Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Philippines	Seattle / Being Sick / Veggies	We were lucky to have been given a slot at the country doctor's clinic as suggested by my mother-in-law to be. We were surprised to be accommodated without further ado specially so knowing that I just arrived in the US on a fiance visa. The staff took our word for it and gladly assigned a physician to see me. The Doctor treated me well and was very accommodating, in fact, we talked about issues not relating to strep throat at all. I am beginning to feel okay and I can talk well now. I am hoping to feel normal at the end of this week, hopefully. Thank you guys Im glad your feeling good now, its expensive to get sick here. The doctor visit is way up high( well i always convert it in pesos). Regarding with food, ohhh i dont eat veggies either, but i have to try it my husband loves veggies so as our friends here. When I met his buddy's family his wife cooked green peas soup for me, ohh my i tried hard not to throw up. Good thing my husband dont care on what i eat as long as im happy and he is not picky either. The only veggies i can cook for him is steam brocolli, steam frozen veggies, butter carrots & mashed potatoes. We been married for almost 4 yrs now, & he never complained on my cooking, hehehe. I guess as long as there is love, faith & trust between 2 people everything is possible whether its foods, cultures, money or personality.	max&tabby	Female	Philippines	2010-02-21 18:28:00
Philippines	About adding me to my husband TAX	Good day fellow VJs.... Just want to ask you guys who have done this also....my husband is about to add us in his Tax...what does he need? thanks so much for your time in answering my query... Does he need to fill up W7? or any idea please...thanks God Bless us all... yes you need to fill up W7, photocopy your passport the biographical page must be notatized within your state. It can be anybody who is legal to perform notary. We get our refund last yr after 8 weeks we filled thru paper mail. When the IRS send our ITIN you will need it to get your husband state refund. Good Luck Edited by max&tabby, 10 March 2010 - 08:36 PM.	max&tabby	Female	Philippines	2010-03-10 20:36:00
Philippines	Embassy Interview	Good Luck & God Bless....	max&tabby	Female	Philippines	2010-03-17 19:08:00
Philippines	K1 Visa Approved	Congrats!!!	max&tabby	Female	Philippines	2010-03-19 19:21:00
Philippines	What makes you say, "I am happy to have him in my life."	My Man puts me next to God, he showed me how to love without boundry, treat me with dignity & protects me with all his might. Im happy & proud to have him in my life because he help to be Me.	max&tabby	Female	Philippines	2010-03-18 19:41:00
Philippines	sino presidente nyo?	I'll go for Noynoy...	max&tabby	Female	Philippines	2010-04-25 16:55:00
Philippines	Husband teaching Wife to Drive	My husband is working 8 hours a day and 5 times a week and I have part time job. Aside from that we have scheduled review for his professional exam everyday and most of the weekend. We also have some social obligations to our friends and family most of the time esp during holidays. I didn't drive when I was in the Philippines because its not necessary for me plus I am quite busy. I only learned how to drive when I got here and of course my husband taught me how to dive, and I learned how to drive during winter season here, which only gave us maximum of 5 hours a week because of the season. I started practice driving everyday for at least an hour when the Spring season started. Yeah, I don't deny that me and my husband almost yelling each other in some occasion during the practice driving esp. when I am almost about to get accident. But as most said, it's an adventure for both me and my husband. Like keep driving in the highway because I couldn't get the right timing to turn at the exit because I'm scared and then hearing your husband saying "you can do it babe", though he is nervous too. I am the first person he taught how to drive. Time shouldn't be an issue if both of you determine to do so. Sometimes, laziness is one of the factor why it's hard to learn something. I didn't say that driving school is not good, what I wanted to convey is that spending around $700 for driving school is not a guarantee that your wife will pass the road test. As other said here, its the fun part to teach wife how to drive. Anyway..... here in IL, if you are above 18 years old, you don't need to go to driving school, as soon as you passed the written exam, you are given 1 year to take your road test. By the way, thanks you guys, I know learning how to drive and getting driver's license here in US is really an accomplishment because it will give you more mobility. For the husband, be adventurous... LoL... I know it's kinda nerve wracking esp. when your wife is like me that always stop 3 ft away from the car in front of me. LoL congrats!!! I got my lerner's permit last november so im also working hard to have my license this yr. its so hard for us who had no prior knowledge on driving to be the one driving, my husband tried to be calm everytime im the one the steering wheel but he can't. when I know he's blood about to burst i just keep quiet & concentrate. My work place is just 2 blocks away from our house so I told him just get me a bike or i might just drive the mower atleast i dont need license for that hehehe. But anyways living in the small town where there is no public transpo i must learn to drive & have a driver license.	max&tabby	Female	Philippines	2010-05-15 20:53:00
Philippines	Which city and state are you?	Akron, Indiana	max&tabby	Female	Philippines	2010-03-01 20:27:00
Philippines	Activist in the Philippines?	QUOTE (lotus101 @ Jul 24 2009, 10:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> What is the different kind of activist in the Phils? what is good about it and what is not? and why people are doing it? being an activist in the Philippines is important? is this a hard ting to do? any input, is there anyone here had experience There are many kinds of group in the philippines that promotes awareness, social change, political change they were often referred as activist. BUt you better be careful on what organizations you want to be part with. What is the good of it??? awareness on unequal opportunities for the poor, the human rights violation commited by the government , the business sector. Why people joining this group??? once you started learning about this realities, there is an eagerness that you want this to change you become idealistic, you want equal oppurtunites to everyone. Is being an activist in the Philippine is important??? Yes, as long as you know what your fighting for & your not taking advantage of the people who needs the help by pursuing your own agenda. Is this hard thing to do??? Yes it is, once you already in to or as they called "lubog sa organisasyon" it its hard to get out. When I was in college We together with my classamates join the mobilization, the first is during the Flor Contemplacion, we walked from taft avenue to the singapore embassy in makati to stop the death penalty for Flor. Then its been ordinary to Attend SONA, Senate Hearing, EVAT, so as rallying in malacañang. But Our passion was with the Human Rights Violation. We become member of Amnesty International a human rights group, that was when we were in college. But when I started working I seldom join the rally anymore. But I applauded you for wanting to help the country in your own way, If you come out with the idea on how, let me know & I will join you.	Autumn2008	Female	Philippines	2009-07-28 13:11:00
Philippines	question????	QUOTE (happyme @ Aug 6 2009, 01:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> hello guys... i am currently working now on a bank and i will not resign in my work unless my visa is in my hand..(mabuti na ang sigurista ehehehe...) my question is, who are the people here who had their interview in the u.s embassy that they are still on their job..?, i mean di pa po nagreresign sa work nila... is the CO or pre-screener asking for docu. about your job...? like certification from your work.... any infos. from u will surely be aprreciated... MARAMING SALAMAT PO!!!!! Hi when i had my interview last yr im still working i just take a day off & when back to work the following day. Yes i get certification from the company im working just to be sure but CO or pre-screener did not ask any docu about my job though they will ask you about it. Good Luck & God BLess	Autumn2008	Female	Philippines	2009-08-06 09:47:00
Philippines	Are there any friendly POEs?	QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Aug 10 2009, 05:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi peeps. I have no idea where this question should be posted, but I hope someone can help me. Assuming we get our K3/K4 visas, we are planning to fly to Louisiana first before going to Florida (where my husband is from). His parents and his sister and her family live there, so we are visiting them. We have two airline choices: Continental and NWA. Through Continental, we would be flying through Guam first, then Hawaii, then Texas (Houston), then finally Louisiana (New Orleans). If we fly via Continental...where would my daughter and I go through immigration checks: Guam or Hawaii or Texas? Are any of them friendly POEs? Through NWA, we would be flying through Nagoya first, then Detroit, then finally Louisiana (New Orleans). Is Detroit a friendly POE? Would really appreciate your comments. Thanks! Hi i had Detroit as my poe, immigration officer there are not intimidating & they will really help you plus during my arrival there is a filipina lady who is assisting the new arrival on what line they need to go to. There is even one american officer ask me on how long the process for me to get a visa. Also I take NWA, very good service from manila to nagoya there are filipina flight attendan so as nagoya to detroit. Enjoy your trip... Good Luck...God BLess	Autumn2008	Female	Philippines	2009-08-10 09:46:00
Philippines	Question about my Transcript of Records...	Hi I think you will be great help here, like you Im also a teacher but still wondering how can i start teaching here. Can you tell me how you do it, i been here for 10 months and i will have my green card interview in 2 weeks. I need some insight, Im willing to listen & I need some help ... Thanks in advance DId you get a chance to work in the US and have your credentials evaluated? I have worked in the US as a teacher for 4 years and they told us it is not necessary to have it with red ribbons. It is up to you but this is based on my own experience and that's what they told me in the US embassy too. Im just trying to help but it seems a lot of people here would still want to have that red ribbon. Maybe when you get to the US you would agree that it is NOT necessary. [/quote]	Autumn2008	Female	Philippines	2009-08-31 12:44:00
Philippines	We got the pink!! Thanks all!!	QUOTE (huntherx17 @ Sep 25 2009, 12:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> My girl just called me and she passed her interview!! I want to thank everybody who answered my questions in this forum. Im really grateful to this site. Im flying there next week and will be flying back with her. YAHOOOOO...CONGRATS	Autumn2008	Female	Philippines	2009-09-25 09:45:00
Philippines	Praise the Holy Name of Jesus Christ!	[quote name='? Pweettyy ??&' date='Sep 24 2009, 02:29 AM' post='3340964'] wOOooOOo hOOOoooo God is truly great, all the time. Got the very popular pink slip . . I would like say thank you with this site and to those people who have been a part of my journey. (Bing, Lyn, Sheryl, Gracey, Phil and Shir and to all of you.) Thanks super much guys! To my new friends (who i have met during my medical) tho they dont know this site, just want to say thank you for the friendship. Thank you Lord Jesus Christ. xoxo Interview Experienced: Got there around 4:30am Got in: 6am Got my number: 6:05am (they ask for my DS forms/ 2 copies of DS 156, 1 DS 156K, 2 DS 157 and gave my number (7001) Window 16- Finger Scanning Window 14- Pre screener ( ask for my CENOMAR, NSO, NBI then form I-134, 1040 and ITR, then PICTURES as in only pictures) And asked about: 1. What's your name? 2. When did you meet? 3. Did you travel abroad 4. When is the last time you see him in person? ....... thats all. then wait again til my number will be flashed on the tab. Window 28: Consular Officer 1. Whats you name? 2. Your birthdate? 3. Relationship with your petitioner? 4. How did you meet? 5. Tell me about your love story? 6. Married before? 7. How many times your fiance got married? 8. When was that latest divorce? 9. When are you planning to get married? 10. OKAY your visa is approved! Welcome to the United States of America. . . . and thats it have to wait to window 37 for my PINK SLIP, yay! Thank you Lord. Then proceed to AIR 21 booth. finised: 9:05am Thank you suppper much Lord God. [/quo CONGRATULATIONS!!! SOON YOU'LL BE TRAVELLING GOINGTO THE USA	Autumn2008	Female	Philippines	2009-09-24 09:43:00
Philippines	Administrative Processing/Review	QUOTE (Joyce/Jeremy @ Jul 7 2009, 12:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi All!!! I’ve wanted to post this but was kind of hesitant as I've read a lot of similar topics as this but here's my share of the Administrative Processing/Review Case. I had my interview last May 22 and it went well... The Consul was very courteous and didn’t ask much. However, as we were ending the interview he asked me if I still have any business trips coming and all I could answer was that there’s none as my boss already knows about my personal plans. So he got a big stamp and marked my (still valid at that time) B1/B2 visa with “CANCELLED w/o PREJUDICE” then he pulled out a white slip and tick marked at the bottom box saying WAIT UNTIL YOU HEAR FROM US. I asked him if there were any problems and he said there’s none and that I don’t have to worry about anything because I passed the interview. So I examined this white slip he gave and saw that there were no tick marks on the lacking documents part. So I asked him about the slip again and he said “just wait till you hear from us, your case is put under administrative processing and/or review.” He said my visa will be sent in a COD condition. So I left. My question is what does it mean when a case is under administrative processing or review?... Is there a difference?... I’ve read a lot of threads saying to wait because they usually process it after 6-8 weeks. Others would say call them every day or every other day or every week. We’ve already called once at the embassy call center and called Air 21. I’ve tried calling a number I saw on here that’s said to be a contact number at the embassy (Manila number) last July 3. It rang and an answering machine answered but when I dialed the local no one picked up. I tried to call the same number today but it seems like the line doesn’t exist anymore as I can hear a void tone. Our case is already on the 7 week after interview date. Is there anything we can do to know our case status other than just wait?... Can anyone shed light on this matter? It will be most appreciated. Sorry it’s too long a post… but hope you can share your inputs. Hang on there, I was also under AR last yr, gave back my passport and took 2 travels in the US Embassy & 8 weeks before i got my visa & now I got my GC..Good Luck and GOd BLess	Autumn2008	Female	Philippines	2009-09-25 09:43:00
Philippines	Things to bring to US	QUOTE (sweet_wifey22 @ Jul 6 2009, 04:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello Guys, We will be leaving in the middle of July for the States. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should bring with me for the flight to the States since I am pregnant? And Whats the most comfortable thing to wear for the long flight? Since I am always hungry can I bring some food in my carry on bag? Any suggestion are welcome Thank you Guys in advance sweet_wifey22 You can't bring drinks in with you but you can bring in an empty water bottle and fill it up at a drinking fountain. I like to drink a lot of water when flying or I get headaches from dehydration. Most planes though have water on board though so its not really needed. I've had no problems bringing food on, though I wouldn't recommend bringing anything with peanuts in, as if the peanut dust gets into the recycled air it can effect people with allergies badly. If you have same problem with your feet swelling as my Sister in Law did when pregnant I would recommend pressure socks to help stop your ankles swelling up and hurting, I wear them on long haul flights. Clothing wise, loose stretchy clothing you can layer is what I travel in. Comfortable pants are your best choice, I once tried to sleep on a Sydney to LA 13 hour flight in jeans and swore never again. It doesn't always look nice, but I bring a change of clothes in my carry on and change before I hit immigration so I look more respectable, there are usually toilets in the airport you can pop into.	wwax	Female	Australia	2009-07-06 10:28:00
Philippines	OMG!OMG!	Awesome! Congrats! Looks like California Service Center moves pretty quickly! I just filed our I-129F on the 15th of October - hoping to have my honey here from New Zealand by April! Good luck in your future endeavors! QUOTE (phgirllovesjoe @ Oct 21 2009, 07:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Vegasphil, Tim and Mari,honey bear,and Anna L, thank you very much!after all the long wait...its all worth it!GEzzzz i can sleep well now and i am so excited to be with my Mark soon! OMG!i still can't believed that i got my visa earlier!huge surprised..the delivery guy keep saying if there is lechon.. and i'm confused why he he keep saying lechon then he showed my package! Thank you LORD!!! Mark n Roda	eli812	Female	New Zealand	2009-10-21 09:16:00
Philippines	OMG!OMG!	Congrats! Your timeline is encouraging! I just filed our I-129F on October 15th in California. They've cashed the check so hopefully the ball is rolling and there won't be any problems with the packet! QUOTE (phgirllovesjoe @ Oct 21 2009, 02:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello v'jers! I just want to share the good news..I GOT THE VISA TODAY AROUND 1 PM! :dance: :dance: :innocent: :crying: :crying: after all the days i've been waiting since my interview on 22nd of september..And all the Sadness that i felt that time i got white slip and were under AR coz of delayed medical result..SO now i got the VISA its all worth waiting!I will be with my fiancee soon! :wow: :wow: :innocent: :dance: almot 1 month of waiting..but its worth waiting for! GOD BLESS TO ALL! Mark n Roda, Edited by eli812, 21 October 2009 - 07:56 AM.	eli812	Female	New Zealand	2009-10-21 07:54:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	I also agree......my husband and I spend as much time together and on his day off we are always together. My husband and I also pray everyday not only for us but for those Fil_Am couples like us to love and care each other everyday and always. Short stories: Before my husband and I met...he has a neighbor who was married to a Filipina. He constantly beat her up and after 25 years she finally divorced him. Another Filipina who used to work in the company where he now works, also was a battered wife and now they are divorced but somehow she ended up somewhat like a part-time prostitute and she is in her early fifties now. Last week she went to the company to ask for a reference for a new job. My husband told her that he married a Filipina and she said to him....take good care of her and don't destroy her; do not be like my ex-husband. Life is so short and full of mysteries and surprises, you never know what will happen next. Be glad you have each other and cherish every moment while you can. Say how much you love each other as often as you can, who knows it might be the last time you ever say it ...let it be your last words. Edited by Bernie4Bien, 11 December 2007 - 08:15 AM.	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-12-11 08:13:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	UPDATE! UPDATE! I finally received my EAD Card on the mail yesterday! Horayyyyy!	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-12-09 05:09:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	I received another e-mail from CRIS today: Application Type: I765, APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION Current Status: Approval notice sent. On December 7, 2007, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I765 APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION. Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service. ---------------------------- Is it okay to start looking and applying for a job now? I don't received the hard copy of this notice yet as well as the EAD card. What do you suggest?	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-12-07 14:50:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	I received an e-mail from CRIS saying that...EAD Card Production Ordered on November 29th...yipeyyyy Congratulations too Novelyn & Gragg! Edited by Bernie4Bien, 06 December 2007 - 11:45 AM.	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-12-06 11:44:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Hello Everyone! Just want to share that my biometrics went smoothly.....it took at most 10 minutes and then it's done! And now...we are waiting again for what's next.....waiting and waiting..... SO COLD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am still adjusting and hope to be able to adjust before the SNOW! I wonder how is everyone holding on ..... Keep warm Pipol!!!	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-11-20 07:58:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Hello everyone! With all the hussles and paperwork, I forgot my vj password...hehehhe...and now I am back again. The waiting starts again for the AOS and EAD..... Good luck for those who are all waiting and Congratulations for those who got their Visa and GC! I am sulking with the cold weather here in the Northwest....well they say it is normal weather but not for me... We are having difficulty trying to find winter shoes.....need to go to the kiddie section.....feels good though.. Keep warm everyone!	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-10-12 10:55:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Anthony_Julie, Novelyn & Gragg, Tom and Myra, VilmaF, Meadeguy and others CONGRATULATIONS	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-08-18 01:20:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	For those who actually went for their interview already, between waiting in lines very early morning, interview process and paying your fees to Delbros... how long did it take you over-all? Thanks all! Congratulations to all who got approved and Good luck to all who will be doing their interview soon! Based from my experience, I was finished at 11:30a.m.....half-day only.	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-08-09 23:17:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Sharing time.....slept like a baby last night....I did not realized that I am that dead tired.....I stayed for days in my hotel room due to heavy rains and wind in Manila...glad I am back home now enjoying the sun.... Interview experience August 5th : The night before my interview, I just can't sleep at all. My Darling called me at 3:00a.m. to wake me up. He was my alarm clock....hehehhe....but I did not sleep all night long. August 6th: Interview Day Arrived at the US Embassy a little past 5:30a.m. My interview time was 7:30a.m. There was a long line when I got there. I noticed that on the right side the guard entertains people and there was only two of them there. So I went right to the right side instead of going to the left line. I asked the guard which line should I go for immigrant and my interview is 7:30a.m. He asked if I have my appointment letter (original). I have in prepared already with my ID so I automatically handed it to him. He looked at it and check my name from the appointment letter if it's the same from my ID and then he let me in. Told me to go sit next to the man in pink shirt at the waiting area. I saw my VJ Twin Rea alrealdy there. Note: Prepare your appointment letter (original) and your ID. Automatically hand it to the guard. Do not fall in line the moment you saw a line. Ask the guard first. CAUTION: DO NOT LISTEN TO ANYONE WHO ASK YOU QUESTIONS OR TRYING TO TALK TO YOU. THEY ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OF THE US EMBASSY. YOU WILL ENCOUNTER MANY OF THEM AT THE EMBASSY. DO NOT FALL IN LINE RIGHT AWAY. ASK THE GUARD AND SHOW YOUR APPOINTMENT LETTER. OTHERWISE YOU WILL BE IN LINE FOR HOURS ONLY TO FIND OUT YOU ARE AT THE WRONG LINE. Do not bring your cellphone or any battery operated gadgets or electronice devices. You are not allowed to bring them inside nor you are allowed to leave them with the guard. No courtesy booth in there. At 6:15a.m. we slowly went inside passing through X-ray and guard check. Once inside the Embassy, the guard asked me what time is my interview and told me where to sit and wait. A moment later a lady approached us and checked our DS forms and appointment letter one by one. Make sure to prepare your DS Forms plus the receipt of your payment from BPI. FILL UP THE FORM BPI BANK GAVE YOU WHEN YOU PAID YOUR VISA FEE. DOUBLE CHECK IF THE FORM IS VALIDATED BY THE BANK. YES! YOU NEED TO FILL UP THE FORM FROM THE BANK. Step 1: Number Counter The guard called us by row and told us to go to the counter to get our number. (Don't worry the guard will guide you where.) At the counter, I submitted the following: [*]DS-156 (2 copies) [*]DS-157 (2 copies, one of which is the validated form from the bank) [*]DS-156k (1 copy) [*]Appointment Letter. Then the lady gave me my number stub --- 7020. Note: Your 2x2 picture should be glued already on the DS-156 form. Back at the waiting area, I waited for my name to be called for fingerprinting. I heard my name called after a few minutes of waiting. Step 2: Fingerprinting I went to Window 33 for fingerprinting. Fingerprinting was done in less than a minute and I am back to the waiting area again for the next step. Fingerprinting is electronic, so no need to worry of getting your fingers dirty with black ink....hehehhe Note: Always keep your number stub. Show but do not give it to the lady at the counter. If you give it make sure to get it back. You will need it throughout the entire process. Step 3: Pre-screening It took a while longer, probably 30 minutes before my number flashed at the queuing board together with the window number for my pre-screening. It was Window 25. The Filipino pre-screener was nice. She asked for my birth certificate and NBI Clearance. I told her that I have specific instructions from our lawyer to give this (I showed her the FedEx from our lawyer). When she saw how bulky it was, she just told me, no, just keep it. I handed her my birth certificate (original), and NBI Clearance (original). I also included my CENOMAR (original), she looked at it and said okay, I'll take it. Questions asked: [*]Who petitioned you? [*]How did you met? .... follow-up question: What website? (she smiled and told me, this is new, interesting and smiled again) [*]When was the last time you saw him? [*]Were you married before? Do you have kids? [*]Age of your fiance? your age? [*]Was he divorced? I told her no. He's widowed. She was searching through the file (original petition). I asked her what was she looking for and she said the death certificate of my fiance's ex-wife. I told her I have a copy with me here. She can take it if she want. She said ok. I gave it to her and she said thank you. Your petition is so thick/bulky I can't find it....and she smiled again. I smiled back. [*]Have you travelled outside Philippines? [*]Do you have photos together? She was scanning through the file again and I asked her what she is looking for. She told me she's looking for my fiance's income. I voluntered to give her the latest ones I brought along with me. She accepted it and said thank you and smiled again. Finally, she said ok. You are all set and go back to the waiting area. Your my number to be called again for the interview. I smiled and said thank you Ma'am. She looked at me and smiled. My pre-screener was a very nice lady. We even talked a little.....hehehehe...The entire process took only 5 mins or less. She's very fast..... Caution: DO NOT TELL THEM THAT YOU ARE NERVOUS. I heard the pre-screener at the next window, window 26 was giving the applicant a hard time. She told her, why are you nervous? Is there any reason for you to be nervous? Why, is there something wrong that you have to be worried and nervous about? The lady said, nothing, it is just my first time and I am so nervous. The pre-screener again said, Maybe you are hiding something that is why you are nervous? ....and it goes on and on like this. Just smile and smile....they will smile back at you. And it helps ease your nervousness. Show them that you are confident and speak clearly and loud enough to be heard also. Observe what they are doing and if it seem they are looking for something, scanning the petition file, asked what they are looking for and voluntered to submit the docs if you have it with you. They will thank you for that. Step 4: Interview This one was really a long wait. My number flashed at the queuing board after almost two hours of waiting. I was to go to window 30. My consul was a pretty young man (I peeked at the door)...hehehehe...I sat outside the cubicle waiting for the lady applicant to go out after her interview. Moments later she was out. I went inside and he look at me and said good morning. I said good morning. He motioned me to sit. He said my name and I said yes that's me Sir. He smiled and said that my petitioner was (he mentioned my fiance's name) and I said yes (I said my fiance's name too) He told me to tell him how I met my fiance, when and how it started. I told him our love story. And keeps laughing as I talked and make some comments. And then suddenly he asked me if my fiance was teaching me German I said yes and told him that I was teaching him also our language. He spoke in German and was reading our e-mails and just keep on laughing, giggling and kept telling me how sweet my fiance is, as I continue my story. He also asked if I bring some pictures of us together I said yes. In fact, I brought with me a very big photo album and put the album in front. He just smiled and did not even looked at it. He asked about my fiance's job and I told him what it is and he seems interested and was asking me about it. He seemed satisfied and really enjoyed our conversation. Finally he said, ok you are approved. I have no more questions. And he keeps on laughing....not just smile...he was really laughing and me too. He did not even looked at the photo album. I stood up and then sit back down again and said wait Sir. He said with a smile, yes Ma'am. I asked him something and then he said sure no problem. He get back my file and stamped there, APPROVED! many times from the cover and to some of the papers inside. He hand me a dark pink card with my name on it and told me to come on Aug 9 to pick up my visa at 1pm. He said Deal! I said Deal! Interview with the consul was only 5 minutes, more or less. Step 5: Releasing of Docs I only sat for one minute after I got out from my interview with the consul and my name was called. I went to window 38. I handed him the dark pink card that the consul gave me. He wrote something on my file. He let me wrote down my contact number on the card. And told me to come on the date and time the consul told me. Remind me to bring my the card and my IDs when I picked my visa. Step 6: Delbros I did not pay Delbros, hence, I am picking up my Visa at USEM. Left the Embassy at 11:30a.m. or 11:45a.m. with Rea for lunch......so so so happy. August 8th Embassy called me on August 8th telling me to pick my Visa tomorrow at 10:a.m at window 34. August 9th My Darling woke me up at 4a.m. and we talked for a while. I arrived at the Embassy at 9:a.m. Show the guard my card, pass through the X-ray conveyor and went inside. Once inside, I went straight to Window 34. I stand there until a lady approached me and I hand her the dark pink card and my IDs. She told me to sit down and wait. In less than 2 minutes, she called my name. She gave me a brown envelope with instructions not to open it and give it to the immigration officer at my POE. Then before she gave me my passport and visa, she asked me some questions like my name, age, petitioner's name and my birthday for verification. Then I have my visa on hand! I am out from the Embassy at 9:15a.m. with a very big smile! I felt warm even if it was raining...... B) Called and woke up My Darling with the good news...from being sleepy-sounded, he laughed with joy.....makes me so so happy. My Embassy experience, the entire process in itself went so smoothly and even much better than I anticipated. All of these was made possible because of this forum. VJ and VJ'ers thank you so much! More power! To all who got approved and got their visas, CONGRATULATIONS! For those whose interviews are coming, be self-confident (but not too much), and believe in your relationship. The Embassy people can feel your sincerity especially the consul. Have all your documents ready and bring them all. It is better to have them and not need them, than needing them and not having them at all. I was excess baggaged at the airport....purely documents in one big luggage...hehehe....and I brought the luggage with me at the Embassy, but only three docs was asked, whew! But it was worth it. Above all pray to God and Mama Mary for guidance and blessing. I have my small Mama Mary with me in my pocket when I was at the Embassy. I touched it when I got too nervous and I pray in each process. And She never left my side.	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-08-09 23:13:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Ok everyone...I'm off to the big show in Manila; Interview day is Monday and my flight leaves tomorrow night I look forward to seeing anyone else interviewing on Monday at the Embassy! Good luck Gragg and Novie!	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-08-09 20:35:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Hello Everyone! I got my visa! Picked it up today and after 5 mins....wallla....I am holding my Visa....so so so happy. Sorry can't tell more...so tired...I just arrived from Manila and still jet lagged and sleepy from days of not sleeping well. Just want to thank all VJ'ers .... my visa journey was as smooth as silk with all the knowledge and help and advises that only VJ can do! l I am proud to be a part of this community! More when I am best rested! Am so tired right now ... can't think anymore .... hehehe:P Later folks! Edited by Bernie4Bien, 09 August 2007 - 07:35 AM.	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-08-09 07:31:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Back in Cebu now from my early medical exam at St. Luke's Manila. Instead of the original schedule of July 30, I had it on July 16 and 17. Everything went smoothly. First day, July 16....I came in at St. Luke's at 5:30A.M. and I am number 65! I finished at 11:30A.M. Half day only. Second day, July 17, arrived at 9:00A.M. No more immunization for me hence, I have a complete immunization from Cebu and showed them my vaccination records from our family doctor. Two hours passed, they gave me my X-Ray film and my records. Hora! Thank you so much fellow VJ'ers, you've been a great help so far! Next step is the Interview but it won't be until August....now I am nervous again....hehehe Met fellow VJ'ers at St. Luke's...Rea and Jen......and all of us got our results and X-Ray films!.... Bien Edited by Bernie4Bien, 20 July 2007 - 11:32 PM.	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-07-20 23:29:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Hi everyone, My fiance recieved her visa yesterday! CONGRATULATIONS I'm leaving on a jet plane now I know when I'll be back again coz my wife got her visa today!! Just like 30 min ago.It ONLY took 3weeks exactly for her to receive her visa.Thanks to all the VJs for your support. and to all still waiting..have patience your time will come.I booked my flight on the July 18. CONGRATULATIONS Kevin & Jena CONGRATULATIONS	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-07-11 19:43:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	CONGRATULATIONS! Me and my 3 kids had our interview today and we were approved!!!! I just want to thank everybody here for the all the help and information you gave to me which I credit for having a very smooth-sailing interview experience. By reading about other people’s experiences and advices here, it helped me to know what to expect and come to my interview prepared. We were also very fortunate to have a very nice Filipino Pre-Screener who didn't smile much but were joking with my kids and a very nice woman consul who were smiling all throughout the interview. God bless them! We woke up at 4:30 am, left our Sucat house at 5:40 am and arrive at the embassy at past 6 am. Our interview was set at 7 am. The vendors at the waiting shed told us that 7 am applicants were not yet called and offered us some chairs for rent. I figured that since it is already past 6 am, we will not be waiting too long before the guards will call the 7 am applicants so I didn’t rent any chairs and just waited standing up. At 6:20 am, me and my kids went to the embassy gate to find out if they could already let us in. The guard told us that they are not yet calling 7 am applicants and asked us to go back to the waiting shed. But the other guard told him to let us in since they will be calling the 7 am applicants soon anyway. So we went in, had our things scanned, then was given 7001 for our ticket number. At 8:00 am we had our finger scanned, then at 8:30 were called for our pre-screening. The Filipino pre-screener was nice and even joked with my kids which made us laughed. I was so tensed the whole morning and so it helped me felt at ease. Documents asked from me were: - Birth certificates and baptismal certificates – I told him I didn’t bring any baptismal certs, only our birth certificates and he said ok. - NBI clearance - Affidavit of support with 2006 ITR, W2, employment letter. He didn’t get my other supporting documents like recent paystubs, 2005 & 2004 ITR, bank statements, stocks certificates etc. - Divorce decree of my fiancée - He only asked for ATM receipts for money sent by my fiancée as my proof of relationship. ( He didn’t ask for emails, chat logs, snail mails, gift receipts or phone records. I felt a little bad that he didn’t ask for those since I took a lot of time and effort to organize them) - Pictures together - My old passport since I told him I have been to the US before - He didn’t ask for my CENOMAR but I offered it to him, and he accepted it. Questions asked by pre-screener: - Who is my petitioner - When did we meet and where? - Last time I met my fiancée - How many times he visited - What happened to my previous relationship with the father of my kids and why we didn’t marry - Then to my kids, he asked them where are they studying and teased one of my daughters why is she short when her two other sisters were tall. We all laughed on that. At 9:30 we were called for our interview at Window 30. The consul was still interviewing a family so we waited outside the cubicle. After their interview, we went in and the consul smiled and ask me how I am. I said fine though I was very nervous inside. She looked over our papers and asked me the following questions: - Who is my petitioner - When and how did we meet? - How many times he visited? - Ask me if I have ever been to the US before and I said yes, and just look over my old passport. - She asked me to tell her something about my fiancée - Then she asked my kids what’s their birthday. She ended the interview with “ Ok, you can go back to your seat and wait for your name to be called again and pay the fees for the delivery of your visas.” I understood what she meant but I want to make sure so I asked “ Do you mean Mam, we are approved?” And she said “Yes, you are approved and congratulations!” I said “Thank you very much Mam”. If there were no glass between us I could have hug and kiss her right there and then! LOL! So we went out, got the pink slip and paid Delbros. We were out of the embassy at 10:15 am. I just want to thank again everybody and Visa Journey. My journey was really smooth-sailing and problem-free because of all of you! I also want to say congrats to all were approved recently!	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-07-11 19:32:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Success at the interview! THAT'S WONDERFUL! CONGRATS KEVIN & JENA BiEn Edited by Bernie4Bien, 10 July 2007 - 08:50 PM.	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-07-10 20:48:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Hi to all, Just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for including me in your prayers. CONGRATULATIONS LUVBUGS4EVER! Hi everyone! I would just like to let everyone that my girl got approved at her interview yesterday!!! CONGRATULATIONS ELMASGUAPO! Visa received!!!!! Gary and Fely CONGRATULATIONS GARY & FELY! Have a blessed and happy family life ahead! Bien	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-07-07 22:41:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	CONGRATULATIONS GARY & FELY! BEST WISHES SCOTT & MIRASOL What a lovely wedding picture and a lovely lady too! Bernie and I are happy for you both! Edited by Bernie4Bien, 30 June 2007 - 08:29 PM.	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-06-30 20:27:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Congratulations for those who passed the interview! Cheers for those who got their visas! A safe trip for those who are flying to be reunited with their Sweethearts! Good luck and God be with us on our interviews! We can do it girls! Mabuhay ang mga Filipina! I am nervous too and like the men here my fiance is calling me three times a day now...hehehe.... Ang pag-ibig nga naman! Love really is wonderful! Bien	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-06-29 22:41:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	CONGRATULATIONS AND BEST WISHES JOE AND MARIA GOOD LUCK ON YOUR AOS JOE&MARIA, AND LINA! Bien [quote name='Lina' post='1007533' date='Jun 26 2007, 04:27 AM'][quote name='joemaria' post='1007271' date='Jun 26 2007, 03:08 AM'][quote name='2_hearts_1_beat' post='1006124' date='Jun 25 2007, 02:31 AM'][quote name='Bernie4Bien' post='1003390' date='Jun 23 2007, 04:20 AM']I received my PACKET 4 TODAY! yippeeeyyyyy [/quote] Same here!!! Ours arrived today, after lunch. [/quote] [quote name='Novelyn & Gragg' post='1006162' date='Jun 25 2007, 05:05 AM'][quote name='2_hearts_1_beat' post='1006124' date='Jun 25 2007, 02:31 AM'][quote name='Bernie4Bien' post='1003390' date='Jun 23 2007, 04:20 AM']I received my PACKET 4 TODAY![/quote] Same here!!! Ours arrived today, after lunch. [/quote] Our packet 4 was delivered to my future sister-in-law's house in Binan today!!! [/quote] [quote name='rea' post='1006215' date='Jun 25 2007, 06:44 AM']shucks! im so happy!!! ....i got something from the US Embassy of Manila! finally have the packet 4 in my hand!![/quote] [quote name='Dogwood_Poet' post='1006931' date='Jun 25 2007, 12:03 PM']Kathlene got her packet and interview letter confirming August 9th as her interview date yesterday! So for everyone who was worried about the appointments disappearing off the website, that is good news![/quote] CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WHO GOT THEIR MEDICAL AND INTERVIEW SKEDS...HAPPY FOR YOU GUYS !!! We just got married last June 22, 2007 and now preparing for AOS application... [/quote] Congrats to you and good luck for the AOS journey I just sent mine and just waiting for NOA1. [/quote]	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-06-25 20:57:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	shucks! im so happy!!! okay here's why.... when i arrive at around 6:30pm in our apartment today, my sister and myself are having our dinner and i got a missed call from the water station attendant at the ground floor of our building, i immediately called her and checked why she had a missed call and she told me that i got something from the US Embassy of Manila! i quickly told her that I will go downstairs to get it! i was at the ground floor in no time and finally have the packet 4 in my hand!! Praise the Lord!! i was actually running from the ground floor to our unit at the 3rd floor! and told my sister what i got and she was also happy!! she actually was the one trying to open the packet and read the appointment letter!! hahah then i called up my mama & papa and told them about the great news! and i'd be calling my honey a little later because he's still sleeping by this time..i can't wait to wake him up and tell him the great news!! sus! ni-tumbling kos kalipay uy!! God is so good all the time!! to the rest, goodluck guys oh by the way, i live in makati.. Way to go twin vj! Congratulations! I am so happy for you! As for the rest, don't worry...the week is not over yet! Packet 4 is pouring!	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-06-25 07:40:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	I received my PACKET 4 TODAY! yippeeeyyyyy	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-06-23 04:20:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Things are getting faster and faster now!!!! I got my appointment letter just today! But anyway, I have one query... Are we allowed to have medical exam during the "red" days (the ladies thing) ??? Nope....St. Luke's will not let you have your medical exam when you have your period or during the "red" days.	Bernie4Bien	Not Telling	0	2007-06-23 04:17:00