

(gi)Gutom na ko = I'm hungry


I'll remember that one for when I go home tonite. :D
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-05-21 16:15:00
PhilippinesTrying to learn Visayan, any tips?

The only phrase I can remember is "dako sampot". :o


hmm. i have a feeling my wife wouldn't take it as a compliment if I said that... :lol:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-05-21 15:17:00
PhilippinesTrying to learn Visayan, any tips?
My wife is from Davao and speaks Bisayan. she's tried to teach me some words and phrases, but I tend to forget them. the only one that has stuck is nahigugma ko nimo.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-05-21 14:41:00
PhilippinesMy Pre Interview Cost Analysis ..
yes, they are totally different fees. everybody pays the 750p airport fees at the airport.
the travel tax is imposed only on Filipinos.
here's a link to info about it. http://www.philtourism.com/ttax.html
Yazi paid for the reduced tax ceftificate for our daughter at the local PTA office in Davao.
if the airline ticket was purchased outside of the Philippines, the travel tax is not included in the air fare. believe you would then pay travel tax at the airport.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-01 15:00:00
PhilippinesMy Pre Interview Cost Analysis ..

Travel tax is P1620
You can get a" first time immigrant " discount on plane tickets. At least PAL gave us one. You have to ask for it tho!
Was about 20%.


forgot about the travel tax. that's not included in the ticket price. you can get a reduced fee of 810p on the travel tax for the child if you pay 200p for a certificate to the Philippine Tourism Aurthority
PAL is the only airline I heard gives the 20% first time immigrant discount on air fares.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-01 14:37:00
PhilippinesMy Pre Interview Cost Analysis ..

The following costs were associated with Mylene and Ashley's medical, interview, hotels, and airfare ..

Please keep in mind that these costs are for my fiancee AND her daughter ..

Medical - $162 (must pay in php at SLEC)
Visa Payment - $200 (Equitable PCI Bank - near NSO)
Hotel (pre interview) - $54 (Bayview Park Hotel .. across from US Embassy .. reserved online 1 week early)
Hotel (pre flight) - $88 (Heritage Hotel Manila - Pasay City .. reserved @ asiarooms.com 2 weeks early)
Flight to St. Louis, MO - $1682 (Northwest Airlines - booked over phone 3 weeks early .. POE Minneapolis)

I don't know if philippine airport taxes of 750 php each are included in the ticket prices yet and since Mylene will be picking the visas up in person if she will have to pay Delbros or not.

Please let me know if I will have to pay for anything else ..

Thanks,
CB


I thought the exam was $95 and the visa $100. Don't forget the terminal fees. I was in the Philippines in March and when I left I had to pay about 1,000 pesos. This was for terminal fees, taxi, etc. The terminal fees are not included in the ticket prices.

Charlie


he is combining the cost for his fiancee and her daughter. on airport fees, 550p international departure fee and 200p security fee for 200p for 750p. If you booked a flight here on Northwest, the fees would not be included in the ticket price. can just pay at the airport on departure day.

Edited by Roy and Yazi, 01 July 2007 - 02:22 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-01 14:22:00
PhilippinesMy Pre Interview Cost Analysis ..
It's a minor fee when compared to other costs, but believe there is a 400p fee at CFO for the sticker in her passport.

Edited by Roy and Yazi, 01 July 2007 - 11:06 AM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-01 11:05:00
PhilippinesI-134..no signature in Income Tax Return Form
don't worry that will not be an issue. that is only used when you have someone ( H&r Block, tax accountant) prepare your return. It's for IRS purposes. Embassy doesn't care who did your taxes, only want to see the income.
as has been stated only the I-134 itself needs to be notarized.
best of luck with your interview. :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-01 12:22:00
PhilippinesDelbros
Delbros only delivers in the Philippines. you need to use a service like DHL or FedEx.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-03 18:33:00
PhilippinesTimeline question
I-129f NOA2. Congrats :thumbs: on the approval
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-03 17:42:00
PhilippinesTB skin test
guess just have to wait and see if we get an RFE, thanks all!
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-07 16:55:00
PhilippinesTB skin test
this was is post by vsmtqhdy:

Updates on the Medical Examination of Aliens (Refugees and Immigrants)
Update: Required Evaluation by Civil Surgeons for Tuberculosis (TB)
Posted March 9, 2007

Tuberculin skin test (TST) is required for all applicants 2 years of age or older.
The Technical Instructions for the Medical Examination of Aliens in the United States, June 1991 provided by the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) state that all applicants 2 years of age or older are required to have a tuberculin skin test (TST) to determine whether the applicant is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB). For applicants with a skin test reaction of 5 mm or greater, a chest radiograph is required.

since Manila does chest X- ray as part of medical, would it mean TB skin test is less likely to be asked for?
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-01 18:58:00
PhilippinesTB skin test
those how are going thru AOS, were you asked to take a TB skin test? is it required now or something that depends on the mood of the adjudicator? just wondering if we're going to get an RFE for it.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-01 11:14:00
PhilippinesMonday is Mylene's Interview ..
It's now 02:13am Manila time July 9th. your wait is almost over. best of luck with the interview. :thumbs:

best of luck tomorrow ronmy with your AOS interview. :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-08 12:14:00
PhilippinesHow to find out?
no, you will not be able to find out by using the NVC automated system. I found out by calling the Embassy. 011-63-2-528-6300 ext 5184 or 5185. you call also call Dept of State at 202-633-1225 press1,0,0.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-10 17:32:00
PhilippinesVermont? ( What is going on)
the waiting is hard, but you'll get thru. :thumbs: last year many of us were stuck at CSC for four months or longer waiting for the NOA2. what's waiting for you at the end of the process is worth it. you'll make it...
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-02 19:20:00
PhilippinesFlights, Expenses, Hotel, in Manila related to interview
as far as attending the interview and flyiny back with her, I know this isn't much help, but it's a matter of personal circumstances and preferences.
for hotel in Manila, I heard Cherry Blossoms Hotel is convenient to St Lukes and the Embassy. It has reasonable rates.
on airfare, you will usually get better discounts if you book a month in advance. My wife and daughter flew here on PAL. usually you can get a first time immigrant discount if you mention she's a K-1. I booked with LBC Travel, so was also able to prepay the Travel tax since LBC is a Philippine corp.
the cost for my wife and daughter to fly from Davao to Manila to SFO was about $1300.
best of luck with the rest of your journey. :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-08 13:48:00
PhilippinesHow many times a day do you check the USCIS website?

I think I check for any changes to the USCIS webite at least 2 times a day and maybe more some days. The wait is the worst and I have never in my 40 years have ever felt this way. Is anyone one else out here doing this also?


wait til when you'll be checking the Embassy website for the interview appointment. back in Dec I wore my mouse out clicking on the appointment link so often. :lol:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-06-12 14:43:00
PhilippinesMylene Has Her Ashleys Visas In Hand ..
congrats :thumbs: only 5 days til you will all be together. wishing them a safe flight and happy b/day to you.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-11 15:10:00
PhilippinesWHAT IF PACKET 4 NOT RECEIVED BEFORE THE INTERVIEW?
When you pick up your packet at St Lukes, it should have the appointment letter in it.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-14 13:33:00
PhilippinesWhat will Mylene need bring to the Manila Airport

Just for everyones info .. K-2 visa holders under 12 years old that do not go to the PTA office and get a reduced tax certificate will have to pay the full 1620 instead of 810 if paying at the airport.

BTW .. Mylene is on the Airplane now awaiting takeoff from Manila in 12 minutes... WoOhOo :dance:


wishing them a safe flight! have a happy reunion!
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-15 19:09:00
PhilippinesWhat will Mylene need bring to the Manila Airport
Yazi said she brought her daughter's birth certificate and passport with visa. They only asked to see the passport with visa for the reduced tax certificte.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-14 13:14:00
PhilippinesINTERVIEW UPDATE!
Congrats! :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-15 20:10:00
PhilippinesPOE??
your POE will be the first place you land in the USA. You'll know what that is after the ticket is purchased. you can enter what probably will be your POE. Don't worry, your actual POE can be a different one from the one you listed.
St lukes will forward your medical results to the Embassy.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-16 11:12:00
PhilippinesIs it safe to send jewelries thru mail?

Hi,

I just wanna know if it's safe to send jewelries to America thru mail like Fedex or something?


I learned my lesson the hard way. I wasn't on this site earlier this year so didn't know better. I sent a $250 heart shaped necklace with diamonds in it to the Philippines. It was in a large envelope type package like you send pics in plus I had her birthday card in there also with a letter. It was very inoccent looking. They only way for someone to see it would be to xray it and then steal it. It has been five months since it was mailed so we don't expect it to show up anytime soon.

I don't want judge people but their mail system overall sucks!!! I can't believe just regular letters can't even make it to a normal everday address. It is really despressing mailing things there unless I pay $30 plus dollars for a special delievery.

My fiancee will hopefully be here soon so no more mail and no more chatting. :thumbs:

Good Luck,

Charlie


I learned long ago from my Filipino friends not to send anything of value thru the regular mail to the Philippines. they even told me don't bother to send a Xmas card in Dec thru regular mail. there will be an assumption there's money in it.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-21 16:12:00
PhilippinesCancelling petition

I find it odd that he would this person would start a thread about sending jewelry through the mail, and cancelling the petition.


i think the OP is thinking of canceling the petition and asking about how to send jewelries to the US through the mail. I think maybe she is going to return the jewelries back to someone there.

perhaps an engagement ring to return to the ex...
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-23 13:23:00
PhilippinesAdvance Planning
round trip or one way doesn't matter. go with whatever is the cheapest.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-30 17:59:00
PhilippinesFiancée received call today
I assumed wrong. congrats and best of luck with the interview.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-30 17:55:00
PhilippinesFiancée received call today
probably not. your timeline shows NVC received on July 11th. it's probably the letter some receive that says the Embassy has received the petition...
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-07-29 19:01:00