ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesPreparing for interview
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Sep 4 2009, 06:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oh dear...does she have a photocopy of it somewhere?

Why does SLEC take the passport?


St Lukes always takes the passport and sends it, along wiht the medical result to the US Embassy.

Sorry, the OP should have made several copies of the passport before giving it up at St Lukes. The passport number can be added to the forms at the interview.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-04 11:41:00
PhilippinesFIANCE AT THE INTERVIEW
QUOTE (JosMeg12 @ Sep 4 2009, 04:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Sep 4 2009, 12:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (LaneAndDaisy @ Sep 4 2009, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi...a follow-up..i got this link from Sheriff Uling's post stating:

Petitioners Attendance at the Visa Interview: The petitioner is NOT required to attend the visa interview with the beneficiary, and will NOT be asked any questions during the visa interview. In fact, some COs request for the petitioner to continue waiting in the lobby. Approximated 90% of the visa interviews are held WITHOUT the attendance of the petitioner, according to VJ member(s).


On the contrary, i found this http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Philippines&cty=Manila stating
Can fiance(e)/spouse attend the interview? Yes
Visa fee payment "same day" or "in advance"? Advance
Did the embassy schedule your interview or could you walk-in? Walk-in or Schedule
Visa issued same day? No

im confuse now..who's right then???


Its up to the individual consular officer whether you are allowed into the actual interview room with your fiancee. You cannot be denied from entering the embassy and waiting with your fiancee.

I was actually asked questions by both the pre-screener and the consular officer.

I highly recommend attending the interview with your fiancee. It will put her at ease and, assuming everything is in order, virtually guarantee your approval. They did not ask for any proof of an ongoing relationship from us ... no pictures, emails, phone records were asked for or provided.

We asked if we could pick up the visa instead of having it delivered. We picked it up just 2 days after the interview. Then we were able to fly back to the US together which was really cool (and not having your fiancee have to go through the POE alone is another plus).




So how long did you allow yourself in the Philippines? Did you go just for the interview, then fly back a few weeks later? I would love to go with my fiance to his interview, im just not sure the amount of time I should be there before I can take him home with me smile.gif


I allowed 2 weeks - turns out a week would have been enough - but there are no guarantees. Its a risk - we purchased my fiancees ticket (partially refundable) ahead of time and it all worked out good.gif

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-04 16:08:00
PhilippinesFIANCE AT THE INTERVIEW
QUOTE (LaneAndDaisy @ Sep 4 2009, 12:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi...a follow-up..i got this link from Sheriff Uling's post stating:

Petitioners Attendance at the Visa Interview: The petitioner is NOT required to attend the visa interview with the beneficiary, and will NOT be asked any questions during the visa interview. In fact, some COs request for the petitioner to continue waiting in the lobby. Approximated 90% of the visa interviews are held WITHOUT the attendance of the petitioner, according to VJ member(s).


On the contrary, i found this http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Philippines&cty=Manila stating
Can fiance(e)/spouse attend the interview? Yes
Visa fee payment "same day" or "in advance"? Advance
Did the embassy schedule your interview or could you walk-in? Walk-in or Schedule
Visa issued same day? No

im confuse now..who's right then???


Its up to the individual consular officer whether you are allowed into the actual interview room with your fiancee. You cannot be denied from entering the embassy and waiting with your fiancee.

I was actually asked questions by both the pre-screener and the consular officer.

I highly recommend attending the interview with your fiancee. It will put her at ease and, assuming everything is in order, virtually guarantee your approval. They did not ask for any proof of an ongoing relationship from us ... no pictures, emails, phone records were asked for or provided.

We asked if we could pick up the visa instead of having it delivered. We picked it up just 2 days after the interview. Then we were able to fly back to the US together which was really cool (and not having your fiancee have to go through the POE alone is another plus).






Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-04 11:36:00
PhilippinesInterview at the Consulate in Casablanca
QUOTE (Yerresha Kach @ Sep 8 2009, 08:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have a quick question... Is it okay for the petitioner to go into the interview with their fiance? We will be at the Consulate in Casablanca Morocco... Is it discouraged or encouraged to attend?



This is the Philippines forum. You should ask in the Midle East and North Africa forum.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-08 20:23:00
Philippineswill it cause red flag if i will go to my sputume test with my work uniform?
QUOTE (leslee @ Jul 19 2009, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I will start my sputum test tomorrow at 6am wearing my uniform then will go straight to work after. will it cause a red flag?



Red flag for what??? blink.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-07-20 11:13:00
PhilippinesJust A quick question about the I-129F petiton.
QUOTE (Zen Den @ Sep 8 2009, 10:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Sep 8 2009, 09:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi there.

The resources here on VJ are very excellent guides to help you prepare your own application. You may want to follow the links to the VJ Guides on K1 Visas.

They were very helpful to us when we were preparing our K3 and K4 applications.

When you're filling out the forms, just put in consistent information. If data doesn't fit in the form, prepare an extra sheet referencing the form it corresponds with, the question number and the page number.

As for the supporting documents, keep it simple...you don't need a whole whack of pictures, e-mails, text transcripts or chat transcripts...use them sparingly. smile.gif

When in doubt...ask the questions here.

Hope it helps.



on the contrary, make sure you have enough proof of your genuine relationship. remember, this is the major aspect of a K1 application. show proof of your constant communication, pictures of your visit (better if you have pics of you and her family, friends, workmates etc) cards, letters, receipts of phone bills showing her number etc.

check all your forms, make sure all info are correct, accurate, consistent and complete.

organize your application with a cover letter and table of contents. (just imagine if you're the one to process the application, would you be happy with a messy pile of papers?)

good luck and god bless!


This is not true for the initial petition. Proof of an ongoing relationship is only needed at the interview. All that is needed for the petition is proof of having met in person within the last 2 years prior to filing.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-08 20:20:00
Philippinespls help DELBROS payment how to check
QUOTE (edp333 @ Sep 3 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Matt & Bing @ Sep 3 2009, 10:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I assume this is a result of the Manila K-1 guide here on VJ being way out of date. This is really sad. Documentation verification has been gone for about 1.5 years I think.

It would really be nice if someone could update the Manila guide. Wasn't "The Sheriff" going to do that?!?

Come on VJ! Its hard enough getting through this process without a lot of very outdated info here!


+1 I am not sure Sheriff Uling is on VJ much anymore. I have asked Sheriff Uling to update the Manila K1 Visa Guide, asked another VJ member to PM him, and started a thread on the Site Related Discussion area with no changes being made. Maybe if more VJers would PM admins or Captain Ewok about the outdated information someone will notice enough to make the change.


He was here in this forum within the past couple of months. I believe there was a thread started to summarize all the changes needed. I feel sorry for people who rely on the bad info in the Manila K1 Visa Guide.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-03 12:52:00
Philippinespls help DELBROS payment how to check
I assume this is a result of the Manila K-1 guide here on VJ being way out of date. This is really sad. Documentation verification has been gone for about 1.5 years I think.

It would really be nice if someone could update the Manila guide. Wasn't "The Sheriff" going to do that?!?

Come on VJ! Its hard enough getting through this process without a lot of very outdated info here!
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-03 10:59:00
Philippinessending flowers in the philippines?
I have used this many times and been very happy: Flora 2000 link
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-23 11:36:00
PhilippinesManila is underwater right now!
Wow, we just got back home (visiting my Mom this weekend). My Bing was living in Cainta until we came to the US on July 4th. I spent most of my 2 weeks in the Phils in June & July there in Cainta. We are trying to reach Bing's family now. Please pray for her family. Thanks.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-27 19:10:00
Philippinesconfused
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Sep 30 2009, 09:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Jesus, We are still discussing this silly topic.

Been one of the most asked and answered question in this forum for the last few years

Here is a hint, It's called Google.

Google it and find out the answer for your own and you don't have to rely on others..........


Every topic on VJ is repeated over and over. I'm sure you never got any help from others on VJ whistling.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-30 20:13:00
PhilippinesWhat's behind your display name?
Nothing mysterious for me and my (now) wife Bing tongue.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-10-02 18:56:00
PhilippinesWedding photos
Thanks everyone!
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-10-06 05:49:00
PhilippinesWedding photos







Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-10-05 18:06:00
PhilippinesQuestionable
QUOTE (Arbind.Ariadne @ Oct 15 2009, 11:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone!

My interview is set on October 20. The Consulate received the case on the 5th of this month and they allowed me to schedule my interview on October 8. Until today, October 15, I still don't have the letter from the Embassy stating that I am already eligible to schedule the interview.

Will it be all right to go to the interview with only the appointment letter sent through e-mail and printed? My documents are complete except for that letter that I have described above.



FAE luv.gif


The appointment email is all you need. good.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-10-15 11:18:00
PhilippinesThe Interview
Thanks for sharing - congrats!

They called us the day after our interview and told us we could pick it up the following day (2 days after interview).
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-10-20 11:24:00
PhilippinesK1 Visa Pick up
We picked up the visa 2-days after the interview.

Since I (the petitioner) attended the interview and said we wanted to fly back to the US together it was no problem.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-10-23 11:23:00
PhilippinesUS consulate interview
QUOTE (Leyah&Rustee @ Nov 5 2009, 09:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A LOT OF PEOPLE HERE IN THE US CAN'T SPEAK ENGLISH. THAT IS SO STEREOTYPICAL TO SAY THAT WHEN THEY COME TO US THEY HAVE TO SPEAK ENGLISH, YES THEY WILL EVENTUALLY NEED TO SPEAK THE LANGUAGE BUT THEY DON'T HAVE TO, EVEN UNTIL THEY DIE! OK.. THANK YOU.


Well, for the vast majority of jobs in the US you must be able to read, write and speak English. But yes, otherwise there is no requirement that you speak English. whistling.gif

Edited by Matt & Bing, 06 November 2009 - 07:43 AM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-11-06 07:43:00
PhilippinesUS consulate interview
Most consular officers in Manila are fluent in Tagalog and can conduct the intervew in English or Tagalog.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-08-10 16:17:00
Philippineswhen can you get final cfo stamp?
QUOTE (Riggs @ Nov 5 2009, 10:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

My wife just had her interview in manila nd visa was approved--thank God. They are mailing out the visa to her, when can she get the final cfo stamp ? anytime now or after she recieves the visa in the mail?

Oh also, I just heard from my wife they said they did not give her her passport back at after the interview. Do they mail that to her with the Visa, or did they forget to give it to her?

Thanks all.

We couldn't have done it without Visa Journey an all of yor help. Thank you all and God Bless

Steve


They have to physically attach the visa to a page in her passport - that's why they keep the passport. Without the visa the passport does you no good.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-11-06 12:10:00
PhilippinesNon-Catholic to marry Catholic Filipina in US
QUOTE (lbounds @ Nov 2 2009, 08:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So I'm a Christian and my bride to be is Catholic. She wants to be married in a Catholic chapel in the US which is perfectly fine with me.

I'd assumed that it would be easy to find a Cathlolic chapel in a nice city. I had the idea we would take a short trip to Colorado or some place nice, meet family there for the weekend and have our service in the Catholic chapel.

Now that I start looking for places I see it's not as easy as all that. The several Catholic chapels I looked at that do weddings both in Colorado and California have all kinds of requirements and restrictions. Not like a Christian wedding.

Some of them require you to be a member of the local parish or bring your own priest with you ! Some of them had other requirements like if I am a Christian to show a baptism certificate. I've been baptised at least 3 times in my life but don't know if I have a paper certificate. Some of them required a letter from your local priest. One Catholic chapel required attending a marriage seminar first. All of them I think required 6 months advanced notice, which isn't possible to know the date for me yet.

Well after everything else we go through I actually thought arranging a wedding in a Catholic chapel would be one of the easy parts.

I'd like to get married in a Catholic chapel some time after my wife to be gets here next year...

Anyone gone through this before and have any suggestions on making that part simpler for a Catholic wedding in the USA ?


I've never heard of a "Catholic Chapel" but if you want to be married in the Catholic Church (the sacrament of marriage) most all parishes will require both bride and groom to be Catholic of course. And most do have a 6-month preparation process. My church was very understanding of our situation with marriage required within 90 days of entry and we worked out an accelerated schedule and were married about 2.5 months after entry in the Church.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-11-03 12:31:00
PhilippinesNon-Catholic to marry Catholic Filipina in US
QUOTE (arch and cel @ Nov 3 2009, 12:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Nov 3 2009, 04:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Catholics,

What a strange and weird religion. They seem to turn a deaf ear on all the children the Priest Sexually Abuse, but they are all about the rules when it comes to getting married.

My Opinion:

Have her become a Christian



good.gif good.gif good.gif

arch & cel


LOL - Catholics are Christians (certainly you knew that?!?)

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-11-03 12:27:00
PhilippinesTHANK YOU...
QUOTE (Andrew77 @ Nov 8 2009, 11:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Nov 8 2009, 06:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If your coming to the USA. Start to sharpen up on your English, it will be an advantage for you.


Are you learning English too? I think you meant to write:

If you're coming to the U.S.A., begin honing your English skills since they will be advantageous to you.

Let me know if you require further assistance.



rofl.gif


good.gif

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-11-09 11:52:00
PhilippinesLining up at USEM Embassy
There is absolutley no reason to get there before 7:00. Some people find the need to wait in line for 2 hours for some reason. She has an appointment - If she is there at 7:00 she will be fine. If you are first in line, you may get out a little sooner but I think its crazy to wait in line for hours just for that.

Good luck.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-11-04 07:45:00
PhilippinesWhich Rice should I buy for her in the US?
QUOTE (Bob 4 Anna @ Nov 17 2009, 11:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As our date approaches I want to have local resources scoped out. The Asian Supermarket has so many different rices available but Anna isn't used to buying rice the way it's sold here.


Jasmine rice is what we use - 25lb bags at a time! good.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-11-17 11:51:00
PhilippinesEmbassy
QUOTE (James & Erma @ Nov 22 2009, 08:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee's interview is December 8th, and we know she can't take a cell phone or electronic device in. Our question is, can you take a handbag/pocketbook into the embassy for the interview?

Thanks for any help,


James


Yes of course she can. It will be X-rayed before entry.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-11-22 20:36:00
PhilippinesWe Bought a Castle In Texas
QUOTE (charles! @ Oct 6 2009, 07:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
[
did you take the batpole to the batcave?



rofl.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-10-06 10:56:00
PhilippinesWe Bought a Castle In Texas
QUOTE (charles! @ Sep 30 2009, 03:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
oh jeesh. who ordered the extra helping of jealousy for this thread? unsure.gif


Only outdone by the gullibility laughing.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-09-30 20:17:00
PhilippinesOur interview documents
QUOTE (Kevin-n-Merlaine @ Dec 7 2009, 01:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've been working on this for a while now with Merlaine's help. I don't think I've forgotten anything but hoped you all could chime in with your thoughts and opinions.

The photos aren't the best but I think you can see what I have in each of the folders. I used the oversized Avery folders and tabbed sheet protectors.


Then, I have individual page folders for her appointment letter, NBI and police clearance. I'll replace the MNL you can see on the cover letters with the case number after we get one. The file folder photo came out pretty bad but you can see the individual folders in the front. I used the ideas of other members here to put it all together of course...so thank you all smile.gif I'll send this to her via DHL once we've received the NOA2.



What visa did you apply for??

timeline.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-12-08 12:02:00
PhilippinesManila (Embassy) Interview Procedures
QUOTE (mlr102766 @ Dec 10 2009, 10:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am looking for anyone who has specific information on the K-1 interview procedures in Manila. My fiancee has her interview scheduled for 4 January and I will be there also. For my sons us citizenship appointment we were both part of the interview (of course). However I am hearing that I will not be able to be part of her interview?? That does not sound right?

My question: are both Fiance and Fiancee able to participate in the interview? I am going regardless and will force my way into it if they resist but I am just curious of what happens.

Thanks for any info!


Are you married already?? Your info says you applied for a K-3 (not a fiancee visa).

You should ask this in the Philippines forum.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-12-11 11:47:00
Philippinesmindanao
Bing is from Bayugan City. I have been to Gen San and Davao (the drive between the 2 cities is beautiful).

Next trip I wil make it to Bayugan.

(ps Bing passed her AOS interview yesterday!)

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-12-16 20:31:00
PhilippinesHas any one ever scheduled there CFO
QUOTE (badger @ Dec 16 2009, 09:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
just wondering


No need to schedule - just show up.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-12-16 20:25:00
PhilippinesAny American men eat BALUT...
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Dec 16 2009, 03:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What most American don't like is Durian Fruit, it just smells nasty and has a nasty taste.


You're right ... I have tried durian... I think I would like balut better blink.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-12-16 20:24:00
PhilippinesDIFFERENE BETWEEN AN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESSING AND ADMINISTRATIVE REVIEW
Are you talking about at the NVC or after the embassy interview?

There is no difference if you are talking about being delayed at the NVC - both terms mean the same thing.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-12-18 12:02:00
PhilippinesWhat an Idiot
Great!! One week after my asawa gets her green card approved I find out she's a terrorist!!! Nice timing!!! ranting33va.gif
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-12-22 20:36:00
PhilippinesBoracay
It was not the cheapest (although very cheap by US standards) but we stayed at the Pearl of the Pacific - a suite right on the beach. Quiet at night and absolutley beautiful location.
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2009-12-07 11:52:00
Philippineswhat is the purpose of the NVC?????
There is a long thread for people stuck at the NVC. We were stuck 50 days - most are a little shorter. Good luck.

Stuck at NVC link
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-01-06 12:00:00
PhilippinesDetroit, MI--POE
Detroit POE reviews here: VJ POE Reviews: Detroit
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-01-06 21:00:00
PhilippinesDetroit, MI--POE

Hi all! I'm flying on 25th January and my POE will be Detroit, MI. I just wanted to ask if anyone has any idea how it is in Detroit. I read reviews more on LAX but not on Detroit, MI. Is it as bad as LA as some people said about? I assume they will be more strict due to failed terrorist attack. Is 3 hours enough to clear with immigration? Any inputs will be very much appreciated. Thanks everyone.

beth


I came through Detroit with my fiancee in July. It was very well organized and the employees were helpful and nice. The only question asked I think was when are you getting marrried. I think it took us less than one hour to clear immigration and customs.

Somewhere on VJ you can read reviews of selected POEs.

Good luck!
Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-01-06 20:54:00
PhilippinesInterview questions asked? experiences? advice?

hi, nothing to worry about she will be fine, I just had mine last Monday Jan. 4 and everything went well. She needs to be at the embassy at least an hour before her time scheduled. My interview time was 7am and I was there already 5:30am. Interview was really short the consulate asked few questions only like date you met, birth date and etc. mostly on your side. Just let her bring enough proof of relationship. Keep on praying and for sure she can make it. Good luck.


There is absolutely no need to be there an hour before your interview appointment time. All that means is you will wait in line longer.

Edited by Matt & Bing, 06 January 2010 - 11:56 AM.

Matt & BingMalePhilippines2010-01-06 11:55:00