ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesCertificate of Birth Abroad

I live in America and my wife lives in the Philippines, i cannot be there for our babies Certificate of Birth Abroad appointment because i have work, so she will have to take our child alone. I'm wondering If they are going to request a DNA test because that would take alot time and i don't want my wife's VISA Expiring b4 our child can get her passport and be allowed to come to America. Plus i don't have the money to keep sending my wife to Manila because she lives in Southern Mindinao.

Do you think they will still approve her if im not there if my wife has:
1. Every requirement requested on the Certificate of Birth Abroad Checklist
2. Pics of us together as a couple from throughout our time together in the Philippines.(We were married b4 she got pregnant)
3. Her approved CR1 visa
4. Her CFO seminar stamp on her passport


I just went through getting a CRBA myself in December. The best advice I can give if you want to avoid the DNA test is bring as much evidence of your relationship as possible. It may have helped that I was also present for the interview. Either way I will list everything I provided. I would also like to point out that conception occurred before my marriage(but after engagement), but due to my compelling evidence I was not ordered for a DNA test.

I provided for evidence:

Receipt of engagement ring
Passport stamps showing I had been in the country a significant time before and after conception(since you cant be there have her bring a photocopy of the pages showing this)
Medical records documenting the estimated date of conception(ultrasound pictures from 10 weeks, 5months, and 7 months all giving the same estimate within a few days and maternity records)
A series of approx. 10 pictures of me and my wife in various places which took place before conception(placed in chronological order). Im not sure he even looked at them.

I presented everything in a very organized manner. I honestly thing the biggest factor is going to be how comfortable and relaxed she seems to the CO. If she seems really nervous they start suspecting something may not be accurate. She will also want to be sure that she brings evidence that you qualify to give the baby citizenship. I didnt have any of this with me(didnt expect this when I packed my bags to go see my baby girl born) and MOST of my interview was him confirming I had resided at least 5 years within the US. I over-provided information to every inquiry which reassures him it is genuine. He actually cut me off at one point and said "ok ok thats good enough". Now the guy I had was serious about his interview but they are people too and a few simple injections of humor really opened him up and he was more personable. At the end of the interview he just told me "ok its all set" and at that point I had to ask "so is there going to be a need for a DNA test?" and he just told me "no I believe you are the father". So I'd conclude that its really what you say and how you present the answer that it has to really convince him. Be sure your wife appears confident, not fidgeting or nervous.

If you plan to apply for the passport at the time the CRBA is applied, if you are not present she will need a notarized "Statement of consent or special circumstances: issuance of a passport to a minor under age 16" DS-3053. Without permission from both parents, they will NOT process the passport application(I had this happen to me because while my wife was present she doesnt have an ID that the embassy would acknowledge). I signed the CRBA, but the passport still not done until I go back in feb.

If they do order the DNA test, she and the baby could head to st. lukes and get swabbed while still in town. You could then go to an approved facility near you(they have a list somewhere I dont recall where though) to be swabbed and then they'll put the results all together in st. lukes. I know this takes time but if they order the DNA test nothing else can be done at that point.

Edited by BobJac, 23 January 2013 - 03:47 AM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-23 03:45:00
PhilippinesSt. Lukes Appointment

I am just worried that she will be flagged for the sputum test, so better for it to happen now. Six months probably not a problem if they pass her from the first medical since I plan on buying her a ticket over to here within 2 weeks of acquiring the visa.

The NVC instruction letter mentioned...is this the letter they mailed directly to my wife's PH address(aka her first contact in any of the process) that basically says your case is MNL2012xxxxxx. And said to submit to appoint an agent? Or will the letter the NVC first sent me upon receiving it from USCIS be the letter?



anyone know the answer to this?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-29 01:18:00
PhilippinesSt. Lukes Appointment

Since it's a spousal petition, I would agree with Hank that your wife needs the NVC instruction before she can start the medical.

St. Lukes does not accept appointments. They operate on a walk-in basis only. However, your wife should pre-register on St. Lukes website, print out the pre-registration form, and bring it with her to St. Lukes. It will save time at her medical.

Rarely is the petitioner allowed to accompany the beneficiary inside St. Lukes.

Keep in mind that your wife's visa will be valid for six months from the date of her medical, not six months from the date the visa was approved. Plan accordingly.


I am just worried that she will be flagged for the sputum test, so better for it to happen now. Six months probably not a problem if they pass her from the first medical since I plan on buying her a ticket over to here within 2 weeks of acquiring the visa.

The NVC instruction letter mentioned...is this the letter they mailed directly to my wife's PH address(aka her first contact in any of the process) that basically says your case is MNL2012xxxxxx. And said to submit to appoint an agent? Or will the letter the NVC first sent me upon receiving it from USCIS be the letter?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-27 20:36:00
PhilippinesSt. Lukes Appointment
Hi, I have a question about getting the St. Lukes medical done early. Is this possible if the NVC has not finished processing the DS-230 and there is currently no interview date? Reason I ask is that my wife's father had active TB years ago(but has since received treatment). I suspect if there is a chance her chest x-ray may be flagged and sputum collected that if she were to do this part earlier it'd make that 2 month delay more bearable since we are waiting on an interview date. If this is possible, how does one go about setting up an appointment to do this. I will be in PH in february so if my wife can do it then I'd like to be there for her to make sure it is completed. I know she needs probably all the immunizations, but I dont think that should be a problem....just worried about the sputum being ordered.

Edit: Also if this is done early how long would results be valid for? Would I be allowed to go with her into the building?

Edited by BobJac, 27 January 2013 - 02:46 AM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-27 02:42:00
PhilippinesDS-230 packet

you can get a passport with in a week but, you pay more and its better than paying less and it takes a month. Just comply DFA requirements like authenticated birth certificate, NBI, or school record SSS/GSIS ID . If you have 2 any of those requirements then go quick and file it.. then make a photocopy of the first page of your passport for your DS-230.



Do you know if the delivery is reliable and quick or is it going to save multiple days going to pick it up after 7 working days? I was thinking to do rush and delivery as it takes 3hrs to get to Manila, but if delivery is going to make it 2+ extra days I might bite the bullet and arrange to pick it up.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-27 02:20:00
PhilippinesDS-230 packet

You have to send the DS-230 and civil documents to NVC.

The photocopy of the passport bio page is a requirement. Its a MUST to submit it together with the DS-230 packet.



are the people who are worried about getting the passport before their interview date just more confused than I am about the process?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-25 23:46:00
PhilippinesDS-230 packet
The NVC says I am supposed to mail the DS-230 packet to them in the US before they will forward that to the embassy in manila and set an appointment. This has confused me because I have seen other people who have said they are worried about getting their passport before their interview date. I was led to believe that you needed to include a photocopy of the passport info page with the DS-230 packet. Is it possible to send it without the passport info page and still be approved? My wife and I have encountered many delays in getting her passport so this has been stalling our progress. Can anyone clarify this? Is there a way to file this packet at the embassy instead of mailing to NVC? Or is the passport page optional?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-25 23:17:00
PhilippinesDFA Passport Troubles
I found through searching a reference to NSO Certificate Republic Act 9048. Does anyone know if this middle name mix-up is covered under "clerical errors"?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-21 03:45:00
PhilippinesDFA Passport Troubles
Do any of you know the official way to change a marriage certificate? I havent been able to find the procedure online from a reliable source.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-21 02:29:00
PhilippinesDFA Passport Troubles

Which document is wrong the birth certificate or the marriage certificate? One of them needs to be corrected. I don't think anyone is being difficult, when doing all the paperwork for the passport they have to make use everything is correct and the father's name is not correct on one of those documents.


We arent sure which one is wrong. Her father is not around to ask either unfortunately. We were told to change the documents requires a lawyer and a lot of time...There has got to be a way to process without a change. It just seems a bit much to not allow a passport over something so trivial. They are not even used together for anything in the process. They use the Birth Certificate to ensure her citizenship is Filipino, they use the Marriage certificate to show why she is using a surname that she wasnt born with. And they are using completely different documents(including NBI clearance for both her maiden name and married name) and Digitized ID to confirm she is who she says she is. Sure someone made a mistake on one of the documents, but this is the Philippines where anything that goes before a judge will take months...months that I dont have.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-20 19:07:00
PhilippinesDFA Passport Troubles
I have already married, and my wife is needing a passport as her I-130 has been approved and is currently being sent to the embassy. I told her she needs the passport before that comes through to avoid delays. We made an appointment online with DFA, and prepared the documents needed to get the passport ready. On appointment day, they told my wife she will need the CFO certificate before she can begin the application process(oops didnt know we needed this). They also however told her there was a problem with her birth certificate and marriage certificate. The middle name for her father is different on her birth certificate than on the marriage certificate. Are they just trying to make things difficult for her to get her passport? Seems like knit-picking such a small unimportant detail from those 2 documents. Any suggestions on how to get around that problem? If she were to tell them that her father changed his middle name sometime after her birth and before our marriage would they simply drop it or are they then going to ask for proof? Any input is appreciated but it really just sounds like the worker that she dealt with was being a crab.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-01-20 15:14:00
PhilippinesPhilippines Passport
Can any of you who have gotten the BIR Digitized ID please clarify the process. Im in a similar boat. My wife has a TIN already but when she went to BIR regional office they said they dont do the digitized ID? She cant get any other ID that is accepted for DFA, so its our only option at this point that doesnt involve waiting 6 months. Anyone else confirm if postal ID has worked for them? I know its not on the list but it maybe is worth a shot also.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-02-06 00:21:00
PhilippinesSt Lukes Medical Question
I guess the problem ended up they were reluctant to believe that it could be correct since it was not actually stated on the NVC letter. Maybe the embassy interview letter(which we dont have) states it on there or something. I just had my wife tell them it is 100% certain to be CR-1!

Even with not having that they were able to do everything except pregnancy test and immunizations. They gave us a CD with the chest x-ray and the claim stub thing was stamped immunization so I assume that means she was cleared! Now in 2 weeks they want her to go back for those other items. Just wanted to drop the update in case anyone was interested.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-01 18:26:00
PhilippinesSt Lukes Medical Question

Hi, I'm not an expert or anything. My husband is planning to have his medical done at St Luke's in a couple of weeks. The only thing that comes to my mind is the online registration form I filled out for my husband. Did your wife register online before she went to St. Luke's? On the form it asks for a "Visa Preference Category". It's marked as a required field. It's asking for what type of visa you are applying for. My husband is applying for the IR-1 (Spouse of a US Citizen). I assume you would need to put CR-1 (Spouse of a US Citizen under two years of marriage). You can go to www.slec.ph to find the form...
Hope that helps. :)


Since you mentioned that online registration we did do that. I checked my email confirmation from SLEC and it does show that we had CR-1 selected as it should be. Sounds reasonable that that could be what they are asking...maybe they were just asking to confirm that we selected the right one on the form. Its 5:55pm and she is still at the clinic so I'll hopefully get that info to her and get more details if that is NOT what they are asking. I'll post an update either way in case that info may be useful for when your husband will go there.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-02-25 04:57:00
PhilippinesSt Lukes Medical Question
My Wife went to St. Lukes EC today for her medical. The situation is as follows:

We do NOT have an embassy interview date yet.
We have already received the NOA2 and the NVC Instruction letter.
They allowed her to start the medical procedure already, however she will have to return for immunizations due to where she is in her menstrual cycle.
This is for a CR1 visa NOT a K3.
We are doing the medical early because of suspicion that she will be flagged for sputum testing.

Now, while she was inside, someone in there(first floor?) asked her what her "Preference Category" is. They said she will need to supply them this before they can finalize the process(they didnt specify where the process will be halted). I havent read anything about a preference category at any point doing any of this paperwork. Anyone have any idea what they are looking for? She was very specific with the lady that we do not have an interview date yet. Thats the only thing I could come up with is maybe this is an information provided on the embassy appointment letter or something. Any input is appreciated. Thanks.

Edited by BobJac, 25 February 2013 - 04:14 AM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-02-25 04:13:00
PhilippinesSending financial assistance

Thank you everyone for your input. Here's why I posted this topic. I came here in 2007, and started working in 2008. Back then, I would send money whenever they needed it, aside from the occasional amount I'd send to spoil them a bit. I also sent Balik Bayan boxes. Later on, I realized that sending them money to help wasn't the wisest idea. Instead, I suggested that they start whatever business they would like and I would finance it. Ever heard of the good ol' saying "Don't give a man a fish, but teach him how to fish."? That's what I based this idea on. I told them to learn to rely on themselves instead of me and my husband because not at all times we'll have the money, we can lose our job, or worse, something bad might happen to us, who knows? Then what are they gonna do when their source of financial help aren't able anymore? Well, >100,000 pesos later for business capital and nothing happened. No return of investment whatsoever because my parents are simply not business-minded people, and just don't try their best. It's been more than a year that I haven't had any job. We moved to a new state and I couldn't find work, got pregnant early in 2012 and with a baby now, I'm a full-time SAHM. What my husband makes is barely enough to meet out needs and pay the bills. My parents know this, yet they still ask for help every now and then. When I say, "You already know our situation here, why do you still ask for help? What makes you think we can help you?", they'd reply "We have nobody else to run to, you know that. Yes, we know your situation and would never ask you if only there was another way. We just need 1000 pesos to be able to get by this week (or for medicine, or for electric bill, etc.). I'm sure you have at least $25 that you can send." Well, of course I have $25, so I bite my tounge and send $50 (because that's the minimum sending amount for Xoom). Does that make me stupid? I don't know. What I only know is that it will make me sleepless all night if I don't send them the amount when I have it.

My husband got an interview for a job that pays twice more than what he's making now and the chance of him getting this job is very promising. Assuming he'll get it, we can afford to send money to my family again even if it means $200/month. My husband doesn't have a problem about helping my family financially, but as I have mentioned, I would rather that they rely on themselves and not on us so that whatever happens, they can stand on their own. Besides, my husband maybe making more, but we also have many stuff to save for: a house, a car for me, emergency savings, etc. In other words, I don't want to send my family money unless it's real emergency. Does this make me selfish? I welcome honest opinions. If I have to give them a big amount of money again to start a business, I will, and tell them that if they don't do their best and the business fails, I'm not sending them anymore money. Do you think it's a good idea? Am I being hard on my own family? To be honest, I don't know what exactly to do. Sometimes I feel like I should just hold my nose and give them monthly support to show gratitude for everything they've done for me, especially my dad. But at the same, I also feel that it's unfair for them or any other parents to make it their children's responsibility to help them because it's supposed to be the other way around. And above all, I think it's unfair to my husband. Again, I welcome honest opinions.


If you cant afford to send them money, then dont. Because you love them and you feel guilty, you end up sending money even though you state you cant really afford it. This is exactly what they expect and are playing on your guilt. Since you now have a child, and are barely making ends meet your answer to them should simply be a "sorry I'd love to but I cannot". As soon as that child was born it should be your #1 priority, followed by your spouse and yourself as number #2 and #3. You understand that it isnt your responsibility to provide 'utang' since you yourself state that it should be the other way around. You just need to follow through with that.

I am in a similar situation with my wife's family. The only difference is that she is still in PH with them waiting on our visa. We just had a daughter a few months ago, and my job is barely providing for my necessities, the baby's necessities, and my wife's necessities. Everything extra I have to save for all the darn visa fees, for her plane ticket, etc. I found the solution to the problem was that I told her that all requests for money from her family must be made from her family directly to me. If they have her ask me the answer is automatically "no" regardless of what it is for. The reason I do this is because it allows my wife to not feel guilty to say no, as it isnt her making the decision. This removed their ability to play on her guilt, as it no longer factors in. Her family has yet to request anything from me since i made this rule which has taken a lot of stress out of my wife's daily life because she explained how the rule goes. Also, since my funds are very limited I plan to be very strict on anything I would send money for such as LIFE SAVING emergencies only. If they didnt pay their electric bill then they'll just be in the dark until they work it off. If they run out of food, I'll send money(to my wife) to buy them a sack of rice or other practical foods...otherwise I expect to see a repeat from before of sending money, and finding out they had a nice outing to jollibee =0. Once my wife is in the states, I'll probably have to require them to provide a receipt for whatever it is I send money for to ensure it is what they spend it on and no receipt will just mean no future money ever. I know my rules are strict but they have worked so far.

But I did want to reassure you that putting YOUR family(you, baby, spouse) before the rest of the family is not a selfish thought. That is how it should be.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-03 00:29:00
Philippineswire money
I've used Xoom as well. Usually the money is available within a few minutes of the transfer. Can be picked up at many different locations and they charge a flat fee of I think 4.99 for up to $2000USD.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-06 00:46:00
PhilippinesInterview question

ALL of the COs speak Tagalog along with English so no worries. :thumbs:

The CO interviewing my wife (and I) asked her a question that she hesitated with her answer and he immediately asked it again in Tagalog without skipping a beat.



Great to hear, that should help a lot. While im sure the CO are all USC...but are they filipino or any random USC race? I'm sure she'll be less nervous if they are filipino but she'll have to do with whoever she gets. Just trying to reassure her of everything as I unfortunately cant fly there to be present.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-13 13:33:00
PhilippinesInterview question
Hi, just got the interview date for my wife. Been going over everything she will need for that, and she said she is very nervous about her english. If I had to grade her on her english she'd get probably a B or B-, usually I understand everything but grammar is sometimes horrible. We are just wanting to know: Does the interviewer also understand Tagalog? Should she not understand a question or know how to properly respond in english is it possible to have a translator? I'm trying to put her at ease so she wont be as nervous for the interview.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-13 12:48:00
PhilippinesInterview Preparation
I was reading through the interview preparation PDF on the dep of state website. I am kinda confused on a few things:

-for the list on the interview all the relevant items have code O or Y next to them. Does this mean the embassy will have all these already or does my wife need to bring the originals with here even though I provided originals(for both the O and Y coded items)?

-She has already completed her medical, so does she need to bring passport photos or will st. lukes be providing the 2 photos(they had her give them 3)?

-For the medical results it says she should bring them in but I assume st. lukes will be doing that instead? Does she need to bring the Chest X-ray CD(or what is that used for otherwise?)

-Affidavit of Support was filed through NVC, so does she need a copy of that or will the embassy just go off of the original filed with them?

-The packet also didnt say anything about evidence or whatever, but I know she should bring in a photo album. We dont have any evidence aside from photos, and maybe xoom receipts if that counts and the many trips i've made there. Will that be enough?

-The CEMAR or Marriage Index isnt mentioned but I've seen people say it is required. Can anyone elaborate on this?

Sorry lots of questions I just want to be sure she is prepared well in advance!
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-14 00:22:00
PhilippinesWifes Family Asking For $ Advice

I have to disagree with part of what you said. Many of these businesses are legal there. There are even GMO's that will help these businesses expand the business because its good for the economies of these third world countries. My wife expanded her 5/6 in the early days this way. Doesn't mean there are not people who get into it without being licensed, but USA loan sharking rules do not apply in many third world countries, and this includes the Philippines. High risk means high interest. The difference in the USA is none of these people borrowing the money would ever get a loan in the USA because the risk is too high and the maximum interest rate that can be charged limits how much risk a loan company can take. The main reason a case may not be filed, is the cost of filing and bringing a case and how likely they will collect the money. Sometimes its a loose loose situation even if they win the case. A bigger organization will still often bring a case just as an example to other borrowers though.



In my particular situation, it was just someone from the barrio who had an OFW husband sharking out to the rest in the barrio. I know for a fact it was not licensed. Their documents consisted of a notebook all hand-written...that would not hold up in court, especially since there are no terms to go with it.

I know there are legitimate operations, but unless the loan is through an established company there is a good chance it is unlicensed and simply not paying it'll eventually go away -- even if this means the borrower will have to bear the shame of that person spreading word they they are delinquent.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-27 22:51:00
PhilippinesWifes Family Asking For $ Advice
As someone in a similar situation, do not sacrifice what little you have extra for them! If this debt is cleared I can almost guarantee you it will happen again. Her parents will act like this is an emergency and that it must be payed off. First off if their family is illegally loan-sharking, they have no right to collect. Tell them to pursue legal means to collect the debts from your in-laws and they will have no ability to do it. This is more a matter of PRIDE. Many filipinos are blinded by their pride and they know there will be a shame in not paying back a debt to their family(even though the real shame is the fact that their own family is sharking them). They made the decision to borrow the money, KNOWING they could not pay it back. They made the bed, now its time to let them sleep in it. Im sorry if I come off as harsh, but sometimes you have to be because if they somehow get you to pay it this once...they WILL do it again(cause hey, it worked last time!)

I went through a slightly different situation, where my wife's family was having her take out the debt(because she was working, but we werent married yet), and then when they couldnt pay the bill they came to daddy warbucks(me, although im not at all rich). I paid it because it was a small amount($50 maybe), then 2 weeks later her parents borrowed AGAIN, this time without my wife's permission! They came again to me for the money and I asked for the legally binding contract that established me(or my wife) as a co-signer(they showed me a notebook with hand written amounts, no terms, and a signature LOL.) I told them not happening and they were mad, but knew there was nothing they could do about it. I told her family they should not pay it since there is no legal remedy for the lender to collect. It has been about 10 months and those lenders have hawked them for the money, but havent been paid. These lenders were family, but even if it were my solution would've been the same.

Be strong and do not give in, unless you want to be set up for it happening again. It is very unlikely her uncle would resort to violence within the family. These lenders do NOT want to risk bringing the law into it because they could be jailed(for possibly long durations awaiting the court preceeding) as long as they cant bribe their way out of it.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-27 14:47:00
PhilippinesPreparation for the trip over to US
I like to plan ahead so im trying to compose a list of "essentials" that I should have my wife buy in PH before she comes over. If anyone has any suggestions on must-haves of things that are either immensely cheaper there vs the US, or things that a filipina would love to have from there that cannot be bought here I would appreciate it. I am trying to make the transition as easy as possible for her by making sure some of the things from "home" can move with her. Thanks a lot.

Edit: She will be bring over our 4 month old with her so I guess this list can also apply to baby supplies that may be much cheaper or hard to acquire in US.

Edited by Bob & Joana, 19 March 2013 - 09:04 AM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-19 09:04:00
PhilippinesAOS Question

The embassy has the final say. If the consul officer is not satisfied with your paperwork, he/she can issue a 221g request for additional documents.

How about looking for a joint sponsor?


I have nobody else I could have joint sponsor. But the thing is...my income is genuinely enough. I havent filed taxes yet, but when I do I plan to report all my tips(its the legal way to do it anyways, but most people on tips dont report 100%) to make sure if they request that they can see for themselves. I understood the embassy gets the 'final say' but does the NVC have any standards they compare it to or do they solely just process the paperwork for the lockbox? If the NVC did do any judgement on it I'd feel a little more confident that the embassy wouldnt have a problem.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-03 23:42:00
PhilippinesAOS Question
Affidavit of Support Question:

Does the NVC make the determination if your income proof is enough, or is that done at the embassy interview?

My income was hard for me to 'prove' as I work a job where tips exceed my wages. With just the wages(and what is shown on my pay stubs) it would look like I dont make enough to meet 125% poverty line. But I submitted a letter of employment with my employer stating average hourly wage and average tip amount per hour. To make the problem more difficult, I have only started this job in July 2012, so there are no previous tax years for it. I did not work at all in 2011, and 2009 and 2010 were at a different job but I made well above the 125% in both those years but they were still provided to NVC. NVC did not RFE anything, does that mean its set or does it just mean the embassy may in turn ask for something more?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-03 23:23:00
PhilippinesBureau of Immigration Fee for CRBA USC baby

http://immigration.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=128&Itemid=72 all the questions you've asking was here


I have tried looking on that site, but it is not made in an organized manner and I could not find the specific page(I know its somewhere on that site I saw a link in another post possibly a month ago). Is it possible you could provide a URL to the specific page that addresses these questions? The link here seems to just direct me to contact information for various personnel at the airport.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-19 10:12:00
PhilippinesBureau of Immigration Fee for CRBA USC baby
Anyone have the link to the BI's specific site that explains the visa fee one must pay for a USC born in PH to leave? I remember reading about it before but I apparently forgot to bookmark the page. Just trying to find out what they charge(she was born less than 4 months ago and will depart PH before she is 6months old). I know that something has to be paid beyond the departure tax at the airport since she will be leaving on a US passport. Thanks!


Edit: If anyone has experience leaving PH with infant-in-arms, do you pay the departure tax(550peso) per person or per ticket? I know my wife will need to pay 550, but will the baby pay 550, or do they just say since 1 ticket its only 1 tax?

Edited by Bob & Joana, 19 March 2013 - 09:26 AM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-03-19 09:20:00
PhilippinesPOE question.

hello everyone, i'm leaving for US on april 10 to marry my fiance, i just need help on these questions about the POE.

1. my fiance requested me to bring some foods and cosmetics only found in our country and i'm planning to use my check-in luggage for it...would this be a problem at the POE? i'm bringing stuffs like biscuits, chocolate bars and sour cream powder, and polvoron (it's a filipino pastry), as well as eyeliners, colognes and soaps that she requested.

would this be a problem at the POE at all?

i was told at the CFO seminar that food are allowed as long as:

1. it won't be spoiled within 24 hours.
2. no fruits and veggies.
3. no foul smelling stuffs.
4. and liquids (to be hand carried) needs to zip-locked and must not exceed 100ml.

i really would appreciate your feedbacks, i wanted to bring every thing my fiance requested since she already bought everything i need upon arriving US (clothes, phone etc.) and it's my little way of thanking her.

thank you very much.



Shouldnt be a problem unless you have massive amounts. If you are worried just write it on your customs form -- dont have to be specific can just write "cosmetics - $50" or whatever. I believe they wont charge duty on it if its under I think $500? total in items that you are bringing in as long as they dont have reason to believe you intend to sell the stuff. The liquids/gels guideline only pertains to pre-boarding, and not POE.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-07 01:24:00
Philippinespara sa mga babae
there an english version?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-08 10:47:00
PhilippinesUpcoming Embassy Interview

The passport with visa will be delivered by 2GO, nothing is needed from the applicant in that regard except an address for delivery.


Is the 2go something that she'll need to pay for when there? If so how much do they charge? I have read great things about the speed if you tell them to dispatch it to the MOA location and just pick it up there so I am thinking that is what I want to do.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-10 13:40:00
PhilippinesUpcoming Embassy Interview
My wife's interview is coming up very soon so im trying to make her a checklist on everything to bring. This is for CR-1 Visa. Here is what I have so far:

Appointment Letter
2 Passport Photos
Passport
Copy of Petition packet
Copy of DS-230
Copy of I-864
Copy of my 2013 Filed 1040 taxes
Original Documents that NVC was already given(NSO Birth, NSO Marriage, NBI)
NSO CENOMAR(Marriage registry or CEMAR whatever it be called) Original + Copy

Evidence of our Relationship:

Photo album with pictures of us together in various places in PH starting from first date until wedding
Printouts of Xoom money transfer emails up until most recent (4/7/2013)
Printouts of my last 2 plane ticket Itinerary to ph Nov 2012, and Feb 2013


Does anything appear to be missing? This'd be so much simpler if I could be there with her for the interview, sadly I cannot. Also, does having a child with her count as "evidence of a relationship"? Should we bring a copy of CRBA so they can see we have a USC child together? Do we need to bring the CD from the medical or is that for after POE use?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-10 11:15:00
Philippinesinterview date
NVC sent us the letter that they completed our processing on March 12 and gave us an interview date of April 16th(only 2 days left!), so based on my own experience maybe it is about a month from when you receive the letter(email?)
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-14 01:57:00
PhilippinesHelp with Joint Sponsorship I-864

You are usually given 30 or 45 days. Did she get a piece of paper stating what is needed?


They need just the co-sponsors I-864(and I suppose a resubmission of my I-864 with it) and all evidences that support it. I spoke with them on the phone and the embassy staff said we have 1 year to submit it, but Im confused since they took her passport already.

Regarding the co-sponsor do I need:

I-864
Proof of citizenship
2012 Tax return
2012 W2
Current paystub

that that sound about right?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 05:12:00
PhilippinesHelp with Joint Sponsorship I-864
Anyone else here have their interview and were told they needed a joint sponsor? My wife says they want the joint sponsors I-864 supplied to them in 1 day which is impossible because if it requires an original signature it'll take at least 2 days for fedex to get that from US to PH. Its possible my wife maybe misunderstood what they said about the time limit? Anyone who has experience with it I'd greatly appreciate input. She said they told her to give this extra I-864 packet(for joint person) to 2go? Thanks in advance.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 03:53:00
PhilippinesPregnant

I wasn't sure where to post this , but my fiancee is filipina and she is pregnant . She will be here sometime in Sept or ealry Oct. We are filing a K-2 for the baby and hopefully be here about 6-7 months later . Can you start to breast feed and then switch to formula without problems ? Also she will be going to Manila back and forth for medical and interview . I am going to have her ask her doctor about this , but in the mean time just posting the question here .

Thanks



First of all, congrats! You can really technically feed formula from day 1. However, if her intention is to continue breastfeeding it is not recommended you bottle feed since this can cause nipple confusion and the baby may refuse her nipple completely in favor of the bottle(the bottle isnt an effort to get the milk). If she isnt producing enough milk then you have little choice, and just hope that you feed mostly from the breast so that the baby doesnt get confused. If your fiancee doesnt care about breast feeding(mine didnt), you can switch to bottles/formula whenever you want, or for better health can pump milk and feed in bottle still.

Edited by Bob & Joana, 15 April 2013 - 10:21 PM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-15 22:20:00
PhilippinesAnother signed I-864 needed at interview?

I'm a little confused so I'm hoping someone out there has been through this. As background information, I am a US Citizen and my wife and stepson are in the process of immigrating to the US via the CR1 process. After we received NOA2 and the case was forwarded to NVC, I submitted the AOS and IV packets to NVC and they were approved. My wife's interview is May 9th. Somebody recently told her that she needed to bring a signed copy of the I-864 with her to the interview. I don't see the point in having to do this since I already sent a signed I-864 with the AOS packet that I thought was being forwarded to the US Embassy in Manila. I'm worried because the instructions on the Embassy website seem to indicate that she should in fact bring a signed I-864 with her:
http://photos.state....__docx2_001.pdf

Was anyone who submitted the AOS packet through NVC asked for a new signed copy of the I-864 at their interview?

Bonus question: since the I-864 was submitted before 2012 taxes were due to be filed, I included returns for 2009, 2010, and 2011. Will she need a new I-864 with 2012 data filled in for the interview?


As long as your interview letter from NVC shows that as having an original on their checklist of documents, you should not need another copy(they give all the originals to the embassy when they are finished with it). My wife just had her interview Tuesday and they did not ask for another signed copy.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 23:24:00
PhilippinesNOA2 approved today! Need co-sponsor??

I really don't have anyone to use as a co-sponsor. I can't believe they denied you because of last years income if you now make above the 125%. I've read numerous threads on here where they went off current sustained income even if last year was below 125%. I'm sure you saw them too. I don't know what to do now.



Spoke with embassy staff, they couldnt tell me WHY the CO decided it wasnt enough, and said I have to send an email if I want to know. Honestly, since I can get a joint-sponsor(although I really dont want to) its going to take a lot longer to wait around for an email reply so I am just going to submit it anyways. Just for kicks I'll send the email still to see what they are going to say. My case is going to be a little different than yours, as it is possible they say it isnt enough because they dont believe in the amount of tips I reported for 2012. Maybe if you have a letter giving a more absolute number from the VA, they may feel that holds more weight. Im at a loss on this but since im at their mercy at this point I gotta do whatever it takes. Keep in mind, a co-sponsor does NOT need to be related to you or the beneficiary. If you have even a close friend or anyone that'll sign it they'll accept that. Otherwise you can hope you get a more generous CO than she did and they push it through.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 05:06:00
PhilippinesNOA2 approved today! Need co-sponsor??

So you currently have a job with an estimated annual salary above 125% and were denied? If thats the case I am in the same boat. I only worked a couple months last year but make well over the 125% now.



Yeah my current job I make above the 125%. In 2013, without any changes in pay if I continue to work the whole year there my taxes would show around 22k at the end of the year. I really think what happened is they ignored the letter that said I only worked 3.5months in 2012, and assumed that I somehow earned $6500 for the whole year. And didnt care that my letter of employment confirmed this amount. If you are in a similar situation(your 2012 W2/tax return doesnt show above 125%), I'd recommend you bite the bullet and get someone to fill out and sign for joint-sponsor but dont submit it unless the embassy does like they did to me and says it isnt enough.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 04:12:00
PhilippinesNOA2 approved today! Need co-sponsor??

So you're saying they denied you because of last years taxes being below the 125% even though your current income is above the 125% requirement??
From everything I've asked and read they go by your current income. Now I'm very worried.


Well it seems like my "current income" they decided is based solely what I earned in 2012, even if I only worked for 3.5months of the year. Even though I have documentation that I work full time, and my employer gives an income of just under 22k(I work a tip-based job so he cant say I make an exact amount he can only estimate, which was lower than the actual).
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 03:49:00
PhilippinesNOA2 approved today! Need co-sponsor??

Wow, so sorry!!
What do you mean you made the equivalent of 22k a year?
Are you currently working with an income of above 125%??


yeah I think the minimum was around 18,900 or so...I only worked 3.5months and made over $6500USD, which is approx 1857/month...if I worked the full year(multiply by 12) it ends up at around $22285. The problem is that I didnt work the full year so my W2 only shows my 2012 earning as $6500, as such they assume thats what I make even though I provided a letter of employment as well as a letter stating why I didnt work Jan-Jul15, Nov-Dec. This really sucks I doubt calling the embassy will help any but Im gonna do it anyways.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 03:40:00