Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Philippines	Jollibee in Waipahu, Hawaii=Happy girl from the Philippines!	Thanks everyone!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-06-28 02:33:00
Philippines	Jollibee in Waipahu, Hawaii=Happy girl from the Philippines!	Edited by Stevephoto, 28 June 2013 - 12:25 AM.	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-06-28 00:24:00
Philippines	New Facebook group - Pinay-Kano Reunification	This is a GREAT group...very supportive and friendly!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-06-29 02:27:00
Philippines	EAD & AOS	Well you should know how the state runs by now, hehe. But the same situation happened with my wife. Got married in 60 days after her Poe. Applied for certified copies, and got them in about 31 days. Was told it might be 6 weeks because of the good ole furloughs. We got the original about 4 months later. So my wife filed after her I-94 expired. I think just so long you get married in 90 days, then no problem. Border patrol won't come looking for your wife. It seems that people got in trouble when they did not file after a year or more, and traveled near Mexico. Also you should get at least 6 or more copies, since you need them for later on. Yeah..no kidding! I know all too well. DOH has kept that part such a secret that even our minister doesn't know about the "online" thing! I will file with the officiated marriage license and a printout of the State of Hawaii's website listing the 60 to 120 day time frame if I have to. I know that I don't need to, but I will feel better if it is filed within 90 days...even if we get an RFE...	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-02 03:37:00
Philippines	EAD & AOS	Or... live near Mexico... yup... we would take a motorcycle ride to Tombstone and have to pass through a Border Patrol checkpoint on the way home.  Its a way of life here in AZ.       Hehe......! Edited by Stevephoto, 02 July 2013 - 03:25 AM.	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-02 03:24:00
Philippines	EAD & AOS	Decided to include the drama so people would know what to ask if this comes up: The DOH website says that it takes 60-120 days to receive the marriage certificate which puts us out of status. I called today and the first lady I spoke to said that they would not expedite even with the I-94 as evidence of a need for quick processing (so much for the importance of a federal document at the state level!) I could of course pay an attorney for a letter stating that we needed it quickly. Ridiculous. She even went to her supervisor and asked him and he said that they would not accept the I-94. She pretty much said that Joan would have to leave the country because they would not produce the certificate in time (Joan wouldn't have to leave, but that is a different story---just do the math: I-94 is good for 90 days and DOH might take 120 days to process the certificate, so everybody might be out of status!). Anyway, she offered to have her supervisor call me. He did but I was at the Social Security office with Joan applying for her SSN. He left a message saying that if the officiate had access to a computer then we could pick up the certificate in 48 hours, otherwise it would be 3 to 4 weeks. I called him back and he confirmed that information. Why this rather important information was not available when I called (or better yet on the website) is still beyond me...   BTW: The SSN application could not have been easier or more pleasant (aside from the hour 1/2 wait---make an appointment if you can!) Whodathunk it: federal bureaucracy easier to deal with than State offices--um, ok, nevermind!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-01 21:45:00
Philippines	EAD & AOS	oooooookkkaayyyyyy....so I will save you the drama and cut to the chase: if our minister has access to a computer and fills in the certificate online then we can pick up the marriage certificate in 48 hours. If not then it will be 4 weeks (website still says 60-120 days). Why it took 4 phone calls (back and forth) and a supervisor to get that information is beyond me.	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-01 19:46:00
Philippines	EAD & AOS	Thanks Hank, Gary and Dave! I'll call tomorrow and find out what Hawaii can/will do for us. I will also make sure that I get regular copies of the signed (officiated) marriage license and send that if Hawaii decides not to honor the same-day service (I couldn't find that on the website, but I will ask).	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-06-30 15:28:00
Philippines	EAD & AOS	This thread came at the perfect time for us. Here is our situation: Joan's I-94 is valid until September 10, 2013. We are getting married on August 24th, so no problem there. We want to file for AOS, EAD and AP right after the wedding, but the official wedding certificate won't arrive until 60-120 days after it is filed! Does anyone have any suggestions on how to work around this? I have read that it is not a big deal to go out of status, but we really do not want to do that and Joan wants to work as soon as possible. Is there any negative consequences to filing for AOS with the marriage license and a note explaining that the certificate won't be issued for 2 to 4 months? I know that we would probably get an RFE, but is that a problem?	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-06-29 15:15:00
Philippines	EAD & AOS	THANKS! So he can apply for the SSC once he arrives in the US correct or do we have to wait until we file for AOS before he can apply for SSC?   He can apply for the SSN after he has been in the US for about 2 weeks (to allow for processing and to get "in the system"). Joan got here on June 13th and we will go next week to apply for her SSN.	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-06-29 15:02:00
Philippines	Bringing a Dog to the USA	Does Rover want to apply for a tourist visa? That's great!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-01 20:21:00
Philippines	On her way!!	YAHHHHH!!! Congrats Ronn.....Hang in there kateser...it will happen!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-05 14:34:00
Philippines	Communication Proof	We used samples only. I kept all of our emails in a separate mail folder and took a screen shot showing 15,000 emails and then printed a couple from each month. No problem, but like Hank, I was there at the interview.	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-05 14:53:00
Philippines	K1 interview experience jan. 28, 2013	Thank you Irah! 5 months would be awesome! We are 3 months into it (11+ months together) so we are hoping for NOA2 approval in March and the interview/visa in May...I am trying to be as supportive as I can and the experiences that you and everyone else are sharing are so very helpful...Salamat from both of us...and yes it will work out and yes it will be wonderful!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-02-02 21:35:00
Philippines	K1 interview experience jan. 28, 2013	Hi Irah! Not for a while =( We are still between NOA1 and NOA2. She can not open Visajourney on her phone so I try to send her whatever great tidbits I can...she is very nervous about the interview and your information will really help. Salamat! So when is the big flight?	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-02-02 21:10:00
Philippines	K1 interview experience jan. 28, 2013	Beautiful! I will share your experience with Joan...congratulations!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-02-02 20:51:00
Philippines	And the CFO Harassment begins........	CFO is such a case by case basis. Joan's was very easy and smooth, but others' have been nightmares. The guides posted by Hank and Ann will help but this is what Joan brought--she was not asked for 1/2 of it---not even the parental advice!   Envelope 1 (CFO?Philippine specific)   Registration form?two copies Copy of my passport (bio page) Copy of my birth certificate Collage of photos from my three visits?three copies (3, not photocopied 2 more times) Notarized Parental Advice Copy of Joan?s parent?s letter to me accepting my request for her hand in marriage (in Tagalog and translated by Joan into English) 1x1 and 2x2 passport style photos Joan?s Passport and copies of her bio page Joan?s Cenomar and copies Joan?s Postal ID and copies My 1040 (ITR) cover sheet with SS# X?ed out (proof that I am singe) Joan?s NBI in case they ask for it.   Good luck!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-06-21 16:24:00
Philippines	cfo requirement philippines	Thanks for the good information. I'll let Joan know what to expect when the time comes---we are still between NOA1 and NOA2 so it will be awhile =(	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-01-26 14:46:00
Philippines	Safety in Ermita area??	Joan is right here now. She stayed at the Lotus Garden Hotel (just ask for a room away from the construction!). It is a block and 1/2 from St. Lukes. She took a taxi at 4:30 AM on the first day (about a 2 minute ride!) and walked back after the medical. She walked there the next morning at about 9AM and walked back after. No problem. We stayed at the same hotel for two weeks during the cfo/embassy phase and Joan walked all over (Pure Gold, Robinson's, etc. Never had a problem. Good luck with the medical!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-12 15:00:00
Philippines	New USEM Packet?	Wow, I didn't realize how rare it is for them to have the petitioner present. Makes it all the more worthwhile for me to do the same, as it sounds like it really does make a difference in being something they like. Thanks, and good luck on the move to the U.S.   I was there with Joan too. It was a smooth experience and I do think it helps...It is hard to say it is not a real relationship when the fiance(e) is standing there! Good luck to you!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-18 23:12:00
Philippines	New USEM Packet?	these are what's inside the envelop http://philippinefia...-from-usem.html more of instructions then pamphlet and the I129F copy. thanks! visa now issued but still at post..   Congrats! It will be delivered soon!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-18 23:06:00
Philippines	US fiance singleness	We used the cover sheet for my tax return (single) but CFO did not ask to see it. They asked Joan if I was single and she said "yes" and they moved on!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-18 23:25:00
Philippines	Cultural Differences	I love all of those things...yes, sometimes we need to stop and clarify what we are saying, but it is great!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-18 23:20:00
Philippines	Help! need to reschedule interview, 1 day before appt!	Awesome!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-24 14:11:00
Philippines	US EMBASSY manila INTERVIEW QUESTIONS	Here is my review of our interview: http://www.visajourn...merica-my-love/	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-24 14:09:00
Philippines	Got my MNL #? Should I wait again or can I just rock n roll right away?	As others have stated...it is time to rock and roll! We paid for the visa and scheduled the medical and the interview the day after we paid (took about 18 hours to be recorded). Then it was Medical>CFO>Embassy>Return to CFO for sticker>NAIA2>Honolulu!   It will be over before you know it!	Stevephoto	Male	Philippines	2013-07-27 15:03:00
Philippines	Got my MNL #? Should I wait again or can I just rock n roll right away?	Thank you Justin! Going at the bank to pay now! Cant wait to be in the island too!	MJandJON	Female	Philippines	2013-07-28 21:55:00
Philippines	Got my MNL #? Should I wait again or can I just rock n roll right away?	Wow that makes sense. Thank you very much! Was that all based on your experience? I will do it right away. Salamat	MJandJON	Female	Philippines	2013-07-27 11:58:00
Philippines	Got my MNL #? Should I wait again or can I just rock n roll right away?	I'll do that Xie Xie!	MJandJON	Female	Philippines	2013-07-27 04:55:00
Philippines	Got my MNL #? Should I wait again or can I just rock n roll right away?	I am new here in VJ and i dont know where to find those. could you please link it to me so i can browse it? thanks though	MJandJON	Female	Philippines	2013-07-27 04:53:00
Philippines	Got my MNL #? Should I wait again or can I just rock n roll right away?	Thank you for the very fast reply. How can i track my case? Can you link the site please. Thank you	MJandJON	Female	Philippines	2013-07-27 04:47:00
Philippines	CFO sticker needed ?	the first time me and my girlfriend at the time went to Singapore, we did have some hassle at NAIA immigration, they sent her to secondary screening, she had to fill out another form, and was interviewed.  She had to ask questions as to how much money she had on her, where she was staying, and questions about myself.  We barely made the boarding for our flight.  I would suggest getting there early just in case, also gave her copies of the airline and hotel reservations, plus some cash to show that she had adaquate support for her projected stay.  The second time we traveled, to Thailand this time, there was not problems.    We're planning another trip to Singapore in a couple of weeks, this time we're bringing her mother along...this should be fun.	April-n-Gary	Male	Philippines	2013-05-08 16:03:00
Philippines	PDOS, NAIA, and POE experience	From the USDA-APHIS website   Individuals who fail to declare non-commercial agricultural items may be subject to penalties ranging from $1,100 to $60,000 per violation.  These penalties are based on authorities granted to USDA through the Plant Protection Act and the Animal Health Protection Act.     Meat, milk, egg, poultry, and products such as dried soup mix or bouillon, are either prohibited or restricted from entering the United States, depending on the types of animal diseases that occur in the country of origin.  Fresh (chilled or frozen), dried, cured, and fully cooked meat is generally prohibited from most countries.  Canned meat is allowed entry, except beef, veal, lamb, mutton, venison, elk, bison, etc., from countries affected by bovine spongiform encephalopathy. Products containing raw egg ingredients are not allowed from most regions. Pork and pork products are not allowed from Mexico, except for cooked pork in small amounts for a meal.   Looked at the ingredient list for Magic Sarap, it contains both Chicken Fat and "Meat Flavorings" although it's non-specific most believe it's pork.  As for the items for sale on Amazon etc.  The importer/producer may have gone thru the process of getting it inspected and approved for import, that does not mean the items you pickup in the Philippines meet the same requirements.  From my experience the USDA inspectors tend to take a pretty hardline on bringing in questionable items and tend to err on the cautious side.   If you don't declare these items, and you don't get inspected you will not have a problem, but if you're pulled for secondary inspection at a minimum your products will be confiscated and will probably be noted for additional screening on your next visit.   Just saying, it's up to you if you want to take the chance for something you could get here for pretty cheap on the internet	April-n-Gary	Male	Philippines	2013-06-01 23:16:00
Philippines	PDOS, NAIA, and POE experience	Not sure of the make up of Magic Sarap, but it could be it contains meat by-products.  Beef, pork, etc and b-products (i.e. bullion, flavorings) is not allowed into the US except for certain countries (New Zealand, Australia) items containing seafood flavoring is usually ok.  The prohibition on fresh fruits/vegetables is due to the possible infestation by insects.  The Med fruit fly infestation in California was caused by 1 infected orange that entered the State, causing millions in damage to the fruit crop in that state also the cost of eradication and containment.	April-n-Gary	Male	Philippines	2013-05-28 23:55:00
Philippines	Expedite Approved!!	Hank, thanks for the links.  Looks like it will help a lot!   One hiccup looks like the police clearance from Japan, April called them and they said that it may take up to 3 months to get the clearance back.  Supposedly you're required to go to the US Embassy first to get a letter saying you need the police clearance (once you have a MNL #), then take that to the Japanese Embassy to get the finger print card to take to Camp Crame for fingerprints, then return to the Japanese Embassy to file the request.   When April called them yesterday, they said just come down and explain our situation to the person at the window, and maybe they'll let her apply with out the US Embassy letter.	April-n-Gary	Male	Philippines	2013-06-15 14:54:00
Philippines	Expedite Approved!!	Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E) Your Case Status: Post Decision Activity On June 14, 2013, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice.   Got my NOA1 on 1 May 2013, requested the expedite due to an upcoming military deployment on Jun 13 and just received the above notification tonight!   Now we have to hustle to get all the paperwork for the interview together, we just talked about April trying to get her Japanese police clearance, cause I've read here that it can take up to 2 months to get it back from Japan.  Guess we have to wait for our package to make it's way from NVC to the embassy.   Sorry for jumping the line, after hearing about all of the delays for others here, but I really want April here early so that she can get acclimated to her hew life before I have to leave her all alone while I deploy. Hopefully I can get her advance parole, and EAD, before I leave so that maybe she can go home to be with her family while I'm gone, if only for a couple of months.	April-n-Gary	Male	Philippines	2013-06-15 00:55:00
Philippines	How did you get married in US?	We are planning to get married asap at the court house so I can add Marilyn to my insurance quick as possible. Then when we get settled we will have something more formal   That's my plan also, but I like the idea of a Elvis wedding in Vegas too!	April-n-Gary	Male	Philippines	2013-06-15 19:04:00
Philippines	police clearance or police certificate?? manila usem	All K-1 applicants wil need their NBI Police Clearance.  If you lived overseas for 6 months or longer, you will need a police certificate from that country.	April-n-Gary	Male	Philippines	2013-06-25 01:40:00
Philippines	EAD & AOS	Steve, I was looking into this also for when my April gets here, looking at the State website, I think you can go down to the Dept of Health and apply for "Certified Copies" seems for some reason they can be processed faster, how much faster? Says "Same-Day service may be provided upon presentation of written documentation establishing the need for urgency. Certified copies will normally be available for pick-up about 10 working days after the request is approved."   Here's a link to the Hawaii Marriage webpage http://health.hawaii...riage-licenses/	April-n-Gary	Male	Philippines	2013-06-30 02:09:00
Philippines	American Consulate in Cebu calling regarding I-129F visa petitions?	I would definately contact either the embassy or cousulate to report this, include as much information as possible, i.e. if you have the number they called from, the email address if you ever get it, etc.  Usually the US govt takes these types of scams pretty serious.	April-n-Gary	Male	Philippines	2013-07-05 12:37:00