ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
PhilippinesNOA2 approved today! Need co-sponsor??

Is 19k above the 125%? Yes I had 19k in disability payments last year but I'm just worried because of the latest tax returns. The previous 2 years were above the limit because I was still active duty military. And now my current job is above the limit. Just want to make sure I get everything correct and if I need to ask a family member to be a co-sponsor (i REALLY don't want to).




Thanks so much for the info!!! Please let me know how your interview goes. That will really help put my mind at ease if they go by your current income. Good luck!!!!


Well bad news, she passed her interview but they are saying my income is not sufficient even though I made the equivalent of 22k/year...since my W2 will only show my earnings for the 3.5months I did work we need a joint sponsor.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 03:32:00
PhilippinesNOA2 approved today! Need co-sponsor??
If you can prove that you currently are making above 125% with pay stubs(most recent 3 in a row), and/or a letter from your employer stating all your personal information and confirming your salary they probably will not require it. I am in a similar situation in that I did not work at all in 2011(I was living in ph with my wife), and I only worked from July to October in 2012(I moved back to US in july, then back to PH to be there for my daughter's birth). The NVC processed it no problem with provided pay stubs showing that I do work 40hrs a week, and a letter from my employer that stated my estimated income(more tricky for me since my job is tip-based) for a 40hr week by 52 weeks per year to estimate a yearly salary. However, the final decision is done by the CO at the interview. Our interview(I cant be there) is TODAY, so I'll update you on whether or not the above is good enough or if they may require a co-sponsor or other evidence.


Edit: After about 2 weeks from receiving NOA2, you should call NVC and get your MNL case number, so you can pay AoS and IV fees ASAP and then send in your I-864 and DS-230 packages for fastest processing time. You will also need your spouse to email for DS-3032 appointment of agent, so that all correspondences from NVC go directly to your email. Doing this saved me weeks of time, since my wife is slow to react to these things. The spouse will need to sign the DS-230 packet(part 1), so factor that she will need to complete that part(you cant save the form and just send it to her), and then Fedex a signed copy(do NOT sign part 2!!!) to you along with any other original documents(recent NBI clearance), NSO certified Birth and marriage certs, etc!

Edited by Bob & Joana, 15 April 2013 - 10:06 PM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-15 22:00:00
PhilippinesAnother Joint sponsor question

I-864 will be filled out by you(Sponsor) and I-864A(Co/Join Sponsor) will be used for other members within the household who are willing to utilize their income. An I-864A is required for each co/joint sponsor. If they filed jointly you will only need to provide one copy of their tax transcript(s) per year since their names will already be included in the document.


It sounds like the A form is for household members of MY household. I should clarify I do not live with this couple, They are their own family and just friends of mine. Would they still file the I-864A? or do they do just the I-864?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-17 00:03:00
PhilippinesAnother Joint sponsor question
Must the sponsor be an individual? I have a married couple who may be willing to co-sponsor, but individually neither would make enough -- but as a household they easily exceed the 125% poverty guideline and have well documented and stable jobs. Is there a special I-864 form for a case like this or does just 1 of the couple apply for the sponsor but submit their income combined(along with a 1040 filed jointly)?

Edited by Bob & Joana, 16 April 2013 - 11:11 PM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 23:11:00
PhilippinesFiancé has interview today
Best of luck to your fiancee, My wife is also doing her interview today so I hope for luck all around!
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-15 22:07:00
PhilippinesEmigrating with Infant
Thanks for suggestion to get philippines passport. If time wasnt an issue I would have my wife do that but since the appointment to wait to apply for the passport can sometimes be 1 month wait time its not really viable for us.

Does anyone know what the cost of the ECC is? I could not get a straight answer off the BI website for an exact price. I am thinking I will just send my wife with 3000 pesos and hope that is enough. Our daughter will have been born less than 6 months from departure date so I dont think there will be over-stay fees.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-19 00:41:00
PhilippinesEmigrating with Infant
Hi, im planning for my wife and daughter to depart Manila to come here soon and trying to figure out the cost of everything. My Wife will be CR-1, my Daughter is USC - under 6 months old at time of departure. They will be traveling Delta Airlines. So far I've factored 400 peso for CFO registration(she already has the counseling done). Anyone who has experience traveling with their USC infant please let me know costs for these things:

ECC for daughter - ????peso
Emmgration fee - 1650(is this included with delta airfare for a 1-way ticket?)
Airport Tax - 550(does the baby also have to pay this if she will be traveling infant-in-arms and does not have her own ticket?)
Airport Tax - 550(for my wife, I know she pays this)

Anything else I am missing please let me know thanks!
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-18 00:19:00
PhilippinesFiance' Family insists on wedding in Phil after USA Wedding

Hello all VJ Philippino memebers,

I have a few questions that are not urgent but for future reference I will need.

I have applied for I-129F and my Fiance and I will marry in USA within 90 days of her entry. When I proposed to her, She insisted and I strongly agreed that I call and ask her Father for his approval and also I Skyped with her eldest Aunt the sister of my Fiance's deceased Momma and asked the same. Both gave me blessings and approval however the Aunt stated that I MUST also marry my girl in the Philippines as no USA marriage is accepted by family unless in the Phl. I agreed and love the idea but what am I getting into? Can anyone point me to a process for marrying my already USA Wife in the Philippines? I heard there are waiting times, documents to be filed etc... Since cost of travel for me, My new Wife, and her 2 kids will not be cheap, I just want to know if I can organize this from USA and file appropriate papers and have a Minister and church in line.

Thanks for all advice :)

Brad


If you are married already in US, you cannot re-marry(the legal process) in philippines! To legally marry in philippines you'd need an affidavit from embassy stating you are not married and eligible to marry -- which you could not get since you are married to her. I think what the aunt wants is a ceremony(you dont need to gather documents and all that). Basically just arrange with the church for a ceremony and a reception afterwards where all her family included extended will likely be expected to be invited. If you have budget constraints dont feel like you must accomodate everyone, you can always just set a maximum number of guests and let your wife choose who to invite. But if not, weddings are so cheap compared to in the US just think it is easily doable to pay less than $5 per person for a reception there! I think my reception with around 50 people ended up costing $250USD or so for cake, food(catered), a small amount of alcohol(I dont condone excessive drinking so I provided a minimum only), favors, and gifts for the sponsors. Im not sure if you need to file anything with your church of choice, but I'm guessing that 2 weeks in the country or less is all you'd need to arrange it.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-19 00:34:00
PhilippinesBirthday Dinner Suggestions

Be careful about Tagatay. You will never be harassed as much as you will being a white guy there. As we pulled into the area, people were literally chasing our car, trying to get us to buy a boat tour to the volcano. They were literally hanging off the car! We went to the park that overlooks it, and we could barely move there were so many people accosting me. I hated every single second, and I would never set foot in that horrid place again.

I understand that life is tough there, but what we experienced was just annoying, it was harassment, and it was dangerous. They were chasing our car on mopeds, etc.

It was by far the worst I experienced in all my travels in the Philippines. Intramurous was a close second as two bicycle taxis kept following us and shouting at us, and fighting with each other. They literally ruined that experience too.

As for restuarants in Manila, I'm not even sure what fancy ones there are. The Sophitel in Manila has a nice restaurant and a nice brunch. The Manila Hotel is fun, near intramurous, since it's historical, and they have a big brunch, the food is ok, not brilliant.

Too bad you're not going to Dumaguete, had one of my favorite meals ever there, at a place called Casablanca, run by some crazy ex-pat Austrian named Gunther.

In Cebu, I can't remember the places we ate, we did eat a couple of times at the restaurant at the Cebu White Sands hotel, wasn't too bad. Nothing super fancy, but pretty good food.



I am surprised they would be that persistent with you in Tagaytay or anywhere for that matter. I know a lot of people have tried to sell me boat rides but telling them a simple, calm "No, im not interested" or "I've already been there" and keep walking is all it has ever taken me to be rid of them and nobody tried beyond that. I dont dress to draw attention to myself and being 31, maybe they didnt feel my money tree has bloomed yet in the back yard. Just ignore them like the beggars and they tend to go away.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-21 15:43:00
PhilippinesBirthday Dinner Suggestions
Also, I'd like to add that if you dont mind traveling a little bit outside of manila and want something really romantic you may want to consider a trip to tagaytay! Even if its just for a romantic dinner you can have an amazing dinner overlooking lake Taal and Taal Volcano in its center. If traveling there or back during non-peak times from manila to there 2-3hrs via air conditioned bus. The restaurant I like best with the view is called Leslies. You will want an early dinner so you can see the volcano and if you plan it just before the sunset you can get some nice colors(although the actual sunset will be the opposite direction of the volcano sadly). The food is decent but not 5 star by any means but you'd be looking at maybe $30-40 for dinner for 2. If you are wanting a true half-day event out of it start early and go to the Picnic grove(they have a zipline there also if that is your thing), another amazing view of the volcano as well. Tricycle fare from the tagaytay terminal is 60 peso each way(careful they will try to overcharge). Entrance is 50/peso each person. Zipline they have different packages and you can get souvenir mugs with your picture on it. They would send you as a couple down the zipline and take your picture at the end. Also if you want to devote more time to it, you can do a boat ride to the volcano, and ride a horse(more like a pony) up to the crater. I think expect around 2500 peso for the boatride, horse ride, etc. Probably can get less if you send Joan to negotiate a price with you out of sight. The people selling the boat rides are everywhere in tagaytay terminal and will be relentless with their trying to get you to hire them. If you arent interested just be blunt with them or they wont get the picture. If you are interested in tagaytay let me know I lived near there for 1.5years and could give you instruction on how to get there via bus from manila.

Edit: forgot to mention at leslies they have a roaming band(guitars and such) that will serenade. If you tip them they'll often take requests and stay longer at your table, which if you like private dinner can become an annoyance but they are really talented.

Edited by Bob & Joana, 19 April 2013 - 11:52 AM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-19 11:49:00
PhilippinesBirthday Dinner Suggestions
For downtown manila, if you havent done ocean park and if Joan has never seen something like that(aquariums and such including underwater tunnel) it can be a fun little outing. If you do it in the afternoon you can always stroll on the baywalk and watch the sunset after, which can be romantic.

As for restaurants if you like seafood, My wife specifically requested "Seaside restaurant" in Pasay on valentines day. It is not too expensive unless you buy a lot, and there isnt really a romantic atmosphere but its a pretty neat dining experience. You pick a restaurant(any of them) then you go out and buy your seafood fresh from the market right there, everything is by weight and prices are negotiable. After you bought everything you, you bring it back to restaurant and the re-weigh it to make sure the market people didnt scam you. Then the restaurant will prepare the foods however you want. They charge by weight but I think most things are 150-200 peso to prepare 1kg or less. When I went they added a 40 peso service charge(tip) for our waitress and normally when a place has a mandatory service charge I dont tip but 40 peso is a sad tip so I added a few hundred and it made her day haha.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-19 00:53:00
PhilippinesWhat qualifies as "marriage certificate" for initial filing of spousal visa?

Wow thanks! That will help. I'll let her know that. Will they LCR have a copy to copy for her? Its been just about two months since the wedding and last time she was there they said the paperwork was sent to the NSO already so they couldn't help her. Maybe they thought she was talking about the NSO copy she needs? I'll tell her to go back and say she needs a certified copy of what she has for a initial filing of a spousal visa. 

 

 

Have her xerox both sides.  Then bring it to the LCR along with the original(they may need both so they can verify it is not modified) and ask them to make it certified.  They will certify that copy, stamp it, and return it(probably in a few days).  Of course they will charge you something for this.  I think I paid 85 pesos but im sure this varies from LCR to LCR.


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-05-03 08:27:00
PhilippinesVISA
I think most people are saying up to 7-10business(normal) days depending on location and whether you are having delivered to your door or picking up at a location. I have seen some people say as soon as 3 days doing the MOA 2Go location, while some people were at 10 days still "out for delivery". Our Interview was today(havent heard from the wife about the result yet), so I cant give you personal experience, just what I see others reporting.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-16 00:37:00
PhilippinesSt Lukes Medical Exam, Can my spouse do it early?

Wow, thanks for all the info. Only problem is we DO NOT have a letter from NVC in hand yet. Well except for the NOA 1 and NOA 2. We do have the NVC number as well as the "NVC Receipt number". The problem is this. I am guessing (and hoping) if all goes smoothly she will be scheduled for her embassy interview in the next 4 or 5 weeks. She is in Cebu and will be attending some very serious classes at school and will not be able to leave the school or dorm to go to Manila during this time. So what I am trying to accomplish here is to get her to complete the medical this week before her intense classes start so she will not be rushed at the last minute to do this. She cannot miss her school. I pre-registered her at St Lukes already and on the on-line form it states if you do not yet have an embassy appointment date you enter January 1, 1970 in the appointment date field. I have to assume this means that you do not have to have an embassy appointment to take the physical? This make sense to you? I have received most replies that she can go ahead and get the physical exam done as long as she has an NVC number but am not sure what the exact answer is. I guess my best bet is to call St Lukes tomorrow morning when they open and ask. Only trouble is communication is not always the best over the phone. But I would hate to fly my wife up to Manila only to have her turned away by the guards. Maybe I should scan and email her the NOA 1 and NOA 2 so she can show those to the guard???? Any thought about this?


You definitely do NOT need the interview letter as an ir-1/cr-1 applicant. We did our medical feb 25th, so at that time they did not require the letter IF you have the NVC instruction letter(they sent this letter to both of us -- US address and PH address). We used her copy, as it was slightly different from the one I received, but honestly the guards did not look at it that carefully. They did insist on having 2 copies(they left the original in my possession). Unfortunately I cannot confirm if having NOA2 AND the MNL number will get you entry...that is something she may want to call st. lukes and ask. We also read that people were saying it was accepted(I think either on here or somewhere else online) prior to doing the medical, but since we received the NVC letter it didnt really factor for us. The only thing they gave a hard time to us about was wanting something that confirmed the "preference category" which for us was CR-1 and we chose that on the pre-registration but they kept asking for a document that showed it and I instructed my wife to just tell them we are 100% sure that is correct and they eventually dropped it.

Yeah I understand not wanting to send her up to manila to be turned away at the door(that'd be quite expensive especially with booked hotel, airfare/travel, etc). Unfortunately you may have to wait until one of you receives the NVC letter(you'll probably get it first because philippines post office is horrible) as that item is specifically stated as acceptable on st. lukes website -- at least if you want the peace of mind to know that they cant legitimately refuse her at the door.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-07 01:09:00
PhilippinesSt Lukes Medical Exam, Can my spouse do it early?
Just to add my experience:

We're also a CR-1/IR-1. We did the medical early because I wanted to be absolutely sure that she wouldnt be flagged for sputum and delay the process. So as soon as we got her passport, I went with her to do st. lukes. You can go any time, just bring the NVC letter that she first received(and 2 copies!!), Passport, and the photos. They are very picky on the photos so make sure she is not wearing earrings -- my wife had earrings on and they made her retake the pictures(there is a place right across the street luckily). She does NOT need an appointment. I would recommend pre-registering online before you go and have her bring 2 copies of the registration paperwork. Bring copies of passport bio page just in case(cant remember if we needed that). Also, Their fee is due in Pesos only, not USD. She will need to stay over-night, as it is a 2 day procedure. We showed up kind of late at around 10:30am, and her first day was finished around 7pm. They scheduled her to return the second day at 2:30pm, and she was done with that by 4pm(they made her come back 2 weeks after for immunization since she was in a bad part of her menstrual cycle apparently?). Even with having to return later the second day they still gave us the chest x-ray CD and a receipt for the immunization schedule so your second day may take longer if she needs the shots done that day.

If everything is clear(no sputum) the medical(and in turn her visa) will be valid for only 6 months, so since you plan to leave as soon as you get the visa/cfo done im sure that is more time that you'll need. And im pretty sure they WILL turn away without the NVC letter in hand as they have so many people to process they cant simply take people off the street to 'make money' as someone else seems to think.

Good luck to you! Also, if you are looking for a hotel nearby we stayed at Best Western La Corona -- The big suite(with hottub, king bed, 2 TVs, Dining room, etc) was only $106/night! Only maybe half a kilometer walk(2 small blocks) away. Any questions feel free to message me.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-06 22:44:00
Philippines2go 221g timeframe

I needed a joint sponsor so they issued my wife a 221g awaiting the cosponsor I-864.  How long would it likely take for them to process the paperwork after it is submitted to 2go courier?  I have a real time constraint to get her on a plane before the 22nd of this month so is it realistically possible it could be done before the 21st(she'll need to CFO still)

 


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-05-07 23:41:00
PhilippinesInteresting outcome regarding 221g for AoS Co-sponsor

So I am really confused on what has happened for my visa, but either way the end result is good so Im not gonna stir anything up until my wife is safely in the US.  But I'd like to share what has happened in case it may somehow help anyone else who shares my situation.

 

So last April 16, my wife went for her CR-1 Interview, and was approved but issued a 221g citing my income not being sufficient and saying a co-sponsor was required.  They kept her passport and gave her the 221g form.  After she told me of this(I could not fly there to attend interview), I was confused as my YEARLY income would exceed 125% poverty guideline.  My W2 however did NOT reflect this for a couple reasons:

 

I worked from Last week in july until Last week in October(slightly over 3 months).  My income is Tip-based(so I cannot prove how much I make in direct numbers.  My Letter of employment stated my boss's estimate on approximately how much I make in tips per hour + my wages.  I also took Paternity Leave from November 1 until new years day -- a letter indicating this was provided with the I-864.  I did NOT work at all in 2011 because I was in PH living with my wife.  My W2 stated I made approx 6k, so the simple math would be 6k x 4(to stretch it to a year) = 24000. 

 

So the CO rejects my AOS and requires a co-sponsor.  I send an email to the MNL embassy asking why the CO felt I did not make enough when I do.  They responded with a generic "read the AoS guidelines email.  I responded with "thats not what I asked, try again to address my question".  They respond with "you can submit additional evidence or documents to 'embassyemail'.  I ask again for them to tell me what the embassy THINKS I make.  They just responded with "I have forwarded your email to the correct authority".  I did not hear anything since.

 

So I try real hard and cannot find a co-sponsor until this week.  I get the I-864 with supporting docs to my wife.  She takes it to 2go with 221g and sends it 05/07.  That night I checked the status on state.gov site and it says visa:  Issued.  and "last update 05/06/2013".  I check 2go, and their site says the visa packet is already waiting at MOA pickup location.

 

So it APPEARS that the email process I went through had someone review my case like an appeal and approved it based on the timestamp.  But, it seems so weird that they would not respond to my email if they were going to do that.   Once it was forwarded I didnt get any other response.  The only other thing I can think of is that the timestamp is wrong.  ANyone else got any imput on exactly what happened?  If they did accept my appeal do you think they will just ignore the I-864 cosponsor I submitted or add him anyways?

 

 

Edit:  as a side note I'd say if you are in a rush to get your visa, get it at MOA pickup location!  Holy ####### on the 2 day release!


Edited by Bob & Joana, 09 May 2013 - 12:08 AM.

Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-05-09 00:07:00
PhilippinesToday is the day

Today is the lucky day!  My wife has boarded the plane in japan and will be heading to Detroit for POE around 1:40pm EST today.  Cant tell you how excited I am, now if only delta will allow me to meet her at the gate.  I know we are far from being to the end of this journey but at least the most stressful part(being long-distance) will be completed.  Just wanted to say thanks for all the advise I've gotten in my post(or from the posts of others).  It made this process a lot more bearable knowing things should go smoothly(well minus the AoS issue).  I'm sure I'll be checking in often anyways to help others or when the next process will begin.


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-05-22 00:59:00
PhilippinesPOE: Customs declaration questions

She has made it here without any problem.  POE was easy and quick.  Waiting on the assistance to get her bags through customs however took a bit longer than I would've liked!  I spoke with Delta and they said its a no-go for getting the clearance for an international flight!  I confirmed this at the Department of Homeland Security office they said it isnt possible to get such a clearance.  My best suggestion would be to call your airline and explain your situation and that you REQUIRE the assistance at your POE.  Delta was happy to accomodate, it just took a while since I think they help the handicap folks first.   Waited about 80 minutes after they got to the gate before she cleared customs.

 

Good luck to you, hope it goes smoother for you.  The guy who assists(at least for delta) is allowed to accept tips, just an FYI


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-05-22 20:40:00
PhilippinesPOE: Customs declaration questions

 

Great! Thanks in advance.. good.gif

 

I checked the website for the airport and it said to check with the airline.  I called Delta and they said to come early the day of the flight and to go to the ticket counter and ask there and that they MIGHT give special clearance to go wait at the gate for the arrival.  I was told to bring my passport just in case(as it would require me to cross the immigration line even though im not technically leaving).  Only a few days now so I'll see if they will grant me this clearance or not!  They also said that since I requested assistance over the phone there MIGHT be someone to assist with the baggage, but wasnt that certain of this.  Im not sure what date you are traveling but you may want to request assistance from your airline now, as a fail-safe if nothing else.


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-05-19 22:20:00
PhilippinesPOE: Customs declaration questions

 

My wife put Philippines since she has not arrived in the USA... yet. 

 

My wife didn't bring an money (large amount worth declaring) so nothing was put in amount.     If I am not mistaken you don't have to put in an amount of money unless it is $10,000 or more which is required to be declared. 

 

As for what line, we went through POE in Honolulu, as we walked into the room there was an agent there, we informed the agent of my wife's status and were directed to a special window.  I went through there as well.

 

Alright I guess if the amount is going to be zero, it probably wouldnt matter which column she puts it in....

 

On a separate matter, do you know if it is better to declare a low-value item that she is bringing in bulk(25 boxes), would they eye this quantity as questionable for "personal use"?  I have having her bring the Birth Control she is on, and a 2 year supply as its much cheaper there than here.  I just dont want them raising an issue.  Since they cost me a total of like $30 USD, Im wondering if it'd just be safer to declare it.  I doubt she'd have to pay anything on a $30 declaration anyways.

 

Would like to hear everyone's thoughts/experiences on this


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-05-18 20:17:00
PhilippinesPOE: Customs declaration questions

I will be monitoring this thread, for I will also be travelling to the US soon w/ my 2yr old child-with the same number of luggage as your wife minus the stroller, we will just purchase another stroller in SFO upon our arrival, hopefully. It would be difficult for me to carry the 2 carry-on bags plus a stroller. no0pb.gif

 

Would love to hear feedbacks from those w/ experiences..

 

If nothing else if nobody else posts on it I'll update you after she arrives on how it went for us.  I am going to be calling the airport on monday to see if I can make an arrangement through them or if they know what can be done.  Even though I know there are free carts for use...I cant imagine my wife at 95lbs being able to lift a 45lb luggage off the belt, all the while keeping an eye on the stroller and our other bags.  Our POE is detroit, so im always reluctant to look away too long as things tend to walk away in that city.


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-05-18 19:06:00
PhilippinesPOE: Customs declaration questions

The day is almost upon us for my wife's arrival to the US(finally!).  I am trying to instruct her how to fill out the customs declaration form.  Unfortunately I cannot travel with her but she will be traveling with our 6month old daughter(US passport). 

 

Since she has a CR-1 Visa for question 7:  Country of residence would she put philippines or the US(since she has not been here yet I dont know which applies in the eyes of customs). 

 

Also for the declared amount would she put the total in Residents or visitors(she isnt a visitor, but if her residence above says philippines would they not be happy if she wrote in the resident column instead?)

 

And the third POE question is does she go to the US citizen/resident line at immigration or to the visitor line?

 

I guess im going to add a forth question now...Has anyone else picked up their spouse/fiancee from the airport arrival and been able to cross customs with any kind of special clearance to help assist with luggage?  I ask because I know there is no way she'll be able to handle moving the baby stroller, 2 checked bags, 1 carry-on bag, and the infant needs bag.  I tried asking delta to arrange for assistance there but they seemed uninterested in providing it.  Any input on this would be awesome.


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-05-18 18:13:00
Philippineshow long to receive green card

Hi, I paid that new Immigration fee prior to my wife's arrival to US on CR-1 Visa.  Her PoE was 1 month ago already but we have not received her greencard.  Does it normally take this long to receive it or is there someone(who?) that I need to contact about this?  Dont really need it for anything (yet), but Im just making sure if it should be here already or not.  Thanks.


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-06-23 08:47:00
PhilippinesI'll be a new father this July. Questions on CRBA, dual citizenship, birth certificate, etc

Greetings everyone.  My future wife and I will be having a boy this July.  I have a few questions:

 

*  Dual Citizenship.  I would like my son to be a dual citizen (Philippines and US).  What would be the recommended procedure?  Would it be easier for him to get a RP passport first then US?  Or should I apply for CRBA first, get the US passport and then a RP passport for him?

 

*  Birth Certificate.  Since my lady and I aren't married yet, would my name be automatically put on the birth certificate?  Or would I undergo a DNA test first?

 

*  CRBA.  I will be in Manila when our son is born but will only be able to stay 2-3 weeks.  Would this be enough time to process or apply CRBA?  I really don't want to put her under too much stress after child birth.  Can I apply for this at the US embassy in Japan?  (I am a US Navy Sailor stationed in Japan).

 

Any help that you guys could give me on the above questions or any tips in general since this is my first child would be much appreciated.  Thank you!

 

Birth Certificate:  When my wife and I had our baby they did not require a DNA test to put my name on the certificate.  Since you arent married yet, I am not sure but at most they'd probably just require the document affirming you are the father.

 

CRBA:  You will have a VERY hard time to do the CRBA while you are there.  To do CRBA you will need NSO authenticated birth certificate.  You will need to wait a week before you get the local registrar copy of the birth certificate.  Then you will need to pay to have them advance file(I forget what the exact term for it is, but I had to do this) at the municipality which the birth was filed to have them authenticate so that you can deliver to NSO.  This took 2 days and we had the letter and instructions on how to deliver it to NSO.  I picked it up and then you have to send via LBC(only!) to the provincial office for NSO of the province the baby is born in.  Once they receive it they will probably take 1-2 weeks to process it and get it into the system.  Once that is completed you should be able to go to any NSO office to apply to have it printed.  Between being a father, and helping your fiancee with recovering from childbirth, you will likely not have time to start this the first week, but even if you do you make have to "buy lunch" with certain officials to try and expedite things.  Also, for the LBC part I hand-delivered it to the office of the official that is supposed to do this.  She was mad that I skipped the LBC part because they use this to track it.  She processed it anyways but said it is against policy to do that haha.  Im sure if you try that it may be an opportunity to buy someone lunch again. but could save a few days of shipping time.  So basically it IS possible, but very unlikely you'd have all this done before the 3 weeks.  Then you'll also need embassy appointment, apply WITH the baby present(you'll need to read requirements as I think you need passport-style photographs of both parents and the baby).  If you all go together only one parent will need proper ID -- US passport/PH passport or TWO digitized Government IDs.  I went with my wife to do mine and while she didnt have good enough ID, they said only 1 parent has to sign off on it!  Now if you arent married before the birth, you will be much more likely to be required to DNA test unless you have really solid proof that it is yours.  This collection could further delay the CRBA as it might also be appointment based.  This part can be done while the application is pending so it is something that your fiancee and baby can go in together for(she'll need proper ID for this), and you could go to a separate authorized location back in Japan(they must have them somewhere, you'll have to ask) for collection.

 

Dual Citizenship:  I havent done this part but my understanding is you should be able to get a PH passport using the NSO birth certificate(since mother is filipino) and whatever other supporting documents they would need.  The US citizenship would be granted upon receiving the CRBA and with the CRBA you can apply for the passport.  If you will not be present for the passport application, you will need to provide a document giving consent to apply for the passport in your absence, notarized by a US-approved notary to your fiancee when she goes to apply.  I also am not sure if infants need to re-affirm their PH citizenship after gaining us citizenship, so you may need to look into that.

 

Hope this info helps you some, its all based on my personal experiences.  I do think things might be much easier for you if the baby is born in wedlock.  Mine daughter was conceived while we were engaged, but we married before she was born and had very little problem getting the CRBA(no dna test), and presented significant proof showing I was in PH at the time of conception(passport stamps, photos, ticket stubs), along with early ultrasound saying the estimated date of conception.


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-28 13:40:00
PhilippinesWhere can I get Tagalog Pocketbooks

Hi,

 

The wife has been wanting me to find her tagalog pocketbooks.  I am looking for a source to buy these in the US.  If anyone can point me in the right direction that'd be helpful.  She has an account to some online site that she can read from but im looking for hard copy so that she will not have to strain her eyes on the computer so often.  Thanks!


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-12-10 22:00:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Box

Used mostly LBC from both places. It takes about 2 months to Mindanao. They have been dependable, and  there is an LBC office in my wife's hometown.

The Forex took the longest time when we used them, and they were more expensive. UMAC I have not used, but they are for mostly Visayas and Luzon.

 

NW corner of Dequindre and 16 mile/ Big Beaver.  In the strip mall with Aldi's and H-mart.  No limit on weight.

 

Good Luck..no need to venture out to Garden City.

 

Thanks I went there today and we picked up the box.  The woman there said you can schedule LBC to pick up straight from your address.  Do i just have to call the number printed on the box to make this arrangement?  And do I pay over the phone or do I pay when someone picks it up?


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-12-15 22:42:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Box

Have you used the LBC service?  Do you know if they are more reliable than forex or UMAC?   I am familiar with filipinas i've been there before...did not know that they doing BB box.  The mini-mart on corner of 16/dequindre which corner is it?  NW, NE, SW, or SE?  I didnt know there was a filipino market there so I'd like to check it out regardless of where I decide to ship.  Also are all these places by the box(weight does not matter?)  or is there weight limits on these?

 

Thanks for the info, Im happy I dont have to drive to garden city that is a LONG drive =)

I didn't answer all of your questions

 

 

Your Boxes should be packed with enough shipping tape to make them nearly waterproof.

Use bubble wrap or clothing items to pad the contents. I have never had any customs issues, only damage from water.

 

Put the  "ship to" address several places with a waterproof SHARPIE on the box, and include a cell phone number for them to contact.

You will be able to track the shipment on the internet.

 

Just follow the rules for what can and cannot be shipped and no worries...

 

 


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-12-14 00:43:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Box

Anyone know of an places near Detroit, Michigan where I can acquire the box itself and also of a good place to ship from that doesnt involve having me first ship to the west coast?  I havent found anything that seems trustworthy doing google searches.  I know its too late to get something there for x-mas, but sometime before february would still go a long way =).  Also, anyone know if shipping BB box if you can wrap anything or will it need to be unwrapped for customs?


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-12-10 22:02:00
PhilippinesBIR Digitized ID

Since this thread was revived I figure I'll add some info...If this helps anyone in the future.  The BIR digitized ID was a dead-end.  When we went to Makati the lady in charge there said that they no longer make those IDs(and hadn't for over a year before we arrived to ask). 


Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2014-05-12 22:29:00
PhilippinesBIR Digitized ID

Yes, I was referring to the Digitized BIR ID, not the TIN.

She can get the Digitized BIR ID at the BIR Makati Atrium.


Sweet thanks for this info. Does it matter whether she lives in a different province or is it ok at any location for this?
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-02-06 02:18:00
PhilippinesBIR Digitized ID

My cousin got her TIN ID card at the BIR Makati Atrium. http://www.bir.gov.p.../c07r049t52.htm


Do you know if they do the Digitized BIR ID there? This is a different ID than the TIN. The DFA refused to accept a TIN card as ID.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-02-05 23:36:00
PhilippinesBIR Digitized ID

JUST PLEASE MAKE AN ONLINE APPOINTMENT IN DFA WEBSITE and DO NOT FORGET TO CONFIRM IT
when she's there at DFA bldg.
she'll need atleast 1 ID with picture and atleast 3 supporting documents, black ballpen, money, do not wear earrings, must be in formal or wear with collar (do not wear white color..

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE IDS (At least 1 of the following):

Government-issued picture IDs such as the following:
Digitized SSS ID
Driver’s License
GSIS E-card
PRC ID
IBP ID
OWWA ID
Digitized BIR ID
Senior Citizen’s ID

Other acceptable picture IDs such as the following:
Old College ID ------> (THIS IS WHAT I USED TOGETHER WITH MY SSS ID WHEN I GET MY PASSPORT)
Alumni ID
Old Employment IDs

LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (At least 3 of the following):

Voter’s ID
NSO Marriage Contract
Land Title
Seaman’s Book
Elementary or High School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with readable dry seal
Government Service Record
NBI Clearance -----> SHE WILL ALSO NEED THIS FOR HER INTERVIEW ANYWAY
Police Clearance
Barangay Clearance
Old documents issued at least one year prior to date of application that show correct name, date and place of birth, picture and signature of applicant such as the following:
NSO Birth Certificate of child / children
SSS-E1 Form or Microfilmed Copy of SSS-E1 Form
Income Tax Return
Voter’s Certification, List of Voters and Voter’s Registration Record (for newly issued VRR, please attach receipt)
School Yearbook
Community Tax Certificate


or see this link for the REQUIREMENTS http://passport.com....#acceptable_ids

and to set an appointment click this link http://passport.com.ph/set-appointment


hope she can get her passport soon and also the NBI.. Goodluck and Godbless to your journey!


Thanks for the info. I'm well informed of the requirements...we have the 3 supporting docs already(the agent there said those were fine), its just the ID that was the problem. The other problem is that they WOULD NOT accept her employment ID even though that is on the list. She cannot get/does not have any other ID listed on there(well within any reasonable time...not waiting 6 months for an SSS ID) which is the problem at hand. I really dont understand how they can reject the employment ID even though it is on the approved list. Did she just have a picky agent? Im getting really fed up with this as its 3hrs on the bus for her each way each time she tries it. I just really need information on the BIR Digitized ID as they would not accept the TIN Id and i've read online that the BIR Digitized is the fastest/easiest to get(I guess assuming there isnt a retard at the office there who thinks it doesnt exist). Please someone tell me what office of the BIR they know has issued a Digitized ID in the past. Thanks.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-02-05 15:56:00
PhilippinesBIR Digitized ID

Hey there - had the same problem - Don't know what the "BIR" you are refering to is; but my Fiancee got a drivers license and that took 4 weeks max (I think it was more like 3 weeks) did pay for driving school .... and so on cost a couple of hundred USD but all done in 4 weeks -

Of all the options that was the fastest we had.

Good luck



BIR is Bureau of Internal Revenue(their version of the IRS). I have read online(and possibly even on VJ -- cant remember) of people who have obtained this ID same day or next day and from what I recall this ID is supposed to be either free or really cheap. If all else fails then maybe the driving school option is possible but I'd rather not drop so much money on something she isnt going to use.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-02-05 09:29:00
PhilippinesBIR Digitized ID
Has anyone acquired the BIR Digitized ID for use as an ID to get their passport? If so what office did you apply to get it at and how long did it take? The DFA giving us problems to get my wife her passport, so im trying to find the fastest ID that they WILL accept. The BIR digitized is on their list and I have read online(google searches) that it is easy to get. But when my wife went to the Cavite BIR office in Trece they said they dont have that there.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-02-05 03:03:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi-864 for usc husband
when I did mine I called the NVC, and they told me if I declared my daughter on my taxes as a dependent then to add her as one on the form. But since I didnt declare her as a dependent they said I dont put her down. I dont know if this was right, but it came from the NVC. You may want to call them to verify.
Bob & JoanaMalePhilippines2013-04-24 00:16:00