ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesCFO Seminar Poll
My friend was able to reschedule her flight because of the seminar.

She was petitioned by an American before but they didn't get married and then she fell in love to another American and petitioned her. A day before her flight to US she flew to Manila from the province to have seminar. They didn't give her the certificate because they were asking for a formal letter coming from the petitioner that he will marry her. At the end, her flight was rescheduled... because no certificate, no CFO sticker.

But I know someone, without CFO sticker she was able to have her flight in US.... no certificate and no CFO sticker in her passport.

I hope they will be consistent about their rulings, be sure about the requirements....
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-13 22:48:00
PhilippinesSending regular money to fiancee. Good or Bad for Interview ?
I heard that they included it as proof of relationship... I think there is nothing wrong about it.

I heard from my friend that someone was humiliated by the consul because of the big money she was receiving from her old fiance and she was denied.... This was a story of my friend who talked to that Filipina, I do not have any personal communication to that Filipina who was denied so I am not sure if it is true or not.

Personally, we didn't included any records because my husband was not able to send me any money when I was in the Phil, just medical and interview expenses, the rest was my expenses. It was my personal choice, even my husband was always offering me a support.

We brought bundles of proofs like snail mails, emails, chat, etc but they just asked me to submit only few.

Good luck!
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-18 15:21:00
PhilippinesCredential Credential Evaluation in US for foreign graduates and professionals
Yep it depends upon the state, your purpose of having the credential evaluation and your degree, I am from Minnesota and the reason of my credential evaluations is for licensing purpose and continous education( now that I am pregnant, I decided not to take the licensure) . In Minnesota Department of Education, we must appply for evaluations accedited by NACES. My papers were evaluated at e-ValReports for $125 both bachelor and masteral(course-by-course), 2 copies... this is the cheapest.

If just for employment purpose, this is the cheapest... around $70 you just need the standard or general report. If licensing and continous education you need course-by-couse or comprehensive evaluations (with units accredited, subject, GPA, etc.)

Some also evaluated the working experience.

The payment for credential evaluation is kinda expensive, depending of the evaluation that you need. Secondly, the requirements for evaluation is depending to the evaluation company that you will apply. Some evaluators just accepted the TOR by email, some accepted a copy with notorization and some required the original documents.

In my case, the evaluator asked the original copy and I even submitted my marriage certificate to change my maiden name to my married name.

As I said, there are different purposes of having the credential evaluations, there are different requirements, some evaluators are not accredited.

Hope it helps.
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2010-02-03 00:08:00
PhilippinesAge gap she is 18 turning 19 as I am 35
QUOTE (Kevin-n-Merlaine @ Dec 2 2009, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Speaking very generally, yes girls/women from that part of the world tend to mature quicker. They have a better sense of family and are more responsible. They are raised with a stronger sense of value and obligation, a lot of which comes from being very poor. Having said all of that however, teenagers are teenagers no matter where you go! The same can be said of women too! They have the same wants and desires and the same tendancies. Just because they come from the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, etc., doesn't mean they're not still human females! In no way do I mean that derrogatory or as words of discouragement. Hell, I married a woman 15 years younger!! What I am saying is just because she's very mature for 18/19 doesn't mean she's NOT still just 18/19!! The age gap really isn't the issue at all. The "age" is. Only you can judge whether or not she's old enough or mature enough.



You got the point good.gif
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-02 12:16:00
PhilippinesAge gap she is 18 turning 19 as I am 35
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Dec 2 2009, 07:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Muns3n @ Dec 1 2009, 02:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My husband married his ex-wife when he was also 35 yo and the Filipina is also 19 yo... she got her visa and no problem about the age difference. You must prove that you have genuine relationship. There were Filipina who were denied because of the age difference nowadays, but around 40 years difference...

Some Filipina are mature at the age of 18 but some are not, my husband has a regret of marrying his ex-wife when she was 19 yo. She was not ready for married life, she didn't know what she wanted... she came here for marriage but few months afterwards forgot being a wife. Stole $300 at the age of 19 here in US, have bf in the Philippines, Have bf's in US, working but hardly share for the bills but bought all what she wants materially, has a nasty mouth, and got pregnant with another man. During the divorced wanted 50% of the house value which she never paid and her name was not even there. Since she is the wife as divorce settlement my husband is paying $10,000 of her student loan.

There are still young Filipina who has genuine heart to love a person, what happened to my husband might happen or not to others. Every one is different, but I do believe that there are many Filipina who has a genuine motives in marrying a foreigner and there are many Filipina who are good hearted


Your Husband is a "her"

Also, Stop Bashing his ex wife, not cool and really no point. Just makes you sound Jealous



Thanks for the correction, it's a simple grammar which even other Filipina have the mistake, and we know the usage of her and his and it's not a big deal, this is a forum and some are asking for help, some responded negatively, but it's there personality. I do not want to level negatively, in a negative comment. I do believe what I write here has a point, there are many people who are sharing there time to respond as a help and I hope everyone be respectful and not to be rude whether we like it or not.

Sometimes it's so easy to comment because we are not in the position, then when we experience the same thing we will realize why someone reacted that way. I am not jealous because I have my husband... my point, he married a young girl and was not ready for married life, but I even pointed there that not all young woman are like that. I even pointed there that the age gap is not a big problem...

Thanks.
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-02 11:50:00
PhilippinesAge gap she is 18 turning 19 as I am 35
QUOTE (David_Dessa @ Nov 17 2009, 09:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok my fiance is 18 turning 19 within a month.
I am currently filling forms out. And preparing them to be sent in.

Yes some may think im crazy cause of her age. I thought about it many times. *But I Love her & am Happy with her*
But honestly At the beginning Never imagined being with her.
But in time things grew into more & couldn't get her out of my mind.
She is a great person & honestly not looking for money Thank god.


But down to my question.
has anyone gone to the interview and know what they say about that age gap?
Specific tactical questions etc?
My fiance is very shy and that is about all that I worry about.
And what issues that may cross our paths.

Idea's Suggestions Greatly appreciated.
I did hire a lawyer for the papers as I have a few complicated issues. in my thoughts.
example Taking time to perfect paperwork. etc. a bit of money for help to get it processed and done is better then spending 6months on my own to make sure it's all perfect.
I was going to do it on my own. until i read a bit deeper...

Thank you.



My husband married her ex-wife when he was also 35 yo and the Filipina is also 19 yo... she got her visa and no problem about the age difference. You must prove that you have genuine relationship. There were Filipina who were denied because of the age difference nowadays, but around 40 years difference...

Some Filipina are mature at the age of 18 but some are not, my husband has a regret of marrying his ex-wife when she was 19 yo. She was not ready for married life, she didn't know what she wanted... she came here for marriage but few months afterwards forgot being a wife. Stole $300 at the age of 19 here in US, have bf in the Philippines, Have bf's in US, working but hardly share for the bills but bought all what she wants materially, has a nasty mouth, and got pregnant with another man. During the divorced wanted 50% of the house value which she never paid and her name was not even there. Since she is the wife as divorce settlement my husband is paying $10,000 of her student loan.

There are still young Filipina who has genuine heart to love a person, what happened to my husband might happen or not to others. Every one is different, but I do believe that there are many Filipina who has a genuine motives in marrying a foreigner and there are many Filipina who are good hearted

Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-01 15:48:00
Philippinesdoes custom/immigration at NAIA and LAX check laptop's software?
QUOTE (LaneAndDaisy @ Dec 14 2009, 08:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hopp @ Dec 15 2009, 09:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charles! @ Dec 14 2009, 05:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Hopp @ Dec 14 2009, 07:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charles! @ Dec 14 2009, 04:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (LaneAndDaisy @ Dec 14 2009, 06:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi everyone..here i am again..3 more days and im leaving..
Honestly I can't decide whether to take the laptop with me or not....Its was a gift with sentimental value, bought brand new in Singapore . But after a year, the trial version of the OS (Windows Vista) got expired..Now what it has inside are all pirated programs/software......I know, I know.. blush.gif trying to settle for less isnt the right thing to do...but thats how its mostly work here in the PI..the cheaper the better... good.gif

Questions:

1.) Do u think the Customs at NAIA (manila) and LAX will try to booth the unit and check if software is orginal or fake?
2.) Do you think they will confiscate the unit and then send me back home to my province? I heard some stories about other people being caught with pirated dvd's/cd's in their possession at the NAIA and then was told to go home and cancelled his flight.
I would wish though to take it with me but if this will cause a denial to enter the US, then i would rather not have it...another option is to have it shipped via fedex, but no doubt it will cost me hundreds or thousands of $$$$$$$$$$$.

Please advise...How did u manage to take with u ur laptop to the States???

Thanks and God bless


daisy

my thoughts are this - do you really want to take the chance of being caught up in a piracy charge at the poe as you use your k-1 visa? i don't believe that would bode well for your aos......
i'd suggest back up all of your data (not programs) onto dvd or cd, make several copies of the data just in case. then leave the hard drive overseas. bring the laptop minus the hard drive, get a new hard drive in the usa, along with a legal operating system.


Not only that, if your OS is pirated MSFT, then it will not upgrade with safety patches, and thus open to virus and trojan horse attacks. Just wipe the hard drive securely. No need to take it out if it is working fine.

wiping it after backing up all the data is a good option too. good.gif



And now that I think on it, It is different for an American coming thru customs with a laptop. As opposed to someone coming from a SE Asian, China, Russia or any other locations known for high rates of Piracy. The immigrant might get more scrutiny. All it takes is one ICE Hawk to ask you at POE, "Is there any pirated software in your computer?" So under these circumstances, it is NOT a good idea or risk. Get hubby to agree to get you a new computer perhaps.



THANKS FOR ALL YOUR REPLIES..SO HELPFUL..now its a serious talk between me and fiance about taking the laptop or not...but how about REFORMATTING IT??or LIKE DELETING EVERYTHING...and just get a licensed OS in US???is that possible too?


You can get a license OS in US, I know that your laptop has sentimental value....

The cost of the laptop here is depends upon the brand, memory, etc.... If you will buy new OS like Window 7, more or less $150 and installing is another payment (not sure) if you can compute it, almost the same as a cheapest brand new laptop here.

Edited by Jobel, 14 December 2009 - 09:12 PM.

Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-14 21:09:00
Philippinesdoes custom/immigration at NAIA and LAX check laptop's software?
QUOTE (LaneAndDaisy @ Dec 14 2009, 07:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi everyone..here i am again..3 more days and im leaving..
Honestly I can't decide whether to take the laptop with me or not....Its was a gift with sentimental value, bought brand new in Singapore . But after a year, the trial version of the OS (Windows Vista) got expired..Now what it has inside are all pirated programs/software......I know, I know.. blush.gif trying to settle for less isnt the right thing to do...but thats how its mostly work here in the PI..the cheaper the better... good.gif

Questions:

1.) Do u think the Customs at NAIA (manila) and LAX will try to booth the unit and check if software is orginal or fake?
2.) Do you think they will confiscate the unit and then send me back home to my province? I heard some stories about other people being caught with pirated dvd's/cd's in their possession at the NAIA and then was told to go home and cancelled his flight.
I would wish though to take it with me but if this will cause a denial to enter the US, then i would rather not have it...another option is to have it shipped via fedex, but no doubt it will cost me hundreds or thousands of $$$$$$$$$$$.

Please advise...How did u manage to take with u ur laptop to the States???

Thanks and God bless


daisy



Hi, I brought my Mini laptop they just asked if I have electronics at NAIA... I said yes... laptop, digicam, etc... they just asked me. My OS is pirated too, same as my cousins who brought their laptop in Singapore, Canada and London.

In Japan (stop over), those who have laptop in their hand carry should placed it in the x-ray machine.

But not good thing happened to my Mini laptop was the system error and battery problem a few days after I arrived. So my husband gave me a laptop..., I do not know the reason of that error.

Edited by Jobel, 14 December 2009 - 07:51 PM.

Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-14 19:49:00
PhilippinesMy beautiful wife is very irresponsible
QUOTE (Jasman0717 @ Nov 16 2009, 06:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My sweet little Claudeth is a wonderful, giving woman but is also the most irresponsible person I have ever met in my life. I never seen anyone melt a bar of soap before but she does it. She can plug up the shower drain quickly and just loves to take 30 or 45 minute showers twice a day. She leaves the lights on constantly and the refrigator open all the time. She will fill her plate full of food and eat about 1/4 of it and the rest goes in the trash.

I am totally at my wits end. I have been dealing with this for 4 1/2 years but have made no progress in teaching her conservation. I love her very much and would never dream of getting rid of her but have been thinking of sending her to the Philippines for a visit.

Has anyone else had this problem? I have heard comments off and on but nothing consistant with what my little consumer does.



Well sorry to hear that, but there are many Filipina who are very responsible and some are not. Be thankful that she is just irresponsible....

My husband married a young Filipina before. She was very irresponsible, etc... but my husband deal with her for 6 suffering long years, to save the marriage until he gave up because it was too much.

1. She doesn't know how to cook (she never cooked when they were together), most of the Filipina is good in taking care of their husband
2. She hardly clean the house and always left her stuff any where and asked her husband on that time to clean it mad.gif
3. Stole $300 when she was a cashier devil.gif
4. Had many bf's during their marriage
5. Have a nasty mouth
6. Always in the bar with other men
7. Working, but hardly share for the bills payment and let her husband worked 2 jobs while she was buying all her wants and going to the bar
8. Threw a plate to her aunt, ruined the door
9. Committed an adultery and got pregnant with other man because this man is rich no0pb.gif
10. During their divorce asked my husband to sale the house and get 50% of the value
11. My husband is now paying her $10,000 student loan headbonk.gif

And many many more crazy things she did, these were true and there are papers to prove it and persons that testified.

So you are so lucky that your wife is just irresponsible, because we have all our weaknesses... some Americans might experience the same and some in the future
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-01 14:09:00
PhilippinesDoes My Filipino Fiancé Really Need A Pre Departure Orientation Seminar?
If my memory serves me right, there is a paper inside the visa packet stating about the seminar and CFO sticker.

Even your both Filipino, he needs to attend. Some experienced difficulties having the certificate and sticker but it depends upon the issue of relationship. In your case, I think everything will be fine.

Wishing you all the best and goodluck.
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-22 15:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhat happens at the NVC?
QUOTE (rogue320 @ Nov 30 2009, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can anyone tell me what happens after you get your NOA2 and it is sent to the NVC? What do I need to do at this point to help the process along?


In my case, almost 2 weeks after we received the email notification of approval my husband call the NVC and talked to the live operator to check the status of the petition maybe 3 times or more, but the NVC gave information which was not updated, they said that they do not received it but only to find out that it was sent to the US Embassy. Same what was happened to my friend, until she received the letter from the US Embassy.

3 days after the packet received by the US Embassy we already set an appointment for interview even without the letter from the embassy, because it took time if you wait it but sometimes it's hard to track the packet where is it. I printed the email notification and shown it to St. Luke's for medical.
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-11-30 12:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAOS timeline
QUOTE (zenki_james @ Nov 26 2009, 01:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi we just filed the papers for our AOS and the USCIS (Chicago) recieved already our file. i am just curious on how long we will wait for the call or what will be our next move for the AOS after the filling. by the way i entered states as k1 (fiancee) visa. i highly appreciate answers. tnx



Hi, did you sign up at USCIS website? www.uscis.gov can be help to update to you in your paper.

More or less about 10 days you will received your NOA1, then few weeks you will receive your biometric schedule. In my case, Nov 2 we filed it, Nov 4 they received it, Nov 10 NOA1, Nov 23 I received the biometrics schedule for Dec 10... we went to the ASC St. Paul, MN office to change it but they offered to have it the same day (Nov. 23), some ASC office allow it, but some are don't.
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-11-26 09:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresnervous about proof
QUOTE (kenandakiko @ Nov 25 2009, 01:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello. i submitted my I29F and im so worried of getting an RFE. do you think this is enough info to pass. based on your experieces.

i submited 2 photos of us together. barding passes, hotel reciepts for 3 rooms from orbiz, luggage tags, and credit card statments showing where i purchased the hotel and plane tickets.

is that enough proof of showing we met in person.. i was going to submit my passport but i have lost it.. will that be a problem.. do u think i will get an RFE? im so worried!! has anyone else had a problem for not having there passport?



Hi, I think it's enough... in the interview you will show again the proofs. If you are chatting save the chat and print, also print the emails showing that you really love each other and will to get marry.
Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-11-25 15:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCounseling is it needed?
QUOTE (waiting150 @ Dec 9 2009, 11:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello Everyone,

We just recently recived the visa packet and my fiance said that on one of the sheets it talks about counseling. We were not to sure if it was requried? It says that counesling and a few other things are needed before going to America. It does not say that it is mandatory. So we were not to sure if we need to do it or not. Can someone help?
Thank you.


Yep she need to attend. 250 pesos for the seminar and I think 400 pesos for the CFO sticker.

I have a friend at friendster without CFO sticker she was able to go here in US without the sticker but it's not advisable.

I have also a friend who resheduled her flight because the CFO sticker. 2008 she went to US but she didn't get married with her former fiance, she fell inlove with another American and he petitioned her.

She went to the seminar a day before her flight because she is from the province. Since this is her second petition for k1 they asked for a written letter coming to her fiance stating that he will marry her which was not included to the requirements. So what they did was to reschedule her flight even she has 2008 CFO sticker.

Jo-belFemalePhilippines2009-12-10 15:32:00