ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesUnder review.. sigh!!
A matter of 10-day-wait is nothing as compared to my experience of 2 &1/2 months. Under review is not a biggie, you will be receiving your visa in a matter of few days from now since according to you everything went well. What the call rep told you is a generic answer to all applicants, not necessarily meaning you really have to wait that long. It will come sooner than you thought it will be.

Edited by jamesNrei, 30 March 2009 - 08:52 AM.

jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-03-30 08:50:00
PhilippinesFor VJ Metro Manila ladies
Manila Doctor's Hospital, along UN ave. near roxas boulevard and US embassy. Just go to the ER and ask for an OB Gyn available on the time you got there. Most of OB Gyn there are nice.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-04-24 10:04:00
PhilippinesArriving in Manila
ask for 20 peso denomination, better yet get all the denomination you can have. So you can pay your taxi driver the exact amount of fare or else don't expect a change.

have fun! smile.gif
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-01 01:19:00
PhilippinesI NEED SOME POINTERS, TIPS, ETC. ON THE K1.
QUOTE (f1_gurl @ May 3 2009, 01:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jamesNrei @ May 2 2009, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
use blue pen to sign the forms.


Oh no.. we used black pen to sign! crying.gif is black pen okay too? or do we get RFE for that?? sad.gif



in our experience we sent our K1 forms to Vermont and they returned it to us. They said they want the original signature, but we did. the fault was we signed it using black pen. So we have to resend them back. caused a month delay.

maybe it will depend on who will handle your papers.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-02 12:48:00
PhilippinesI NEED SOME POINTERS, TIPS, ETC. ON THE K1.
use blue pen to sign the forms.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-02 11:31:00
PhilippinesImmunizations and Pregnancy
Mostly likely your wife means within 1 MONTH after the last dose of vaccine. She can't get pregnant if she just received MMR and Varicella (live vaccines) which both can affect the baby's formation.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-07 02:50:00
PhilippinesStressed OUT!!
QUOTE (TripleG @ May 7 2009, 06:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jamesNrei @ May 6 2009, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Good plan. My question now is do you have a back up plan just in case her medical exam did not turn out okay? Take into consideration that several applicants encountered some problem with their Chest XRay, they were required to come back for sputum collection for 3 straight days and wait for 2 months for the result. They usually end up rescheduling their interview date not until they are cleared from their medical. So if in case it happens to you (hopefully not) do you have a plan B?



I had her do a chest X-ray in San Carlos, Negros Occidental in March. The Xray came back clear for TB. She has never been diagnosed with TB or had any symptoms. I just did this for a precaution because she grew up in the mountain (she's half Aeta). It was cheap, so I figured why not get an XRAY just in case. Thank God it was clear. I guess my question is now? If something does go wrong with her medical? something missed? hopefully not, but if? Can I just reschedule the interview date? I guess rescheduling will be my plan B.

Thanks to all responders, I haven't posted much, but I have gained soooo much valueable information just being a lurker here. Thanks so much visajourney.com



Well you cannot actually rely on the CXR done outside St. Luke's, coz it's still up to their radiologist if they will interpret their film as normal or not. Actually you don't have to worry about rescheduling coz just in case there will be a problem with her medical in other aspect St. Luke's will be the one to coordinate with the embassy re the holdup and reschedule. I guess plan B is just expect the unexpected. Good luck! smile.gif
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-06 20:28:00
PhilippinesStressed OUT!!
Good plan. My question now is do you have a back up plan just in case her medical exam did not turn out okay? Take into consideration that several applicants encountered some problem with their Chest XRay, they were required to come back for sputum collection for 3 straight days and wait for 2 months for the result. They usually end up rescheduling their interview date not until they are cleared from their medical. So if in case it happens to you (hopefully not) do you have a plan B?
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-06 13:59:00
Philippinesname misspelled on I-129
that's a bummer. In my opinion it is better to make the correction now than later. either way there will be some delay coz of the necessary correction on the paper.

This should be lesson, to always recheck all the data in the forms.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-08 14:39:00
Philippinesname misspelled on I-129
You can call USEM to find out. smile.gif A week will be enough, I think.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-06 14:06:00
Philippinesname misspelled on I-129
i agree with spartan, that's the same thing we did. We called the USE, and we were instructed to fax them a letter regarding the correction of the name together with the Birth certificate. On the day of our interview it's all corrected, I even brought with me the copy of the letter I sent them just for back up. It's always better to smooth things out before the big day.

Good luck on their interview!
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-06 13:48:00
PhilippinesEating Near Embassy
there's a lot of good place to eat there. For your safety though I recommend you go to Robinson's Place Ermita shopping mall. now there you can choose any kind of food you like, you can go shopping or watch a movie too. Just take a cab, it's about 5 min away or more depending on traffic. Bring all the peso denomination you can have smile.gif .

But if you prefer to walk around (as long as you are with someone who knows Manila) just go to UN ave corner that's where you can find the fastfood the other posters talked about. If you walk farther down the street of UN avenue especially near the train station (LRT) there are more restaurants waiting for you. Bon appetit. smile.gif

Edited by jamesNrei, 30 April 2009 - 01:27 PM.

jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-04-30 13:25:00
PhilippinesTb Skin Test
are you filling AOS for your son? He doesn't need to redo the TB skin test as long as his medical was done not more than 1 year. The vaccines will suffice.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-08 16:16:00
PhilippinesTb Skin Test
St. Luke's doesn't furnish us, the applicants, a copy of the TB skin test result. They just include it in the medical report submitted to the embassy. You are not missing any page.

I suggest bring your child to your local health care center, it's cheaper. I know how it sucks to redo it, but your child will be fine.

Edited by jamesNrei, 08 May 2009 - 03:18 PM.

jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-08 15:18:00
PhilippinesPersonal medical question
It's okay to have for her medical exam during her period, but she will be asked to come back once her visitor has gone to complete the physical exam. So to avoid going back and forth, if I were her I will go there once the so called visitor is gone.

Edited by jamesNrei, 08 May 2009 - 02:56 PM.

jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-08 14:54:00
PhilippinesTravelling inside US
You can travel within US even your visa has expired. you can also buy your plane ticket under your married name as long as you bring your SSN original card which shows your married name together with your passport when you enter the airport.

I didn't have a problem when I traveled to Houston by myself.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-09 19:29:00
PhilippinesReporting Marriage in USA to Philippine Counsler
Very informative TinTin and Samby. Thanks for sharing. smile.gif
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-22 22:53:00
PhilippinesCan i petition my gf from the philippines once she got her divorce paper?
I think she never arrived US. Hmmm I don't know, it smells fishy anyway. just my opinion.

hahaha haole's reply has been edited, this was my response to the original post. oh anyway, just for a laugh then before i go to sleep. biggrin.gif

Edited by jamesNrei, 23 May 2009 - 12:15 AM.

jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-23 00:13:00
PhilippinesCan i petition my gf from the philippines once she got her divorce paper?
no specific timeframe. the fact a previous petition has been filed and withdrawn it's already a sign of possible visa fraud. If the relationship is truly bonafide then file it anytime as long as the divorce has been approved just be ready to be grilled. Good luck.

You don't sound like a USC. just a thought...
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-22 23:52:00
PhilippinesCan i petition my gf from the philippines once she got her divorce paper?
Yes you can petition her once she has her divorce decree.

Hmmm expect some grilling from the embassy. Coz you have prove that you two have a bonafide relationship, and it's not for visa purposes because she has already have a record of petition from different American citizen which was just recently withdrawn. It may raise a red flag, or not. Either way just prepare well.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-22 22:27:00
Philippines2nd interview for Adjustment of Status ( anyone with the same experience?
Can't you get an afficavit from his other family members?

i have read on that some did get 2 interviews because of doubts of the officer on the relationship. Be overprepared on your next interview. Good luck.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-22 23:06:00
PhilippinesUSEM Interview Attire?
a no no to casual wear while going for an interview, no matter what kind of interview it is.

Always remember appearance makes good impression. Wear a semi formal and comfy attire, never rubber shoes. It's not that cold inside the embassy, just bring along a nice jacket just in case you need it.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-24 11:11:00
PhilippinesNo Tuberculin test on Thursdays?
you are right no TST during Thursday. TST is read 2-3days after, and the clinic is closed on weekends. counting the days from thurs it falls on the day the clinic is closed so one will be able to interpret the skin test, it will be useless.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-25 11:06:00
PhilippinesCo-Sponsor approval Survey
There have been several VJers who used a co-sponsor. Some of them were approved, but some were asked to submit more proofs (employment, finances, property) and did not recognize the co-sponsor they submitted.

You can read threads about this by searching them or just wait for someone to read your thread and post.

Edited by jamesNrei, 09 May 2009 - 06:37 PM.

jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-09 18:35:00
PhilippinesTuberculin test
For confirmation either Chest Xray or better Quantiferon TB Gold test.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-29 01:06:00
PhilippinesTuberculin Skin Test
I'm pretty sure it will be negative. You were cleared at St. Luke's most likely you will too this time. smile.gif Don't worry about it.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-29 19:28:00
PhilippinesTuberculin Skin Test
10 mm induration (if non hi risk) not the redness is considered positive. If you are found positive they might ask you to get Chest X-ray or Quantiferon Test (for TB).
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-29 01:01:00
PhilippinesQuestion: No I-94 attach on passport
if she goes to the DHS office on the same day she will have her I-94 with no fee at all. I called the office first before I went there and they told me to just bring my passport, she should call them first too. Tell her to take note of her flight details just in case she has forgotten she needs this info in filling up the I-94.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-31 14:09:00
PhilippinesQuestion: No I-94 attach on passport
I got an I-94 without any fee at DHS. It was the Immigration Officer's fault that it was not attached to my passport after I gave it to them and I told that at the DHS office.

Edited by jamesNrei, 31 May 2009 - 01:59 PM.

jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-31 13:56:00
PhilippinesQuestion: No I-94 attach on passport
Tell her to contact the nearest Department of Homeland Security (customs) to her place and go there to get a new I-94. She will be given an I-94 to fill up and the officer there will stamp it's expiration based on the date she arrived US and it will be attached to her passport. This is what I did when the same thing happened to me, the officer did not attach it to my passport at the customs upon my arrival.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-31 13:31:00
Philippinesdenial of Medical history
scrofula? just be honest, since you have been treated then you have nothing to worry about.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-06-20 11:19:00
PhilippinesVery poor communication
Talk to him. Set a date, time and place where you two can have a heart to heart talk. No computer, no cellphones, no tvs, no work, no anything that will distract both of you from the conversation. Tell him EVERYTHING that has been bothering you. Let it all out, pour your heart out. If you have to list them down then do so. Once he sees how upset you are or sad,and if he truly loves you, he might not tell you what's going on with him (if he is keeping something from you), but this will make him think about everything that he's been doing to you lately. The talk will give him a wake up call. Pray he will be honest with you if not at least for him to realize some of his mistakes, for you to find out your mistakes, and find the best way to resolve your problem. I also suggest talking to one of his family member, mother or any close sibling, and ask things about your husband for you to better understand him.

Good luck!
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-04-21 17:06:00
PhilippinesHitting and Swearing
can't you talk to one of her relatives and find out what is troubling her and if she has any history of such violence? she might be angry with you about lots of things that it's been overwhelming her already, and for her hurting you physically is her way of outlet rather than talk about it? She might have some sort of scheme too. I dunno...but physical violence of a Filipina is not unheard of, but not common.

Try to make her communicate with you about her feelings and thoughts in a neutral and safe environment.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-06-18 10:21:00
PhilippinesAnyone from Pittsburgh, PA?
hello again! what's the name of the asian store in the "strip"? i'll try to look up for the direction. and what's the "strip" means? thanks I'm just trying to learn more about of our new home. Hope to meet you guys sometime. We'll be starting our longggg drive to greensburg this 11th, it's gonna be tough!
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-07-06 15:22:00
PhilippinesAnyone from Pittsburgh, PA?
hey! we will be moving near to pittsburgh next week. Greensburg, maybe 45 min away? i'm not sure. Btw, is there a pinoy/asian store near the area?

Edited by jamesNrei, 05 July 2009 - 09:47 PM.

jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-07-05 21:46:00
Philippineswhat to wear going to us?
QUOTE (Robert E Lee @ Jul 6 2009, 10:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Don't wear your birthday suit! laughing.gif

By the way, why y'all Filipinas say "hehehe"? What does that mean? huh.gif


it's the counterpart of saying "lol". biggrin.gif


phopho06, have a safe flight.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-07-05 22:19:00
PhilippinesAnyone from Pittsburgh, PA?
Oh that's nice. I'm in Texas now but my husband will be moving to Seton Hill this July. I'll let you know if I'll be in the area. You are right adjustment can be so difficult especially without any relatives or friends nearby.
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-04-05 15:23:00
PhilippinesAnyone from Pittsburgh, PA?
are you near seton hill?
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-04-05 14:53:00
PhilippinesShare Your Recipes!
QUOTE (maritoni @ May 9 2009, 08:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jamesNrei @ May 9 2009, 04:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm so not aware about this dark and light soy sauce. Where can I find them? How will I know which is which? hehehe I'm not good in kitchen.


At the Supermarket JNR:)Most of us are not aware of this kasi nga nakasanayan natin yung naka sachet na soy sauce:)Unlike chineses,they have had lots of different soy sauces..like lee kum kee star_smile.gif



thanks! I have so much to learn about cooking, that's why I love this thread. biggrin.gif I'll try to cook that Bistek tom.

Happy Mother's day to everyone!
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-09 18:24:00
PhilippinesShare Your Recipes!
QUOTE (rheanick @ May 9 2009, 05:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (jamesNrei @ May 9 2009, 05:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm so not aware about this dark and light soy sauce. Where can I find them? How will I know which is which? hehehe I'm not good in kitchen.


Dark soy sauce is the typical filipino soy sauce (datu puti, silver swan)
Light Soy sauce - kikkoman


aaaahhh...hahaha...thanks for the enlightenment. biggrin.gif
jamesNreiFemalePhilippines2009-05-08 16:45:00