biggish data

July 28, 2009 interview in Manila...woohooo!

QUOTE (LaneAndDaisy @ Jul 28 2009, 02:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (PinayAmerican @ Jul 28 2009, 01:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello, vjers. Finally, my interview is over. I have waited for it the whole year. And, I'm happy to say that I nailed it. Thanks to those who wish me goodluck and who prayed for me. ^ ^

Here is my interview story:

Since the embassy was closed yesterday, July 27, 2009, the embassy was a bit crowded today. I was expecting that to happen so I went there 2 hours before my actual interview time, which is 8:30. We were asked to fall in line under immigrant visa and the guard checked our appointment letter. My mother wasn't allowed to go inside because of the big number of applicants today. I was in line for about 15-20 minutes. Afterwards, I proceeded to gate number 3 for my things to be scanned. The lady guard checked my perfume, maybe to examine it has the bomb-ability..eheheh! Then, I went to the immigrant visa section of the embassy (followed the blue signs). The guard asked me to sit down with some other people whose schedule is at 8:30. I waited for like an hour before I got my ticket number. Those who had 7:00 schedule were prioritized even though they came in late. I think that wasn't fair. After about 20 minutes, my name was called for finger scanning in window 16. We were asked to rub our hands while in line. hahaha! Like we were freezing. You have to make sure your hands are clean and not wet. I was asked to go back to the waiting area. I was called after 20-25 minutes for pre-screening at window 18. The prescreener asked me these questions:
1. What is your name?
2. When is your birthday?
3. Who is your husband?
4. How did you meet?
5. When did you meet for the first time?
6. How long did he stay on his first visit?
7. Was he/were you married before?
8. Do you have any children?
9. How old are you> I was asked to change my age in my ds230 form..because I had my bday last June.
10. How old is he?

She asked me to show some pictures, emails, chatlogs, etc. I just gave her the clear books I compiled for the interview. They were accepted as they were prepared. ^ ^ We made them fit into the window. The longest wait for me was for my final interview with the consul. I waited for than 30 minutes. Sorry, I'm not so particular with the time as I was seriously watching the numbers flashing on the board. hehe! I was finally called before 11:00 in window 28. I also had a goodlooking consul. He greeted me in tagalog and I find it awesome. hehe! I was asked to raise my right hand to swear. I was asked with so many questions about my husband. I was asked of questions I never thought I would be asked of. But, since I know my husband so well, I did not freak out.

Here are his questions (in random)
1. How long have you known your husband?
2. When did you get married?
3. When was the last time you saw him?
4. What is his job?
5. What was he doing before he becomes an air force? (means, previous job, good thing I remembered his previous company)
6. How did he become a 2nd lt? (wooooo...hahah)
7. How did you meet?
8. Where did he serve a mission?
9. How long was it?
10. How about you? where did you have your mission? Why not? Ahhhh
11. Do you have any children?
etc, etc, etc.

Then, he told me that he appreciates how I organized my stuff and even thanked me for doing so. Then, he smiled and said, my visa is approved. yeah! I was asked to proceed to window 37 to get my PINK slip. I got it and went straight to air21 and paid 205. 00 pesos. I was out of the embassy around 5 minutes before 11 am.

I asked the consul if I can have my married name in my visa or if i can have my name annotated in my visa. He was sorry that he doesn't know if that would work and he asked me to try to ask to the person in window 37. The lady told me that my visa will be in my maiden name as in the passport. hmmmm!

Anyway, it was stressful but I'm glad I made it. woohooo! Xylide and I will be traveling next week. Hope to get my visa soon.
Thanks vjers and good luck to the rest of us. God be with us always!

hi there....CONGRATULATIONS to u for bringing home a pink slip...honesty seems to be the best defense to get it...

anywae, i hope u dont mind sharing to us how u organized ur folders..id like to be complimented too by the consul by the time i have my interview...we (those still waiting for NOA2) would be more than glad to follow ur style...thanks and godbless..

once again,,CONGRATS!

Hello there! I am so happy for you! i would love to get idea as well on how organized your proofs and other documents! good to get tips from the experienced. glad you will be with your husband so soon. Have a safe trip.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-07-28 20:28:00

Photos of couples together for Interview

LOL! I am thinking the same thing! We are still waiting for our NOA2 but i want to gather all the pictures that we have since March 2008. And we have a lot from the parties we attended in US, places we visited and family gatherings and the pictures that we have from the Philippines.

In my case I might have at least 5-10 pictures every event or places to make sure. Better to be safe than sorry right?

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-08-09 22:26:00

Please check my work!

You know what? I had J1 visa as well but we got married in the philippines so I did not experience to file the I-130 when I was there. Hope someone can assist you. Goodluck on your journey.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-08-11 19:51:00

Consul approved my CR1 VISA today!

QUOTE (jiskat08 @ Jun 17 2009, 05:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (metro420 @ Jun 17 2009, 08:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi kathy, I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your experience and happy reunion to you and your hubby. Btw, I was just wondering how long did it take for you to get the NOA2 and the NVC stuff after you sent the I-130 and receiving the NOA1? I also need your help to clarify the things that we have to do and prepare after receiving the NOA2. Please response. Maraming salamat! Masaya ako para sa'yo!

kindly go and check my profile - andyan yung timeline namin... we filed Nov 5, got NOA2 hardcopy last March 12.

Thank you kat! will check your friendster. Good luck in US.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-06-18 07:10:00

Consul approved my CR1 VISA today!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-06-17 07:29:00

What are the required vaccinations?

http://travel.state..../info_1331.html
Hope this link will give you an idea. Goodluck!!!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-08-03 19:39:00

DS 3032 Address

May I know if NVC is using USPS or FedEx, UPS, DHL or LBC?

Thanks in advance!

Metro420

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 08:27:00

DS 3032 Address

QUOTE (Lancelotte25 @ Nov 20 2009, 03:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (metro420 @ Nov 20 2009, 12:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello guys,

Just wondering in which address should I use for the address of my agent? Do I have to use the PHYSICAL Address or the P.O. BOX address?

Thanks a lot for your assistance!

Po Box is okay, I did used Po Box.

Hello Lancelotte25,

thanks for your message! Appreciate it!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 08:05:00

DS 3032 Address

Hello guys,

Just wondering in which address should I use for the address of my agent? Do I have to use the PHYSICAL Address or the P.O. BOX address?

Thanks a lot for your assistance!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 04:01:00

QUOTE (Darnell @ Nov 20 2009, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I suggest you wait for the email to be sent to you.

It contains a non-fillable pdf DS-3032 form, some barcode stuff, and online payment portal info.

Having access to the online payment portal, IMO, is important - IMO it's a better indicator of 'status' than anything else.

Wait a bit?

THanks Darnell, Will wait 'til we receive email from them. I prepared the DS-3032 by email and mail so i can send them right away.

Thanks a lot!

QUOTE (christeen @ Nov 20 2009, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (metro420 @ Nov 20 2009, 08:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello Guys!

Thanks for your help! Called NVC 8:00AM EST and spoke with an operator right away! She also updated our email information but the sad thing is, she said we have to wait for an email about the instructions within 4-6 weeks. Is this normal? I thought, they will email us in 1-2 weeks. Does it really/normally take 4-6 weeks to get an email from them? Does it mean we cannot send anything until we received something from them?

Metro

they HAVE to say 4-6 weeks, it is their script... Usually does not take that long... Everytime they tell you a timeframe, take it with a grain of salt as they allow themselves WAAAYYY more time then it usually takes...

Thank you Christeen for your prompt response! Appreciate it a lot.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 18:40:00

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 08:49:00

QUOTE (What Happened? @ Nov 20 2009, 12:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Call tomorrow and ask to give the you email addresses. When I called the first time, they weren't ready to take our e-mails. The operator told me to call again in a few days and they should be able to take the emails. i just called the next day and they took the email addresses.

Thanks! Good to know! will call again tomorrow to give our email addresses! Also, Did you have to wait for the email from NVC before emailing them the DS3032?

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 02:36:00

Thanks for your kind response!

Will wait until we have updated our emails to NVC.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 02:06:00

Hello Guys!

Just got the NVC Case number but I am wondering if I have to send ther DS 3032 now or follow the instructions of the operator to send it until next week when they send the information through email! The operator did not get our Email Addresses as according to him, the system won't allow him. He also said, not to do or send anything as it may delay the process.

Guys, do you think it will be better to wait until NVC emailed us instructions or you would suggest to send it right away?

Any comments or suggestion will be very much appreciated!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 00:53:00

Thanks Philmae,

I will have my husband talk to his dad or brother about the Co-sponsor.

Guys, does anyone use or had 1040? I was in US for more than a year covering Year 2007 and 2008. Do i need to show Tax papers during the interview?

Thanks in advance!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 23:38:00

QUOTE (Malrothien @ Nov 20 2009, 06:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, it doesn't matter. What matters is that 2008 is above the threshold. He should include an employment letter or paystubs showing continuing income.

Thanks Malrothien. You gave us light! Now, the situation is, hubby is having difficulty this year RE: job so sometimes he doesn't have job sometime he does. Does NVC will compute his income for this year? Do you think we need a co-sponsor? Though he was just hired today.

Thanks for your assistance, really appreciate it.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 20:38:00

Thanks Malrothien for your message!

Additional question, he just got the tax papers in the mail just now! His income for 2007 is less than $18,000. Does it matter? What should we do? 2006 and 2008 income is way higher than 18,000.

Thanks!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 19:35:00

Hello VJers,

As some of you knows, we were approved last weekend. Been completing my documents for the DS-230 package for the whole week and hopefully done until next week. However, my husband cannot start anything with the AOS package papers (don't know if he can start something else). I asked him to call IRS like a month ago or maybe so to get the W2s and tax transcripts for the past 3 years and he received them like few days before he went to Philippines for 3 weeks vacation. After 3 days back to WY, we were approved and checking on his tax transcripts, 2006 is empty and he called IRS why it happened and IRS said he did not file taxes for 2006 as well as 2005. First question is, Will it be a problem if these 2 years were not filed before? According to him, the lady from IRS will send him papers to take care of that then they will send the Tax transcript. Does anyone knows how long will it take?

Thank you in advance guys!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 19:09:00

Yesssssssssss got a text and an email...APPROVED, both i130 and i129f

QUOTE (only4mikki @ Nov 19 2009, 09:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok,
they've been approved, now we wait for it to get to nvc...how long?
and
when does anything get sent to my wife in PI...the d3032? she simply appoints herself to receive all the paperwork? is this right?
for me,
I pay the AOS online then fill out the 864 and the supporting documents...use overnight mail it to them? right?
then what?
How long?
nervous now...
getting closer...
I haven't seen my Baby since April!!!
think she will be here before Christmas?
M and M

Hi there! Congratulations on the approval and wishing you luck for the NVC process! We got approved last week and it's been a week before NVC received and assigned case number. I just spoke with NVC operator to update our email addresses (mine and hubby's). Sachinky is right, NVC might be done after holiday season! ATM, i would suggest to read the guide; http://www.visajourn...he_NVC_ShortCut.

RE: document preparation, have your AOS package documents ready (tax transcriptsand/or W2, I-864, etc). Have her get Police Clearances, NBI, DS 230, etc)

Goodluck!

Metro

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 08:41:00

Unfiled Taxes

Thank you all for your assistance and resplies! Appreciate it! Will inform husband that he doesn't need to wait for the transcripts to be with him for the 2006, he only needs the 1040 form that he used on filing it.

Another question, I was in US for a J1 visa and received kinda like salary but technically allowance and I was paying taxes and filed 2007 and 2008 taxes. Do I need to have my tax papers on the day of the interview?

Thank you!

Thank you all for your assistance and resplies! Appreciate it! Will inform husband that he doesn't need to wait for the transcripts to be with him for the 2006, he only needs the 1040 form that he used on filing it.

Another question, I was in US for a J1 visa and received kinda like salary but technically allowance and I was paying taxes and filed 2007 and 2008 taxes. Do I need to have my tax papers on the day of the interview?

Thank you!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-22 19:25:00

Unfiled Taxes

Hubby have not filed his taxes for 2005 and 2006, he will file them on Monday, Do we need to wait until everything has been filed or just have a copy of the form or like a receipt in his AOS package?

Thanks in advance.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-21 22:03:00

I-864 form

I think you need a co-sponsor.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-22 19:35:00

I-864 form

I think you need a co-sponsor.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-22 19:27:00

DS-3032 format

Hi,

Just confused, you can email the DS 3032 by email but it doesn't have to be in pdf or jpg right? There is a template that you can follow to be use in emailing the DS 3032 right?

Just wondering about silvertongue's questions, are you trying to email the DS 3032 by attachment?

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-23 21:26:00

QUOTE (canadian_wife @ Nov 23 2009, 12:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Remember to sign Part 1 of the DS-230 but not part 2

Good luck

I got it canadian wife, thanks!

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-23 21:01:00

QUOTE (inzango @ Nov 23 2009, 05:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi metro420,

I didn't see the Document Coversheet with Barcode on your list. The cover sheet that you have to print when your IV fee is paid. If you don't have it, make sure you print it and put it on top of all the paperwork.
Good luck with everything

Hi Inzango,

Coversheet will be done by hubby! No email from NVC yet so I just want to send him my documents, but thanks for reminding me.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-23 20:51:00

QUOTE (christeen @ Nov 23 2009, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (metro420 @ Nov 22 2009, 10:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (BunzTheMagicSnail @ Nov 22 2009, 08:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

it should be 2 pics
ensure you write your case number at the top of all the documents you submit

Thank you for your reply!

Why does it shoe 4 pcs in Ling Che guide?
good to know on writing the case number on top of all the documents

2 went with the 230 and 2 are brought to the medical appt... 4 total

Hello Christeen,

thanks for your reply!

What if I am planning to have earlier medical? Do you think 2 pics will be fine?

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-23 20:44:00

QUOTE (BunzTheMagicSnail @ Nov 22 2009, 08:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

it should be 2 pics
ensure you write your case number at the top of all the documents you submit

Thank you for your reply!

Why does it shoe 4 pcs in Ling Che guide?
good to know on writing the case number on top of all the documents

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-22 22:22:00

Dear Vjers,

I am almost done with the DS-230 Package and hopefully I can send them to my husband within this week. Please check and see the documents I have and let me know if there are things that i still need to add/send!

Cover Sheet ( list of the documents for perusal)
DS-230 (Part I and II)
Original Marriage Certificate (NSO copy)
Original Birth Certificate (NSO Copy)
Police Clearances from PAMPANGA and MANILA
NBI clearance
Photocopy of Passport
Photocopy of previous VISA showing non 2-year rule
2x2 pictures (should it be 2 pcs or 4 pcs?)
CENOMAR (Certificate of No Marriage) just to show that I was not married before and only married to hubby.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-22 21:38:00

uscis touches

QUOTE (ppb @ Nov 27 2009, 07:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

is it normal not to get your case touched? I've checked online for two months now, with no touches since the NOA1.

I'm starting to worry.

hey ppb,

don't worry about touches, if you want to see touches in your case, call them. Touches can give us hope about out cases but in our case, we waited for like 3 months before calling them without any touches, then the same day we called them they showed touch in our case, then we called again after a month and another touch but nothing really happens. So do not worry much about not having touches. I believe there are some cases that are not being touched at all but they were approved.

Goodluck on your Journey.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-27 23:02:00

J1 with 2 years HRR

QUOTE (shingyan @ Nov 19 2009, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hello all,
I'm a US citizen and my wife is a J1 visa holder. We got married in Feb, 2009. She went back to China in April, 2009 before her J1 visa expired. She is subject to the 2 years residenct rule. We know we can file the I-130 at any time. We would like to know if we have to wait for the 2 years before filing the immigrant visa (IR-1/CR1), or we can file it about 6 months before the 2 years period since it takes few months to get the interview. By the time we are scheduled for an interview, the 2 years rule will be expired by then.

I searched the internet and asked the attroney and they all gave me different answers. Some said I need to wait two years to APPLY for the green card and some said I need to wait 2 years to GET the green card so I can apply earlier.

Thanks for the help

Hi Shingyan,

I was a J1 visa holder but not 2 yr rule. If you got married in US, why did you allow her to go back to china without applying for a waiver and adjustment of status while she was there? I believe, with that policy, you cannot enter US if you are within the 2 year rule or if you don't have a waiver.

Hope these information help.

Goodluck on your journey.

metro420

Male

Philippines

2009-11-20 18:46:00