ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesThe big move...Cebu to New York City

So far I love it here...hopefully I can do Empire State and re-visit times square before it snows...also wanting to do food trips like Katz Deli and some other burger joints (Yes I'm
a burger person)




Go to Shake Shack!

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 07:10:00
PhilippinesThe big move...Cebu to New York City

lol, I don't have any winter clothes yet...believe it or not, it hasn't totally sunk in that I'm here now reunited with my wife and kid...
 

I'm sure you'll adjust pretty well. You'll probably only miss Christmas / New Years in the Philippines since it gets lonely sometimes...not like in the Philippines. haha. Hey at least you get to spend it with your wife & daughter :) Time to explore the BIG APPLE before you get a job :) LOL


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 10:01:00
PhilippinesThe big move...Cebu to New York City

Thank you. I was too tired to do updates...but here it goes.

1:40 PM PST Took off from LAX for JFK...expect stretches of turbulence...

9:40 PM EST Arrived in JFK Delta terminal 4...if you have huge bags prepare to cough up $5.00 for you to use a cart from the "vendo". The machine accepts $10 and credit cards. Also its hard to find a free wifi spot to communicate and coordinate pick up so you may need to use coins for the payphone. I learned the hard way that it only acceps 5, 10 and 25 cents and what I have are 50 cents ton1.00 coin. Good thing my wife and our daughter found me...

whew...was sooo dead tired from this but well worth the experience...










WELCOME TO THE BIG APPLE :) Glad you made it safely! Lucky you can still go out while it is still warm out! I actually miss living in Queens. Its so convenient to all the stores and restaurants plus you can just hop on a train and you can explore Manhattan & Brooklyn. The subways system can be a little confusing but I am sure you'll master it in no time. haha. You're right in time for winter. Finally you're wife will have someone to shovel the snow. hahaha.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-22 17:27:00
PhilippinesPersonal Information

I have checked the USEM website hoping to see information regarding that, much like with the first day typhoon'ers 

Really hoping they would have priority walk-in on Tuesday. I am lucky enough my fiance doesnt live far from Manila but for those that have to travel and spend money again for flights to Manila is really a hassle to go back & forth. Hoping for the best as patience is being tested for most of us. 


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 11:12:00
PhilippinesPersonal Information

 
Ya that totally sucks... if it isn't protesters it's typhoons!


Seriously. Hoping these Consuls will go easy on those that have to be rescheduled once again and that we can get a priority consideration for walk-in appointment on Tuesday.

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 10:59:00
PhilippinesPersonal Information

 
No issue.  Tax transcripts are just fine.   The tax transcript is a "condensed" version of a tax return with just the necessary data from the IRS.


Ok cool thought they might look for that 1040. Thanks Hank. Still have time time to make sure everything is good to go since they keep cancelling our appointmentd ue to unexpected thingss happening in the Philiippines.

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 10:37:00
PhilippinesPersonal Information
Hi. I gave my fiance my tax transcripts that I got from IRS and also the W2 forms. Did I have to send him my 1040 forms? What is the difference between 1049, W2 and tax transcript?
JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 07:28:00
PhilippinesPersonal Information

Yes its fine to block out the account number.  I did.

Thanks Hank just wanted to make sure it was okay...Just trying to be safe :)

 

 

As long as you provide; 1), Pay stubs / W-2s 2), Letter of Employment 3), Last 3 (years of) Tax Returns. The bank statements are not necessary, unless you're going asset-base AOS. 

Thanks! I am just sending it to him incase. I told him give the other things and only give the bank statement if they ask for it. I just want him to have handy as we don't want to have any trouble since we've gotten so far and to have to be denied due to lack of information.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-22 09:18:00
PhilippinesPersonal Information
Hi I am sending the most recent bank statement I received from my bank to fiance by email. Would it be okay for me to block out my account number? I know he may not need it since I am above poverty guideline but I would like him to have handy incase. Don't want to risk being denied for incomplete information. Thanks.
JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-22 08:50:00
PhilippinesANNOUNCEMENT! Usem manila closed tomorrow Aug 26 monday

 

yeah what a crock,,, non immigrants can just 'walk in" but K-1's still have to wait for some not to intelligant person to make the same call,,,whats the big deal?

others have gotten interviews today,

so basicly if you disgregard the directions on the website and just go anyway,,not adhering to the policy,, you will be rewarded with an interview and a visa... nice! while those of us who adhere to the policy get shafted

what an awesome place,,,,they dont even follow there own rules!

Totally agree. They prioritize the non-immigrants over the immigrants who have clean intentions and legal way of coming to America, as most non-immigrants who gets visas don't even come back. What is the difference anyways the immigrant visas also have schedules so why can't they make the same decision for non-immigrants. It really blows my mind.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 22:00:00
PhilippinesANNOUNCEMENT! Usem manila closed tomorrow Aug 26 monday

I honestly don't understand how the embassy can decide on a decision about scheduling non-immigrants so early but can't decide on when immigrant visa can schedule. Its so ridiculous. Shouldn't they be able to make the same decisions as people for immigrant visa also have schedule appointments. It is really crazy.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS

The U.S. Embassy is temporarily closed on Monday, August 26, for safety and security reasons related to the large demonstration in Luneta Park.

Applicants scheduled on August 26 need not schedule a new appointment.  Applicants may return any workday until September 6, 2013, between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m.  Please note that the U.S. Embassy is closed on Monday, September 2, 2013, in observance of US Labor Day.  Applicants must bring their August 26 appointment letter in addition to the basic documentary requirements when they show up for interview.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 21:45:00
PhilippinesANNOUNCEMENT! Usem manila closed tomorrow Aug 26 monday

Just got off the phone with the Embassy,,,they say they will contact her with a new time to reschedule. in other words they dont have a clue yet,,what a debacle

I just called also. Honestly I really dont understand why they can't seem to make a decision early. How hard is it for someone to decide that those who were supposed to have their interview last week to say that we can just walk-in. Its really frustrating, imagine those who have to fly in to Manila they have to stay longer just to find out when they can be rescheduled and if we can't get priority then those people from far places will have to come back again and then something will happen again. I really don't understand.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 20:58:00
PhilippinesANNOUNCEMENT! Usem manila closed tomorrow Aug 26 monday

 
That would be nice indeed if they allowed all those affected by last weeks closures and tomorrow's to walk in on say Tues and Wed,,,would help out alot of folks i think


Definietly. They should though since most are coming from far places. I can imagine those people that have to fly in to manila and find out again it cancelled and then come back again another day for the interview. Its probably hard to rebook tickets again for those that flew to Manila.

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 11:30:00
PhilippinesANNOUNCEMENT! Usem manila closed tomorrow Aug 26 monday

Actually, National Heroes Day (celebrated every last Monday of August) is a regular holiday in the Philippines. If I am correct that USEM is always closed during regular holidays in the PH, USEM would have been closed with or without the Million People March happening at Luneta tomorrow. In fact, the reason why the organizer of the March scheduled it to tomorrow is because she knew that tomorrow's a holiday, hence no office/school for most people.

 

Here is a list of regular holidays in the Philippines:
http://nwpc.dole.gov...Holiday2013.pdf

 

USEM shouldn't have rescheduled interviews to tomorrow in the first place. They should have known that Aug 27 is a regular holiday.

Agreed they should have blocked that date. Now they have so many people to have to be reschedule because of the flood last week and once that have actually been scheduled for Monday. Hoping they will give some kind of priority walk-in on Tuesday for people that have their appointment cancelled from the flood and now the protesters. Hoping for the best :)


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 11:22:00
PhilippinesANNOUNCEMENT! Usem manila closed tomorrow Aug 26 monday
I am just praying they will allow walk-ins on Tuesday as this the 2nd time our appointment is cancelled yet again. Patience is really being tested. Forget being interviewd they might as well give us instant approval if they are going to be anymore unexpected delay. hahaha... wishful thinking :)
JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 10:34:00
PhilippinesANYONE HERE WHO HAS AUG 26 INTERVIEW THAT DIDNT MAKE IT TO THE USEM?
We all have tried calling and the answer we get is check the website for updates. It clearly states on the website to check Monday afternoon for instructions on rescheduling and up to now...still NOTHING! No one in the call center at the USEM can give us answers of when. It just sucks that they tell you they are closed and those people who show up at the embassy because they didnt read the update gets to be interviewed. They should have some professionalism at least. We've been waiting since last Tuesday.


***SORRY to be a pain and complain but I just dont get how giving instructions to immigrant visa is hard yet they cant give instructions to non-immigrants such as tourist and some don't even come back to the country while those that have clean and legal intentions can't get answers. Its wrong to say they are closed. They give out misleading information to people.

Edited by JAYANN & JAY, 26 August 2013 - 09:03 AM.




JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-26 08:53:00
PhilippinesANYONE HERE WHO HAS AUG 26 INTERVIEW THAT DIDNT MAKE IT TO THE USEM?
this is ridiculous! still no update on their website.
JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-26 08:27:00
PhilippinesANYONE HERE WHO HAS AUG 26 INTERVIEW THAT DIDNT MAKE IT TO THE USEM?

So here I sit after having "waited" for an update that was suppose to magically appear on the website with instructions for us no bodys on "monday afternoon"
well its after 4:30 PM Monday in Manila and guess what??? no fair,,you guessed it! NO UPDATE ####### is wrong with these imbiciles???
what is so hard about rescheduling poeple? they cant even do something simple as this
 
I suggest just showing up,,,,all the incompetant fools can say is "no"




And you know what else these fools can easily reschedule nom-immigrants but cant reschedule immigrant visa. They prioritze those who dont evem come back to the country and yet those who have clean and legal intentions of coming to America they make them wait. Imagine we are paying so much money and their system sucks and cant even help us or do anythings just goes to show that government is really corrupt and just wants our money.

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-26 04:11:00
PhilippinesANYONE HERE WHO HAS AUG 26 INTERVIEW THAT DIDNT MAKE IT TO THE USEM?

I swear those people on the phone are no help and very clueless. its ridiculous. I just called and they told me to just check for an update. Like really? You cant even count their website to be correct so how can you count on it!


So here I sit after having "waited" for an update that was suppose to magically appear on the website with instructions for us no bodys on "monday afternoon"
well its after 4:30 PM Monday in Manila and guess what??? no fair,,you guessed it! NO UPDATE ####### is wrong with these imbiciles???
what is so hard about rescheduling poeple? they cant even do something simple as this
 
I suggest just showing up,,,,all the incompetant fools can say is "no"



I swear those people on the are no help and very clueless. its ridiculous. I just called and they told me to just check for an update. Like really? You cant even count their website to be correct so how can you count on it!

Edited by JAYANN & JAY, 26 August 2013 - 04:03 AM.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-26 04:02:00
PhilippinesANYONE HERE WHO HAS AUG 26 INTERVIEW THAT DIDNT MAKE IT TO THE USEM?

 
Wouldnt hurt to try,, it seems they favor those who just go anyway regardless of what is currently posted,,what is it,,2pm manila time as of now,,and still no got dang update!!ranting33va.gif


Lets jus give it a try as we cant really count on the embassy.

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-26 03:52:00
PhilippinesANYONE HERE WHO HAS AUG 26 INTERVIEW THAT DIDNT MAKE IT TO THE USEM?
Anyone here that has Aug 26 interview but didnt go to the USEM today because of the closing plan on taking a chance to get a walk-in interview tomorrow Aug 27?
JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 23:01:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

so basicly if you disgregard the directions on the website and just go anyway,,not adhering to the policy,, you will be rewarded with an interview and a visa nice! while those of us who adhere to the policy get shafted

what an awesome place,,,,they dont even follow there own rules!

Totally agree with Niblet. haha. I just find it funny how non-immigrants & immigrants visa have schedule appointments but the embassy can't seem to decide on the same schedule for immigrant visa. It makes me laugh at how they handle this.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 22:25:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

yes I dont understand why you cant show up at 730 and just wait ,,they should have an open schedule it would be simpler for them and us


I dont understand either. Imagine those that come from far places. What if they reschedule and have to wait until Sept and then something unexpected happens again and gets cancelled. I really hope we can just show up like what they did to the people who had interviews on Aug 19.

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 14:24:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

Yes, the visa journey is just like a big hospital... it will all work out if you have "patients".
 
Hang in there, Jayann, your time is coming.  Lucky you, you can have calamansi every day!!


Thanks DavenRoxy. Its just a little frustrating because they want us to call to reschedule and its hard to get thru the phone. I mean shouldn't they just let people walk-in for those that got cancelled again.

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 14:13:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

Good morning America!!!!
 
wow.gif What a great morning to start with!!! Nice weather, fresh air, and just being with my Honey is so wonderful.  I am sharing you a picture from last night (you can see Honey taking a photo of me hahaha).  
 
My flight was smooth, I'm surprise there's no turbulence at all.  Not that I'm used to when I'm heading home from Abu Dhabi.
 
I made it through Immigration well.  Only they ask me how we met, it could been shorter if I stop yappin' hahaha. Overall my trip was fantastic even I had 8 hours layover at Taiwan.  I slept okay on my first night, the glass of wine helped a lot. hahahha
 
Thank you all for the prayers, for welcoming me & for all the support you had given to us.  Couldn't do this thing if not with  wonderful people of VJ.
 
God bless us all.










LUCKY YOU! More waiting for most of us again Dhalia. Our interviews for Aug 26 have been cancelled again :(

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 11:32:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

Hiyeeee!!!! Finally I made it.
 
Yep, I just arrived at my new home at Mill Creek. Keep you posted soon......


Welcome to America! Glad you made it safely. How did you look EVA Air?

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-25 06:02:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

 

Dahlia is at her gate in MNL, no problems at the airport at all......everything went smoothly....paid all the taxes....made it through immigration...now getting ready to board...you can track her flight to Taipei with this link if you wish :-)

 

http://flightaware.c...e/flight/EVA272

 

Cheers,

 

cjmc

Hi what part of Seattle do you live in? I have cousins who live there also.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 14:28:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

Dahlia has left Taipei now and is on here way.....next stop....Seattle !!!! Yehhhhh !!! finally...the long journey is about over and a new life is about to begin...!!!!

 

Track her flight to Seattle....here is a link...

 

http://flightaware.c...ve/flight/EVA26

 

Cheers,

 

cjmc

I wish our journey is almost over too. ClockWatch2.gif I am so nervous for my fiance's interview on Monday. Hoping that everything will go smooth for his interview.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 11:16:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

Hi,

The Airport is HUGEEEEE but nice, almost like a mall.  I wasn't bored thanks to technology.  I chat and chat and chat hahahaha.  I'm leaving here at 11pm still Sat and I will be arriving at 7pm still Sat. (Seattle time).  I will try to sleep only couple of hours so I can sleep again when I arrive to my new home <3.  I guess I never had problem in adjusting or I mean in sleeping I just knock my self out.  hahahaha.

 

I ate at JUST CAFE located at Zone D.  It was a long walk from where I was C8.  Overall 8 hours feels like a couple of minutes only, compared to the total wait time for the K1 Visa processClockWatch2.gif.

I'm gonna have my fiance take EVA Air also so that he won't have a hard time with connecting flights if I make him take Delta. haha. I wouldn't have a problem getting stranded at tapei  airport...since it has good wifi, good food & good shopping. haha. was the food good at JUST CAFE? I had burger king and some udon noodles when I was there....so yummy. Lucky you still have a few days left of warm weather left to do some sight seeing. I still have a couple more days to go until my fiance's interview on Monday. ClockWatch2.gif .....wishing it was Monday already. im anxious to find out the results of his interview. Enjoy your 11hr flight :)


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 09:56:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

9:00pm 1.5 hours more before bording time (Taipei-SeaTac) then 11 hours flight ClockWatch2.gif ...... patience patience hahahaha.  Right Hank? idea9dv.gif

 

Attached a Skype photo (screenshot) of Me and Honey. He just woke up.  It seems like he's excited huh rolleyes.gif .

Almost there Dahlia. How did you like the airport? Just sleep on the plane the whole way to Seattle. haha. 8hrs layover...wow that is loooong. Mine is usually lik 3-4hrs. I usually get there like 230pm and then my flight leaves at 630 and I usually arrive in NY like 10pm. CJMC only a few more hours to go before she arrives.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 08:40:00
Philippines22 Aug. Visa collected, 23. Aug. CFO done & 24 off to SeaTac,WA

Dahlia is on her way to the Manila airport now....her journey to the US is about to begin...I pray that she arrives safely !!!
 
cjmc


keep us posted :)

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-23 21:54:00
PhilippinesInterview today but USEM closed

Thanks J&J --  Good luck with your interview too

 

I'm curious though; Monday is a holiday in Manila

They are open. As far as I know the holiday is not listed on their 2013 Holiday Schedule on the website :) If the cancel it again they might as well just approve those who have schedules on the 26 since it is their fault for not letting people know they are closed. LOL. If it was only that easy.  wink.png But definitely it is open otherwise they would have blocked of the 26 so no one would be able to schedule.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 14:20:00
PhilippinesInterview today but USEM closed

I sent an email complaining about how I couldn't make an apt on their website due to the receipt # not being recognized

They replied back (to my fiancée only) saying she could show up on Monday 8/26 or Wed 8/28 at her regular time scheduled time

 

So she is going Monday with email in hand

 

BTW - This was an email replying to my email. They have not replied to my call on Thursday

Good luck. I know its very frustrating when you don't get any response. Its like you pay for all this money and they can't even reply. They have no organization. At least have workers at the embassy reply to inquiries like these. Good luck to your finacee on Monday :)


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-24 13:16:00
PhilippinesInterview today but USEM closed

praise God I am so happy for you! wink.png

 

Its your turn & my fiance's on Monday :)


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-22 08:01:00
PhilippinesInterview today but USEM closed

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS

The U.S. Embassy announces that visa services will not be available on Thursday, August 22, 2013.  Individuals with scheduled visa appointments for August 22 should check this website Thursday afternoon for further information or contact our visa information service at (02)982-5555 or (02)902-8930.

Additional information on rescheduling appointments for Non-Immigrant Visas will be made available via this website or through our visa information service center once we re-open.  When rescheduling visa appointments, we will give priority to those applicants who were unable to be interviewed due to inclement weather on Monday August 19, Tuesday August 20, and Thursday August 22.

 

http://manila.usemba...grant-visa.html

 

 

 

thats great news :) think positive everyone! maybe the CO will go easy for those who missed the interviews since they are back log. wishful thinking. good luck to everyone! 


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-21 22:06:00
PhilippinesInterview today but USEM closed

I think the embassy is open today... my fiancee went in a few hours ago for an Aug 22nd interview and hasnt come out yet...

keep us posted on how she did & what questions they asked her. good luck to your fiancee.


Edited by JAYANN & JAY, 21 August 2013 - 08:06 PM.

JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-21 20:05:00
PhilippinesInterview today but USEM closed

Aug 20 was the original appt. -- maybe there is still hope for 8/26-27

 

I wonder how some receipt numbers get stuck to the last apt and others don't?

 

 

keep trying! don't give up :) i am hoping you all will get an appointment for august 26. don't lose hope :)


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-21 19:43:00
PhilippinesInterview today but USEM closed

I guess so. I was all drenched last aug 19... Crossed 3 flooded areas.... Oh I'm just on the edge, sorry for complaining... Will do my best to be patient.

Don't worry everyone who experienced this feels the same. My fiance was also drenched yesterday and took him all day to get home. He woke up at 2am and got home at 6pm. Wishing that the embassy had some kind of courtesy to let people know that they are closed Mon-Tues instead of leaving people wondering if they are open or not. If the rain was really bad on Sunday they could have at least made a decision to close it and announce it the night before on their Facebook page and they should have done the same on Tuesday.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-20 20:54:00
PhilippinesInterview today but USEM closed

I guess you all will be seeing each other monday once everything is ok. Good luck to all :) I'll keep you guys in my prayers.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-20 19:38:00
PhilippinesInterview today but USEM closed

thank you for sharing Jay. I was able to set up an appointment at Aug26 as well. There are so many slots available.. I was wondering if they opened this slot to accommodate everyone who wasn't able to show up this week.. as far as I could remember, Aug26 was already closed. Good Thing they did this for us! 

 

Bear & Dodge - try to call the hotline tom if still unsuccessful via online. i think they will be giving you the same slot. 

 

Praying hard that this rain will be gone. Hoping for the best for all of us waiting. wink.png

You're welcome :) We are all here to help one another out through this difficult time. So I try my best to share any information needed. So funny we have the exact same dates of interview.


JAYANN & JAYFemalePhilippines2013-08-20 19:17:00