ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAirplane Ticket

Just a word of caution - be careful of Northwest Airlines booking on NWA flight 72/78/XXX. This includes domestic Japanese flight 78 from Nagoya (NGO) to Tokyo (NRT).

What's the caution about NWA? I flew flight 72 through Nagoya 3-times, and my girl flew to America on flight 72. We never had any problems. And booking a one-way ticket from MNL on NWA.com was pretty cheap: w/taxes it was less then $750.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-29 14:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion134f manila embassy income requirements

Whether Manila uses 100 or 125% seems to be unconfirmed, but I'd work against making the 125% level for safety's sake. IMHO
Good Luck

Does it really matter if USE takes 100-percent level for I-134? You are gonna have to come up with the 125 for the I-864 in less than 3-months anyway when you adjust status
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-02-06 17:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPhilPost delivery of USE correspondense safe?

We were surprised to received from PhilPost the Receipt Notice from the US Embassy in Manila indicating that "the hardcopy files of the petition have been delivered by the NVC". It arrived safely but is it normal for USE to mail it thru regular Philippine Postal Service? I expect they will use more safe courier...

Need thoughts about this if its normal or not...

Thank you.


What are you asking about? NVC mails the file to the USE using DHL courier. If your talking about your girl receiving a letter from the embassy that she is now in the que for an interview, or the packet 4 that is mailed to your girl closer to the interview, I believe that is sent through regular Philippines mail.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-02-07 13:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hmm that is interesting that some people say co-sponsor is not allowed, while some say you can. Also a surrogate is allowed. So i can use my parents then? Well I just got my new job, and I shall make over 20,000 by her interview. I just hope they view my future potential earnings, and by then I should have about 8-10,000 in the bank. Of course my new problem is that makes seeing my sweety impossible now. Will one trip be enough to prove a bonafide relationship? I heard 2 or more is the norm.

I'm not sure about the co-sponsor thing for the USE in Manila, but with your current salary now, I would think a leter from your employer and at least 3-months pay-stubs would indicate you are over the 125-percent poverty line. So, even if they don't accept co-sponsers, you should be able to pass-muster on your own. But it might be good to have a co-sponsor to further bolster your cause.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-04-04 10:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Is lorainne answering the ext 5184 from us embassy tel # 5286300? Coz i tried calling it but was advised to contact the call center next time but she gave me the status of my visa without much details tough. Does they tell you you're in AR? Bec. im done with my interview last feb 15 and the lady from the last counter only told me to pay delbros but until now i havent received my visa. And I saw the approved green card attached to my files by the consul. When i tried to call the embassy they always tell the same thing that theyre still reviewing it and just wait. Dont they know that its torturing us especially when you dont know what seems to be the problem!!! I hate this i should be with my love by now. I got excited after i left the embassy only to know that i will still wait not knowing when it will come...atleast even an estimate time for how much long will i wait.

If you are filipina, you MUST use the call center, the embassy for some reason does not like to talk to folks who are not citizens. Have your fiancee in America call the embassy and inquire about the status. It won't do much good, but it will let them know that you are serious about this process. Our's too was "approved" but NOT released by the embassy for 3-weeks. Have your fiancee contact his congressman to inquire to the embassy what the delay in the visa release is. On my congressman's second call to the embassy, the visa was maybe due to much cooncidence released on the next day. Keep hounding them, don't give up!
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-03-07 15:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

we are all tighter than a G-String - - -

That there is some funny stuff. The crazy thing is, the g-string gets cinched again very shortly when you do the AOS thing. This immigration process is not for the weak.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-02-06 16:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

What do we do now? The bank refused to do anything with the DS-157 that she took with her. Am I out the $200 for her and Robin?

I wouldn't think your out the $200. The instructions in the K1 packet has always said the bank will "validate" the DS-156 form, but the Bank has always validated the incorrect DS-157 form anyway. I believe the embassy looks for the receipt instead of the validated form due to that confusion. (something lost in translation I suspect)

Someone has their wires crossed. I did a little more digging. Here is another page from the Embassy web site.

DS-157 Form – Applicants should also complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Supplemental Application DS-157 Form. The form is provided at the bank where fees are paid. Applicants must ensure that the back of the DS-157 Form is machine-validated with check-rite. The U.S. Embassy does not validate DS-157 Forms.

Applicants whose DS-157 Form is not machine-validated with check-rite will NOT be allowed to enter the Embassy premises. The applicant will then have to book another interview appointment. Re-bookings do not require another application fee.
http://usembassy.sta...a/wwwhniv1.html

Is this just out of date info on the embassy web site or is it current policy?

Maybe I was wrong before. Jenalyn said that during her interview last month that one lady was sent packing when her DS-157 wasn't stamped. They told her to go back to bank and get the stamp. So it sounds like current policy.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-02-06 12:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

What do we do now? The bank refused to do anything with the DS-157 that she took with her. Am I out the $200 for her and Robin?

I wouldn't think your out the $200. The instructions in the K1 packet has always said the bank will "validate" the DS-156 form, but the Bank has always validated the incorrect DS-157 form anyway. I believe the embassy looks for the receipt instead of the validated form due to that confusion. (something lost in translation I suspect)
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-02-06 12:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Now I am in Panick Mode. Does anyone have any experience like this? Any ideas?
S&T

Yes, I have experience with exactly this situation, and NO, I don't have any ideas. We too were led to believe she was "approved", but it was not released by the embassy to Delbros for over 3-weeks. Calls to the embassy, and calls to DOS did me no good. Embassy would only say, "still in process, routine checks", and DOS could only say the "interview did ocurr." Very frustrating, I know. My Congressman contacted the embassy on behalf of me twice during those 3-weeks. Not sure if that had any effect, but almost immediately after his second eMail to Manila, the visa was released. Patience in a gut-check, #######, sort of situation is the only advise I have. Hang-in there and be strong.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-02-05 15:33:00
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?

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.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-02-04 16:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

In case anyone is using Northwest Airlines, I want to share my ticket purchase experience. My wife was going to be leaving from Manila to USA on Sunday, but she was running a fever. So we decided Wednesday instead. I went online to exchange ticket at the price was $1100 more! I said no way. (I had paid $720 for the Sunday ticket) This morning I went on NWA and bought the same ticket for Wednesday that had said $1820 for $720 again! So, what I am saying is their prices change frequently. So if you want to search there prices, check back everyday or so. It paid off for me!

Yes, that is very good advise. Apparently the airlines release only a certain number of "cheap tickets". And then as the bookings are made, they will again release more "cheap tickets" in an effort to fill flights. It can be as fequently as every few hours. I can remember booking the flight for Jen, at 8 in the morning the price was $1400, but at Noon the SAME flight was at $820.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-02-04 12:53:00
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

Thank God, Jamrok. You guys must be so thrilled. (and probably a little tired). I pray that your state-side paperwork goes much smoother.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-30 12:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Since it is a "slow news day" in the Manila forum, I'll share that last night Jenalyn and I got married. We were married by the Camp Hill Mayor at the Cornerstone Coffee House (and wedding chapel) and then everybody walked down the street to the Lebanese restaurant for a feast (complete with belly dancers) prepared by Mike the owner. Not exactly a "traditional" wedding night, but it was a blast, and everybody and a great time (some more then others based upon the number of wine bottles we went through).
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-20 18:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

does anyone here has experienced visa delivery over two weeks, thanks! im freaking out mine is already two weeks and haven't heard anything from the embassy yet! salamat!


Yes, unfortunately I do have experience with visa delivery over two weeks. I believe it took 23 days for our visa to be released from the embassy to delbros. Even though Jenalyn saw "k1 approved" stamped on the documentation and she paid delbros before she left the embassy. A follow-up call a week later to the embassy revealed there was a delay in "releasing" the visa for unspecified reasons. Her interview was Dec. 5, and her visa was released on Dec. 22nd. Or has your visa been "released" and its "in-transit" with delbros for over 2-weeks?
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-18 12:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I also sent my wife a copy of the handwritten ticket from the ticketing office along with a copy of the receipt in which she did use at the check in counter at the airport.

I bought my fiancee an eTicket from NWA.com and just eMailed her the ticket. She printed it out at a cafe, and had no problem. Sure a lot easier then doing xoom, or whatever in my opinion.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-12 17:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Great link! Somewhere in my research it was suggested that the petitioner should send another letter of intent (besides the one that accompanies the I-129) for the visa submission. So that's what we did... just to cover all basis.

Exactly what we did also. Printed out the same letters of intent but with changed dates within a month of the interview. We never did the request for extention of I-129F, but ours was only out-of-date by ONE day at the interview.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-09 15:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

hi guys n gals, would anyone be able to provide me with experience with mailing stuff (ie: documents) over to do Phils, cause I use US postal service, usually when I send documents I have no trouble but about 45% of the time he doesnt get it, and I need to send copies of stuff over there for interview ,anyone use another service? Also , for the interview does he need original items; ie cards he sent me, and vice versa? Do I need to send original paystubs? Thanks!

We had the same problem, but Jen was only getting stuff maybe 10-percent of the time through USPS to Makati. For the final important stuff (original pay stubs, my BC, tax transcripts, etc. for the aff. of support) I used Fed Ex, it got to her door in 3-days. Expensive as Heck, but it got there. I've also heard DHL works good.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-05 15:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

So then is it a good idea to send them a letter requesting an extension, or is that irrelevant?

I'm not sure irrelevant would be the correct word. The rub on the CO "may" extend the petition is based upon if both parties are still legally able to marry one another. If that is your case, then no big deal, since I'd imagine the majority of us were beyond the 4-month time frame because of the back-log. But if faxing the letter requesting the extension sets your mind at ease, then I see no harm in doing so.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-04 12:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

As long as your fiancee does not have any overstays, medical complications, or discrepencies on her official documents (birth certificate, police clearance, NBI clearance, passport, ect), and she has a basic knowledge about you enough to answer the interview questions. Then, you will be fine!!!

I would agree that this is what SHOULD happen, but the USE folks can be rather arbitrary in their own right. Still no explanation for our delay in receiving the visa though all our paperwork was to all observations "perfect" on paper. But if everything is in order as you state, it likely will NOT be denied, but still is "fair game" for AR, security checks, and whatever arbitrary BS the embassy folk want to put you through.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-01 18:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Well, Jenalyn is finally in Pennsylvania. She arrived saturday night, with the airlines making us wait one final time as the connecting flight from Detroit was delayed a couple hours. Thanks goes out to Carly who let Jen use her cell-phone while waiting in Detroit! Immgration was no problem for Jenalyn, just a couple quick questions, fingerprints and picture, and a "on your way." But, Jenalyn did say it appeared the immigration officers were scrutinizing other immigrants more closely. Maybe it was her prize-winning smile that won the day.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2007-01-01 14:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Wow, the lady at 5184 really helped up and was very nice to me even when I was ranting and raving. Maybe I ruined her :whistle:

The lady at x5184 may indeed may be very nice, but don't expect any specific answers to the status of your visa petition. Whenever I would call before the interview, I would get an answer such as: "you petition is in our system, but no updates, call back at the end of the month." And the details were the same for when the visa was "approved" but yet still hung-up at the embassy for 3-weeks.

As far as the $18 number, I'm pretty sure the info on their computers was the same as from x5184 because I never received any more detail then: "your petition is going through the normal process, call back next month." But maybe I don't have a way with twisting info out of people that others do.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-29 17:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Updating timeline to congratulate BJZags on visa delivery (FINALLY!). Could the reason for your fiancee's AR be the 4-year old BC that she submitted to the embassy? That is the only reason I could think of. But anyway, all that is water under the bridge now. We are happy for you. When is she flying home to you?

I wish there was a way of knowing what triggered the "non-routine" routine checks. They never did say. I honestly think that their computer spits out that Jenalyn was #37 or whatever of the day, so they scrutinize that unlucky soul, kinda like every few people are randomly selected for pat-down at US airports. I'm hoping to get her on a flight Saturday, but with the communication snafu in the Phil. right now, I can't get through to call her, and her normal internet cafe had no internet. With no internet, no print ticket to get through the front-door of the airport. . . it's always something in life to keep you on your toes!
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-27 22:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Update: Visa delivery Dec 28 -- one day -- Makati
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-27 20:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Yeah!!! That's a relief, but even more so when you have the visa in hand. Come on Delbros!!! How is your baby holding up?

Its been an emotional roller-coaster of a two-weeks, let me tell you. But she's been strong for the most part. In typical filipna fashion: "don't worry babe, our time will come, God is just saying it's not right now."
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-27 12:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Finally a "real" update on our status: According to Delbros website, the USE released the visa on Dec. 27 and it is now at the Delbros distribution center. Hopefully delivery to Makati won't take too long. But I'm not holding my breath until her little fingers are clutching the envelope they give her.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-27 11:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

There are some rumors that the bank may not agree to validate your filled-up DS157 form and may insist on giving you a blank validated DS157 form. Not sure if this is all BPI branches or just some, or why they might be doing this.

This was true in our case, the bank insisted on validating their blank copy at the bank.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-26 13:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Less have a month too finish that mess. Any ideas on what other did?

I think you are fine. We threw everything at the USE also, and the only thing they wanted to see about evidence of relationship were 8-pics. Its always good to have a little of "everything" just in case, but it was almost an insult when she hit the embassy and all they wanted were 8-pics. Haha, maybe if they had looked at everything we had, they wouldn't have needed to hold-up the visa at the embassy.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-26 10:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Yesterday when she went back for vaccinations, the nurse told her that her Dec 28 interview had been canceled because of the congestion in her chest and that she must come back to St. Luke's on Jan 9, 10 and 11 for tests.

A little congestion cancels the interview, that is too crazy. And yet, if an illegal alien who sneaks across the rio-grande had HIV, they would be treated for free in our American hospitals no questions asked. Gotta love our govt.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-22 09:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

The pre-interviewer didn't ask for my CENOMAR and I even asked the consul if she needs my CENOMAR... she said no.
God bless.

That's why this process is retarded and so frustrating for many of us. They SHOULD be asking for the cenomar for ALL K-1's since singleness is THE essential requirement for this class of visa. Good for you guys that they didn't scrutinize things closely I guess, wish we had drawn your interviewer.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-21 19:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

My fiancee is flying from Cebu/HK/LAX/CHI. Does anyone know if she can have her POE in Chicago or will they make her do it in LAX? I can't seem to find any info on it. Chicago is her final destination but of course her actual "POE" in LAX. Maybe a stupid question but just wondering. :help:

I believe the POE is always the first airport that an international flight arrives at, much like I go through customs at Detroit everytime coming back from the RP, but my final destination is PA.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-19 18:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

It is bad in both of our cases that it comes down to us just wanting someone to do their job, and it is impossible. Good luck.

Of course, when the congressman's office gets a reply from the USE, they even give the legislator a canned-reply. So, I'm largely of the impression that a congressman's help is severely limited in as much as they really don't have the power to DO ANYTHING for you, except maybe ensure your case is being dutifully worked-on.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-19 12:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Just wrote my Senator Burr (NC).

I'd suggest contacting your Representative also. It's been my experience that the rep is much more responsive to the concerns and plights of his/her constituents then the Congressman. I think something to do with re-election every two years. I still have yet to hear-back from any of my Senators after contacting their offices 3-months ago.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-19 10:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Maybe an update on our situation. My congressman receives eMail from embassy dated December 15 they have now approved the visa, and will contact her to "complete processing the visa." I think that is a way of saying but NOT saying that it is still "pending" but hopefully I'm wrong and Delbros will soon have good news for us.
BJZagsMalePhilippines2006-12-19 09:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease help! Med exam told my fiancee she could not go to interview because she did not have her adolescent vaccination records!!!!! She never went
If u dont have past vaccine records then tell the physician at medical exam center that she is ready to take all vaccines which are required for her regarding her age. I think this will help u.Let see what other ppl says??
Er NealMaleIndia2010-10-27 06:32:00
Asia: SouthCase completed in second week on month-New Delhi
I think 2nd week of Nov........i hope u got earlier.

good luck
Er NealMaleIndia9/18/2010 5:52
Asia: SouthUS citizen travel restrictions ?

A PIO (Person of Indian Origin) card has to be renewed every 15 years; better to get OCI (Overseas Citizenship of India) card, which is permanent for one's entire lifetime! Here's the comparison chart along with links how to get one from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt of India:

OCI vs PIO Card


:thumbs:
Er NealMaleIndia10/10/2010 14:43
Asia: SouthUS citizen travel restrictions ?

If you enter India on a Tourist Visa you cannot re-enter India for a period of 60 days from your exit of India.

In other words, if you entered on a Tourist visa from the USA, then left to Thailand, you will not be able to come back to India from Thailand for 60 days.

There are two exceptions to this 60 day rule.

1) Get special permission to re-enter India from the Ministry of External Affairs
2) Get a PIO or OCI Card. Both these statuses have no 60-day restriction. Only Tourist Visas have 60-day restriction.


It will probably be much easier for your husband to get a PIO card, this can take less than 20 days to receive at the Indian Consulates in the USA.


Nice Job!!! :thumbs:
Er NealMaleIndia10/10/2010 7:19
Asia: SouthChennai Consulate - Visa approved
Congratulations!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:
Er NealMaleIndia10/29/2010 14:46
Asia: SouthWhere to register marriage
i agree with all abobe suggestions..... :thumbs:
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 10:47
Asia: SouthWhat to do with the X-Ray

The X-Ray has never been asked for by anyone at POE. :no: Only useful case would be, like And_Sam said, if you had some illness and the doc here wanted an old X-Ray for comparison. However that usually never happens. Docs just want to take new X-Rays and work off them. Hubby brought his but I don't even remember if it is buried in a suitcase here somewhere or thrown away!:lol:


:thumbs:
Er NealMaleIndia11/4/2010 10:49