ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesWhere do you buy your tickets going to US?
I got mine from a friend who owned the travel agency. I got a pretty good deal and hassle free service and pretty quick too. If you need help, let me know!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2011-09-16 18:32:00
PhilippinesTourist visa to US from Philippines
The whole tourist visa approval is hard in the Philippines yes, but you can always try. And should they ask if she has a pending application, make sure she tells them about the K1.

Have faith. No harm in trying and I wish you all the luck! It's awfully hard to be away from your SO while waiting on this K1 process so go ahead.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-22 19:15:00
Philippines~Say Anything Thread~
Is venting included in this thread? I just wanna say I hate malicious and gossipy people that live so long and go out of their way to destroy people's lives and careers.

There...
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-04-03 12:34:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
I loove ampao and chicharon de Carcar!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-28 06:11:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
Sayang!!! Wish you were here!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-11-07 10:06:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
Hello Thirdsjen, of course you may join in. Don't worry Visayas covers the whole visayan speaking people.

QUOTE (thirdsjen @ Nov 4 2008, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi all.. can i join.. although i speak only ilonggo and isn't that in the visayans? hehehe.. sorry to butt in! since i can't speak bisaya, i'll just speak english..


By the way guys, if you want to go ahead, we can organize a get-together party of the BISDAK VJ members. Message me your email and contact numbers especially if you are just here in Cebu. I will go ahead and have a phone brigade. Let's go to an eat all you can somewhere here in Cebu then let's go to the uptown area and have some fun. Let's do it on a weekend so we can all accommodate everybody's schedule. I will be waiting and I will start email brigade right away. I will also be organizing a list for everyone's contact details so we can text each other.

Look forward to seeing you all! God bless!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-11-06 22:58:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
I was born in Butuan City and my family moved here in Cebu when I was eleven. Went to college in Manila and now I am back here in Cebu. My mom's Ilonggo and my dad is Negrense so I know Ilonggo, Cebuano, Tagalog, and some other dialects in Mindanao. Love this thread! Great meeting you all!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-10-26 09:46:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
Hasus... Gimingaw ko sa akong mga higala nga bisdak! Musta na mga pipol of VJ?
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-10-25 11:43:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
Yay!!! Gwapa jud ning mga bisaya no??? as in!!! Imagine kadaghan man diay nato ngari then karun ra mo naningog. Guys, send me the following so I can go ahead and create a group for us (preferably Friendster).

email:
YM ID:
Nicknames:
Friendster Email:

If you're okay with that, please go ahead and send it in.

My honey's also sent me a VoIP and now I have a US number!!! Isn't that amazing!!! On top of that I can call anyone of you there so we can keep in touch.

Take care! Much love!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-10-03 04:50:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
hey everyone! Sorry i am really busy! will be back in 2 hours to catch up! see yah! mwahugs!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-10-02 09:41:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
fight mga bisaya!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-09-27 09:57:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
wahaha! no Ilocano for me. My mom knows and understands it well though because she studied in Pangasinan. Oh wow! Say hi to your Senorita Teresita for me!

QUOTE (AJAnTESS @ Sep 25 2008, 11:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HappyDancer @ Sep 25 2008, 10:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am actually a mongrel: My mom is Ilongga so I speak the dialect. I am currently residing in cebu, so I speak Cebuano too. I graduated college in Quezon City, so I am fluent in Tagalog. I was born Mindanao and have travelled around the place. My dad is from San Carlos City Negros, so Negrense pod ko. Pili lang!!! Wahahahahha!!!


If you were born in Mindanao and has travelled around that place, maybe you have learned how to speak my dialect - Ilocano - because there's a bunch of them Ilocanos in Mindanao especially in the Kidapawan and Kabacan areas.

Basi magtingala ka na ngaa naako sa thread ng mga Visaya - ang akong novia, si SenoritaTeresita, taga Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur. And I have lived in Davao in the 70s before I came to the United States.

HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-09-25 22:46:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
I am actually a mongrel: My mom is Ilongga so I speak the dialect. I am currently residing in cebu, so I speak Cebuano too. I graduated college in Quezon City, so I am fluent in Tagalog. I was born Mindanao and have travelled around the place. My dad is from San Carlos City Negros, so Negrense pod ko. Pili lang!!! Wahahahahha!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-09-25 22:26:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
Guys!!! Karun pako nakagawas sa ospital! naadmit kay dugay kaayo approve akong petition! Char!!! Anyways, please send me your YM IDs and email addresses so we can email and have a gathering here in Cebu. Taga Lahug rako... Na hala magkuyog ta shopping for wedding stuff and text2 pod ta aron walay langay! Guys, reply back!!! I am so happy to be meeting everyone here in VJ!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-09-25 20:45:00
PhilippinesBISAYA ISPISYAL: Join in!
Hey everybody there who are BISDAKS, let's come out and introduce ourselves. Would love to meet you guys! Taga Sugbu ko!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2008-09-20 15:40:00
PhilippinesTo flee poverty, Filipinas marry foreigners
Really, who are we to criticize couples with a huge age gap? Yeah, marriage for convenience is always possible but it's really none of our business. A choice is a choice - one thing that man is gifted with. For people who can't handle it, you are worrying about things beyond your control.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-02-06 16:07:00
PhilippinesTo flee poverty, Filipinas marry foreigners
Why are we talking about issues like this here? It's a matter of choice. They chose to do it that way, they will grow up with the consequences if they didn't foresee that right away.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-02-06 12:20:00
PhilippinesTo flee poverty, Filipinas marry foreigners
I'm thinking: Kill the politicians and their cronies and start a new government over. smile.gif hehehehe
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-02-05 17:22:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy K1 Visa Guide
QUOTE (sunandmoon @ Mar 15 2009, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have noticed some posting in the forum there is outdated information in the Guide. I'm not up to date on the process in Manila. perhaps someone could make the appropriate changes. then we could bring it to the attention of Capt Ewok to see if the changes can be made to the Guide.

Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide… (Please read thoroughly)

TABLE OF SECTIONS

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS

SECTION 1
Overview
Section 1.1 Five Stages of the K1 Visa Immigration Process

SECTION 2
Introduction
Section 2.1 K1 Visa Introduction
Section 2.2 K2 Visa Derivative Status for Children of K1 Visa Applicants
SECTION 3
Post NOA1 (Receipt Notice) Information
Section 3.1 Petition Case Status
SECTION 4
Post NOA2 (Approval Notice) Information
Section 4.1 NOA2 Expiration Date
Section 4.2 The National Visa Center (NVC)
Section 4.3 The Manila Embassy (USE)
Section 4.4 The Department of State (DOS)
Section 4.5 Document Verification is no longer needed
Section 4.6 Visa Interview Appointments website
Section 4.7 St. Luke's Medical Extension Clinic (SLMEC)
SECTION 5
Post Visa Approval Information
Section 5.1 DELBROS - now Air21
SECTION 6
Post Visa Delivery Information
Section 6.1 Visa and Port of Entry (POE) Package
Section 6.2 CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar
Section 6.3 The I-94 Arrival / Departure Record
SECTION 7

Final Notes and Closing
Section 7.1 Closing Remarks
===================================================================

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:

SA1: Per the Manila Embassy website [CLICK HERE], starting February 1, 2008, the Manila Embassy has imposed a document verification fee. According to their staff, the fee should be paid at least a month before the visa interview. Please review section 4.5 for more details. - no longer needed. Applicants may go ahead and order their respective documents straight from NSO.

SA2: Per the Manila Embassy website, as of March 2008, there is an updated Packet 4 [ENGLISH / TAGALOG] for K1/K2 visas (see Section 4.3 for more details).

SA3: Per the Manila Embassy website [CLICK HERE], "...starting March 10, 2008, there will be an increase in the delivery fee from PhP 135 to PhP 250 per visa packet for Metro Manila and other key cities..."

SA4: Per the Manila Embassy website (closer to the bottom) [CLICK HERE], starting March 14, 2008, those applying for K1, K2, K3 and K4 visas who have been notified by the Embassy to prepare for their interview can call a Visa Information Service operator to schedule an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy.

===================================================================

SECTION 1 - Overview

1.1 K1 VISA IMMIGRATION STAGES - A simplified and theoretical overview of the Five Stages of the K1 Visa process, according to Sheriff Uling [CLICK HERE].

===================================================================

SECTION 2 - Introduction/Starting Line

2.1 K1 Visa INTRODUCTION - Just starting out, then please review the information within post #1 of VJ's General K1 Guides and Info thread [CLICK HERE].

2.2 Children Have DERIVATIVE STATUS - The unmarried minor child of a fiancé(e) may receive a derivative K-2 Visa from his/her parent’s fiancé(e) approved I-129F petition. The USC / petitioner must make sure the beneficiary’s child(ren) name(s) is/are on the I-129F petition. The child(ren) may travel with (accompany) the K-1 parent/fiancé(e) or travel later (follow-to-join) within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1 visa to his/her parent. A separate petition is not required if the child(ren) accompany or follow the alien fiancé(e) within one year from the date of issuance of the K-1 visa. If it is longer than one year from the date of visa issuance, a separate immigrant visa petition is required. Remember that in immigration law a child(ren) must be unmarried. A separate visa fee and medical exam is required for each visa applicant. The stepparent/stepchild(ren) relationship must be created before the child(ren) reaches the age of 18. After the marriage of the child(ren)’s parent (beneficiary) and the USC, the child(ren) will need a separate form I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence in order to Adjust Status from nonimmigrant to permanant resident.

Following-to-join applicants may derive immigration benefits only if:

1) The spouse or children were acquired before the principal applicant’s admission into the United States; and

2) The principal applicant gained lawful permanent resident (LPR) status or was issued an immigrant visa under the family-preference or employment-based visa categories or was issued a non-immigrant K or V visa. Foreign nationals who immigrated to the U.S. under an immediate relative (IR) visa category need to file a separate Form I-130 visa petition on behalf of their spouses and children.

3) The principal applicant has not naturalized. Once the principal applicant becomes a U.S. citizen, a separate visa petition needs to be filed on behalf of the spouse and/or children to qualify for immigration benefits again.

Following-to-join derivative beneficiaries must present documentation establishing the principal applicant’s immigration status in the United States and their relationship to their principal. These include:

1) A copy of the child’s birth certificate issued by the National Statistics Office

2) A copy of the marriage certificate issued by the National Statistics Office

3) A copy of the principal alien’s registration receipt card or I-551 or a copy of the principal alien’s passport pages indicating admission to the U.S. as an immigrant

4) If applicable, Form I-824, Application for Action on an Approved Application or Petition

DS Note: Once the Embassy ascertains the eligibility for following-to-join derivative status, it will provide instructions on how to apply for the visas. To learn more about travel clearance for minors [CLICK HERE] (Thx Roy and Yazi). Please also review the follow-to-join information provided by the Manila Embassy (USE) website [CLICK HERE]. The derivative status information is a compilation of information extracted from the Deparment of State website (Section 2.1), the Packet 4 supplied by the Manila Embassy (Section 4.3), and information provided on the Manila Embassy website.

===================================================================

SECTION 3 - Post NOA1 (Receipt Notice) Information

3.1 PETITION CASE STATUS - Once the US Citizen (USC) / "petitioner" has filed the petition (I-129F) and received a "receipt number" (listed on the NOA1), please register on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using the Case Status Online Tool [CLICK HERE] to receive emailed updates concerning the status of the petition. NOTE: If you want emailed updates to multiple addresses then you must create multiple customer portfolio accounts. When the petition is approved (NOA2), the USCIS forwards the case files to the NVC normally within 14 - 30 days. The Case Status Online Tool is of no further use to you until after the beneficiary arrives in the United States, get's married, applies for the Adjustment of Status (AOS), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and/or Advance Parole (AP) because this tool does not track the activity being performed at the NVC or the Manila Embassy (USE).

===================================================================

SECTION 4 - Post NOA2 (Approval Notice) Information

4.1 NOA2 EXPIRATION DATE - Don't be alarmed if the visa interview is scheduled after the NOA2 expiration date because the Consular Officer (CO) at the Manila Embassy will automatically revalidate the petition by extend the expiration date in four months increments until all actions are finalized . No actions by the USC and/or beneficiary are required.

4.2 The NATIONAL VISA CENTER (NVC) number is within my signature. NVC assigns a case number after a preliminary backgroud/name check has cleared, then forwards your case files electronic and via snail mail to the Manila Embassy. This normally takes approximately 14 - 30 days to complete. Have the USC (petitioner) call (the number is within my signature) or email your inquiry to NVCINQUIRY@state.gov (be sure to include the beneficiary's name, date of birth, place of birth, and receipt number). A NVC Processing Letter [SAMPLE HERE] (a.k.a. Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA) letter) may or may not be sent to the USC (petitioner), which indicates the case number and approximate time when the case files will be sent to the Manila Embassy. This complimentary NVC Processing Letter (a.k.a. Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA) letter) is not required for any stage in the immigration process.

4.3 The MANILA EMBASSY (USE) number is within my signature. Family and/or friends are prohibited from entering the facility, unless otherwise required. Once the USE has received the hard copy case file from the NVC, the K1 Visa Applicant/beneficiary's case will begin processing. The USE will subsequently send the beneficiary a Confirmation Letter [SAMPLE HERE] (Thx dbears) indicating that the hard copy case file has been received and that the visa interview may be scheduled. The USE Confirmation Letter is not Packet 3. THE USE ONLY ISSUES PACKET 4 WHICH IS NOW ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE. Please review this instructional visa interview/USE layout information/testimonial [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl).

K1/K2 Visa Application Fee: The K1/K2 visa application fee may be paid at anytime and the beneficiary has upto a year to attend a visa interview before the receipt becomes invalid. Packet 4 indicates that BPI and Citibank - it's BDO now will validate the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) form or the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Application) form. FYI - In the past, only the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Application) form was validated for K1/K2 visas.

Packet 4 (Visa Preparation Instructions and Forms): The Packet 4 (Fiance(e) (K1/K2) Visa Applicants’ Interview Preparation Instructions) released in March 2008 is ONLY available via the Manial Embassy website in [ENGLISH] / [TAGALOG], which means that Packet 4 will NOT be mailed to the beneficiary. As indicated by the USE Confirmation Letter, K1 visa applicants are now responsible for scheduling their own visa interview. In addition, the beneficaries are responsible for obtaining Packet 4 and the visa applications online.

Filing Out the Forms: None of the official K1/K2 visa application forms will not be mailed to the beneficiary, as of March 2008, but may be downloaded from the Department of State (DOS) website [CLICK HERE] which is indicated in the USE Confirmation Letter mailed to the beneficary once the hard copy case files has been received by the USE from the NVC. As of 01 November 2006, the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) MUST be completed online via the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) http://evisaforms.state.gov, which is sited on the DOS website. Completion of the DS-156K (Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application), the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and the I-134 (Affidavit of Support) can be done via computer (recommended), type-writer (just as good), or handwritten (last resort). To review the K1 Visa Forms (DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, & I-134) most Frequently Asked Questions [CLICK HERE]. To review the Manila Embassy Thread's recommendations on what to bring (which directly corresponds with Packet 4) and sample questions asked by the Consular Officer during the visa interview [CLICK HERE]. All applications and/or back-up documentation referenced in Packet 4 should be presented during the visa interview and should NOT be mailed or faxed to the USE unless explicitly instructed to do so by the USE.

Scheduling the Visa Inerview and Medical Exam: The visa interview may be scheduled by calling 1-909-101-7878 (from the Philippines at a rate of US$0.98 per minute) or 1-888-877-9888 (from the United States for a toll of $18 for three calls - pin code access provided upon payment). Once the visa interview is scheduled, an official Confirmation Email will be sent [SAMPLE HERE] (Thx dbears). Check out Section 4.7, St. Luke's Medical Extension Clinic (SLMEC), on planning/scheduling the medical exam.

Petitioner/Beneficiary Change of Address: If the petitioner and/or beneficiary has a change of address after the petiton package is sent by the NVC to the USE and before the visa interview, please call the Manila Embassy in order for the new address to be annotated within the case file, and complete the application forms with the new address(es).

Petitioners Attendance at the Visa Interview: The petitioner is NOT required to attend the visa interview with the beneficiary, and will NOT be asked any questions during the visa interview. In fact, some COs request for the petitioner to continue waiting in the lobby. Approximated 90% of the visa interviews are held WITHOUT the attendance of the petitioner, according to VJ member(s).

K1 Visa Pick-up Request: In order for the beneficiary to pick up the visa versus having it delivered by DELBROS (Section 5.1), make a verbal request to the Consular Officer (CO) at the conclusion of the visa interview. No written request is required. Honestly, the beneficiary has a 50/50 chance of picking up the visa. It also depends on the consular office that handles the case. it's now Air21 and visa pickup is discouraged and is up to the discretion of the CO.

K1/K2 Visa Expiration: The K1/K2 Visa is valid for six months, which is good for a one-time entry into the United States. If the beneficiary is unable to depart for the United States immediately and the visa expires, a new one-time entry visa may be issued upon written request to the USE, which also requires the payment of another application and processing fee.

Calling the USE: The best time to call is between 7:30am – 8:30am Manila time. If the phone rings 4 times, the recording will start indicating that "the person on that extension is on the phone" simply hit the number 0 and it will re-dial the same extension (continue to do this until the phone is answered) (Thx CB). The Immigrant Visa Unit will handle the call even though the K1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa because of the beneficiary's intent to migrate and live permanantly in the United States. - this is the 301-2000 number and it only caters to US citizens or the petitioners. Many people have been dinged for this as Philippine callers should contact 1-909-101-7878

USE Note: Effective 01 March 2007, cellphones and other electronic devices will NOT be permitted into the US Embassy and applicants who bring such devices will be DENIED entry, per the Manila Embassy. Be advised that on the visa interview date, the pre-screeners, at times, are very direct, rude, and mean. So do not be discouraged by them.

4.4 The DEPARTMENT OF STATE (DOS) number is within my signature. After the petition is approved (NOA2), the USC and/or beneficiary have the option of calling the DOS instead of the Manila Embassy to inquire when the electronic and/or hard copy case files have been sent out and received by the USE that we sent by the NVC. In addition the USC and/or beneficiary may call the DOS instead of the Manila Embassy to inquire when and if the medical exam and visa appointment dates are scheduled, which is very helpful when the Visa Interview Appointments website (Section 4.5) is down.

DOS Note: The DOS has no direct participation in the K1 process (only access to the computer system to view the status of cases).

4.5 DOCUMENT VERIFICATION: For a step-by-step guide to the document verification process, [CLICK HERE] (Thx EricC). Per the USE website [CLICK HERE], "Applicants whose visa eligibility is dependent upon their marital status (i.e. K-1, K-3, CR-1, IR-1, F-1 and F2-B categories) will normally need to have their documents verified through the National Statistics Office (NSO) before the U.S. Embassy in Manila can issue the visa. Those with a delayed birth or death certificate or only local civil registrar copies of such documents may need to have their documents verified. In order to avoid unnecessary delay in the visa issuance process, the U.S. Embassy in Manila strongly encourages applicants in the categories mentioned above to pay the document verification fee prior to their immigrant visa interview. Payment can be made through any Metrobank location. The cost of the document verification is P650 per applicant (with an additional P50 processing fee) [a/o Feb 2008]. For specific instructions on how to pay the document verification fee, please [CLICK HERE]. If you are unable to pay for the document verification before your immigrant visa interview, you may be asked to pay the fee on the day of your interview. Please note that if you pay on the day of your interview, there will be a delay of one to two weeks in the processing of your application." In order to locate a Metrobank near you [CLICK HERE]. After the document verification fee is paid, please text Delbos at (0917) 5555­-313 and key-in as follows [IN ALL CAPS]: USE/CASE NO./LASTNAME, FIRSTNAME MIDDLENAME/BRANCH NAME/DATE OF DEPOSIT/TIME OF DEPOSIT/AMOUNT DEPOSIT


For example - USE/MNL123456789/DELA CRUZ, JUAN PABLO SANTOS/MANDAUE CITY/11NOV2007/11:45AM/PHP1300

The beneficiary will receive a confirmation text from Delbros stating, "This is to acknowledge the deposit you made. We confirm your payment to the document verification as required by the US Embassy. Thank you. Delbros delivers!" If the beneficiary texted the format incorrectly, Delbros will send a text message stating, "Incomplete information or Invalid format" in which case the beneficiary is required to re-text Delbros using the correct format. It is further recommended that the beneficiary call Delbros directly at 2-339-2761 to ensure the results of the document verification are sent to the USE prior to the visa interview. In preparation for the visa interview, please bring the original receipt (from Metrobank as back-up) and a copy to give the USE in order to validate the payment of the document verification fee was paid as part of the required documents.

DV Note: Beneficiaries are NOT required to bring NSO certified documents to Metrobank or Delbros prior to or subsequent payment of the documentation verification fee. Delbros will be checking with the government agencies to make sure what you are submitting is real on the USE's behalf. The USE recommends that beneficiaries pay the document verification fee and text Delbros at least a month in advance of the the visa interview, in order to provide enough time for the document verification process (however, document verification may be requested anytime after the NVC assigns a case number).The USE further requests that the beneficiary faxes the document verification receipt received from Metrobank to the USE's Immigrant Visa Unit at (632) 301-2591. When faxing the USE, please be sure to include the beneficiary's full name, mailing address, telephone number, case number, and visa category. If you elected to pay the document verification fee, please, please, please periodically follow-up with the USE and Delbros to ensure the document verication process has been completed before the visa interview.

4.6 The VISA INTERVIEW APPOINTMENT WEBSITE link is within my signature. While checking the visa appointment date and time via the website, please do NOT press enter after the case number is entered because that will not yield a result. Please click on the "Check Appointment" tab. If the appointments have been scheduled, the following will be available: Case Number, Visa Classification, St. Luke's appointment Date, and Embassy Appointment Date, but if the appointments are NOT scheduled yet, the result will be "Case Number Not Found on Appointment List."

VIAW Note: If the Visa Interview Appointments website is down (sometimes the site is down for a few days at a time every month normally for maintenance), the USC and/or beneficiary may call the USE (Section 4.3) or the DOS (Section 4.4) to inquire about the status of the visa appointment. It's very rare, however, there are occassions when the beneficiary's visa appointment is not registered or is incorrect in the database. If so, please follow-up with the USE immediately.

4.7 ST. LUKE'S MEDICAL EXTENSION CLINIC (SLMEC) information is within my signature. The beneficiary and derivative(s) are required to have medical exam(s) and vaccination shots before a visa can be issued (per the US Immigration Laws) and should be taken before the visa interview. Family and/or friends are prohibited from entering the facility, unless otherwise required.

The medical exam, adminstered by SLMEC, is a two days process:

Day 1 is the medical exam whereas the beneficiary's passport will be taken and sent to the USE along with the medical exam results and;
Day 2 is the vaccination whereas the beneficiary will be given the x-ray film and the DS-3025 Vaccination Worksheet/Record at the conclusion.

Planning/Scheduling the Medical Exam: Plan on a three night hotel stay in Manila to accomplish this part of the visa stage. Please review this instructional and layout information [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl), SLEC's Flowcharts for Day 1 and Day 2 of the Medical Exam [CLICK HERE] (Thx Rea).

Be advised, SLMEC works on a first come first served basis. Therefore, the beneficary may go at anytime to be administered the medical exam. Per the Manila Embassy Thread, we recommend that the beneficiary take the medical exam anywhere from 2 weeks to a month before the interview to ensure the results are available for the Consular Officer and to prepare in the unfortunate event of unfavorable medical results. If the medical exam is taken anytime too far beyond a month before the visa interview, there is a risk that the results could be invalid, which means the beneficiary will have to take another medical exam before the visa can be approved.

What does the beneficiary need to take to the medical exam? Check out the Manila Embassy Thread's recommendations on what to bring and sample questions asked [CLICK HERE]. Here are the basic required items that the beneficary needs to bring to the medical exam: (1) medical exam fee (payment accepted in pesos only), (2) passport (SLMEC will keep the passport and delivery it to the USE along with the medical exam results, so make a copy of the passport for your records), and (3) three 2x2 passport photos as stated on the DOS website [CLICK HERE] (referenced on page 3 of Packet 4). The beneficiary also needs to have the sponsors contact information (address, phone number, and ssn #) for the SLMEC forms. Please be sure to bring, at the least, the basic required items to the medical exam, but a more complete list is within the link for the Manila Embassy Threads recommendations listed above.

SLMEC Note: St. Luke's will forward the medical exam results along with the passport to the Manila Embassy in preparation for the visa interview.

===================================================================

SECTION 5 - Post Visa Approval Information

5.1 The DELBROS website is within my signature. DELBROS is the company responsible for delivering the beneficiary's Visa and POE information. The DELBROS delivery fee is paid subsequent to the beneficiary's visa interview at the Manila Embassy. Per the Manila Embassy website, the current delivery time is as follows:

* Metro Manila Areas, Delivered one (1) to three (3) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier
* Provincial Key Cities (ex. Cebu City, Davao City, etc.) Delivered three (3) to five (5) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier
* Outside Provincial Key Cities, (ex. Capiz, Leyte, Bukidnon, etc.), Cost depends on area/location, Delivered five (5) to seven (7) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

Per the DELBROS staff, the Manila Embassy can take as much as three (3) business days to release the visa and POE package, which is NOT included in the deliver times above. You may also call the Manila Embassy, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for Delbros, after the visa is approve, to acquire about the status of your visa delivery.

Online Visa Tracking Option: The DELBROS website (cited within my signature below) offers a shipment tracking option. However, some VJ members attempts did not yeild any results.

K1 Visa Pick-up: The only way to pick up the approved K1/K2 Visa is by permission of the CO through a verbal request at the conclusion of the visa interview (no written request is required). If the beneficiary has paid the visa delivery fee before leaving the USE, then they must wait for the visa to be delivered.

===================================================================

SECTION 6 - Post Visa Delivery Information

6.1 K1 VISA AND PORT OF ENTRY (POE) PACKAGE - The package delivered by DELBROS to the beneficiary is enclosed in clear plastic, for which the visa, CFO instructions (see Section 6.2), and POE package (Brown Envelope) can be seen. The beneficiary may OPEN THE CLEAR PLASTIC ONLY. The brown envelope, which has the top left corner cut off, is the POE package that clearly has printed in big bold letters, "DO NOT OPEN" in Tagalog and English. And for some strange and peculiar reason, folks open the brown envelope despite the warning stating not to do so. So please do not open the brown envelope or the beneficiary WILL BE denied entry upon arriving into the US after the 13 - 18 hour flight. If for some reason the brown envelope is "inadvertantly" opened, please return to the USE ASAP and have them re-package the POE package. FYI - The visa is posted within one of the pages of the beneficiary’s passport.

6.2 The COMMISSION OF FILIPINOS OVERSEAS (CFO) - Beneficiaries are required to attend a GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SEMINAR that are held in Manila and Cebu, whichever is more convenient, before traveling abroad (the corresponding links within my signature). Please check out this instructional information on the PRISM Guidance and Counceling Seminar experience [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl). Family and/or friends are prohibited from entering the facility, unless otherwise required.

The CFO requirement consists of two parts:

Part 1, Guidance and Counseling Seminar (a certificate of completion is given at the conclusion); and
Part 2, a CFO Sticker placed inside of the passport/visa (requires the Guidance and Counseling Certificate).

The beneficiary is NOT required to have the visa in-hand in order to attend the Guidance and Counceling Seminar. However, the Guidance and Counseling Certificate along with the visa are required in order to have the CFO Sticker placed inside the K1 Visa for both the Cebu and Manila CFO locations. If the beneficiary is going to take the Guidance and Counceling Seminar before the visa is in-hand, consider calling the CFO beforehand to avoid any potential problems. In Cebu, the Guidance and Counseling Seminar is adminstered by St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW) located at 3F Aya-ay Arcade, 60 Mango Avenue, Cebu City (near San Carlos Boys High). Conversely, in Manila, the Guidance and Counseling Seminar is administered at People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization Inc. (PRISM). For both the CFO in Cebu located at Causing-Lozada Bldg., Osmeña Blvd. corner M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Cebu City (near DFA Cebu) and the CFO in Manila location, the CFO Sticker will be applied to the visa despite the location where the Guidance and Counseling Certificate was issued.

Planning/Scheduling for the Guidance and Counseling Seminar and CFO Visa Stamp: These services are based upon a first come first served basis. However, there is a schedule for the Guidance and Counseling Seminar (the link is provided within my signature block). There is no schedule for the CFO stamp beyond normal business hours.

CFO NOTE: The CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is not stated as a requirement within the Packet 4 instructions. However, after the visa is approved, instructions on attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling seminar are included in the visa and Port of Entry (POE) package delivered by DELBROS to the beneficiary. Travel abroad is prohibited without the CFO sticker within the beneficiary's visa (the visa is within the passport, as stated in Section 6.1). Attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is a Philippine government requirement which states, "Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as fiancé(e)s and spouses of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling programs... " For more info [CLICK HERE].

6.3 The I-94 ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE RECORD form is within my signature and for more information please visit the Customs and Border Patrol website [CLICK HERE]. Foreigners (beneficiaries) complete the I-94 and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer stamps the applicant's visa as well as the arrival / departure portions of the I-94 at the Port of Entry (POE) when entering the United States. The CBP Officer will keep the arrival portion and staple the departure portion of the I-94 to beneficiary's visa where they stamped the arrival date. The beneficiary will need this for the Adjustment of Status stage.

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HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-16 18:55:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
Thanks girl!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-17 18:07:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
QUOTE (neenuh @ Mar 16 2009, 10:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (edp333 @ Mar 16 2009, 01:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, I am not a man wh*re, but Congratulations anyway.

ROFFLE

QUOTE (charles! @ Mar 16 2009, 10:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i forgot i had an appropriate pic for this thread title


Gosh, charles!, you and your appropriate images lol

Anyway, congratulations to HappyDancer
Btw, which CFO branch are you going to?


I am going to the one here in Cebu. SMEF on Mango Avenue and CFO in the downtown area.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-17 17:48:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
Silly Charles! Thaks for that tho. smile.gif Need a laugh here at work. I can't wait to stop working!!! ARGH!

QUOTE (josephlovesjeel @ Mar 16 2009, 10:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So happy for you!!! Thursday is comming quick for me...I hope it will go smoothly smile.gif Do they give you the info for the CFO after the interview?


Nope they don't that's why it's important that people do their research. I have heard stories of ladies denied departure due to not having gone thru this CFO thing.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-16 12:25:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
thanks net and sun. smile.gif

Netscot - almost your wedding day!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-15 12:29:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
QUOTE (Goldsaul @ Mar 15 2009, 11:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrads....did you do the process entirely by yourself?


Hi Godsaul yes, me and fiance did it all by ourselves. YOu typically would not require a lawyer in K1 unless you have a special case...
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-15 11:32:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
QUOTE (Pinay Wife @ Mar 15 2009, 12:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Oi, Happy, congratulations! Sa wakas! kicking.gif kicking.gif

Miss ko na mga balitaktakan natin ah.


Oh yeah, sis!!! Thanks a lot!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-15 00:02:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
Thanks pretty... Wish you the best in everything too! God bless!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-14 21:33:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
Thankies!!! I feel so blessed! At least after I get there and get married, we are going to go through things together... That makes everything so much better. smile.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-14 21:14:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
Count me in! I'm comin' to good ole KY!

QUOTE (Y's_habibitk @ Mar 14 2009, 10:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
well thats awesome!! yaaaay
Im happy for you kicking.gif
Someone was talking about a VJ meet up in KY, you guys should go smile.gif
Lisa



QUOTE (HappyDancer @ Mar 14 2009, 09:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes I did sister! I did the hoolah dance!!! wooohooo

QUOTE (Y's_habibitk @ Mar 14 2009, 09:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
did you do a happy dance? biggrin.gif




HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-14 21:06:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
Yes I did sister! I did the hoolah dance!!! wooohooo

QUOTE (Y's_habibitk @ Mar 14 2009, 09:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
did you do a happy dance? biggrin.gif


HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-14 20:59:00
PhilippinesAttention Wh*re: Got my visa
Delivered to my doorstep by Air21 at exactly 330pm, Saturday March 14, 2009.

Amazing! biggrin.gif
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-14 20:48:00
PhilippinesMedical done
WOW!!! Good luck on the interview!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-17 18:00:00
PhilippinesMedical CD and POE
Spit it out if you do know the answer tallcoolone. smile.gif It will help, you know.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-17 21:20:00
PhilippinesMedical CD and POE
Thanks sunandmoon. smile.gif VJ rocks!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-17 18:25:00
PhilippinesMedical CD and POE
They don't send it to the POE I don't think. Where did you get that info? The medical results are all saved on the CD. It's for the records of the health and immigration bureau. They need it to assess what kind of vaccination you need to have, if you need medical attention when you enter the US and why.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-17 18:06:00
PhilippinesMedical CD and POE
The visa packet that will be delivered to your fiancee along with her passport and visa contains all the docs needed to present to the POE. That's why the visa packet says: Do not open or attempt to open the visa packet/envelope. Only an immigration officer of health officer is authorized to open this packet.

CONGRATS!!!

Edited by HappyDancer, 17 March 2009 - 05:36 PM.

HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-17 17:35:00
PhilippinesAny pinay in Campbellsville,Ky or neighboring town?
I will be in The Louisville area and my fiance work in Lexington. Campbellesville is a lil far but you should be fine! See you all KY people! Please PM me your emails and I will get in touch with you when I get there come May.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-19 02:48:00
PhilippinesEngagement rings, things, etc
If some of you people out here want to go ahead and get your engagement rings rings custom made and not have to worry about custom fees and costs, you can logon to www.sulit.com.ph for jewelers that make jewelry at a very reasonable price. You can communicate with the merchant and you have the free hand to arrange something and have it delivered to your fiancee's doorstep. Sweet surprises don't have to be expensive.

Hope this helps.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-19 08:42:00
Philippinesanyone know where to get cheap tix
If it's MNL-DTW, the cheapest route is Northwest starts at 750USD for one way! Good luck!!!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-14 20:50:00
PhilippinesFilipino PAGIBIG Fund Member planning to migrate
We just had a session with PAG-IBIG at work and they said you can actually withdraw by just telling them you opt to withdraw on personal choice. I am planning to take mine out before I leave Pinas.
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-19 06:39:00
PhilippinesImmigrant Data Summary
Ok then. No need for scheduling. It's first-come-first-serve sis. Good luck to your mom!
HappyDancerFemalePhilippines2009-03-19 06:31:00