biggish data

One Way Ticket

I was just wondering why travel agencies in the Philippines don't allow k1 visa holders to purchase one way ticket.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-13 21:40:00

Not sure? Our case status was just changed to ISSUED. Ready Sept 6 and Issued Sept 12th so it took 6 days. Now we still have to wait for 2GO to contact us, we are hoping within 3 business days. If yours follows the same timeline you should be ok, but that's if all goes smoothly....Good Luck

You guys get it soon. Expect either Saturday or the latest Monday. Good luck.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-12 06:32:00

Congrats!!

Thanks Hank! Couldn't have done it without your help. Now I can finally be patient for the rest of the journey since we will be together to finish the rest of this journey like the AOS process.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-09 11:18:00

Happy to say that our visa is ready for pick up at Mall of Asia as of September 9. We will be booking his ticket this Friday for a September 23 flight to New York. USEM updated status as ISSUE on 9/5 and no update on ustaveldocs.com/ph about his passport. They just text him today 9/9 that his visa is ready for pick up Exactly 2 weeks for us to receive the visa.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-09 10:39:00

Celebrate now cause they will issue you a visa soon

Really? Kind of confusing because some people who were also interviewed says their status say ISSUED OR AP so not really sure when our status mean.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-08-29 22:24:00

Hi I checked the status of our visa and this is the message we are getting. Can anyone tell me what this means. We had our interview on August 27 and got approved. I am not really expecting for the status to change for a couple of days because of the upcoming holiday and USEM is closed but hoping within 2 weeks we receive the visa.

U.S. Department of State
NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION

Ready

Application ID or Case Number: MNLXXXXXXXXXX Case Creation Date: 27-Aug-2013 Status Updated Date: 28-Aug-2013

Your case is open. Please check your status after two business days via the CEAC launch page athttps://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-08-29 22:12:00

NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS WHO DID COURT MARRIAGE

Any New Jersey Residents that had a court marriage? Wanted to know how the process works and if I can fill up the marriage license online. Thanks

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-17 14:07:00

You can apply for DL/permit as soon as you have SSN. No need to wait for AOS process. DMV will need SSN, 2 forms of ID, and I-94.

My fiance arrives on September 23 and we plan to get married around October 15 or 18 by court marriage. Do you think it's fine to file for his AOS on November 15?

Depends on the state.... some are very restrictive.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-18 11:55:00

Wait until Jay is in the USA at least 10 days before heading to SSA.

As for EAD, wait until you file AOS. If you file the I-765 and I-131 at the same time you file the I-485 they are free.

Ok. So do we included all those forms together and mail it to one place? Also for the I-94 we don't need to mail that right?...we just need to fill it up online?

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-18 09:30:00

Ditto on the 10 days to 2 weeks on SSN. Getting it early is important if you want to get a drivers permit/license. You might go to your local SS office in about 7 days and just ask the counter person if he is registered in the SAVE database. If not, walk away. If he's there, fill out SS-5 and file then.

EAD should be filed with AOS as mentioned... back when we did ours, EAD and GC arrived at the same time. But I think GCs are generally taking longer, so he will probably get EAD sooner than GC like Leon said. But there is no guarantee on that.

Thank you! Once we file for AOS should we just include the EAD( I-765) application form when we send it in and the only thing we have to pay is $1070 for AOS correct?

Did DMV ask your wife for GC when she applied for a permit/license?

Edited by JAYANN & JAY, 18 September 2013 - 08:51 AM.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-18 08:49:00

He should apply for a SS number ten days to two weeks after he enters the U.S. He'll receive his SS card a couple of weeks after he applies for it. He does not have to wait for his EAD or his green card in order to get a SS number.

He can't legally work until he has his EAD.

Thats what I thought. She told me she didnt get her SS til she got her green card because you cannot apply for SS until you have the green card. We are planning to get married Oct 18 then apply for AOS at the end of Oct. No need for us to pay any fee for EAD if we apply it with the AOS? How long after does he receive the EAD? What is the fee for filing EAD if we file before AOS?

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-17 23:08:00

thanks! can he still work though even if he doesnt have the EAD and only SS? someone told me that you cannot apply for SS until you get the green card.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-17 22:51:00

How soon can you apply for SS and EAD?

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-17 22:37:00

Living on the Edge.......

With all the research I did, somehow I missed how long it takes. Everything that I read was "3 Days" if you used MOA pickup, DOH! We're coming up on 10 days since the interview, so we hope to have the visa within the next 5-6 days.

How did I miss that, haha?

I thought the same thing also that by having it picked up in MOA would be faster but I guess not. Took us about 2 weeks for my fiance's visa to be ready.

Aug 27 - interview

Aug 27-Sept 4 - READY

Sept 5 - Sept 9- ISSUED

Sept 9 - 2Go texted saying ready for pick up

Sept 10 - Fiance picked up visa @ MOA

You are not alone We didn't book anything either until he gets the visa on hand as we don't want to risk paying for rebooking fee if there was any delays. Unfortunately don't relay on the website sometimes as it is not always accurate. Fiance already has visa on hand and status has not changed and his passport was never trackable on ustraveldocs or 2Go website.

U.S. Department of State
NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION

Issued

Application ID or Case Number: MNL*********** 00 MNL Case Creation Date: 27-Aug-2013 Status Updated Date: 05-Sep-2013

Your visa is in final processing. If you have not received your passport in more than 10 days after your interview, please contact the Embassy call center at (02) 982-5555 and (02) 902-8930, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, to track the delivery of your passport.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-09-14 13:05:00

JOINT BANK ACCOUNT

He was recent POE, so I assume they're waiting the two weeks for the records to process.

Yes we are waiting for the 2 weeks plus I would need to change my SS also to my married name so we figured will do it after we get married so I can have my name updated as well.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-01 14:24:00

JOINT BANK ACCOUNT

This, if you are with BoA. All your SO needs is the passport.

Thanks. I have been with you BoA since 2006. So All I would need to bring his his passport?

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-01 13:49:00

JOINT BANK ACCOUNT

Can I include my fiance for a joint bank account even if he does not have a SS number yet? They are requiring proof of address for my fiance for our ceremony.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-01 08:50:00

_{Nothing in the requirements state the ID needs to show New Jersey residence, the requirements state a passport is adequate. Maybe you need to speak to a supervisor and bring a copy of the requirements along... looks like that office has one more graduate from the Forrest Gump school of - Stupid Is As Stupid Does}

Requirements for entering into a Marriage:

For two persons to establish a Marriage in this State, it shall be necessary that they satisfy all of the following criteria:

Not be a party to another civil union, domestic partnership or marriage in this State or recognized by this State;

Be of the opposite sex ; and

Be at least 18 years of age, except that applicants under the age of 18 may enter into a Marriage with parental consent. Applicants under the age of 16 must obtain parental consent and have the consent approved in writing by any judge of the Superior Court, Chancery Division, Family part.

Where to apply:

The marriage license application is to be made in the New Jersey municipality in which either party resides and the license is valid throughout the State of New Jersey.

If neither applicant is a New Jersey resident, submit the application in the municipality where the marriage ceremony will be performed, the license is only valid in the issuing municipality.

Please contact the Local Registrar to determine if license applications are handled during business hours or by appointment.

Required documents when applying for a marriage license:

Proof of identity by presenting your driver?s license, passport or state/federal I.D.

Proof of your residency. (visa & I-94 should satisfy this)

Your social security card or social security number.*

A witness, 18 years of age or older.

The $28 application fee.

*Social security number is required by law for US citizens and will be kept confidential.

Any documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified English translation.

http://www.state.nj....rms/reg-d30.pdf

I told the person who was doing our marriage license that he just arrived on 9/23 and he doesnt have a proof of address yet luckily they accepted the things I provided (our NOA2 & his visa since it had my name as the petitioner but not the full address. I had assumed I was the one who needs a proof of address since it stated that one of us had to be a resident of NJ. As for the SSN we will file the next day after we get married since it will be 2 weeks next week

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-01 15:01:00

we haven't filed for the ssn yet since we are waiting a couple more of days just to make sure he is in the SAVE system already.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-01 14:21:00

When we filed for our marriage license here in New Jersey they asked my fiance to provide a proof of address and the only thing he had was his Philippine ID with his address and they also want a proof of address for our civil ceremony.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-01 14:18:00

Anyone had a civil marriage and was asked to provide proof of address for the fiance/fiancee?

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-01 13:51:00

Anyone have airfare advice?

We have booked our embassy appointment and are at the stage of looking for airfare. Any advice from veterans out there? Should I book 2 tickets with the ability to change dates? A one way for her? What has worked for you in the past?

I usually use Eva Air from Seattle, they have been outstanding.

Thanks,

Chris

I've used EVA Air for years and they are great. I love how they manage to make it on time for arrivals My fiance came last week and used EVA Air going to NY we booked a one way ticket. We actually didn't want to book any flights until his visa was on hand just incase there was any delays in the Embassy. He received his visa on Sept 9 and he booked his Sept 23 flight on Sept 14. I say wait until you get the visa on hand. We paid $700+ for his one way ticket and it included travel tax already so all he had to pay at the airport was the terminal fee.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-04 08:59:00

Flying to Manila for the Big Day

Got the visa in hand, and so everything is officially done with now. All she needs to do is get the sticker. Thanks for all the support and well wishes guys. It was a wonderful two week visit too. I'll be flying back home this Sunday. She will be coming December. We are both very excited and already doing wedding planning/reservations. Our marriage is set for January 1st.

Congrats Leon & Mylen.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-04 09:08:00

Curt and Dahlia Finally Married !!!!!

CONGRATS! BEST WISHES TO YOU BOTH

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-01 08:48:00

Govt Shutdown

Nope have to wait.

Would you know if we can file for AOS already even if my husband does not have the SSN or does he need the SSN for us to file his AOS?

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-09 15:58:00

Govt Shutdown

Anyone know if the SSA are open for issuing new SS cards?

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-09 13:49:00

Yup, follow the guide.

What "someone" seems to be talking about is ROC when won't happen for two years yet for you two.

Thanks! We have more than enough time to gather all that stuff for the ROC in 2 years.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-10 11:58:00

Yup just a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

AOS doesn't require photos of the two of you.

"Someone" should read the guide so they stop giving bad information.

http://www.visajourn...content/k1k3aos

Thanks Hank I agree this person giving me wrong information does not have a clue of what she is doing...hahaha.

So basically all those forms on the guide are to be submitted plus the certified copy of our marriage certificate and the supporting evidence for the Affidavit of Support?

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-10 10:59:00

Proof of marriage? The marriage certificate. You have to include a certified copy of the marriage certificate.

Don't need bank info or anything like that for AOS.

Follow the GUIDE http://www.visajourn...content/k1k3aos

So a certified copy of our marriage certificate would be ok and a few pics of our wedding? Someone told me that I need to submit a joint account from the bank and some sort of lease that we are living together but I don't have my own apartment since I live with my parents in our basement.

Also one more thing for the Affidavit of Support no need for bank statement correct? I just submit the I-864 form plus tax transcript, W-2 forms, employment letter & paystubs correct?

Edited by JAYANN & JAY, 10 October 2013 - 10:07 AM.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-10 10:04:00

Hello everyone. I was reading the guide on how to file for AOS. Can anyone let me know what else we need to submit? What proofs do we have to submit to show that we are married? I currently live with my parents in our basement so we do not have a lease since the house belongs to my parents. We are trying to open a joint account at BoA this week and hoping that they will allow him even without a SSN. Any advice? We are trying to mail the AOS at the end of October. Thanks.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-10-10 09:55:00

DS 260 / DS 230

Hi everyone. I am trying to help out a friend who is petitioning his fiancee. They have completed all the steps and just needs to fill out the DS forms. When I petitioned my fiance we had filled out DS 156, DS 156k, DS 157 & DS 230 but I know that on the USEM Manila website it stated that the form DS 260 will be replacing the form DS 230. When I was helping my friend fill out the online form of the DS 260 it was asking for the petitioner on the drop down but it did not indicate fiance(e). Does anyone know if my friend has to fill out the DS 260 or DS 230? Which DS forms needs to be filled out now? Thanks.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-11-26 11:42:00

US Citizen wants to stay for 30 days in the Philippines

Hi,

I was born in the Philippines and a naturalized US Citizen and I'm planning to visit my motherland Philippines for over 21 days... or 30 days to be exact. I will also have a return ticket. Can I ask the immigration at the airport if I can extend my stay up to 30 days? I have also read about the "balikbayan stamp" which you can also let them know that you are a balikbayan and they would stamp your passport? does anybody have similar experience? THanks in advance.

I am also a US Citizen and when I go home to the Philippines they usually stamp my passport with a 1 year stay. Although I never stayed in the Philippines for more than a year though Enjoy your trip.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2014-01-14 12:01:00

Things Needed for Interview

Letter of appointment ..it is very important.

Thank you. Almost forgot about that. We would have been screwed...you saved us Netsikai

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-08-13 20:13:00

Things Needed for Interview

Hi. As nervous as I am about my fiance's upcoming interview next Tuesday August 20. I prepared him a checklist of what to bring since I am not able to go to the Philippines and help him get everything together.

- His passport

- Passport photos (3 photos)

- DS 156 (2 copies)

- DS 156K (1 copy)

- DS 157 (2 copies)

- DS 230 Part I (1 copy)

*well we actually made extra copies just incase.

- NSO birth certificate (original & copies)

- NBI clearance (original & copies)

- Police certificate (original & copies)

- CENOMAR (original & copies)

- Letter of Intent to Marry (updated copies of mine & his)

- Deposit slip from BPI

- Affidavit of Support (Form I-134 from me)

1. 2009-Present IRS tax transcript

2. 2010-Present W-2 Forms

3. Employment letter

3. May 15-Present paystub (will be emailing him the paystub coming up on Friday)

4. Bank statement (I told him to only give it if they ask since my income is above poverty guideline)

For the binder I sent him via LBC it included:

- Copy of my passport bio page

- Birth Certicate

- Evidence of meeting in person

1. Stamped passport of my trip to the Philippines (2011 & 2012)

2. Boarding pass of my trip (2011 & 2012)

3. Hotel Confirmation

3. Facebook check-ins

4. Bank statement that I used my card in the Philippines

5. Photos of us together (25 pictures)

- Evidence of On-going Relationship

1. Skype messages (2011-Present)

2. Facebook messages (2010 - Present)

3. Text messages (2011 - Present)

4. Phone bills (Only printed out a few since we talk more often on skype)

5. Bank remittance

- Letters Received from USCIS

1. NOA1

2. NOA2

3. NVC Letter

Is there anything else that I am missing that my fiance needs to bring?

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2013-08-13 19:57:00

I am not trying to cause problems with your families, but the decision is YOURS and your HUSBANDS to make, not theirs. Don't start your marriage by letting them run your lives. I mean, I am sure they are wise, and advice is one thing, but they can't actually make you stay home or go.

How about this? If your POE is close to home, go to the airport and ask customs if it's ok to come back. Show them his AP card, explain the situation. Won't work if your POE will be a few hours away, but it might put your mind at ease.

You are causing any problems Its just hard to be living with my parents...you know just because they are older & think they know everything they try to give us advice. I kind of regret not sending my husband back home but next year we do plan on going back to the PI hopefully he will have his GC by then.

How long did your wife get her GC? We filed our AOS Oct 31 and I checked our status but still acceptance for his I-485. Getting kind of nervous.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2014-02-01 13:36:00

Your parents making the decision for you and your husband? Geeee...

My condolences.

Yes especially my mom she likes to control everything...unfortunately she doesnt know how to let go which is very annoying

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2014-01-24 20:30:00

How are they stopping him from going? Unless they are paying for the airfare, I don't see how they can stop him.

OTOH, I can't see spending that much money to see someone buried, but I know PI family ties are much different than mine. My wife just lost an aunt, and she is sad, but she never asked to go. But if her mom died, I know I would be sending her.

Sorry for his loss, and sorry it's turning out to be more stressful than just dealing with the death. But really, he won't have a problem coming back in this circumstance. This is EXACTLY what advance parole is for.

They are stopping him from going because they think if he leaves and immigration dont allow him back he will ruining his future. It is bad enough that my family is talking ###### about my husband. Plus we are only going to be in PI for at most 10 days total.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2014-01-24 20:03:00

As Harpa, Hank, and others are telling you... he'll be ok. That verbiage on the CBP site is there a "catch-all" to keep illegal activity out of the US.

"Please note that Advance Parole does not guarantee admission into the United States. Aliens with Advance Parole are still subject to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection process at the port of entry."

This means that if a person shows up at Customs and has illegal paraphernalia, has done something illegal while outside the US, or similar, they can be denied entry.

They also say this: Aliens who have pending applications for certain immigration benefits need Advance Parole to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad.

Aliens applying for advance parole on the basis of a pending application for adjustment of status must be approved for advance parole prior to leaving the United States in order to avoid the termination of their pending application for adjustment.

Thank you for clarifying this, I really appreciate it. Unfortunately my husband is not able to go and I feel so bad that he is not able to be there for his grandmother's funeral because of my parent's preventing him from traveling even with an approved advance parole. My parent's think if travels back to the Philippines he may not be able to come back and his future will be wasted...we tried explaining them some of the reasons of not being able to re-enter such having overstayed or doing something illegal but you know as adults they think they are right because they have more experience than us. THANK YOU ALL for your help.

As Harpa, Hank, and others are telling you... he'll be ok. That verbiage on the CBP site is there a "catch-all" to keep illegal activity out of the US.

"Please note that Advance Parole does not guarantee admission into the United States. Aliens with Advance Parole are still subject to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection inspection process at the port of entry."

This means that if a person shows up at Customs and has illegal paraphernalia, has done something illegal while outside the US, or similar, they can be denied entry.

They also say this: Aliens who have pending applications for certain immigration benefits need Advance Parole to re-enter the U.S. after traveling abroad.

Aliens applying for advance parole on the basis of a pending application for adjustment of status must be approved for advance parole prior to leaving the United States in order to avoid the termination of their pending application for adjustment.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2014-01-24 16:00:00

My wife stressed out about traveling as well; she got some dubious advice from friends about the "advance parole" document, but I urged her to go back anyway. For some reason, some Filipinos have a peeve about anything that says "parole" on it because of its usage among prisoners. So I told her, if someone asks you the name of the document that you'll use to return to the US, call it the "I-512." I'll be returning to the country with her, but I don't think that will help much either since we go through separate lines at customs.

Hi. When is your wife traveling to the Philippines? Other people are giving us advice not to go because of this statement "AP does not guarantee admission into the USA" but upon doing some research only those who stayed unlawfully have a greater risk of coming back.

Edited by JAYANN & JAY, 23 January 2014 - 07:46 AM.

JAYANN & JAY

Female

Philippines

2014-01-23 07:40:00