Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	DS 156	I am filling out FORM SD-156 online and for some reason it wont go through and says "Internal server error" Is it mandatory that we need to fill out this SD-156 form online? and generate the barcode from there? Another question, What form should I bring when I go to the bank to pay for Applicaiton fee? I want to repeat the OP's question about which form acts as a receipt for the application fee - for we have the same question. We have seen two different answers from different sources. Mahalo, Bill and Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-05-20 15:19:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	When can we apply?	QUOTE (Haole @ Dec 9 2008, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JoanBill @ Dec 9 2008, 06:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Haole @ Dec 9 2008, 05:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JoanBill @ Dec 9 2008, 05:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Aloha, Joan and I are trying to pin down application dates so we can begin budgeting for them. Two questions - 1. Her AOS expires 3/25/10. We can apply for ROC on 12/26/09?? 2. Naturalization - every thing I read is worded in subtly different ways. We can apply three years after her AOS was approved (3/25/11)?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan Same date but a year later. 12/26/10 Aloha ka haole, That date is for naturalization?? No understando. 90 days before the 3 year expiration date of her/his original GC. That's if still married and living together. If split up it's 5 years I don't see anything about a 3 month window like the RoC has. What I am reading is - THE 3 YEARS START AFTER THE DATE ON YOUR CONDITIONAL (2 YEARS) PERMANENT RESIDENT GREEN CARD STARTS... Plus you also have to be married to your US Citizen Spouse for 3 years by then.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2008-12-09 23:50:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	When can we apply?	QUOTE (Haole @ Dec 9 2008, 05:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JoanBill @ Dec 9 2008, 05:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Aloha, Joan and I are trying to pin down application dates so we can begin budgeting for them. Two questions - 1. Her AOS expires 3/25/10. We can apply for ROC on 12/26/09?? 2. Naturalization - every thing I read is worded in subtly different ways. We can apply three years after her AOS was approved (3/25/11)?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan Same date but a year later. 12/26/10 Aloha ka haole, That date is for naturalization?? No understando.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2008-12-09 23:10:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	When can we apply?	Aloha, Joan and I are trying to pin down application dates so we can begin budgeting for them. Two questions - 1. Her AOS expires 3/25/10. We can apply for ROC on 12/26/09?? 2. Naturalization - every thing I read is worded in subtly different ways. We can apply three years after her AOS was approved (3/25/11)?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2008-12-09 22:47:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	When can I apply for citizenship?	QUOTE (Haole @ Dec 9 2008, 07:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JoanBill @ Dec 9 2008, 07:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lansbury @ Dec 6 2008, 09:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You can file 90 days before March 15 2009. I assume as you have only questioned the date you meet all other requirements to file after 3 years on grounds of marriage. A quick calculation says you can file on December 16th but double check my counting back of the 90 days. Make sure the application is not post marked before the 90 days. Aloha, Where is this 90 day window officially mentioned? What I see in the government propaganda explicitly says 3 years. Mahalo, Bill and Joan In the n-400 instructions! If you are applying based on five years as a Lawful Permanent Resident or based on three years as a Lawful Permanent Resident married to a U.S. citizen, you may apply for naturalization up to 90 days before you meet the ''continuous residence'' requirement. Aloha bro! Right on da kala. Mahalo.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2008-12-10 00:54:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	When can I apply for citizenship?	QUOTE (Lansbury @ Dec 6 2008, 09:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> You can file 90 days before March 15 2009. I assume as you have only questioned the date you meet all other requirements to file after 3 years on grounds of marriage. A quick calculation says you can file on December 16th but double check my counting back of the 90 days. Make sure the application is not post marked before the 90 days. Aloha, Where is this 90 day window officially mentioned? What I see in the government propaganda explicitly says 3 years. Mahalo, Bill and Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2008-12-10 00:25:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Documentation question	Thanxoxox everyone! Your response is much appreciated!	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2011-07-25 05:09:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	Documentation question	Aloha, In supporting documentation for the N-400 (marriage related, one option is - Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-certified copies of the income tax forms that you both filed for the past three years Exactly how does a copy become "certified"?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2011-07-17 00:46:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Replacing a very old green card	QUOTE (Haole @ May 27 2008, 08:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (JoanBill @ May 27 2008, 08:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Aloha, My manager is an immigrant from the Netherlands. He received a non-expiring green card in 1981. When recently returning from a visit to Holland, the customs agent gave him humbug because the card was so old it didn't have the technology allowing it to be scanned. The agent suggested he replace it. The question is how does he go about doing this?? Mahalo, Bill http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD Here's the form! Mahaaaaaaaalo.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2008-05-28 02:08:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Replacing a very old green card	Aloha, My manager is an immigrant from the Netherlands. He received a non-expiring green card in 1981. When recently returning from a visit to Holland, the customs agent gave him humbug because the card was so old it didn't have the technology allowing it to be scanned. The agent suggested he replace it. The question is how does he go about doing this?? Mahalo, Bill	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2008-05-28 01:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	affidavit of support question	You do need that information. They need to be American citizens and provide a birth certificate. American citizens have SSN's so it's required. May I ask, why don't they want that info listed? Do they not have them? Or for personal reasons? I see. Does it need to be an American citizens or a permanent resident will do with a SSN? One don't want or not willing to give his SSN for personal and security reasons, I believe. We just don't wanna pushed them or anyone for that matter. Thank you for the reply. It truly help. Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2010-02-13 01:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	affidavit of support question	Aloha We would like to verify.. on the letter of affidavit of support, from persons/friends.. do they really need to put their SSN and date of birth?? Is it okay if there's none? Immediate response is greatly appreciated. Mahalo, Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2010-02-13 00:51:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Payment of Removal of Conditions	Aloha, What is the preferred method for the payment?? Personal check? Cashiers Check? Money order? Bag of pennies?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan Edited by JoanBill, 22 February 2010 - 12:14 AM.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2010-02-22 00:13:00
Philippines	You are my LIFE......	baby..... I am so Happy that i brought YOU to the LORD.. it means a lot to me.. I can't ask for more.. coz with you.. im totally ...loved..respected...secured... With your LOVE.. im COMPLETE... You gave my LIFE a deeper meaning ... that meaning is to live my life with you FOREVER... Thank You for making me so HAPPY.. loving me unconditionally.. making me laugh ALWAYS.. correct with things i don't know.. and for being so strong through our journey... with me baby... I'll KEEP holding ON! ... promise to love you and be with you as we grow old.. it's simple .............I AM YOURS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I LOVE YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!! Sheryl Sheryl, Thank you for the kind loving words, but I'm married. Hahahaha! Since you wrote "Baby..." you could be addressing any of us. Hehehehehe! Just kidding around... Cheers! Sheriff Uling Awwwwwwwww Sheriff, I can shoot you for spoiling the romance!!! Where is the love? @Sheryl, That's so romantic... very sweet indeed! Mae I knew she was talking to me. I just KNEW it. Now my bubble is popped and I am crushed..	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-05-30 02:04:00
Philippines	new USCIS fees go into effect July 30th	Right now AOS is $395; EAD is $180 so even though AOS would include EAD it's still $435 more. Maybe $435 is not much for some of you but for us it's quite a bit. It's worth filing earlier than planned IMO. I'll be honest with you. it is quite a bit for us as well but there is no way around it so I see no reason to stress about it. Why work yourself up over something that is mandatory and will allow your honey to work and pay you back! If you actually sit down and tally up the cost of all of it....start to finish....it is mind boggling. No thanks. My mind doesn't need that extensive of boggling.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-05-30 02:08:00
Philippines	When can Joan begin to work??	Mahalo Sheriff and Dean. I will begin doing my reading Bill	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-05-30 02:17:00
Philippines	When can Joan begin to work??	Mahalo for both of your replies, but to be honest I'm still confused. I think I'm confused because of the terminology being new. I just found out last week (quite unexpectedly) that our case already left for Manila. I really haven't had a chance yet to study what happens after Joan gets her visa and arrives. She was asking me, so I told her I'd ask the question here. Any further help/explaination is appreciated. Bill Edited by JoanBill, 28 May 2007 - 11:50 PM.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-05-28 23:48:00
Philippines	When can Joan begin to work??	Aloha kakou, Simple question - when can Joan begin to work?? I have seen a number of different answers to this and I'm a bit confused. Mahalo, Bill and Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-05-27 13:40:00
Philippines	Hypothetical question	Aloha kakou, Our papers recently arrived in Manila. However we still have no NOA2. What if CSC continues to be clueless and Joan's interview comes around and we still don't have it?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan Technically, Joan won't be needing a copy of NOA2 during her interview, however, you will need that in doing the Adjustment of Status in the future. Keep on calling CSC and inform them that you haven't received the hardcopy. That's exactly what I was going to say. Have you checked your I-130 status online? Our status is still, 'Current Status: Case received and pending', yet I've got the hard copy I-197C NOA approval notice sitting at home. Make sure you keep on the CSC as you will need that I-130 notice for AOS. Good luck! I will be calling Senator Akaka's office Monday.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-06-03 04:02:00
Philippines	Hypothetical question	Aloha kakou, Our papers recently arrived in Manila. However we still have no NOA2. What if CSC continues to be clueless and Joan's interview comes around and we still don't have it?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-05-31 01:43:00
Philippines	NOA2 Hardcopy Not Received	It's been a month from our NOA2 email notice, but my fiance hadn't received the hardcopy of NOA2 yet. He decided to call USCIS to inquire but the guy's answer made me confused. He said that my fiance should fill out and mail an application and pay $200 for a new NOA2 copy to be sent to us. He told them he never got one. The USCIS guy said it doesn't matter who loses it, if it's lost, then any NOA2 sent to him would be a replacement, which costs 200 dollars. So they assumed that someone lost it, it could be the postal service, or my fiance himself. He then added that my fiance should just print out the e-mail that he got, and let me take that in as my proof of NOA2 in case I will need it in my interview. But he also said that the US Embassy in the Philippines will get a copy of the same form that was mailed to him but never arrived, so it doesn't matter if I don't have one during my interview. But as from what I've read in this forum, that in the AOS stage, we would be needing the hardcopy of the NOA2. So im wondering if the email NOA2 that the USCIS guy suggested will suffice? Anyone here who has gone through the AOS stage, can you advise us on this? Anyone else here who hadn't received their hardcopy of NOA2 yet who were approved first week of May? Have you called USCIS? Did they tell you the same thing that they've told my fiance? Please help, am confused!!! At least you got an email. According to the morons at USCIS, we are still pending. I called NVC and our papers are already in Manila. Call NVC and ask them about your status. Then get in touch with one of your senator's immigration lianson about the missing NOA2. I am in the process of doing that.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-06-05 02:38:00
Philippines	Philippines - Question on Packet 4	you can call the Embassy and request to have the packet picked up at St Lukes. beleive the number is 011 63 2 528 6300. your fiancee can download the Fiancee Appointment Package.only thing she'll be missing is the appointment letter. to attend the medical, she can bring copy of NOA2 or appointment printed out from the Embassy website. I've heard some same they just told the guard they were there to pick up their packet and were let inside. Medical can be done before the scheduled date. best of luck Roy Do you know for a fact that the NOA2 will allow the medical to be done?	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-06-11 17:56:00
Philippines	Packet 4 Delivery	Packet 4 is delivered by DHL. In other words, "The post man!" per MaydayDas. Hehehehe!!!! I thought DHL was a commercial delivery company and 'the post man" was the Philippine Postal Service. It's a joke man... Roll with the punches... However, Packet 4 is delivered by DHL. Mahaaaaaaaalo!!	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-06-16 21:07:00
Philippines	Packet 4 Delivery	Packet 4 is delivered by DHL. In other words, "The post man!" per MaydayDas. Hehehehe!!!! I thought DHL was a commercial delivery company and 'the post man" was the Philippine Postal Service.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-06-16 20:48:00
Philippines	Packet 4 Delivery	Who delivers 'em?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-06-16 19:15:00
Philippines	packet 4	We got ours yesterday.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-06-23 13:37:00
Philippines	Visa delivery	Aloha kakou, Can Joan specify where she wants the visa delivered, or will it automatically be sent to the same place as the Packet 4?? Also, can someone other than her accept delivery?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-23 23:42:00
Philippines	Visa Pickup	Im not sure if they will allow her to pick it up, not unless the petitioner is with her on the interview and he would do the asking. My fiance requested for a visa pick up and the consul said there's no problem about it, they gave us a pink card right away. Then what do you do with the pink card??	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-24 01:45:00
Philippines	PAL "first time immigrant discount"	Aloha kakou, A time or two on here, I have seen mention of a PAL "first time immigrant" discount of 20%. Can anyone give me details?? Mahalo, As far as I remember, it is not directly offered by PAL but thru the travel agents. Sometimes K1s are not given the discount as it is a non-immigrant visa but other K1s have had success. Just scout for travel agents that would give the discount to a K1. Mahalo my dear.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-28 02:26:00
Philippines	PAL "first time immigrant discount"	Aloha kakou, A time or two on here, I have seen mention of a PAL "first time immigrant" discount of 20%. Can anyone give me details?? Mahalo, Bill and Joan	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-26 23:21:00
Philippines	Pre-nups	Aloha kakou, I would like to say mahalo to everyone who offered constructive commentary regarding my post. Reading these was very helpful for me in realizing what the right thing to do is. Mahalo again with wishes that all of our respective VJ's continue to thrive. Bill	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-08-01 23:03:00
Philippines	Pre-nups	bill, the fact you are even thinking about it speaks volumes. weather it is your friends idea or yours doesn't matter. you're thinking about it, do you doubt the relationship? if so, yes do the pre nup. if not, no don't bring it up. there is no easy answer to this question. yes, she is going to be offended.....wouldn't you? she is coming here for you...if after she is hear, you start to get an uneasy feeling or suspect some BS, there are steps you can take to protect yourself i.e ( put your property, stocks or whatever into someone elses name that you know won't burn you.) IMO: i think your doubting the relationship, (it could just be the reality that this is really about to happen) but i don't know you, your SO, or your financial state. good luck bill. this is your decision, think long & hard on it. The reality is I would be having these thoughts irregardless of whether Joan was from Honolulu or Pampanga. I like our relationship alot or I wouldn't be going through this process. But I also know there are no guarantees in life - circumstances change and people change. And I do bring alot more into the relationship financially. Please don't question my motives for bringing this up - it is difficult enough as it is. I said in my original post this aint a pretty topic. But I still think a discussion of it is a good thing. yah bill i understand what you're saying...but, aren't relationships about trust, sharing & growing together? not what either side brings in but, what you both make of it together?i'm not questioning you at all. like i said this is you're decision & no easy answers. just keep in mind- when you bring this up, feelings are going to get hurt & your relationship will change- you can protect yourself later if you see issues...its not like she coming to a place she knows 20-30 people...she's coming for you. & i wouldn't do it. At least for the moment, you have changed my mind about pursuing this. Mahalo.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-29 21:06:00
Philippines	Pre-nups	bill, the fact you are even thinking about it speaks volumes. weather it is your friends idea or yours doesn't matter. you're thinking about it, do you doubt the relationship? if so, yes do the pre nup. if not, no don't bring it up. there is no easy answer to this question. yes, she is going to be offended.....wouldn't you? she is coming here for you...if after she is hear, you start to get an uneasy feeling or suspect some BS, there are steps you can take to protect yourself i.e ( put your property, stocks or whatever into someone elses name that you know won't burn you.) IMO: i think your doubting the relationship, (it could just be the reality that this is really about to happen) but i don't know you, your SO, or your financial state. good luck bill. this is your decision, think long & hard on it. The reality is I would be having these thoughts irregardless of whether Joan was from Honolulu or Pampanga. I like our relationship alot or I wouldn't be going through this process. But I also know there are no guarantees in life - circumstances change and people change. And I do bring alot more into the relationship financially. Please don't question my motives for bringing this up - it is difficult enough as it is. I said in my original post this aint a pretty topic. But I still think a discussion of it is a good thing.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-29 20:46:00
Philippines	Pre-nups	... But the Sheriff's response was very surprising. He is usually very helpful. I come here with a sincere and difficult question and I feel I get slapped... JoanBill... By the by, my post earlier was a joke and that is why I put faces throughout the sentences to further assist in giving that vibe. If it was offensive, then I apologize, but my only attempt was to joke around. Like I do from time to time... Truth is that a pre-nup is a matter of personally, and in some instances family, preference. IMO the pre-nup conversation would go over a lot easier if it were discussed upfront. That way, your fiancee, knows where you stand up front and grants her the opportunity to express her views without being so clouded with the development of the relationship and expectations of starting this new charter of her life with you. As previously stated, go from what is in your heart and instincts. Remember that pre-nups will not necessarily keep an ex-spouse away from your estate no matter how air tight it may seem. Cheers!!! Sheriff Uling Lay off the insults, Epiphany. There is no call or excuse for your rude and attacking comment. Geez..the guy couldn't have been more honest and sensitive in the way he approached this delicate subject. Samby Samby... He was only expressing the enlightenment of his Epiphany... Hehehehehe!!! Cheers!!! Sheriff Uling This is the type of response I expected. Not everything is meant to be trivialized and made a joke of.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-29 17:59:00
Philippines	Pre-nups	Aloha, Yes... Very sensitive subject. But it's becoming more pertinent by the day. Many friends are imploring me to get one written, and I am so confused about what to do. Guys - how did you handle this touchy area?? Pinays - What are your feelings on pre-nups?? You ok with them or find them insulting?? Mahalo, Bill You are either very rich or very stupid. Please tell us which? Lay off the insults, Epiphany. There is no call or excuse for your rude and attacking comment. Geez..the guy couldn't have been more honest and sensitive in the way he approached this delicate subject. Samby Mahalo Samby. You know, I've been on VJ.com for maybe 7 months and read it faithfully. I dont know if it's just me, but I sense the tone here at times has gotten more nasty and vengeful. In the future, I'll try not to post things as itellectually or emotionally challanging. Bill	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-29 17:37:00
Philippines	Pre-nups	Aloha, Yes... Very sensitive subject. But it's becoming more pertinent by the day. Many friends are imploring me to get one written, and I am so confused about what to do. Guys - how did you handle this touchy area?? Pinays - What are your feelings on pre-nups?? You ok with them or find them insulting?? Mahalo, Bill You are either very rich or very stupid. Please tell us which? Neither. Just insulted by you and the Sheriff. You - I could care less about. But the Sheriff's response was very surprising. He is usually very helpful. I come here with a sincere and difficult question and I feel I get slapped. Mahalo for the thoughtful responses thusfar.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-29 17:21:00
Philippines	Pre-nups	Aloha, Yes... Very sensitive subject. But it's becoming more pertinent by the day. Many friends are imploring me to get one written, and I am so confused about what to do. Guys - how did you handle this touchy area?? Pinays - What are your feelings on pre-nups?? You ok with them or find them insulting?? Mahalo, Bill	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-07-29 03:08:00
Philippines	CFO Stamping and POE	Right now, I am planning for my CFO stamping and flight to the USA (too optimistic..LOL!). A little background, I had my CFO seminar in Cebu City prior to acquiring my passport so I already have the CFO-related certificates. I called CFO-Manila and asked if I could have our visa stamped there. They said, it's okay. Now, I am looking for an affordable hotel near the CFO Building. Anybody here knows what hotels? How many hours does it take for the stamping? I am planning of doing it a day before our intended flight (meaning we have to stay overnight in MNL). However, I am also contemplating of doing it the same day as our flight if it will take just a couple of hours, and just get a night int'l flight. As for the POE, what's the best so far? Any Chicago or Guam POE'er here? Please share. Thank you. My wife got the CFO sticker the morning she flew. Registration didn't open until 10AM tho and she barely made her 3:30 PM flight. She got to CFO at 8AM but registration didn't open until 10 . This was in Quezon City tho. Don't know what time the other CFO does registration. Only took about 10 minutes to get the stamp as she was first in line. If you have visa in hand you may be able to get "first time immigrant discount on your airline tickets. My wife and anak did from PAL. Saved about 20%. Please IM me and tell me about this discount.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-08-05 17:17:00
Philippines	Sending Money Home	I am getting ready to file all my papers for a K1. I have been doing reasearch on the net and thats how I found this site. I've been to the Philippines now to meet my beloved; however I am concerned and I wanted to ask the group their opinions on this. We were talking last week before I came back to america and she mentioned that once she was here she wanted to go to work to send money back to her mother and younger sister. Right now I am westernunioning them about $700 a month for all three of them. None of them work much and they say jobs are hard to find there. I can believe that now that I have seen the place. But I got to thinking that she wants me to keep sending the money and she wants to send what she makes too. She has said its traditional that we do this, and that when she comes here, her family will expect this of us. I do love her and I want for her to have a good life there, especially while we wait. She just doesnt seem to be able to tell me what the money goes for. When I press on this subject noone will talk to me. How much do others send? what is "traditional?" and how do you talk (or get them) to talk to you about money? Aloha, I realize everybody is different and everybody's situation is unique. But if I were you and I was in your situation, I would not be feeling many warm fuzzies. $700 is alot of pesos, and to expect this even before you're married, and even before you file the damn paperwork?? I think that is totally unreasonable. I see plenty red flags, and I think you do too. It doesn't feel right at all. My best to you, Bill	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-08-08 01:52:00
Philippines	Where in Cebu Can We Buy Discounted Phil Air Ticket to USA?	I've read varying accounts about whether a 20% discount to the USA is actually available to K1 visa holders on Phil Air. Has anyone received this discount lately? Does anyone know a travel agency where it's available in Cebu? Thanks for your help ... I went on PAL and bought a one way ticket for 600. I have no idea if thats a good price or not. To where?? Did you mention this was for a K1 recipient? Supposedly when you mention that, then the discount comes into play.	JoanBill	Male	Philippines	2007-08-09 01:33:00