ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNo ITR to present

Hi! Actually he's still in college now. He's a working student, and has 2 more semesters left to finish. We definitely have a co-sponsor ready once they allow us to have one.

Thank you so much for your advice.



Your welcome! Good luck to you.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-08 06:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNo ITR to present
Since he was in college at the time the petition submitted, Manila is likely accept a co-sponsor and take his future earning potential into consideration.

It'll be obvious the fiance was in school, therefore no IRT. Pay stubs, a letter from the employer and the 134 is what you'll have. Not necessary to notarize the letter from the employer, as long as it is on the company lettterhead.

Edited by Leatherneck, 07 November 2011 - 08:20 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-07 20:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhat will happen if I schedule an interview myself and not wait for NVC?

I learned that online scheduling has been successfully done by a couple of CR1/IR1 applicants who have had to undergo a sputum culture test. I'm curious to know if anyone who didn't have to undergo additional medical tests was allowed to schedule an appointment online.

But nope, I certainly wouldn't wanna be the first.



Then try it to see if it works, the computer will allow you to set up the interview or it won't.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-25 04:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhat will happen if I schedule an interview myself and not wait for NVC?
The beneficiary of a IR1/CR1 scheduling her own interview is certainly not protocol.

If you feel like being the first, do so then we'll all know what the consequences are for such.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-24 23:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWaiting for the Interview at the embassy
Your MNL# is assigned by NVC, long before your case is transfered to Manila, so NO, it does not mean your case has been reviewed by USEM.

I assume that you're talking about the eligibility letter from USEM, do not wait for that letter... you may never even get until sometime in the future.

Once your fiancee sets up her interview online at the USEM webiste, she will print out the appointment confirmation letter. That is the letter she'll need.

Click here for CFO website

Edited by Leatherneck, 16 December 2011 - 08:57 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-12-16 20:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWaiting for the Interview at the embassy
1. Click here to set up interview

2. Click here for SLMCEC

Has your fiancee taken care of the CFO requirements?

Edited by Leatherneck, 16 December 2011 - 08:02 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-12-16 20:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWaiting for the Interview at the embassy
I hope you're not waiting for that letter from USEM, you might get it well after your interview.

It is your fiancee that will setup her interview.

It's been 4 weeks since you received your hard copy of the NOA2? You're burning daylight buddy.

1. Have your fiancee take her passport and pay the visa fee at BPI, make sure she gets and keeps the receipt of the transaction. Then she can set up her interview (online) after the fee has been paid, give it a few hours.

2. Have you register online for the medical at St Lukes?

3. Proceed to get the medical done.

Edited by Leatherneck, 16 December 2011 - 07:47 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-12-16 19:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionThanks VJers! my K-1 Visa APPROVED!
Congratulations!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-22 05:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa Approved! Now the wait?
Congratulations!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-28 11:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionJAPAN POLICE CERTIFICATE
You bet!

Just don't break the seal on the Japanese police cert., the embassy will reject it if the seal is broken. Good luck.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-04-09 10:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionJAPAN POLICE CERTIFICATE
That is correct, your wife does need a Japanese police certificate which will be submitted the day of the interview - also, your wife will need an NBI Clearance from the Philippines.

Have you seen this video from the embassy in Tokyo? It's kind of corny - yet there are a few bits of info that might be helpful to you.

Here is the link to the Immigrant Visa Checklist for U.S. Embassy Tokyo.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-04-08 00:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCo-sponsor for K1 at Manila Embassy

Hi to all fellow couples with a Filipino fiance!

We are preparing for my interview at the US Embassy Manila. My USC fiance has an unusual employment history since he is self-employed but shares business ownership of a company which only started recently. Given this situation, we want to be completely sure that the financial support will be enough for a family of 3. I have read some threads related to this mostly saying that aside from the usual documentary proof (tax transcripts, etc), it's also important to show sustained income

I need to know if US Embassy in Manila accepts co-sponsor for K1 visa applicants. If anyone has the same experience, I'd appreciate it if you can share your thoughts on this. Any information related to our scenario will be helpful too.

Thanks guys!


Manila will accept a co-sponsor on a case-by-case basis, they can be rigid about co-sponsors also.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-07 19:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow long the interview

Those waiting for available interview appointments in Manila are experiencing delays -- slots get filled quickly as they become available. Expect a longer wait between 'case complete' and the interview notification.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-05-08 12:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow to email US embassy in Philippines, site not working.

 Is anyone else having any problems trying to send an email about a K1 visa to the US embassy. I go to there site, click on contact us, then click on by email, then try to click on the for general inquiries address, but nothing happens or opens. Down at the bottom of the page where it says if I am not the petitioner, to click here,,,it works. We are having a problem with the NSO, and I need to notify them and bring them up to date, so they will keep our visa application open, and not think we abandoned it or something, since we have been at the point since Jan. that my fiancee could book her apointment. Anyone know of another way to send them an email that works.

 

 

Thanks for any help I may get!!!!

 

Is this the email addy you're using?  Have you tried or considered faxing the IV unit?

 

IVManilaReplies@state.gov


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-05-28 07:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAP after Consular Interview

No one can tell you for sure how long your case will be under AP.  Eventually your case and the W-2s will be reviewed -- then the visa will likely be issued.

 

ETA: AP can last a couple of days, a couple of weeks, or several weeks. Continue to be patient -- most likely you'll get your visa.  Also, your husband could always send a friendly inquiry to the IV unit.


Edited by Leatherneck, 23 May 2014 - 09:26 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-05-23 21:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionEmbassy Wanted to Change Date

 

From and older leather neck to another... well said!
 

 

You're welcome Devil Dog!
 


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-08 20:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionEmbassy Wanted to Change Date

Well, the office of the number two top dog at USEM seems to understand the burden and logistical complications changing the interview date would cause. So those people on facebook and what they think doesn't matter.

 

Good luck.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-08 19:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa Status " ISSUED"

Congrats!


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-13 08:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCFO Manila Review

Well VJ members I wanted to give a review of my fiancée visit this afternoon at the CFO in manila just like I gave a review of the St. Lukes Medical.   Fiancee had a 2pm appointment but you have to get there 1 1/2 hours before your scheduled.  She said they check that you have all the requirements and they go thru a list of things before you even get started with the seminar.  Also just to let you guys know I sent my fiancée to CFO before her interview. Her interview is tomorrow June 10th.

 

1.  Make sure your fiancée dresses appropriately. I know this isn't your interview but they do look at you. She told me that the person at CFO did look at her up and down to see what she was wearing.

 

2.  They ask for the G-325a form (biographic form). Of course this is required but they want to make sure the relationship is real and document where you will be living.

 

3.  They ask her for some photos of us but my fiancée didn't bring the photo album with her cause that wasn't required but then the CFO agent ask if she had pics of us in her cell phone and she said yes and show it and that was fine.

 

4.  Photo copy of passport and visa ( my fiancée didn't have her visa yet but that's ok cause she can pick up the sticker after she gets her visa. CFO will just issue her certificate)

 

5.  Passport size photo ( 2x2 ) I suggest bring 2

 

6. Bring whatever else is required for the CFO

 

TIP: during this whole process I advise my fiancée to make 2 copies of everything even thou they may only require 1 copy. Example at St. Lukes medical they took the copy of the interview appointment letter but she has another copy so that is fine.

 

My fiancée told me that about 15-20 people got turned away from CFO due to lack of documents.  Now I think its not fair that they got turned away if it wasn't on the CFO site but luckily my fiancée brought everything like she was at her interview except for the photo album.  There was some woman who was crying cause they said they had a flight for the next day but now they cant travel cause they have to reschedule CFO and also reschedule flight which is very costly.  They did ask my fiancée about how would she adjust to her new country.  So that might be a question you might have your fiancée think about how to answer.

 

In all it was good seminar for my fiancée but sadly not so much for over half the people who has 2pm appointments today.  The documents they ask for and questions they ask is to make sure your relationship is real and not fraud or human trafficking. I know what you might be thinking " They did all of this during my fiancée interview and they approved her and they thought our relationship was real) , and your correct but this is the last stop before your free to leave the country and they want to get that lucky few who made it past the interview and get them at the last moment and not give them a sticker to leave the country. If they deny you cause of lack of documents then they will tell your fiancée what she needs to bring with her at the reschedule of appointment. 

 

Well as I said before this is not the last stop for my fiancée.  She has her interview tomorrow.  Another thing is even thou fiancée didn't have her visa yet she got her certificate cause she will be flying back to Cebu where she lives after her interview. Then with her certificate she can go to the Cebu CFO and get her sticker when her visa arrive at 2go location that we choose.

 

Hope this helps others. Now most people do the interview first then the CFO and since that is the majority please tell your fiancé to bring everything she bring to the interview to also bring to the CFO cause they are strict there. I will post tomorrow about what happened at my fiancée interview. I'm glad she did the CFO first cause it was like a pre-interview test when they ask her some questions about us so she doesn't get nervous at the real interview.

 

Another example of why it's not wise to schedule flights before the process is complete. She must not be a member of VJ.

 

Congrats to your fiancee for the successful CFO interview!

 


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-09 09:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionany hope about getting interview schedule for june-july 2014?? please help

It's a real challenge to secure an interview appointment, many are facing the same issue. Be patient, persistent, and vigilant.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-18 03:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOOOO SAD!!!!!!!!

just to let the people who care know, after our sad visa day, i got on a plane and now am in manila. went to the embassy and they are to busy to see me! wanted to tell my side but never got the chance, i leave on wed. and will try once more. i submitted letters i wrote to them, and had them notorized here in manila, so at least they know i made an effort to prove to them my fiancee and i love each other very much. good luck to everyone with good heart.....

 

I hope the extra effort of traveling to Manila produces a positive outcome for you and your fiancee.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-21 22:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOOOO SAD!!!!!!!!

I think that keeping from your future spouse important facts such as these is a sign of lack of love an respect. It isn't the past that is the main issue, but the breach of trust.

 

By now the OP is very aware of what a grave error it was to not inform his fiancee of his background, especially prior to the interview.  He's now seeking advice as to what to expect and what could possibly be done to bring about a positive outcome.

 

We get it -- this would be a deal breaker if it were your fiance(e), therefore, if you have nothing of value to offer the OP regarding his case, why keep poking, jabbing, and stirring the pot with less than helpful comments?  Let his fiancee deal with the trust issues.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-16 14:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOOOO SAD!!!!!!!!

While my situation was different (my fiancee's visa was approved but the CO decided to hold it for unknown reasons), I decided after calling the embassy and getting nowhere that I had to fly next day to the Philippines. When I got there (my fiancee was very happy to see me), my only recourse was to hand write a letter to the CO expresssing my concern for the visa not being released and it was my intention to fly back with her when I left on the following Saturday. We got the visa in hand on Friday.

 

While it may not be necessary, and it is a big expense, you might consider going there and hand writing the CO a letter explaining the error of your not informing your fiancee about your past transgressions. He may see that your relationship is indeed valid since you took the time and expense to rectify the situation. Your fiancee will probably enjoy your company (and a good long talk) also.

 

Good luck to you both,

 

John

 

It certainly wouldn't hurt to show up in person to explain, that has to be worth some points toward an approval.
 


Edited by Leatherneck, 16 June 2014 - 04:37 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-16 04:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOOOO SAD!!!!!!!!

i understand and you are right. does anyone have any thoughts on what my options are, upon denial? any thoughts on what they will do? i had no idea this would ever come up here and i certainly would never hide this from my fiancee. and i do feel very bad that she may look like a liar when she did nothing wrong at all. i feel like i died tonight.

 

I understand you feel awful, you didn't know she would be questioned about your background. The interview is water under the bridge now.  Your best option is to wait out the AP to see what is decided, then go from there.  As I said before, marriage is your other option, but that's a bit premature. The good news is they did not return her passport, there's hope.

 

I must point out the red highlighted text, again, it is not my intention to sound like a jerk, you feel bad enough about this already and I have no morally superior attitude. You sound like you have total remorse about this.  However, I will call it like I see it, to help you.  Maybe it was not your intention to hide the information from your fiancee; but, by not sharing it with her was in fact hiding it from her, even if done without malice.

 

Hopefully,  your case will survive AP with an approval.


LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-16 03:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPLEASE HELP!!!!!!!!!! IM SOOOOOO SAD!!!!!!!!

Sorry to hear this happened to your fiancee today.  The following comments are in no way judgmental at all; but to help you see this from a different angle, the Consular Officer angle.

 

Of course they ask the beneficiary about the petitioner's background, the CO was aware of your record before your fiancee ever arrived for the interview, they (USCIS) did a thorough background check on you.

 

If you're crying, just imagine how she must've felt hearing that information for the first time, from a stranger.  Put yourself in the shoes of the Consular Officer that interviewed a young lady that had no idea about the background of the man for which she was seeking a K-1 visa to marry.  A CO has no way to know if your fiancee was aware of your background or not, other than by asking.  Based on her answers, the way they see this, either the petitioner withheld the info from the beneficiary or the beneficiary did know and tried to withhold the info from the CO, not knowing if the latter of former was the case,  it would appear to the CO the relationship was a sham.

 

You didn't lie on paper, but it appears to the CO that your fiancee was the one doing the lying.  The visa application could very well be denied -- I'm not saying it will, but I'm saying it could.

 

The first thing you do; apologize profusely!  Then tell your fiancee every detail of each case on your record. 

 

Your case now sits in AP until USEM decides your faith, how long would that take? Only God knows.  If the case gets denied, you could travel to the Philippines to marry your fiancee.


Edited by Leatherneck, 16 June 2014 - 02:38 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2014-06-16 02:30:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNaturalize Citizen
Congratulations on becoming a U.S. citizen!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-05 12:55:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionUSCIS can't find my A-File
A-File=Alien File. All of those documents you filed with that personal information in connection with immigration.

Read about it here.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-07 08:19:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhen i will file?
You can submit your application for naturalization 90 days before your 3-year anniversary of being a permanent resident.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-13 13:28:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 Court documents were not court certified

This is a good question and I am looking forward to input as well. I too am about to send in my N400 and have a minor traffic ticket which I obtained a certified court disposition for, and I'm curious to know if I should send in the original.



A minor traffic ticket is not an issue with your N400 application.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-16 13:42:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN400 Court documents were not court certified
Getting a "certified copy" now would save you time and stress if you're requested to provide a certified copy of the arrest record.

Considering the N400 instructions state;

"if you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, you must send a certified copy of the arrest report, court deposition, sentencing and any other relevant documents, including any other countervailing evidence concerning the circumstances of your arrest or conviction that you would like USCIS to consider."
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-16 07:32:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionGREAT NEWS!
Mega Congratulations!!!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2011-11-16 05:09:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat to expect at the interview?

I am planning to apply for a U.S. Citizenship but I feel so nervous thinking about it. I would like to know and ask some advice to those who already took the test and passed on what to expect at the interview.

I don't drive, I have no drivers license, I never work- is it possible I am going to fail the test because of that? I already met the requirement for applying citizenship. I did study the questions and read some of the US history.

What else should I do? Please help! Thank you all!!!


If you can answer the questions about US history confidently you will be just fine. The test has nothing to do with driving or
having a drivers license, so do not be concerned unnecessarily about that.

Good luck with your citizenship test!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-01-12 17:03:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHelp! N 400 Form questions

thank u all so much, i really appreciate it.


You bet, you are quite welcome.

Good luck!
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-08 20:36:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionHelp! N 400 Form questions
You have given birth to a total of = 3 kids
Your Husband has 2 daughters = 2 step daughters for you

So you have a total of son/daughter count of = 5
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-08 01:29:00
US Citizenship General Discussionaccidentally combined 90 day head start and 4 year 1 day rule

Yes i know., i just so wanna be with my husband who is in the philippines.. :c i guess another year wont do any harm... Its just that i was wondering if i could apply now., since it passed the 4 year 1 day already


I can understand that, but is there anyway to accomplish that with incurring any more absences outside of the country?

Yes you are well beyond the 4 year/1day requirement, However, the letter did state "eligibility must again be established should you meet the above requirements." Which to me is vague, without any reference as to how " eligibility must be establish."

I'm wondering if filing too early (22 days) actually triggered the denial. Rather than stating so in plain English, you got the standard lawyer/legislative statue drivel.

Edited by Leatherneck, 09 February 2012 - 03:03 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-09 03:02:00
US Citizenship General Discussionaccidentally combined 90 day head start and 4 year 1 day rule
OP, this statement:

"USCIS considered all the evidence in record, but you are statutorily ineligible for naturalization at this time."

sure sounds better than this statement:

"You have been found to have abandoned your permanent resident status"

And the best statement in that letter is:

"This decision is made without prejudice toward the filing of a new application in the future."

I know you would rather be well on your way down the road toward naturalization, consider this a minor delay when
compared to not having a road to naturalization at all.

Look at the bright side of this, there very well could've been a different outcome. Especially if you would've had a jerk IO.

Edited by Leatherneck, 09 February 2012 - 02:02 AM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-09 02:01:00
US Citizenship General Discussionpregnant

USCIS can deny you. You being pregnant by another man gives them the idea that your relationship isn't genuine. If you apply for USC at the 3 year mark they could assume that he helped you only so he was doe with the I-864, and the relationship would end once you get citizenship.

For those that say it doesn't matter, it does. It shows that your relationship isn't very genuine and it IS a fraud indicator. See here: http://graphics8.nyt...erral_Sheet.pdf page 2, 1st column, 3rd row.


Because it's a sign of a fake relationship. Applying for USC based on the 3 year rule you need to show a bonafide marriage. USCIS assumes that people in a loving genuine relationship don't have kids with other people.


Actually it does matter. See my post above. They can SAY they're not planning on divorcing just to get the immigration benefit and USCIS will assume that's sthe plan to get him off the hook for the I-864.


I see your point, but.

The point I'm making and probably others with regards to USCIS and the OP's pregnancy, is this. If the husband is willing (per OP) to accept the baby, the couple does not openly share that bit of intimate info with USCIC, then USCIS will have no idea the husband is not the biological father.

With regards to a "bonafide" marriage, if the husband is willing to reconcile, willing to continue loving his wife, accept the child and the circumstances that produced the child, is the marriage any less "bonafide?"
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-10 18:13:00
US Citizenship General Discussionpregnant

Certainly a good topic heading for getting lots of replies. Don't recall this question ever coming up before, but if applying for the three year marriage, certainly wcouldn't hold back this information from the USCIS, may haunt you the future.


Why would USCIS care? Maybe I am not seeing the big picture, why they (USCIS) would be concerned if the husband accepts the situation?
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-10 16:16:00
US Citizenship General Discussionpregnant

I am pregnant by another man. my husband knows about it and he is really mad.should i just not file for citizenship?what happens if uscis find out?


Filing an N-400 is up to you, if you have met the requirements to do so. USCIS is not to concerned with who impregnates you, that is an issue for you and your husband to deal with.

Edited by Leatherneck, 10 February 2012 - 03:53 PM.

LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-10 15:50:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 question ,Urgent!
Ok, then some much for a DMV records check.

Then can you work backwards starting from your current address?

You have a lease agreement or you own the place, there must be some kind of paper trail associated with the current address. Once you know the date you moved into your current home, that should give you an idea as to when you moved from the previous residence. At least you will have an idea as to the month, once you know the month, you can look at a calendar and zero in closer to the days.

If the utilities at your current home are in your name, call customer service and they can tell you the date the service was order and activated. Again, you can work backwards with regards to the previous address.

1. Can you check your college records and get address that way?

2. Do you have a library card?

3. Check for old emails you might have sent or received related to moving.

4. Do you have a checking/saving account? Call the banks customer service and inquire as to the day you opened the account.

5. Surely you completed change of address forms with the post office.

6. Old tax returns - contact the IRS and get all of copies of your old returns.
LeatherneckMalePhilippines2012-02-11 13:56:00