ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesJust Sharing Our Bundle of Joy- Amanda
Congratulations Tina!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-09-13 11:08:00
PhilippinesTo have or not to have a joint-sponsor

just our opinion and i'm sure we're no expert. but for us (my fiance and I), when in doubt...look for a co-sponsor. that way, whether you reached poverty guideline or not...either way you're ready for everything.



USEM is well known to not accept co-sponsors in the case of K-1. Now a IR1/CR1 is a little different, because the petition is handled by NVC.
There was a Pinay just a few days ago that went home after her inteview very sad because her fiance's income was not sufficient.

Thats it, like it says....125% of the poverty level.!:thumbs:


:thumbs: :thumbs: Pretty simple!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-05 11:07:00
PhilippinesTo have or not to have a joint-sponsor
As long as your income is at 125% of the poverty level for your household size, you're ok.
If your annual income is 18% above the 125% poverty level, no need for a co-sponsor.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-04 19:34:00
PhilippinesCFO concern

thank u for the info ;-)



You bet! :star:
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-09-16 10:46:00
PhilippinesCFO concern

Guy's want to know if i still need to register to have my CFO sticker that i already have my attendance certificate also GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING CERTIFICATE all i need is CFO sticker? hope to hear from you guys. Thank you n advance. :)



Let me clarify my eariler statement, when you got to the CFO to pick up your sticker, you present your certificate and a passport with a visa, that is in fact registering with CFO before departing the country.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-09-16 06:50:00
PhilippinesCFO concern



Is it okey if i will go to that CFO seminar even though i ddnt have my medical and interview yet???




It's normal for those waiting to interview to attend the counseling session.
Having or not the medical exam was never an issue with regards to attending the CFO counseling, it just did not matter.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-09-16 06:39:00
PhilippinesCFO concern
If you've already attended the required counseling session, go to the CFO office and present the certificate along with your passport/visa to get the sticker placed in your passport. There is no registration required to merely pick up the sticker.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-09-16 05:26:00
PhilippinesGot An Early Interview Date!
I know you're excited to get this portion of the process behind you, but you committed a cardinal sin by booking flights so early on.

There's still too much room for delays with the medical and interview yet to be completed. I hope it all works out for you. :star:
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-10-15 21:59:00
PhilippinesInterview Done but missing Dubai police clearance

so no more interview and no more appointment again in US Embassy Mnila?


Yes plenty of others that failed to include all of the required documents at the time of interview got the exact same results you got.

No other interview for you -- focus on securing the police clearance.

Edited by Leatherneck, 14 March 2012 - 01:24 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-03-14 01:22:00
PhilippinesNeed help with I-129f

Question that jumps out at me is why did you file BEFORE you had the annulment (not once but twice) knowing it was necessary for both fiance and fiancee be free to marry at time of filing?:girlwerewolf2xn: :wow: :oops:


Did USCIS tell you that you can only file twice on the same person? I have read there is a limitation if you have filed twice, but you can apply for a waiver. Item #2 of the I-129F instructions.


http://www.uscis.gov...i-129finstr.pdf



:thumbs:
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2013-01-05 15:22:00
PhilippinesWhat's the reaction to your marriage
I feel a 'thread lock' coming.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2013-01-13 02:46:00
PhilippinesAir Canada?
Posted Image



Bxman,

It seems your desired POE (Richmond) limits your options exponentially, especially with KA. However, I did find this fare/flight (it's quite pricy) that arrives @ Washington Dulles via KA. Are you willing to drive a bit to meet your fiancee, considering Dulles is a little more than 100 miles from Richmond?



$2723.90 + $44.17 (taxes) = $2768.07 Final Total Price (incl. fees) (Bonus applied)

Best Price Guarantee! Take off $20 Instantly - click here ¹ Booking Bonus: Posted Image Philippine Flight 466 330
more Posted Image Manila (MNL)
Seoul Incheon (ICN) 01:15am - 28Feb, Thu
06:00am - 28Feb, Thu Nonstop
Coach
Connecting flight wait time 4 hours 15 minutes
Korean Air Flight 93 772
more Posted Image Seoul Incheon (ICN)
Washington Dulles (IAD) 10:15am - 28Feb, Thu
09:35am - 28Feb, Thu Nonstop
Coach

Flight Duration : 17hr 05min Layover Time : 4hr 15min Total Trip Time: 21hr 20min
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2013-01-21 20:59:00
PhilippinesAir Canada?

Hey leatherneck!

You know I was really looking for Korean Air but it seems that I cannot find them listed on Cheapo Air

for a one way ticket

So I say Philippine air to Tokyo then Canadian Air to Toronto to Richmond but know I'm learning

Canada will be her POE not Richmomd! Wow life is complicated! lol

I was really impressed with Korean Air


Yeah I feel you regarding KA, love the service and the layover in Incheon - great airport.

I found a KA flight on Cheapo Air - but POE was DFW, however, it was not cheap.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2013-01-21 20:19:00
PhilippinesAir Canada?

I will gladly pay more to get her to Richmond for POE

I'm thinking late Feb she will fly into Toronto and then to Richmond Va

But I won't decide untill I see how the weather looks

If bad winter there I will just have to route her through Dallas for POE


Bxman,

Korean Air, Asiana Airlines, Singapore Airlines or Cathay Pacific.

Edited by Leatherneck, 21 January 2013 - 07:24 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2013-01-21 19:21:00
PhilippinesCFO sticker at NAIA terminal 3?
In the name of "keep it simple" you and your fiancee should ignore that advice and the stress that could happen if you follow it.

Sh!t happens, but you don't want sh!t to happen hours before your sweetheart is ready to get on that bird.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-09-13 10:33:00
Philippinessending money to the family back in the phils

Ok, here is our problem. One that I'm sure is all too common! My wife has been in the USA for over three years and thankfully all is well with us here. Our problem is trying to help out the family back in the Philippines. My wife has three sisters and her two parents living back in Cebu. The Mom and Dad left their property in the province years ago over some family fights. They only had a nipa roofed house anyways. They then moved to the city with the oldest sister who had met a foreigner. The Mom, Dad and sisters stayed with the older sister and foreigner for a few years until recently more infighting and bickering led to her parents finding their own apartment in the city (with our financial support of course). Now it's become obvious to us that we can't afford to pay rent for them and help with all their living expenses. Some of them work, but they make next to nothing. Once we told them that we're having problems sending more money there is more arguing and fighting and we're being called cheap and selfish!!! This really hurts, especially when some of our hard earned money is going over there and there seems to be no appreciation. Of course they all think we're rich, and I wish we were. They have no idea the cost of living in the USA.
We are currently sending about 300 USD a month. This seems like a lot to us but it's not enough for them. Please give me some advice. Is this a fair amount, too much, too little?? :wacko:



If you are being refered to as "cheap and selfish" by those receiving your hard earned money each month, that is showing a lack of gratitude.
Sounds as if they have a sense of entitlement now. You mentioned the $300.00 is unaffordable, you still have to live within your means. Let your wife
explain to her family it is a simple budget issue and you can no longer continue to send the amount of money as you had in previous months.

Good luck...
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-05 03:19:00
PhilippinesArguments About Sending Money Back Home?

As many here know, my biggest concern about this topic is the constant "breeding" that leads to more and more children to support. My wife and I have made a conscious choice to only have one child because they are EXPENSIVE. Many in the PHL don't understand this concept, so I have little compassion to help someone who couldn't support three kids, but now have four. I understand its not the kids fault to be born into this mess, but no one person in American can support an entire village!



You and your wife are being responsible in your approach to having kids.

"Constant breeding," look to culture and the Catholic church on that one.

It's no surprise the people who can least afford to have kids, have the most and on average those with the wealth and means to support lots of kids, have the fewest.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-13 13:15:00
PhilippinesArguments About Sending Money Back Home?
Good post maning :thumbs:
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-12 06:30:00
PhilippinesDS-156 Online Form Question #20

heh that sucks... hopefully it will be alright to put unemployed. she can easily get a job right now but just a waste of time and employer's time and money to train, etc.

thanks again!



You bet! Unemployed would be the only truthful answer, no way around it. She's lucky to be able to get a job right now, with so many Pinay Rn's unemployed.

Good luck.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-06 03:16:00
PhilippinesDS-156 Online Form Question #20
Does she have a Present Employer or School?

If not in school and not currently working, the answer is... unemployed.

Occupation: Registered Nurse.:thumbs:

Edited by Leatherneck, 05 November 2011 - 11:47 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-05 23:45:00
PhilippinesScheduling Interview and Physical {MANILA}
Yeah, I know it would work eventually.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-03 14:24:00
PhilippinesScheduling Interview and Physical {MANILA}

On Friday Feb 3 (Philippine time} my "Fiancée" went to the BPI bank and paid $350 for herself and $350 for her daughter for the visa application fee. She did get 8 digit receipt number.

Before I proceed - I do not have a copy of the appointment letter or a new Notice of Action with her new case number. NVC just sent the application to manila on 01/30/2012. At what point to I and/or her receive this appointment letter ??

Do we schedule the interview first and/or Physical. When I looked at the Physical page, it is requiring an Interview date.

I tried to go online to schedule her Interview - the 8 digit receipt number did not work.


Click here for to read about a St. Luke's medical experience, your fiancee might benefit from reading this as well.

That receipt number your fiancee got at the time she paid the visa fee at BPI should work, just keep trying it.

Your hard copy of the NOA2 should arrive shortly, did you get an email notice of the NOA2?

Also in the interest of saving time on the day of the medical, your fiancee can register here for the medical online at SLMCEC.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-03 14:00:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage

No, we didn't called the embassy. what we did, we sent again an express mail w/ a prestamped self returned address envelope on it express mail too, enclosed w/ a letter stated that when they mail us the report of marriage kindly disregard the other envelope that originally sent and used this envelope(prestamped self returned address envelope)express mail. I think, sounds more secured and we can track the no. whenever they send the mail. hopefully, they would do it :-)


I would follow up with a call in addition to what you've done, if you can get through to a live body.

I just have little faith that a government employee would go the extra effort to read your note contained
in your follow up mail to them, locate your first file, stuff your "report of marriage" in the new envelope
and mail it back to you, all based on the instruction you've included.

But, all you can do is take a shot at it. Good luck.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-08 15:54:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage
Have you called or tried to email the Embassy? Maybe the reason for "express mail" was for tracking.

I would try calling or emailing them.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-08 01:33:00
Philippinesmoney transfer service to Philippines

If you live in an area of the U.S. where there is a Wells Fargo (I think that's most areas), you can set up bank transfers. This is what I've been doing for years living in the Philippines. It's very simple, easy, and I think the least expensive.

First, I had to have someone on the Philippine side open an account at BPI (Bank of Philippine Islands). Then, I went to Wells Fargo in the U.S. and filled out some paperwork to attach my WF account to the BPI account in the Philippines. After arriving in the Philippines, I had my wife's name added to the BPI account so we had control of it. From there, I just initiate transfers from my Wells Fargo account online any time I need to. Wells Fargo allows you to transfer up to $3,000 a day for $5 per transaction. They automatically convert it to Pesos at the going rate, and a couple days later the money is available for withdrawal using my BPI ATM card. I've checked around and I have yet to find an easier and more cost effective way to move money over here. It's takes a little leg work to set up, but once done, it's pretty slick.

Hope this helps!





That beats the $9.00-$11.00 cost to use MoneyGram and a trip to WalMart, hands down.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-03-15 03:02:00
Philippinesmoney transfer service to Philippines

I had the exact situation occur. Now I tried to "trick" the system and use a different originating bank account and I still get denied. Very frustrating! I hate paying $25 to use W. Union!

EricN


I hate everything about WU! MoneyGram only charges $9 - $11.00, at least that's the charge when sending from Wal-Mart. M.Lhuillier has an agreement with MG and the money can be picked up from most locations.

I select the dollar option for pick-up in the Philippines to save money on the difference in the peso/dollar exchange rate. MG sets an exchange rate lower than the market rate and pockets the difference when you elect to have your party pick-up pesos.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-03-06 04:10:00
Philippinespetitioner married in the phil, but got divorced in US.

He may always be married to his first wife in the Philippines, but that does not make him married in the rest of the world or the USA. Just because the USA recognizes marriages taking place in other countries, does not mean the USA has given up its right to have jurisdiction on its own soil or its own citizens. The divorce was granted in the USA, the Philippines can cry and yell all it wants, it has no jurisdiction to say the divorce is not valid in the rest of the world. Should he return to the Philippines, they can say he's married all they want. They can ignore his new marriage and refuse to recognize it. In the rest of the world, this USC will be married to his second wife. Should he return to the Philippines, technically the Philippines government could charge him with bigamy after he remarries. If he plans to spend time in the Philippines, it might be a good idea for him to get an annulment there. But any repercussion about having divorced in the USA while still a Philippine Citizen is only valid on Philippines soil, in actions by the Philippine Government. As far as the USCIS and the US Embassy in the Philippines is concerned, he's a divorced man by virtue of US law. Had his fiancée gotten divorced in the USA under the same conditions then returned to the Philippines and try to return on a K-1, she would be unable to come because there, she would not be free to marry because she is currently on Philippines soil.


:thumbs:
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-04-26 08:56:00
PhilippinesIs filipinafianceevisa.com a scam or legit site?

I'll admit that I was overwhelmed what I first started looking into this process too. So many steps, and so much paperwork. It was really confusing. I looked at several online sites like the one you're talking about and even called a couple of them with questions. I am thankful I stumbled across Visajourney and found the Guides section. After I read through them a few times it all made sense. I downloaded the I-130 (I filed for a CR-1 visa) and looked at it. Everything on those forms is pretty straight forward...your address, where you work, things like that. The things I didn't understand, I searched here on VJ or posted questions and always got quick, accurate, answers. Everyone is very helpful here. It's really not very difficult once you understand the steps involved. Unless you've got money to burn (all those sites are doing is filling out the forms with the information you provide), you might consider doing it yourself like so many of us here on VJ have done. Good luck to you!


Well said :thumbs:
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-04-13 13:12:00
PhilippinesCFO meeting in MANILA, location?

Hi, I've been browsing to where the location of CFO is in Manila at first I thought it's the one on Quirino.. then I just saw some posts stating that they went to their CFO seminar located at Katipunan, in Quezon City.. I'll be attending my meeting 3days before my flight so I just want to know where exactly. Thank you.. ^^


Personally I would not wait 3 days before my flight, you never know what kind of hoops those wonderful folks will have you jump through, you never what kind of mood you might find those ladies in and they can always hit you with #4 -- the big 'gotcha.'


Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program
  • Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;
  • Duly completed guidance and counseling form;
  • If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office, or Local Civil Registry Offices; or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate (if married abroad)
  • Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and
  • Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-06-10 18:45:00
Philippineswrong address in my marriage certificate

Thanks for the reply..I dont know if theres a lawyer that can correct this hopefully there is..The Judge gave me a notarized affidavit of explanation which i hope this will be ok if i showed this on my interview.


You're welcome!

It looks like you'll be ok, at least you have a notarized affidavit if there's ever a question.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-03-15 03:37:00
Philippineswrong address in my marriage certificate
Sounds like a real mess you have on your hands. Is it even possible for a lawyer to get that address corrected, is the real question? Seems strange the very judge that married you and made the mistake was not able to get the mistake corrected with an affidavit from his own hands.

You have some time to try to fix this before any interview, would the judge be willing to give you a notarized affidavit?
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-03-15 02:17:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar

You Exactly right! You got a Green card No worrys about CFO!


OMG! He's alive!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-04-14 12:10:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar
Having your green card should trump the need for a CFO sticker, there are lots of Fil-Am citizens/residents that exit the Philippines with the Philippine passport, using the GC and state issued ID.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-04-14 11:48:00
PhilippinesNBI clearance and police certificate from singapore
This is the experience of another VJ member with regard to the COC requirement. Maybe other Pinays that were once faced with the same situation will chime in.

http://www.visajourn...clearance-2012/
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-03-01 15:15:00
PhilippinesNBI clearance and police certificate from singapore

1) can my fiancee start the process of acquring her NBI clearance for travel now or do we need to wait for the packet from NVC? She just told me today it takes a while to get her NBi cuz there's somebody else with the same name.

Yes your fiancee can get started acquiring the NBI -- since you already know there might be an issue with names.

2) she lived in Singapore for 9 months. She was on a tourist visa with a work pass. Singapore has stopped issuing CNCC to non citizens but the US embassy states she needs one if she lived in another country for over six months. Does anyone know what we nee to do to meet that requirement?

If I'm not mistaken, USEM is aware of the police clearance situation in Singapore.


Edited by Leatherneck, 01 March 2012 - 01:22 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-03-01 13:21:00
PhilippinesCENOMAR at US Embassy in Manila

Then then should at least update their web page, which reads as if you would only need the CENOMAR if you're not married (contractually). At least that's my read.

Beyond that, it's illogical. A = CENOMAR. B = Marriage Cert. You need A to get B. We brought B. They said bring A, too. It's like, whatever you guys say!!! I could understand it if the marriage cert is from a different Phils govt agency than the CENOMAR, but they're both from the NSO.


I hear you, keep in mind -- not every IR1/CR1 beneficiary is requested to provide a CENOMAR -- in that sense, the site is correct. A consular officer has broad discretion with regard to the documents he/she can request.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-03-27 03:47:00
PhilippinesCENOMAR at US Embassy in Manila
It's normal for USEM to ask a married Filipino for a CENOMAR.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-03-27 02:26:00
PhilippinesCFO on Tuesday April 22, 2014

Get there early.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-04-21 03:51:00
Philippinesreporting marriage to phil embassy... spouse previously married in PH but was divorced.

K, I was confused. So she already came on the K-1 and married here in the US. But he is still married to woman #1 in the Philippines. And she is still single in the Philippines. Wow what confusion it is.

 

Yes it is confusing, and designed to be perpetually punitive.

 

The Philippines government has legislatively thrown road blocks in the way of Filipinos living outside of the country, who've decided they no longer wish to remain married to each other.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-04-26 14:22:00
PhilippinesArrived with k1, got married within 90 days, going back home after 8 months

You bet! 


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-05-03 19:30:00