ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
[quote name='Sheriff Uling' post='711189' date='Feb 7 2007, 03:45 PM'][/quote]
There are two unavoidable taxes. The travel tax of 1620 PHP for domestic and business flights, and the airport tax/fee of 520 PHP that is paid before the traveler reaches customs at the airport.[/quote]

The PAL ticket office in Davao told Yazi to expect to pay 750p; 550p airport fee and the new security fee 200p.
I did find a way to pay the travel tax here. I know you're not suppose to be able to and everything I read said you couldn't. I booked thru LBC Travel which said they could collect the tax. I was skeptical, but the PAL ticket office in Davao said that it had been paid. all Yazi had to do is get the reduced tax certificate for her daughter which cost 200p.

Edited by Roy and Yazi, 07 February 2007 - 05:18 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-07 17:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

No, since you are doing K1.

You're almost at the finish line, Gary!


I'm freakin' out here! :help:


take a deep breath and relax. I got thru it. so will you. ;) :yes: :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-06 23:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

hi..

we just got approved today..and hoping to pick up the visa on friday..as of now, we're here in DIAMOND hotel..


im really thankful for all the informations i got from this forum,...some girls which we met there, thought im very smart, coz i know what to do next, what to expect next,.....GRRR...im not...i told them, i just read alot in the forums..

thank u once again..

and goodluck to all incoming interviews.

Godbless...


congrats on the approval! :thumbs: I'll tell Yazi.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-06 14:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Quick question in our interview this coming march do they need a 2006 recent tax return cause i just read on another post she was put on AR because she cant provide a 2006 tax return...?? Just a question do they need it?? for march interview?


seems odd to be put in AR for that. the deadline for filing tax returns is April 15th, think extended to the 17th this year. If you have it available, you could include it. I don't think it could be required.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-06 00:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I have a couple questions for the interview.
1. Does it matter how old my fiancee's birth certificate is from the NSO office? Does it need to be recent like less than 6 months since issuance?
2. Also, I have never been married, do i need to submit a CENOMAR from the states also for her interview?

thanks!!

as far as I know, the birth cetificate does not need to be less than six months old. that's for the NBI Clearance and Cenomar.
on the second question, only the visa applicant needs to submit a Cenomar. I don't think anything similar even exists in the US.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-05 01:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

My fiancee's medical is coming up this friday. I printed her a post regarding what to bring with her for the medical. On this list, were 3 passport pictures. We wonder if there is a difference between the passport pictures and visa pictures that we submitted with her K1 petition. Is the specifications for the passport pictures are the ones that came with the packet 4 documents? i recall while i was in PI that there were instructions on the photos. Aloha for your responses.


they would be same as submitted with petition.
size 2"x2" ( 5cm x5cm ) frontal view
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-05 00:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
:thumbs:

about the travel tax, is that paid when you pick up the ticket or at the airport when you depart?

If you purchase the ticket in the Philippines, I believe the travel tax is included in the purchase price. If you purchased the ticket yourself and forward the ticket to her, then the travel tax can be paid at the airport before she flies.

thanks!
good luck to all those with interviews next week. hope to see approvals soon from sbwolf and lebby.
PW,I think we all try to help out in some way. it's part of the community spirit of this thread. but it pales in comparison the time and effort you have given to this thread. You and the Sheriff are the :star: :star: of the Manila Embassy Thread. :yes: :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-04 23:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
about the travel tax, is that paid when you pick up the ticket or at the airport when you depart?
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-04 13:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Anyone, please how much is Delbros??? I couldnt find it and the interview is this evening our time? One of the testimonials I read said 'pay delbros' at the end when giving delivery instructions for the visa. I didn't see anything about that on the package???

Help!


I don't remember exact amount, but it's under 200p. can vary a bit depending where delivered to in Philippines.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-04 13:38:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I may have seen someone mentioned this before but i've having a difficult time in booking a one-way ticket through PAL. The error message that I received is "Sorry. We are having difficulty in validating your credit card. You may wish to enter details of an alternative card and try again. (M009)." Has anyone experienced this situation and if so successfully how did you get around this (besides using another card)? I used my VISA card. Aloha.


I have 4 different credit cards and none of them work on the PAL website. Apparently it's due to the Mastercard SecureCode and Verified by VISA they are using.

I have emailed them numerous times about this and all I get is a worthless canned response. I don't think they care if they sell tickets on their own website.

You can book PAL on Expedia for $5 more, that's what I did.


I experienced the same thing using PAL website. After several calls to PAL Reservations, they told me there was problem with the website. they couldn't take payment for online booking. they quoted me a price $200 higher than online to book by phone, so I booked thru LBC Travel.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-01 17:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

QUESTION ABOUT VISITERS AT ST. LUKES......

Hi,
My wife Lorna just herd from her good friend that she got her notice for her interview and physical.

Her friend wants Lorna to go to Manila with her for support. So Lorna will fly with here from Cebu to Manila and then get a hotel room for a week so her friend can take physical and then take interview.

But I wonder if Lorna can go to St. Lukes with her and get in as a visitor.
Does anyone know the rules on this?

Also will she get into the Embassy for the interview even if she only can sit with her frined until the actual interview begins? Is this allowed?

Thanks alot.
I think this would be great for Lorna to have a practice run at all of this before she has to do her physical/interview....for real! :thumbs:
Mike

She wont be able to go into the Embassy.

Edited by Roy and Yazi, 01 February 2007 - 01:12 AM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-02-01 01:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
it's now 4:47am Manila time Feb 1st. best of luck to vic&el4ever with the interview. :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-31 15:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

i'd love for you guys to add us!

we got married in Vancouver, Canada last year of December. I am a filipino citizen who is from Cebu City and my husband is a US ARmy stationed in PA. We are still working on our I-129f. We actually don't know what to doooooooooooo yet! cause currently, im still here in Vancity, with my brother who is a Canadian citizen. They said that the K3 Visa should be filed where the marriage took place... i hope someone could help us and advice us.... phew!

here is a link to State Dept on K-3 Visas. http://travel.state....types_2993.html
I'm not all that familar with the K-3 process. It wouldn't be filed in Vancouver , Canada since DirectCounsuleFiling is no longer allowed. believe would be filed at your husband's place of residence.
http://travel.state....rants_3121.html

Edited by roymcn3rd, 31 January 2007 - 01:10 AM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-31 01:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
For all those with K-2's, I hope all goes well and you'll soon be united as a family. AFRigger, I hope your situation will be resolved soon. know it must be frustrating not knowing why it's in AR.
one of the things I treasure most about my relationship with Yazi is her daughter now has someone she can call dad.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-30 22:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

FINALLY OFF AR!!!!!!!!!! After 9 weeks we are now out of AR.........thanks to everyone. PW please
update us. Thanks

that's great news. :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

Congrats to facechelle for the visa approval. :thumbs:

Edited by roymcn3rd, 30 January 2007 - 03:57 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-30 15:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

yahoo! The Delbros website updated and says that the Visa was released by the US Embassy to Delbros at 10:18am. It was sent to the distribution center at 6:15pm for delivery. I just hope and pray that she receives it Thursday. We hope that she gets it Thursday, as she will fly from Cagayan de Oro Friday morning to get the CFO sticker, then to the USA on Saturday. We haven't bought tickets yet, but I can get them in a flash on NWA.com. I haven't seen her since August 30, 2006. Even though I went to the Philippines to see her 4 times last year. Finally the waiting is almost over! I wish to thank all of you that have been so supportive, helpful and considerate. The VJ group (Manila Embassy Interview Group) is a very fine group of people.

Special thanks to:
Gary505
Chairlady PW
President/Sheriff Uling
Roycm

I wish everyone at VJ a very happy and prosperous life together. God bless you all!


that's good news. :thumbs: soon you'll be together with Rosemarie.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-30 15:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi everyone! We cant find the form I-134. Do u guys know where we can download it from? Is there a new form for affidavit of support or its still I-134? Because we found this on the Dept.of State website - I-864EZ - Affidavit of Support – NEW and no I-134. Is this the new form? Thanks guys!

I checked the uscis.gov website and noticed the same thing. maybe it's being updated. I'd checked again in the next couple of days.


This is not from the USCIS website but it's the same I-134. It's also fillable.

http://www.visapro.c...-Form-I-134.pdf


good suggestion. :thumbs: I forgot about that site. since i don't have the neatest handwriting, I used that for my I-134 since it's fillable and the one on uscis website was not.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-30 00:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi everyone! We cant find the form I-134. Do u guys know where we can download it from? Is there a new form for affidavit of support or its still I-134? Because we found this on the Dept.of State website - I-864EZ - Affidavit of Support – NEW and no I-134. Is this the new form? Thanks guys!


I checked the uscis.gov website and noticed the same thing. maybe it's being updated. I'd checked again in the next couple of days.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-29 23:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi guys,

For those who are already done with the process, just curious if you have provided a bank certification to accompany the bank statements that you have? And if you guys did, does the bank certification need to be notarized? I'm already preparing the documents for my February interview, hope you can help me on this. Thanks in advance.


the bank letter is recommended. it does not need to be notarized. only the I-134 form needs to be notarized.

How many days does it take for Delbros website to show that the visa has been released to them?

I never had any luck using the Delbros website.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-29 22:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I also wonder what could be the reason of the CO to disallow pick-up. Any thoughts on this? I mean there must be some reason, logical or not.

Logical reasoning - the embassy gets 50% commission from the Delbros delivery fee :lol:
Abstract and convoluted reasoning - let them endure some more from waiting, they've waited months and years, so what's a few more days? :devil:


hmm... that blows up a theory of mine. :lol: I was thinking the Embassy has a deal with Delbros to minimize visa pickups at the Embassy since Delbros gets fee to deliver the visas, but isn't paid by the Embassy to deliver the Appointment Packets. could explain why so many seem to have problem receiving their packet. ;) :lol:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-29 22:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Reading from the article that roy sent, it would seem that more and more people would choose to go this route as it is faster and simpler. The downside would be that the embassy will start noticing (or maybe has noticed) a trend of more cases of presumptive death and would probably give new cases a second look. Presumptive death involving plane crash, sea mishaps, armed conflict, and kidnapping would probably have easier sailing compared to those whose ex-spouse just disappeared. Just my opinion though.


Just as we feared, the embassy now views presumptive death with suspicion.


to me this seems so unfair. this isn't a situation where someone is trying something iffy to slip thru the cracks. the Embassy states a court ruling of presumptive death as evidence that a Filipino marriage has been terminated. you go by the rules then at the interview are told, sorry rules have changed. perhaps if more info can be found out about use of presumptive death, the Sheriff could add it to the Phil-Am K-1 info so others will be aware of the problems.
on another subject, I'm glad decided for Yazi and her daughter at the same time. who know what the rules might be for K-2's in the future. If I had only one piece of advise to give to give about this process it would be this. for those whose fiancee's have children, if at all possible have the children come here at the same time as your fiance.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-29 16:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hello,

Im going to attend my CFO on wednesday..do i need to take Robin (son) with me?or the mother is good enough to attend

and complete the seminar/session?

Thanks,

(F)


I think he would attend the Peer Counseling Program. http://www.cfo.gov.ph/emig_manila.htm
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-28 23:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

the DS-156 is the one done online. the third page contains the barcode. print out two sets. bring those to the interview.

Ok, I am totally confused now. Luz will be paying for the interview later today. She has: 2 copies of the DS156, 2 copies of the DS 157 and 2 copies of a DS 156-K from her packet 4.
Keeping in mind she has her 15 YO son that is going with her, what forms need filled out, how many copies, and do both do exactly the same paperwork?


Luz will be submitting two completed copies of the DS-156, two completed copies of the DS-157, just one of the DS-156k
for her son, two completed copies of the DS-156, two completed copies of the DS-157. the DS-156k not needed.

Edited by roymcn3rd, 28 January 2007 - 11:12 PM.

sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-28 23:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi, just frantically getting stuff together LOL! Just wanna make sure....does my fiancee need anything else for his medical except for 2 passport photos, appointment letter, passport, did he have to bring some receipt or something, i know he paid for something at BPI...... , he needs fee for vaccinations and medical, right? also for interview, proof of ongoing relationship, pictures, i-134, bank reference, job reference, bank statements, copy of paystub, phone log, emails, letters,PICTURES together from me, etc also for interview what are forms he needs to bring , those "DS " somethings, does one need to be submitted online which is that one? Please advise...in the middle of moving, car died, etc etc etc! argh when it rains it pours LOL!thanks all! maraming SaLAmat! :help: :help: :blush:


the DS-156 is the one done online. the third page contains the barcode. print out two sets. bring those to the interview.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-28 18:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
an article I found about presumptive death...
http://www.gtalawphi...n_articles3.htm
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-27 23:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

And I'd like to thank my director, my producers, my co-actors and actresses, staff and crew (huh, this is not the Oscars?) hehehe


If there was... For Best Thread on VJ... The Oscar goes to.... Manila Embassy Interview...
a well deserved honor to PW and Sheriff Uling for his Phil-Am K-1 Information and all it's helpful links. :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-27 18:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Congrats to edz2006 and Glen&Rosemarie on their approvals. :thumbs:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-25 20:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
ElMasGuapo,I'd say your interview date would be April/early May. you'll receive the interview packet a week or two after you have been scheduled an interview.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-24 23:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
I don't know if this has been posted before. for those who fiance/spouse will be bringing their child, you can get a reduced travel tax certificate from the Philippine Tourism Authority. it costs 200p. the reduced rate is 810p.
http://www.philtouri...ov.ph/ttax.html
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-24 23:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I am going over to Manila in March, is it true my fiancee has to go to CFO seminar before he leaves country on k1? Am I able to attend the seminar with him?


yes, he will have to attend the CFO seminar. it can be done at any time before leaving the country. when visa is in hand, need to go to the main CFO office for the certificate and stamp for his passport .as far as I know, you wont be able to attend the seminar with him.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-24 19:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
congrats on the approval! have a joyous reunion and happy life together with your SO.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-24 01:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Congrats on the approval BiaNcaShey. have a happy life together!
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-24 00:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

is it necessary to have letter from bank? I have letter from employer 3 years tax returns, w2's my bank is being annoying unfortunately not a local bank have been trying to get this since beginning of January and interview is feb 8th they said they faxed 2x i asked to fax again and still no fax....they claimed they mailed it beg ofjanuary but said it was returned..........? :help:


I hope so also, i didnt make a bank letter also.

letter from employer

3 years tax returns with w2's

we did print my bank monthly statments

Paycheck stubs for last 3 months


I don't think a letter from the bank is necessary. I didn't include one. I did include recent paycheck stubs as Vic is doing.


I contacted the US Embassy and they told me a bank letter was a "must have?" It actually had to be a certain type of letter "per my bank instructions." They charged me $25 to do it and $15 to overnight it. That is Wachovia Bank aka " Walk all over ya" I went ahead with it anyways, just in case.

hmm.. the inconsistency of this process is what can make it confusing at times. all I can say is I didn't submit a bank letter. i didn't even submit a monthly statement. however I would suggest to others they submit monthly statements if unable to get a bank letter.


we are submitting the bank letter and 12 months bank statements. I have been told also that it can depend on the desires of whomever does the interview. Who knows? I am surprised DNA samples are not a requirement. ha ha

DNA... hey, don't give them any ideas. :lol:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-23 23:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

is it necessary to have letter from bank? I have letter from employer 3 years tax returns, w2's my bank is being annoying unfortunately not a local bank have been trying to get this since beginning of January and interview is feb 8th they said they faxed 2x i asked to fax again and still no fax....they claimed they mailed it beg ofjanuary but said it was returned..........? :help:


I hope so also, i didnt make a bank letter also.

letter from employer

3 years tax returns with w2's

we did print my bank monthly statments

Paycheck stubs for last 3 months


I don't think a letter from the bank is necessary. I didn't include one. I did include recent paycheck stubs as Vic is doing.


I contacted the US Embassy and they told me a bank letter was a "must have?" It actually had to be a certain type of letter "per my bank instructions." They charged me $25 to do it and $15 to overnight it. That is Wachovia Bank aka " Walk all over ya" I went ahead with it anyways, just in case.

hmm.. the inconsistency of this process is what can make it confusing at times. all I can say is I didn't submit a bank letter. i didn't even submit a monthly statement. however I would suggest to others they submit monthly statements if unable to get a bank letter.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-23 22:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

is it necessary to have letter from bank? I have letter from employer 3 years tax returns, w2's my bank is being annoying unfortunately not a local bank have been trying to get this since beginning of January and interview is feb 8th they said they faxed 2x i asked to fax again and still no fax....they claimed they mailed it beg ofjanuary but said it was returned..........? :help:


I hope so also, i didnt make a bank letter also.

letter from employer

3 years tax returns with w2's

we did print my bank monthly statments

Paycheck stubs for last 3 months


I don't think a letter from the bank is necessary. I didn't include one. I did include recent paycheck stubs as Vic is doing.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-23 22:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
looking at the list, the interviews for Jan are winding down. Congrats to all who received their approval. best of luck to Glen&Rosemarie, roundbo, and facechelle on their upcoming interviews.
PW, looks like your going to be busy next month posting all the approval updates. I'm going to stick around till Feb 22nd. you can't get rid of me very easily. :lol: on Feb 23rd Yazi and her daughter will be flying to SFO on Feb 23rd. :dance:
after that I'll pop in from time to time, especially in April to see PW post her visa approval. that will be the party of the year. :dance:
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-23 21:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
just wondering, is ST Lukes doing some prescreening? would think there area would medical. now they can request new Cenomar? wondering if something they do on their own or ask to do by Embassy.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-23 18:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

3. If you wear a wedding ring TAKE IT OFF! There was a lady in front of Luz that had a wedding ring on and they are forcing her to get a new CENOMAR


very good suggestion Gary. :thumbs: why take any unnecessary chances.



I am confused what is the difference of the two, who says it is a wedding or engagement ring?



Well there would be the engagement ring alone. Then you would have a seperate wedding band. So I'm guessing you wouldn't want to wear a wedding band along with your engagement ring. Correct...??


That's what I would think. my fiance did wear her engagement ring.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-23 18:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

3. If you wear a wedding ring TAKE IT OFF! There was a lady in front of Luz that had a wedding ring on and they are forcing her to get a new CENOMAR


very good suggestion Gary. :thumbs: why take any unnecessary chances.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-23 15:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hurah! We are approved for early interview. Our new interview date is February 26. :dance:

A month from now is double what I asked for, but I will accept it gladly. It is certainly better than May or June. My goodness, this process will age you quickly.


Congrats! wishing you smooth sailing the rest of the way.

also congrats to all who have received their March interview dates.
sunandmoonMalePhilippines2007-01-22 22:53:00