ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesBest Place To in Manila?

It is a very Clean place!:thumbs: They have Security Posted at the main entrance and they screen everyone that comes in. Also Security Patrols ALL the Floors 24 hours a day! They have your peace and comfort in mind!:thumbs:



Thanks for the info, I'll have to stay there, sounds like a good reasonable place to stay and not break the bank. I tend to gravitate to Makati, I like the feel of the area, the restuarants and the shopping.

With the screening of "everyone that comes in" how will guest accompanied by me be treated? Will they get screened or will they be allowed to enter without delay or hassle?

I appreciate your input.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-30 15:19:00
PhilippinesBest Place To in Manila?

The best bet for me was Tropicana- Apt- Suites Hotel in Malate.I have stayed there many times.its like a timeshare with living room Area and bedroom area.they have A/C hot and cold Shower,/Bath, Fridge Cooking Hot plate with 4 burners and all the utensils you would need including plates and dishes and forks and spoons. they have daily Housekeepers that keep your room spotless including cleaning behind you if you leave dirty dishes.:whistle: Its a few steps to Robinsons Mall and other shops in Malate. the Address is 1630 luis Maria Guerrero st. email address is....www.tropicanasuites.com.ph..... the rates is 40.00 plus for all this. Good deal!:thumbs:



That sounds like a great deal, is it a pretty clean place and well kept as for as maintenance?
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-29 20:07:00
PhilippinesBest Place To in Manila?

If you have a lot of money and can't stand the eyesore then go to Ortigas and Makati area. Hotel per night ranges from $100+. Take it from CristiFur :thumbs:



True...
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-29 15:43:00
PhilippinesBest Place To in Manila?
Makati is a nice area, along Ayala Avenue you'll find lots of restaurants, gourmet cafes, Starbucks and Coffee Bean. Lots of entertainment
along Ayala Avenue in Makati, you'll also find Greenbelt, Rockwell malls in addition to Glorietta and Powerplant malls.

Off of Ayala Avenue is Makati Avenue, lots of hotels located there. A. Venue is a nice boutique hotel, they have a fitness center also.
So in Makati you'll have entertainment, restaurants, cafes, a HardRock Cafe, all the night life you can handle and plenty of shopping.

Address: 7829 Makati Avenue, Antel Lifestyle City, Makati City, Philippines
Tel. Nos. (+632) 403 0865, (+632) 403 0888
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-29 15:28:00
PhilippinesSMEF_COW review
You did a nice write-up about your experience, surely it'll help other Pinays.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-10-30 15:51:00
Philippinesrecommended reasonable priced hotel near US Embassy (Manila)
Here's the link with several hotels.

http://www.visajourn...tels-in-manila/
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-01 04:49:00
PhilippinesWaiting for Visa
OP, try this local number.

For inquiries on a specific case, please call the Immigrant Visa (IV) inquiry line at (632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185 during normal business hours.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-02 15:10:00
PhilippinesWaiting for Visa

I was interviewed September 26, 2011 and I was approved with no lacking documents or any blue or white paper given.
I still don't have my Visa as of now Nov. 3 and I'm worried to death.I tried emailing USEM Manila but they won't give me the answer that I need.
I'm clueless and confused of what is happening right now. Is there anyone here who received their visa after a month or two? Is this normal?
Pls enlighten me.



A 3 month wait for a visa from USEM is not normal, considering there is no AP.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-02 14:13:00
PhilippinesCR-1 G-325a

But on this case Im the petitioner..so what should I answer on #22 ..Im the one preparing the document? hope to clarify things...still confused...thanks



Your wife is still in the Philippines, so: USEM-Philippines.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-03 12:42:00
PhilippinesCR-1 G-325a

Thanks so much for the quick reply..I didnt realize its 4 copies..I thought thats only for K-3(fiancee visa) because it doesnt specified on the CR-1...glad I asked...Its quite hard to fill up the application using PDF..coz some words are way too long ( like city names with country)..yikes...

Hope you dont mind if I have another question:

I kinda stuck with question #22 on form I-130 it says " Complete the information below if your relative is in the United States and will apply for adjustment of status....and requiring City and State to be filled....do I have to answer to that? quite not understanding this question


Please help!



You have to answer ALL sections, leave nothing blank, use N/A if it does not apply to you.
That #22 is an either/or answer , the first part does not apply to you if you the beneficiary is not living in the U.S.
The second part requires an answer if you the beneficiary is living in the Philippines.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-02 02:24:00
PhilippinesThank you VJ
Congratulations!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-03 01:51:00
PhilippinesIR1
The fees can vary and are incidental to each case, but here is a rough guide.

http://www.visajourn...t/compare#ircr1
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-04 18:54:00
PhilippinesAnnulment of Previous Marriage Was Not Brought Up at SLEC Medical Exam

I dunno if it makes a difference that you are going to the US as a spouse and not as a fiancee like trulyinlove. Meaning, you can't remarry here until you are clear.

trulyinlove went home crying because she was told that she won't make it in the US because she's psychologically incapacitated to remarry a.k.a "crazy" :rofl: I don't mean to make fun of you sis but I will never forget that. It kinda bother me because I don't know how they treat those cases but it's good to know that you are just played on.



Uh, she has an annulment, sure she can remarry.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-04 08:41:00
PhilippinesAnnulment of Previous Marriage Was Not Brought Up at SLEC Medical Exam
The Dr. did not ask you, so you did right.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-04 06:56:00
PhilippinesOk folks she is in the embassy
Congratulations!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-04 02:42:00
PhilippinesOk folks she is in the embassy
Good luck Scruffy!


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-02 22:55:00
PhilippinesAnyone Self-Employed and Passed the Interview at the US Embassy in Manila?

I feel a little more relaxed. Hopefully what I got is more than enough. Thanks for sharing!



Heh, I'm trying to relax. Hopefully I can finish all my paperwork by tomorrow and I can put this aside so I don't need to worry about it until the interview.



Good luck OP!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-08 06:17:00
PhilippinesAnyone Self-Employed and Passed the Interview at the US Embassy in Manila?

LOL i guess i need to relax a little more then hahahaha (going crazy/baliw). I plan to get a bank statement tomorrow. So hopefully I'll be complete with my I-134 and financial evidence and can relax a little.



Yeah OP, relax, you have more than enough. :yes:

I see your point, too much might be better than too little
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-07 20:01:00
PhilippinesNeed advice on graduation plans

Hi there! thank you so much for you quick answer. Yeah, that was what I knew before we filed, we didn't really know the whole process duration, only until I found VJ. This site helped us a lot. The application was already filed and we got quick approval. Anyway, if that is the case, I must leave few days before visa expires. I don't intend to go through sleepless night again. God bless and thanks again :)



Ok I see, that was your thinking before you found VJ. Enjoy your time left in Philippines.

Congratulations on the visa! :thumbs:
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-08 07:55:00
PhilippinesNeed advice on graduation plans

Hey, everyone! :) I'm on F2A and my interview is this December already. Honestly, I didn't expect the processing of my case to be this quick so I'm left with this problem...

I still have 1 year (2 semesters) to complete before graduating, not to mention a licensure exam to pass to be a Registered Pharmacist.

Let's say, hypothetically I do get approved for migration and consequently get a visa valid for 6 months... Among my many options for my education, I'd like to know if it's advisable to ask for an extension (or moratorium) for me to graduate here in the Philippines first before flying to the US?

While I know it's best to plan after the interview is done, I just want to try if hinting at this would be ok or not.

Anyone who knows of or has the same situation? Thank you!


How old are you?

You have to consider turning 21 years old may delay the process of becoming a permanent resident or obtaining an immigrant visa. You will no longer qualify as an “Unmarried Child of a Lawful Permanent Resident” (F2A) and will convert to the category of an “Unmarried Son or Daughter of a Lawful Permanent Resident (F2B).” This change in categories may result in a major delay in your immigrant visa becoming available.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-08 07:31:00
PhilippinesNeed advice on graduation plans

Hi there! I'm thinking of posting similar question but you did ahead of me :) Great and thanks !:) So I would be hoping for some replies from our friends here at VJs. Actually, I got my visa already just recently, but I couldn't leave yet since I still have so much important things to do at work. Honestly, I'm still enjoying my job here. I really didn't know that we get approved this year. I thought it will take like 1-2 years then after filing. I know I would have no more job as soon I leave this country. And it would be very challenging to find good one again in a strange place like the US. Of course, I never look at this thing negatively. Just taking my time. I know God's plan is to prosper us not to harm us. I also need to work out on some personal business before I leave.

I want to find out if Visa expiration can be extended for a little more time? say 2 months ? If not, then I have no choice. I have to leave before it expires. I know how hard and stressful to get the visa. I don't wanna go through again with the very stressful process. Ultimately, the goal of getting the visa is to live together with my Fiance. True love should prevail and I won't allow it to go nowhere. I know I would really miss everything from foods, friends, family and loved ones, camaraderie at the workplace, and a lot more... so trying to enjoy what life in here. Anyway, one good thing is that my Fiance is coming soon for Christmas holidays, hopefully ! :) I thank God :)

Hopefully someone could answer my question then about the possible extension of the visa. Thank you and God bless to everyone ! :)


A K-1 visa can not be extended, a new visa can be re-issued for very compelling reasons. The visa has a life of 6 months (somethimes less) K-1 beneficiary can have time to get the personal affairs in order prior to leaving the home country.

You thought the K-1 process would take 1-2 years?
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-08 07:21:00
PhilippinesHave you already been together a while

Been together four years and there are no problems in the relationship. We're both amazed at how difficult it seems to be for others to adjust. When I am in the Philippines for months at a time I do not need to see other Americans, eat American food, or watch American TV or whatever. Same with her. She just needs to communicate with her family.

She is very, very surprised at the police state we live in because the propaganda is all ####### about how free Americans are.


There is so much truth in that statement.
Free to follow the thousands of new nanny state laws pushed out each year.

Edited by Leatherneck, 07 November 2011 - 08:57 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-07 08:55:00
Philippinescan we make an appointment?

1. Pay the visa fee at BPI.

2. Try to schedule your interview online every day. When you finally are able to schedule your interview, you will know that the Embassy has received your case and has entered it into their system. This way, you don't have to call them every day to find out if they have received your case and have entered it into their system.



:thumbs: Faster and better and better and faster!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-10 13:24:00
Philippinescan we make an appointment?

You do not have to wait for the package to get to Manila, As soon as NVC tells you the MNK number you can schedule the interview. Forget calling them. Just get your MNL number ans schedule. They will have your package by the interview date.



In the interest of saving time, you're correct scruffdog.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-10 13:06:00
Philippinescan we make an appointment?

Thanks! we waited for 197 days for that! but its ok.. its all worth it...



Wow! That is a long time, but now you're headed for the very final phase.

Like you could be here before the end of December, that's great :thumbs:

Edited by Leatherneck, 10 November 2011 - 02:14 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-10 02:13:00
Philippinescan we make an appointment?
Congratulations on the NOA2!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-10 01:56:00
Philippinescan we make an appointment?
After the case has arrived at USEM you can pay the visa fee at BPI, then schedule your interview.
You can also save some time on the morning of your medical at SLMCEC by filling out the online registration.

Edited by Leatherneck, 10 November 2011 - 01:54 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-10 01:52:00
Philippines2go
"It should take a few days, no more than a week."

Under normal circumstances is what I should say.
Some get it in a few days, a week and others get it now 2 weeks or more.





LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-09 21:01:00
Philippines2go
Depending when the embassy got it printed and released it to 2Go. It should take a few days, no more than a week.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-09 20:26:00
PhilippinesSt. Luke's Medical, Visa and Passport Picture Difference, Keeping Passport
One more hurdle to get over!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-09 23:58:00
PhilippinesHOW MONTHS MORE TO WAIT TO GET THAT PACKET FROM MNL EMBASSY?

almost two months now since my fiance got the NOA2 mailed...and that other email informing its forwarded in Manila and that My part to receive that packet here is getting SOON? HOW SOON IS THAT? HAS TO TAKE THAT MONTHS?



OMG! you've lost a lot of time waiting, go ahead and pay the visa fee and schedule the interview and get your medical.
No need to wait...you are all set to move forward with your medical and interview.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-11 15:33:00
PhilippinesAny Philippine RNs who moved to the USA with a K/Spouse Visa?

Leatherneck...thanks for posting the link... :thumbs:...it's a great place to start for anyone who is contemplating the NCLEX. Also, it includes links to every state BON.


Congratz on passing the NCLEX. :star:

Even though Chinook had only six months of volunteer nursing in 'Pinas, she got a job fairly quickly here in the U.S. She's now a charge nurse at a nursing home. Have you applied at any nursing homes? Many of them like to hire Pinoys. When it comes to nursing home hiring, I think good English language skills can be more important than experience.


Nursing can be very stressful depending on the particular field of nursing one choses to go into.


Chinook said the NLE was more difficult than the NCLEX. It took a lot longer too.



You bet Tahoma!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-07 01:17:00
PhilippinesAny Philippine RNs who moved to the USA with a K/Spouse Visa?

I'm a nursing graduate, and came to the US under the K1 visa process. However, I already passed my Nclex when I was in the Philippines. I am now waiting for my AOS approval, and started applying for jobs in the meantime. Having a hard time because they're all asking for experience, but still keeping positive, and will keep on trying.



Good thing you're in California, there are tons of Pinay nurses, so maybe you will get lucky and find a hospital with a Pinay DON that will take you with no experience.

Edited by Leatherneck, 06 November 2011 - 01:32 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-06 01:31:00
PhilippinesAny Philippine RNs who moved to the USA with a K/Spouse Visa?

Yeah that's right. And I also read that they need proof of employment for at least 2 years in the State where you are endorsing from. Not sure but... OMG! No way around it!



Maybe this can be of some help to you.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-05 18:48:00
PhilippinesAny Philippine RNs who moved to the USA with a K/Spouse Visa?

That's right, Leatherneck. :thumbs: Chinook was a nurse in 'Pinas, passed the NCLEX-RN here in the States, and is now working as an RN here in Seattle.

Manny & Cel, below is a post I made in a recent thread. I hope it helps:


The NCLEX-RN process here in the States is the same as it is in 'Pinas. Only the price is different. It costs $350 in 'Pinas (and often travel expenses too). It costs $200 in the U.S. You can apply for the ATT (authorization to test) through any state in the U.S. Each state has its own requirements. Once you have fulfilled the requirements of the state where you applied, and have received the ATT, you can sit for the NCLEX-RN anywhere you want, including your home town. You do not need to take the test in the state where you applied for the ATT.

Once you pass the NCLEX-RN, you will be issued an RN license by the state which gave you the ATT. That license authorizes you to work as an RN in that state. If you instead want to work in the state where you live, you can transfer your license to your state through a procedure called "license by endorsement." Each state has it's own requirements for licensing by endorsement. Once you have completed the licensing by endorsement process, you will be licensed in your state and can go to work as an RN.

Chinook applied through the state of Vermont for the ATT, and was accepted. She sat for the NCLEX-RN in the state of Washington. She passed the test, and was licensed by the State of Vermont. Then she applied through the State of Washington for a license by endorsement. It took a month or so for Washington to grant her a license. Chinook started working as an RN here in Washington about three months after the Washington State Board of Nursing issued her license.

Here are Chinook's recommendations for preparing for the NCLEX-RN:

> Saunders Comprehensive Fourth Edition-- A good book for the basics. Also, pay attention to the Pharma.
> Exam Cram-- A good book for analysis. The practice questions are similar in style to the actual test.
> LaCharity-- A good book for prioritization.
> NCLEX3500-- Free online review. Good for analysis. Questions are more challenging than Saunders.
> Memorize only the very basic lab values. If you try to understand the concept first, the analysis becomes easier.
> Answer at least 100 questions every day.
> Chinook self-studied for the NCLEX-RN. She always wanted to feel fresh and relaxed when she was studying, so she would study for an hour or so at a time. Then, when she was feeling tired, she would take a short nap.

Good luck on the NCLEX. There are jobs out there waiting for you!



I know you're the go-to man with regards to helping newly arrived/yet to arrive Pinay RNs to the USA.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-05 18:46:00
PhilippinesAny Philippine RNs who moved to the USA with a K/Spouse Visa?
There are a couple members that come to mind, reach out to Tahoma, his Pinay wife did exactly as your fiancee plans to do. She is currently working as a nurse in the Seattle area.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-04 05:46:00
Philippineswaiting for NOA-2 hard copy
Click here and follow the guide as to what to do next.

Congratulations!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-12 06:53:00
Philippineswaiting for NOA-2 hard copy
Visa fee = $350.00

Medical = $213.35

Follow the guides for IR1/CR1

Edited by Leatherneck, 12 November 2011 - 06:49 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-12 06:46:00
Philippineswhat kind of food is bakla
That was good for a laugh... private Judy. Did you induct her into the military upon her arrival to your home?

C'mon, promote her and at least make her a captain.

Bakla = gay!

Edited by Leatherneck, 11 November 2011 - 12:38 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-11 12:37:00
PhilippinesIs this a Bigamous Marriage?

i was a single father of my daughter when i got her a passport in 2009. i needed her birth certificate, photo id with her name on it{we used her school lunch card}, a certified copy of the custody papers showing me with sole physical custody, my passport, and i had to take an oath while i was there.



Therefore you satisfied this requirement. "Primary evidence of sole authority to apply."
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-11 16:17:00