ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesGender Wrong on Beneficiary Birth Certficate
Wow! It would be nice if they would pass that. It seems that there are so many people that have dealt with this type of issue. I don't know too many people (on a personal level) that have immigrated from the Philippines, but of the few that I do know, one of them had an incorrect gender on their BC. So I'd say it happens quite a bit over there. Their courts must be completely tied up with simple issues like that.

I hope everything works out for you all in a timely manner!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-08-10 10:38:00
PhilippinesGender Wrong on Beneficiary Birth Certficate
I wish you the best of luck with this - I know it can be very frustrating dealing with birth certificate changes. When my fiancee went to apply for her passport they would not allow her to do so until she got her birth certificate corrected and the only thing that was wrong with hers was that her mother's name had a one-letter misspelling - there was an "e" where there should have been an "i". I found it very frustrating that the NSO rejected her for that and it ended up taking her several months to get it corrected in order to finally apply for the passport.

Just curious: How was your fiancee able to obtain her passport while having incorrect info on her BC? Maybe the day my fiancee went the clerk was just being extra-stubborn. Hahaha.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-08-10 10:01:00
PhilippinesWatching Official Gazette like a HAWK
Awesome! I'm glad to see that this passed. I hope everything goes quickly and smoothly for you.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-08-24 13:21:00
PhilippinesFedEX to ship documents - OK

I sent all my Documentation after NOA 2 Approval to my Fiancee in Cebu, by "LBC". I sent a lot of Paperwork and the Documents were placed in their Air Mail Pouch. It took 5 Days for her to get it. The Cost?......$14.50


I've been wishing I could use LBC ever since my fiancee told me about them, but unfortunately there aren't any branch offices in my state. They do seem very reliable and cheap.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-01 15:16:00
PhilippinesFedEX to ship documents - OK

This is so true. That's why I always use DHL. Yes, it costs more but I like being able to track the package and see where it is. I have also heard of stuff getting stolen or go missing using usps/phil post. One good example is I ordered some simple raspberry keytone because my mahal thinks she is fat. Doesn't most women think that way? HEHEHEHE. But I ordered it on 7 August, and USPS says it shipped out of Jamaica NY on the 8th of August. My fiance still has not gotten it yet. It goes to show how slow USPS/Phil Post is.


Exactly! When using USPS to mail items to Cebu (birthday cards, hand-written letters, etc...) we consider ourselves lucky if it gets there in 4 weeks. It's usually more like 6. That's if it gets there at all. I've heard some of the same stories about philpost workers "inspecting" packages a little too closely....on the inside. Hahaha. No way I'm sending my financial documents like that.

Edited by Starflyer 59, 01 September 2012 - 12:32 PM.

Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-01 12:32:00
PhilippinesFedEX to ship documents - OK
I'll be sending my I-134 packet very soon too, and I plan to use either FedEx or DHL. Yes, it's much more expensive than USPS, but I have had items get lost using USPS before and the $100+ that I'll spend at FedEx/DHL is cheap insurance when mailing a packet containing your entire financial landscape/history. Well worth it!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-01 06:25:00
PhilippinesGot September 7 Visa Appointment - Amazing

My babe just got her visa approval :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:


Awesome! Very glad to hear this! Congrats to you all!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-07 08:21:00
PhilippinesFor US citizens that scheduled online interview for their fiancee

I scheduled my wife's appointment, I used her name and my email. Remember the "XX" at the beginning of the passport number. I had to wait about 24 hrs before the payment showed up at USEM from BPI.


Thank you Hank! I will be sure to include the "XX". I appreciate everyone's help!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-21 06:59:00
PhilippinesFor US citizens that scheduled online interview for their fiancee

yeah its your fiancee's passport number


Thank you much for that confirmation! :thumbs:
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-20 21:37:00
PhilippinesFor US citizens that scheduled online interview for their fiancee
Thank you so much Tintin and Mike for the information! I'm glad to hear that the system will allow for multiple email recipients. I've read that the receipt number that the system is looking for is actually my fiancee's passport number. Can anyone confirm or deny this?
Thanks again!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-20 21:01:00
PhilippinesFor US citizens that scheduled online interview for their fiancee
I am the US citizen, and I will soon be attempting to use the online system to schedule the interview appointment for my fiancee. I know that once I have the MNL case # from NVC, and once my fiancee makes the payment, (and we wait until it clears their system) I can then go online to begin this process. I've studied up pretty good on what selections to check and what information of hers I will need to complete the registration, but my question is this:

When I set up my log-in username and password at that site can I use my first & last name and my email address? Or will later attempt to use this information to automatically populate the applicant's data? [I'd like to be able to log in as me, but I know I must register for the appointment as her - and I don't want to mess up before I even get started]

Also, can I use my email address during the appointment registration even though all other information I enter will be pertaining to my fiancee? I'd like to be the one to receive the confirmation email since my fiancee has to go to a cafe for internet access.

Any insight from those that have done this on behalf of their beneficiary fiancee would be appreciated. Thanks!

Edited by Starflyer 59, 20 September 2012 - 08:37 PM.

Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-20 20:35:00
PhilippinesNOA2!!!

After 196 days, yesterday we were finally APPROVED!!! My question is Has anyone got approved but did not receive some notification through email or text that it was approved. We didnt receive anything, although we are only signed up for the email, and on the uscis website it says post decision activity blah blah blah. And also we signed into our case (where u check if your case is "touched") and the date changed from march 18 to september 18. We are super excited just wondering if we should worry about it still.

Thanks


It's okay NYYankees. As we talked about yesterday, I never received my email notification either - for NOA2 or NOA1 (even though I used the G-1145 form). But I have no doubt that your paper NOA2 will be showing up in a few days - as will mine. Good luck to you all the rest of the way. And since we were approved on the same day, maybe our fiancees will interview on the same day, too! :)
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-19 17:29:00
PhilippinesCustoms declaration for fiancee interview package
I used DHL to send my I-134 and all accompanying evidence. My fiancee had it in her hands in just 55 hours from the time I walked out of the DHL office! It cost me $51, which is cheap insurance and peace of mind considering the information contained in the package. It would be an instant identity theft kit for someone to get their hands on if it were to be compromised anywhere along the way. DHL took care of the customs form by just putting "Personal Documents" on it.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-28 13:57:00
PhilippinesRoosters in Talisay
Hahaha! When I'm on the phone with my fiance we always pretend that the roosters are chiming in on our conversation. Sometimes we'll translate their "UR-AR UR-AAAAAAH" into English and put words into their mouths.....err.... I mean beaks.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-28 16:05:00
Philippinesreceipt number

Not always is the receipt number the passport number, ...


This is true. I just scheduled a couple weeks ago, and after reading all about using the passport number, I was frustrated when the site would not take it. I then tried the receipt number from BPI and it took me right in to the date selection page. Passport number may still work for some people - I'm not wanting to dispute anyone - I just wanted to share what happened to me.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-09 10:11:00
PhilippinesFastest Way to Send Documents to the Philippines
I realize you've already chosen your shipping courrier, but I thought I'd add this as reference for others that may come along and read this: I sent my I-134 docs via DHL. It was a package containing about 30 pages, it cost $51, and my fiancee signed for it just 55 hours after I left it at the DHL office (in Kentucky). I consider that pretty darn good service.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-10 17:00:00
PhilippinesMedical Examinations at St. Luke's: A Recounting

@starflyer congrats to Amor! :). I was planning to meet her somewhere.in Makati, I texted her but she didn't reply. I guess I'll just meet her on our interview schedule.lol


Thank you, CatSam! She may not have received your text message. I know we were having trouble with her not getting any reception in her hotel room. She's looking forward to meeting you for the interview though. :-)
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-08 15:18:00
PhilippinesMedical Examinations at St. Luke's: A Recounting
Congrats! My fiancee was there yesterday having her medical as well - and also completed it in one day.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-08 14:01:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage - Return postage amount?
Thanks everyone! Lots of good advice here. We will be sending in our ROM soon! I appreciate the help (and light-hearted humor, too) Hahaha!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-12-17 08:11:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage - Return postage amount?
Thank you so much, HarveyAndTheresa, for your help! I was married in Kentucky, which does fall under the Washington DC jurisdiction, so I will send it to that address. And I will include my mother's maiden name as part of my name (I am the husband), as weird as that seems. :) I just wanted to double check to see if that's what other husbands had really put.
Thanks again - I appreciate your helpful response!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-12-14 13:37:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage - Return postage amount?
Hi all,

I have been reasearching a lot about filling out the report of marriage form to send to the PI consulate in Washington DC (with all of its supporting evidence), and the part that is stumping me is the requirement to include a self-addressed envelope with "appropriate stamps". The website with the requirements - located here: http://www.philippin...aq-dc/#marriage never says how much postage to include. For those that have filed this report through mail, how much postage do I include on that envelope? (Keep in mind I'm not having a passport name amended - just filing the marriage report. So no passport will have to be mailed back to me).


Also, the only address I could find on that site for the PI consulate in DC is:

Consular Section
1617 Massachusetts Ave NW
Washington, DC 20036

For those who filed in DC, is this where you sent your forms?


One last question: On the form itself in the section pertaining to the husband it asks for NAME (last name, first name, mother's maiden surname) This only makes sense for the wife's section, but not for the husband. Did any of you use the mother's maiden name in the husband section? I've never had my mother's maiden name as part of my name so it doesn't make any sense to document me that way. Middle name would make much more sense. What did you all put there?

Thanks for your help!

Edited by Starflyer 59, 14 December 2012 - 12:13 PM.

Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-12-14 12:09:00
PhilippinesOne way to Philippines One way back?
I ran into this exact isssue when I went back over to pick up my fiancee in November. I could not book a one way ticket for her that matched the return leg of any round trip package I selected for myself. I finally called Orbitz and the agent was able to sell me three one way tickets for a pretty reasonable price (about $900 a piece - flying out one week from the day of booking).

On my way there the airlines did ask to see my return ticket. I showed them the printed itenerary for the two returning tickets, and there were no issues.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-12-28 08:42:00
PhilippinesFavorite Filipino food/dishes

This sounds delicious and I'm going to have to try it! I found a recipe for it online which sounds super easy. It appears we also have all the ingredients it calls for except for the pork. The USC husband seems slightly dubious about the recipe but we'll see. We already do a chicken adobo that we both enjoy so maybe he'll come around! I'll report back if and when we end up doing it. :lol:


Awesome, I hope you all like it! The brown sugar and bay leaf combination makes a sauce like no other! Mmmm. :-)
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2013-01-21 11:42:00
PhilippinesFavorite Filipino food/dishes
Lots of great suggestions so far! One of my personal favorites that I haven't seen mentioned yet (unless I just missed it) is humba. I fell in love with it the first time I went to the phils, and when my wife (at that time fiancee) told me she knew how to make it, I was ecstatic. She makes it pretty regularly.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2013-01-21 09:47:00
PhilippinesTraveling through China question
That's good news about the 8 hour layover. At least she can take her time and not be stressed out during all the wickets one has to go through in that airport.

I booked my flight through Orbitz, but didn't use the internet. I called them to speak to a representative because I was buying a one way ticket for me and then two return one way tickets for me and my fiancee. I did get to go through my favorite route (Korea) on the way there, but for the two return tickets to come back that way it was going to be four times the price as the China path!?!? So I gave in when the rep suggested going through China.

She'll do just fine. Best of luck to you all.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2013-02-15 12:26:00
PhilippinesTraveling through China question
Very true, Hank! Very true!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2013-02-15 10:39:00
PhilippinesTraveling through China question
My wife (at the time fiancee) and I just recently took these exact return flights (Philippine Airlines to Shanghai - American Airlines to Chicago) and here was our experience:

In China, they DID force us to claim all of our bags on arrival and then re-check them at the American Airlines desk. I don't know what the luggage tag said for that first leg of the trip, but I do remember that after re-checking the bags the American Airlines agent gave us new tags with the final destination on them (I remember her asking me to confirm our final destination before she applied the tags).

We were surprised by this because, as the posters above stated, they don't usually make you do this for a simple layover. But China (and/or Philippine Airlines) sure did it to us. I don't know why because I've switched airlines internationally several times before, with several different combinations of airlines, and have never had to do this.

It was kind of a hassle because you arrive/claim bags on the gound floor and have to go up to the second floor to check-in/depart, so we had to fight to push our baggage cart into one of only two elevators they had, and it was very crowded in that area as everybody was attempting to do the exact same thing.

Also, at the Shanghai airport, you have to go through immigration to arrive, and again to depart - even just for a connecting flight. Be sure to have the arrival/departure cards filled out, even though the answer to most of the questions on the arrival card will be "none" or "N/A" for someone who is just connecting. They won't let you pass to your connection without filling them out. I found that out the hard way by only filling out a departure card at first, thinking they wouldn't require the arrival card from someone that was just passing through - I was wrong and had to step to the side at the booth to complete it. [On the arrival card for the question "At what address will you be staying in China?" I was tempted to put "Gate D19" Hahaha!]

It took us every bit of our three hour layover to do all of this and when we finally approached the gate of the American flight it was already boarding.

It's not my intention to scare or worry you, I just want to let you know what happened to us back in November. Mentally, be ready for this. If I had known to expect all of that, it would have been a lot easier to figure out what I needed to do, where I needed to go next, etc...

Good luck to you!

[Side note: After that last trip, we decided that next time we would go through Incheon airport in Korea again. It's way smoother! You can get to the gate of your connecting flight in about 20 minutes there - no baggage claim - no immigration lines - just a security checkpoint that has always moved quickly in the previous three times I've been through there. The only reason we went through China last time was because the price was much cheaper].
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2013-02-15 10:11:00
PhilippinesCFO is asking for proof of singleness

As Stevephoto mentioned, 1040 is a good idea.  As an alternative, you can send a pay stub from your work if it shows "single" as the tax filing status.  That's what I sent my fiancee (now wife) because I wanted to send something that didn't have my SSN on it.  The CFO office in Cebu accepted it.  If you do use the 1040, I would redact the SSN.


Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2013-06-13 07:46:00
PhilippinesTrusted Philippine Online Flower Merchant

I used flora2000 several times before my wife came here.  Their prices were decent (compared to sending flowers in the US) and they were always very reliable and good quality.


Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2013-08-22 08:15:00
PhilippinesBooking flight through Orbitz or Priceline

I've always had good luck using Orbitz.  When I do round trip flights, I just book online.  I had to call and speak to a representative the time that I went to pick up my (then) fiancee because I needed a round-trip for me and a one-way matching my return flight for her.  They hooked me up.

 

Side note:  On the way there, one of my flights was late to the point that I missed a layover to LAX.  I called Orbitz after my late flight landed in Chicago and the representative got on the phone with the airline and knocked it out of the park by securing for me the only available stand-by ticket for the next flight to LAX (the people at the airline desk would not do this for me).  I still had time to make my connection in LAX and all was saved.


Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2013-09-03 08:52:00
PhilippinesChecked in Luggage and Flying Internationally Connected Flights

The one that I found to be a pain in the butt was Shanghai, China.  They required us to claim our bags, clear customs, get stamps, clear customs again, and re-check bags - all for a "simple" flight transition.  We did switch airlines, but it still seemed excessive to me since we never left the building. It used up every bit of our almost 3 hour layover.  I've not had to do that for a layover anywhere else (unless it was U.S. POE).


Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2013-09-17 12:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny June 2012 K1 Filers?

Will you go there for her interview?


I'd like to be there for the interview, but she prefers that I come after the visa is in hand to escort her back here, so I'll be going back at that time. I think it's too risky for me to go before the interview and then have to come home without her if the visa processing gets delayed (I only have 2 weeks vacation to use), so that's why we decided to wait until the visa is issued. Good luck to you, and to the the rest of the June filers!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-09 13:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny June 2012 K1 Filers?

WOW! I never would have guessed a Gov Agency would answer a phone after 4-4:30 pm (est)!!!!! :thumbs:
Great info!

Your next hurdle is Embassy appointment. I'd love to hear your experience there
I hear if you call frequently you may get LUCKY and get an early appointment (if you haven't already)

Thanks and GOOD LUCK!!!! :dance:


Thanks bxman! I've heard that NVC actually stays open quite late (thought I'm not sure what time) The day I got the MNL case number I sent my fiancee the payment money and she paid the embassy fee at BPI. The next day I went on the interview scheduling website and snagged October 24th - the only date that was available at the time. I was very happy with that date!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-09 08:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny June 2012 K1 Filers?

How did you get your NVC case #
Did you phone them or you got an email?

I'm reading its hard to contact NVC now on the phone

Thanks


Hi bxman, sorry for the late reply - I just saw your post. I called NVC exactly one week after NOA2. I waited on hold for about 15 minutes. This was at 5:30 PM (EST) on a Tuesday. Then a few days later I received a paper copy from them in the mail containing the MNL case number. Good luck to you!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-09 07:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAny June 2012 K1 Filers?

Funny, I remember reading all of these threads before I filed about how fast VSC was and how slow CSC was. I was so happy when I found out mine was going to VSC. SMH! :bonk:


I thought the exact same thing as you back when I first filed and my petition was sent to Vermont. I was ecstatic....for a short while. Hahaha. Boy, did I get duped! Anyway, I didn't mean to barge in on your all's thread - just wanted to wish everyone luck and hope that VSC speeds up. (Nice to see a fellow Louisvillian on these boards, too).
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-14 16:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
Congrats, islandgal! I'm so glad to see you got your approval finally.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-11 18:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...

OMG I Can't believe my eyes
We are approved too yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay
Im jumping and screaming of hapiness
I will be there for y , until all of us have their approvals


Congrats, Vroum7!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-04 15:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...

Folks, I just got approved. I'm so sorry, for I know you deserve to get it before I do. VSC has taken something that should be a celebration and made it very awkward. I'm sorry, my friends. I will NOT abandon you as you wait...we are in this together!


Very happy for you, Tigerflower! Congrats!
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-10-04 14:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...

Guess I've got an RFE coming then... :(

What's confusing is it said birth certificate OR passport... Not both?


Tigerflower, I sent only a birth certificate for proof of citizenship. I did not send any passport pages, and did not get an RFE. So I wouldn't sweat about it too much. Of course, as we've talked about before, it may come down to the adjudicator's mood that day, but I just want to let you know that it's possible to get by without passport scans (for evidence of meeting within two years I submitted my boarding passes and photos of us, one of which contained a newspaper with the date clearly legible).
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-29 18:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMarch (2012) filers...
Congratulations AmazingLove! So glad to hear this, and I'm still praying for the rest of you as well.
Starflyer 59MalePhilippines2012-09-25 07:05:00