ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Congrats... nothing wrong with doing a non-traditional wedding. Most wedding I have been to have been boring and everyone was only waiting for the reception anyway...
We r still deciding on whether to go to Mauii, Vegas or New Orleans... Madi Gras wedding would be somethign to remember lol. Ken

Since it is a "slow news day" in the Manila forum, I'll share that last night Jenalyn and I got married. We were married by the Camp Hill Mayor at the Cornerstone Coffee House (and wedding chapel) and then everybody walked down the street to the Lebanese restaurant for a feast (complete with belly dancers) prepared by Mike the owner. Not exactly a "traditional" wedding night, but it was a blast, and everybody and a great time (some more then others based upon the number of wine bottles we went through).


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-20 18:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Correction to my own reply to RiggerAF... The counselor at the CFO did ask for the "Letter of Advice" and a copy of Maria's mom's ID to compare signature. The "Letter of Advice" is not consent, it basically lets the CFO know your parents are aware you are getting married and have talked to you about it. Ken

Rigger, Maria just completed her CFO on 19 Jan and they did not ask for the letter of advice. Maria is 22. I think it is the 18-21 yr olds they are lookign for when asking for the letters that are only required to marry in the Philippines. maria wnet tot he 1:30 pm session and was finished by 3 pm. All we nee to do now is go back after we receive the approved visa and get the stamp. Good luck, Ken


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-19 10:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Even in the original petition to USCIS and CSC, we did not send originals of everything, just originals of the required forms and anything requiring a notary. I copied everything and made the original packet, one for me, one for Maria and one back up... so we have a lot of either photo copies of scanned documents. I just printed off our chat logs (archives), photo copies of Hotel receipts and ATM withdrawals in the Philippines then copies of my bank statements with the Philippines items highlighted.
Since I have had 7 trips to the Philippines since Nov 2005, I did not put much emphasis on the chat logs and letters but have provided copies of them. I put more emphasis on the tiems that actually show me in the Philippines with Maria. So far so good and our interview is on 15 Feb. With the 5 minute interviews, they are not going to go through all your documents, just ask for random items to satisfy the requirements of an ongoing relationship, eligibility to marry and ability to support you fiancee once in the U.S.

Good Luck, Ken & Maria

does my fiancee need original documents of mine, do the pay stubs have to be originals or can he have copies? I have original letter of reference from my employer....do I also need to send original letters and cards he sent me?or can i send copys? or can he just show the letters I sent him , all the stuff he has in the Philippines? any suggestions, I know the more stuff the better, anyone with some advice....thanks


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-19 09:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
RiggerAF, When maria went on the 19th all she needed to get in the CFO was a photo copy of her birth certificate and he NBI clearance. They did ask for her Passport but she told them it was at St Lukes. And yes you can do the CFO prior then go back after you receive ur visa and get the stamp.
Once inside they never asked for anything except a picture of us together and a copy of my Divorce decree. Maria said her counselor was very nice and funny. I guess it depends on the counselor. Maria was worried and had just come from her Medical so she had her entire package with her anyway. Good luck, Ken & Maria

So what are the things I need to bring with me for the seminar? Passport? Evidences? What else? Thanks so much

RiggerAF


Edited by Ken_Maria, 19 January 2007 - 09:50 AM.

Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-19 09:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Rigger, Maria just completed her CFO on 19 Jan and they did not ask for the letter of advice. Maria is 22. I think it is the 18-21 yr olds they are lookign for when asking for the letters that are only required to marry in the Philippines. maria wnet tot he 1:30 pm session and was finished by 3 pm. All we nee to do now is go back after we receive the approved visa and get the stamp. Good luck, Ken

Wow, I am so sorry to hear that she gave you up just because of the CFO seminar. I think you gtwo can still work things out. Talk to her and find out her real feelings for you. I hardly believe that she got brain washed by the seminar. If her love is strong enough she could find a way to fight for it. I am really to hear about this.

Anyway I am going to CFO seminar once I am going to recieve my visa and I really doubt if I still need parental consent and stuff. I am already 23 yrs old and a mother of 4 yrs old boy. It's going to be so crazy if they are still going to ask for parents consent even if I don't live with my parents for over a year now because my fiance is supporting me. But I do want to be prepared though.

My Mom is going to be here IN Manila for Conference so I guess I am just going to pull her and take her with me to the CFO. But what's funny is that hhheeeelllooooo I am already a mother.....why do I still need a parents consent uuuuggghhhhh


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-19 09:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
It is only in the Philippine Family Code, Art 15 addressing the age requirements for marriage. 18-21 Require written permission and 21-25 require written parental advice. But the family code does not give an example. The code also clearly state this is a requirement for marriage in the Philippines only... it should not apply to Visas but the inconsistencies at the CFO, we just want to be safe.
Ken

Ok I have searched and come up empty. Does anyone have an example of the "Letter of Advice" required for marriage between the ages of 21-25? I know by the Family Code it is only required if applying for a marriage license in the PI, but I read some where that the CFO sometimes ask for these even though it is not required for the visa. Ken & Maria

I've never heard of Letter of Advice. Parental advice, offered verbally, happens during "pamanhikan" (when the guy formally seeks the parents' permission to marry his girl). If letter is absolutely necessary (which I doubt), you may want to word it like this:

To Whom It May Concern,

.....We, spouses Juan and Maria dela Cruz, after offering parental advice, have given permission for our daughter, Mary Jane dela Cruz, who is of legal age, to marry her American fiance, John Doe. As parents, we give our blessings, love and support for their happy and successful union.

Juan dela Cruz......................................................Maria dela Cruz
......father...................................................................mother


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-19 02:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
if the form is already notarized, no. if not, it is easier just to fill it out again before it it notarized. some notaries will initial and have you initial the correction b4 they notarized. good luck ken

Hello guys,
i have question here. i did type a wrong answer in our affidavit of support. the answer should be "phillipines" but wat i did write there is the name of our town. i wanted to use white ink eraser and write the correct answer. is it okay to have any erasure? any answer is appreciated. thank u.
clestz


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-18 23:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Yea we are hoping they do not ask for it. I generated one in about 5 mins, but knowing what exacty they are lookign for, not sure if it will work. maria brough her entire package with her. Ken

Ok I have searched and come up empty. Does anyone have an example of the "Letter of Advice" required for marriage between the ages of 21-25? I know by the Family Code it is only required if applying for a marriage license in the PI, but I read some where that the CFO sometimes ask for these even though it is not required for the visa. Ken & Maria


The CFO people have been known to ask for stuff like divorce papers too. My fiancee took a bunch of extra stuff but they didn't ask for anything except to see some photos of us together.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-18 23:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Ok I have searched and come up empty. Does anyone have an example of the "Letter of Advice" required for marriage between the ages of 21-25? I know by the Family Code it is only required if applying for a marriage license in the PI, but I read some where that the CFO sometimes ask for these even though it is not required for the visa. Ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-18 23:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
The blue ink requirement according tot he notary is for the signature only. The rest can be filled out online or electronicaly and printed. The Notary here also used a #2 pencil to shade in the stamp so it would photo copy. Good luck and congrats on the beginning of he next waiting phase. Ken & Maria

I called Manila embassy last night and spoke to a very nice and helpful lady at extension 5184.. She was very patient with me and I was very satisfied with all her answers for most of them seems to be true :) .She assured me that my packet is at their location and that it is in good hands. No interview date set up for us yet..it's still too soon anyway. I wish I'll know who that lady was so I can send her a thank you card or something :D ..it's very hard to find a person who's as helpful as she is when calling the embassy.

I have a question about I-134, can it be typed,sign,notarized & dated or the whole form has to be handwritten with blue ink? I read over at the other thread that someone's visa was delayed because their consul didn't accepted their typewritten notarized I-134. I was planning on typing my I-34 since my handwritting is not that good and it'll be notarized after that.


Thanks!


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-18 14:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
The prices i found on Kayak for MNL-CIN one way wer the same price Fri and Mon but more expensive on Sat... guess it depends on the time of day when we check the website. Ken

I found Sundays have the least expensive tickets (Kayak). Friday the 9th of February has a real inexpensive ticket Manila to LAX


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-17 20:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Cincinatti is the most direct route with a POE of Detroit. Found this using Kayak .com NorthWest flight leaving 19 Feb. there are seats available. $654 leaving on a Friday (16 Feb) and same price for the 19th., Good luck, ken

I have tried to find ways to book online but the only way I found was PAL via LAX and I am in ohio. Anyone have any suggestions or similar issues?
Please help, she just cancelled her reservation to go back to the province because she is so upset and stressed. One of the agencies told her they were 'booked up through march 11' so she has a fear that we will be delayed in our reunion.
Those that waited until after the visa, did you have any issues getting a ticket?
Thank you....anyone with travel agents information that may help, if you cant post it here, feel free to PM me.
Thank you,
S.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-17 10:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Gary, Check the routing and layover times for Continential on that route. If I remember correctly there is al ong layover in Guam, about 6 in Tokyo and another 12 in Honolulu. Continential just cut back on a lot of routes in Asia. Ken

I'm looking at NWA flight 20/2, MNL to LAX (connection in Japan) on Feb 24 or 25. The fare is pretty good but it leaves at 7:50AM. :wacko:

Otherwise Continental has a MNL-LAX flight that stops in Guam and Hawaii but leaves at 11PM.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-16 22:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Steve, I already purchased the ticket for my fiancee and myself to return 8 days after the interview. We have a delivery address in Manila and I am requesting to pick up the visa because of my military duties.
I searched TravelPH, BestTravelStore, Kayak and eventually PAL.... I got the best prices for roundtrip and one way tickets from Kayak which led me to the PAL site. Try the online booking feature on the PAL site, it beat even my agent's prices here in Hawaii.
We leave Manila 24 Feb and have tickets for $870 and $566 including taxes and fees. Good luck, Ken

For those with February interviews - who has already purchased a plane ticket? Where did you purchase it, what airlines and what was the cost?

...also, how many days after the interview did you book it for?

Thanks! :star:


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-16 10:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Just found out even if you buy the ticket directly thru PAL online, you will still have to pay the 1600 travel tax. It can be paid at any agency before flying out or at the checkin. Ken

[quote name='PatientlyWaiting' post='664782' date='Jan 15 2007, 02:41 PM']Part of the memo circular by the Dept. of Tourism re travel tax on foreign-issued tickets:

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 02-2003

TO: ALL CONCERNED
RE: TRAVEL TAX ON FOREIGN ISSUED TICKETS

To prevent collection of travel taxes on foreign issued tickets by unauthorized person, we are reminding all concerned to comply with Rule X of the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Travel Tax which provides that in the case holders of tickets issued and/or purchased abroad the same are taxable under Presidential Decree No. 1183, as amended, the travel tax shall be paid directly to the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and shall not be collected abroad by the carriers or their agents.

The rule further requires that carriers or their duly authorized representatives shall not validate the bookings or reservation of holders of these tickets unless a Certificate of Travel Tax Payment (PTA Form No.357), Travel Tax Exemption Certification (PTA Form No. 354), or Reduced Rate Certificate (PTA Form No. 355), as the case may be, from the PTA, is submitted. In lieu of the Certificate of Travel Tax Payment, a PTA Official Receipt will suffice for validation purposes.

The following penalties shall be imposed on any person convicted of violating or causing another to violate any provision of said Decree or of the Rules and Regulations issued pursuant thereto, or makes any material misrepresentation in connection therewith, viz:

x x x

7 May 2003, Manila, Philippines

In service to God, country and the Filipino people.

(original signed)
ROBERT DEAN S. BARBERS
General Manager & Chief Executive Officer[/quote]
[/quote]
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-15 21:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Sorry, try this link, gave u the wrong one. TeamLBC

[/quote]Do you know if they recently changed their service? The only international parcel service I can find says it's limited to 3 kilos and must fit in plastic receptacle. Maybe I'm just not looking in the right spot on their site, I don't know.
[/quote]
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-15 20:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
I am waiting on a response from my contact at the travel agency to see if internet tickets bought directly from PAL include the tax or if it has to be paid when departing. I will post the answer here, when i get it. Ken

Part of the memo circular by the Dept. of Tourism re travel tax on foreign-issued tickets:

MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 02-2003

TO: ALL CONCERNED
RE: TRAVEL TAX ON FOREIGN ISSUED TICKETS

To prevent collection of travel taxes on foreign issued tickets by unauthorized person, we are reminding all concerned to comply with Rule X of the Implementing Rules and Regulations on Travel Tax which provides that in the case holders of tickets issued and/or purchased abroad the same are taxable under Presidential Decree No. 1183, as amended, the travel tax shall be paid directly to the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) and shall not be collected abroad by the carriers or their agents.

The rule further requires that carriers or their duly authorized representatives shall not validate the bookings or reservation of holders of these tickets unless a Certificate of Travel Tax Payment (PTA Form No.357), Travel Tax Exemption Certification (PTA Form No. 354), or Reduced Rate Certificate (PTA Form No. 355), as the case may be, from the PTA, is submitted. In lieu of the Certificate of Travel Tax Payment, a PTA Official Receipt will suffice for validation purposes.

The following penalties shall be imposed on any person convicted of violating or causing another to violate any provision of said Decree or of the Rules and Regulations issued pursuant thereto, or makes any material misrepresentation in connection therewith, viz:

x x x

7 May 2003, Manila, Philippines

In service to God, country and the Filipino people.

(original signed)
ROBERT DEAN S. BARBERS
General Manager & Chief Executive Officer


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-15 20:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
PW, I have a friend who is a Tourist Agent in Manila and will check on the additional 1600 Peso for tickets purchased outside the Philippines.
The Airport departure fee is still 550 Peso as of 15 Jan 07 when I departed yesterday. The 200 peso security fee has not been implemented yet and looks like it will be included in the ticket price once they get the kinks ironed out and implement the new fee. Ken

Orbitz probably meant that all US taxes have been paid for. They may not be aware of Philippine travel tax. As far as I know, no ticketing outlets outside the Philippines are authorized to collect Philippine travel tax. Note that the US Security Fee alone costs $90 (YAY!!!) :wacko:

7) $33 - Philippine travel tax (paid only by Filipino citizens). $ value varies depending on prevailing exchange rate

Yes, better to bring P1,620 plus P700 (or P750? I forgot) for Phil. airport tax. They increased effective January 2007.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-15 18:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
I just got back today after a week in the Philippines and only on page 297 of 304 so forgive me if someone has already answered this or it is OBE. LBC is the Cheapest I hove found for shipping freight (boxes) to-fron the Philippines. Only thing is, it takes up to 30 days or more sometimes. It is one price reguardless if weight. The price is based on the size of the box. Check out LBC Ken

Does anyone know of a cargo shipping company for shipping a box from Manila to the U.S.? We ran out of suitcase space and need to ship some things home.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-15 17:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Not sure where you got the 1600 peso travel tax thing on tickets purchased outside the PI, but I am interested in finding out. I purchased my fiancee's ticket through PAL direct and it is an E-Ticket, is that considered a ticket purchased outside the PI?
I just left Manila 15 Jan and the new 200 peso security fee in addition to the 550 peso departure fee has not been implemented. The latest I read in the local Manila papers is the new security fee will be added to the ticket cost and not paid like the departure fee. Still not sure when it will be activated.
The additional security checks are only for the US carriers, have flown PAL, China, JAL and Continential in my 7 trips since Nov 2005 and only Continential had the additional screening at the gate. Ken

Hi all, don't forget to factor in the $1,600 peso travel tax you pay at the airport if your filipino loved ones are traveling on a ticket you purchase outside the Philippines. The 750p security airport fee, and 19 security checks and xray machines on the way to your international gate. It was enough to exaust my wife last month. She had a new respect for my previous 4 trips to visit her last year ha.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-15 16:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
You did not mention a date, but TravelPH has PAL flights in Feb $815 including taxes to SF. I got my fiancee's one-way through TravelPH to Honolulu for $566. Everyone else was $800+. Ken

PAL is the best way too go for the direct flight. @ 46,746.00 PHP (956.42 USD) one way the cost is not bad for the not needing too change planes.

Holy Cow! That much??? That's about what I paid to fly to the Philippines round trip from LAX on Cathay Pacific back in April. I was counting on finding a one-way ticket for under $600, especially since I'm going to need to buy one for Jinky and her 5 year old son, Job.

Did you look into your fiancee purchasing the ticket over there? I believe you'll save some money that way as well.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-15 16:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
RiggerAF interview is 18 Jan, he should be able to shed some light on the Honolulu POE befoe most of us. Good luck, Rigger. Ken & Maria

oh yeah anyone with experience POE honolulu?????


We are less than one month ahead of you. I hope I can provide some information later.
Aloha


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-15 15:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
If you want to ake sure it gets there, i suggest FedEx or UPS as those packages and letters are tracked. The only package that I sent that did not make it was USPS and not a tracked package. I'll let yo know about the Honolulu POE in late Feb if our interview and Visa delivery work out as we hope. We should be going through the POE on 24 Feb. Ken

hi guys n gals, would anyone be able to provide me with experience with mailing stuff (ie: documents) over to do Phils, cause I use US postal service, usually when I send documents I have no trouble but about 45% of the time he doesnt get it, and I need to send copies of stuff over there for interview ,anyone use another service? Also , for the interview does he need original items; ie cards he sent me, and vice versa? Do I need to send original paystubs? Thanks!


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-05 18:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Gary, I leave tomorrow to see my sweetheart and will be there for a week this trip. I will also be back on 14 Feb for our 15 Feb interview. I assume we are still on for a group gathering for dinner on the 15th? Ken & Maria

Ok, I am starting to get real anxious now. I just filled out all the packet 4 forms for Luz, I got my letter of employment today and a friend just mailed me a certified copy of my divorce that she got from my home-town courthouse. The third week of Jan I will have Luz and Robin go do their medical and they will also get current NBI reports for both of them Luz will also get a new BC while she is at it.
It's getting close guys! 40 days from now I arrive in Manila and 42 days from now is the interview! I am going crazy with anticipation! Not only will I get to see my baby again but we will find out if she can come to America so we can marry!! God I wish I could just fast-forward the next 5 1/2 weeks!!


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-04 00:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Mike I ran into the same issue when moving my teenage daughter from the PI to Hawaii. We used LBC a freight company in the PI and U.S., they charge a flat rate no matter the weight, but it can take 30 days or more to get there. The average from Hawaii has been 30 days both ways. If your finacee has a lot of things to bring with her, I suggest this method as the cheapest and most reliable. I never had any custom problems with LBC packages and non of my retired friends there have either. Ken & Maria


Quick question.
We are very curious and wondering about the move to the states. Just wondering about:
How many boxes you brought over?
How did you ship them?
Any problems with customs?
Did they search through it all?
Did they seize anything?
Was there a limit?
If you had done it differently, how would you do it?
Were you able to bring everything?
Did you have to pay twice for extra on plane (International and then Domestic flights)?
We would like to know your experience.
Thank you!!
Mike and Jennie


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-02 01:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
PW, Cant remember if we are tracking the packet 4s, but we received ours today (26 Dec). It might have been there sooner but my fiancee was in Subic with her family celebrating Christmas. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and has a Happy New Year. Ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-25 23:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi guys! I and a couple of other girls (vj'ers) are going to have our Medical Exam and CFO next month. We are going to attend the seminar first and then the day after that, we will take our medical exam (3 weeks earlier than scheduled).
What do we need to bring with us?
for thos who already done CFO and Medical, which hotel is the best/nearest/not expensive and has dsl connection to stay? I would like to bring my vonage device with me so that i'll still be able to talk to my fiance.

*CFO
Whats the difference bet PRISM and CFO?
where should we go 1st? what are the requirements?
do we still need to bring photos,forms, emails, chats, etc?

*Medical
any tips like taking vitamins and supplements?
I have a chest xray that was taken when i had a check up for my cough 6 months ago, should i show it to them?
I have had vaccinations for Hepa B, and cholesterol and sugar counts etc, should i also show these to them?
Requirements to be brought for the medical? how many 2x2 pictures, forms etc? will they need my fiance's documents like affidavit of support, pay stubs and the like?

Thank you very much guys. VJ'ers have been great help for us on this process.
Thank you to whoever will take the time to reply to this post. God Bless and Merry Christmas!


Look up Sillygirl and Uling's signatures. Both have links to their experiences at the CFO, St Lukes and Interview. What date are you going. My fiancee finishes up her semester this week. Ken & Maria


Be careful when reading the experiences. The problem with these experiences is that they all state different requirements. For example, for the ST. Lukes Medical Exam you can read them and find people saying you need different numbers of 2x2 photos, anywhere from 1 to 7. On the phone the St. Lukes person told me all you need is passport and one 2x2 photo, but I doubt that is right. Some people say you need copies of the DS156 and other VISA forms, some say you don't. I'm trying to get everything ready for the medical and I have no idea what the real requirements are.

This is driving me nuts! :wacko:

Where can we get the REAL requirements for CFO, Medical Exam, and Interview? Please don't list a another experience, I'm getting dizzy reading them and trying to figure out which is right.


Gary the issue si the personalities in the PI. Even though the website list requirements, each individual going through the CFO, St Lukes and the Interview has been asked for additional documents or none at all. It is the process that is the issue no people's experiences. It is just liek the assigning of interviews, is it case number or receipts or when the documents are ready like the site states? PWs timelines tells a different story then what is stated on the web site.
Filks posting their experiences at least give us different things they haev been asked for whether it is stated as a requirement or not. JMHO, Ken
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-17 20:15:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

We will attend the seminar on Jan. 24 and we'll have the medical exam on Jan. 25. :)

Someone who has idea about:
"I have a chest xray that was taken when i had a check up for my cough 6 months ago, should i show it to them?
I have had vaccinations for Hepa B, and done cholesterol and sugar counts etc, should i also show these to them?"

Thanks guys


From everything I have read, you do not need to take the items you mentioned with you nor do you need your medical records. If you have shot records, bring them so they know what shots you already have. Unless you were diagnosed with TB or some other lung desease, no need to bring ur chest X-rays. Here is the link to the procedures Sillygirl posted earlier
St. Luke's Medical procedure Click here
Interview experience Click here
CFO (PRISM) experience Click here
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-17 12:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi guys! I and a couple of other girls (vj'ers) are going to have our Medical Exam and CFO next month. We are going to attend the seminar first and then the day after that, we will take our medical exam (3 weeks earlier than scheduled).
What do we need to bring with us?
for thos who already done CFO and Medical, which hotel is the best/nearest/not expensive and has dsl connection to stay? I would like to bring my vonage device with me so that i'll still be able to talk to my fiance.

*CFO
Whats the difference bet PRISM and CFO?
where should we go 1st? what are the requirements?
do we still need to bring photos,forms, emails, chats, etc?

*Medical
any tips like taking vitamins and supplements?
I have a chest xray that was taken when i had a check up for my cough 6 months ago, should i show it to them?
I have had vaccinations for Hepa B, and cholesterol and sugar counts etc, should i also show these to them?
Requirements to be brought for the medical? how many 2x2 pictures, forms etc? will they need my fiance's documents like affidavit of support, pay stubs and the like?

Thank you very much guys. VJ'ers have been great help for us on this process.
Thank you to whoever will take the time to reply to this post. God Bless and Merry Christmas!


Look up Sillygirl and Uling's signatures. Both have links to their experiences at the CFO, St Lukes and Interview. What date are you going. My fiancee finishes up her semester this week. Ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-17 11:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I should have crried on all the important things vice leaving everything in checked baggage. Will update the results of the interview tomorrow.


That is probably good advice for everyone if they are going to be with their fiancee for the interview. Good luck, ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-16 23:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

This link reports alot of experiences dealing with the medical, CFO and interview.

http://ducecoop.com/interview/


This site is outdated but the information from the Beneficiaries point of view from beginnign to end in botht he CFO and St Lukes process is good information. Ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-16 15:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hello Everyone, I have a question for some of the people that have been through the interview process or have information regarding this: My wife has medical exam on January 18 and her interview is January 25th. She is from Cagayan de Oro, so its a plane trip there. We are thinking about her just remaining in Manila and having her visa sent to her hotel instead of her flying back to Cagayan de Oro. She would just be bringing all her things when she goes to Manila for the medical exam and staying until she had visa in hand and then on to the USA. Has anyone done this or does anyone have any feedback regarding doing it this way?

I will greatly appreciate your feedback! Thanks!

Glenn


Glenn, Hotel can get expensive and there is no guarentee she will not go into AR and it take longer than expected to get her Visa. That said, are you prepared for the cost if it takes 2-3 weeks after the interview, for hotel and spending money? I do understand not wanting to make th elong trip back to Cagayan De Oro, but the chance of going into AR and spending 2-3 weeks after the interview alone in a hotel waiting for a Visa, is not somethin I would want to put my Fiancee through. That said, check this web site for hotel prices and stick tot he Malate area as it is coser to the Embassy. PrecisionReservations just put in Manila and the dates you want, when the results come up look to the far right and select "Manila Map" the on the left select Malate. There will be a map with numbers to corresponding Hotels, just click on them for the prices. Good luck, Ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-15 20:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I used my miles to get this ticket! :D All those trips add up quick! We are staying at the LaCorona Best Western Hotel. It's a block or two from the Embassy. I paid $60/night for each room. We will be there from the night of the 13th (very late) until the morning of the 16th when we go to Olongapo where Luz lives. I have already sent Garya505 a PM about having dinner. If you want we could make it a party! I plan on taking Luz and her son Robin to a resturant in Chinatown called MegaStar. They have hot-pots there and Luz and I LOVE THEM! Lets all get together and make a night of it!


Gary, got rooms at Executive Plaza for $32 a night and will arrive on 14 Feb. with our interview on the 15th, I would like to get together with everyone that is in the area. How does the 15ht sound? I am sure we can find the Mega Star even though I have never been there. Just give us a time. Do you have a Philippine cell phone? PM me if you do and I'll send you both of our cell numbers. Yes I am there that much thet the SIM nor load ever expires. :dance:
PW everyone is welcome as far as I am concerned. Ken
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-13 23:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

I just played around with the numbers sequentially close to mine and they were scheduled for interviews already so I am somewhat confused...........

I would call or have ur fiancee call in the morning. Ours is on the appointment site today but was not yesterday when we called. Good luck. ken
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-13 12:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
For all of those with interview dates like ours on or around Feb 15th, where are you staying? It would be nice to have dinner with some of the members here and put a face to the names. We are thinking about Executive Plaza, trying to stay close to the Embassy.
If you have not made reservations yet, try this link to get great Hotel prices. Precision Reservations and if you know of a site that gets better prices let me know. On this site after you get the list of Hotels and prices, you can select by area by clicking on "Manila Map" in the right margin, then selecting Malate. There is 9 hotel in the Malate area close to the Embassy. Most are very expensive, but he Executive was $32 a night when I checked yesterday.
Gary you said you bought your tickets already, just curious what kind of price you got? I have been checking and found ticket from Hawaii arouns $611 round trip 13-25 Feb 07. I used these two link as they let you get one-way from Manila online and get good prices. Best Travel Store and TravelPH .
For those of you in Hawaii, Emerson Travel usually beats all online dicount prices and their number is 597-1818, ask for Theresa. I will be calling her this morning at 0900 when they open. Ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-13 11:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Thanks for the number everyone. I had the number just got so flustered I forgot where I put it.

PW Update our timeline, we have a 15 Feb interview date. :dance: Ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-13 00:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

US Embassy in Manila Call Center :)

Thanks, my fiancee is making the call right now. Butterflies everywhere right now, LOL. Ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-13 00:10:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

More February Interviews!! Erichu on Feb 16!!

Mari called the USE at 909-101-7878 and they told her that we are scheduled for Feb 16 for the interview and the packet was mailed yesterday! The date isn't even posted in the online system yet. You have to call. The USE is really moving now on the petitions! We are so happy, this is sooner than we had hoped!!

:star: :dance: :dance: :star:


Is this the Philippine USE number or a US 909 area code? Thanks Ken
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-13 00:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Guys/Gals don't know to say this. Im still teary but we got an interview date on JANUARY 18,2007. @7:30 AM. Please update my timeline..thank you. and thanks for the prayers.


Oh, that's a 764! :cry:


Aaawwww im sorry but we didn't do anything or any request for expidite. They said the packet was sent friday philippine time. I just wonder how long its going to get to my fiance. She is in manila so I think it's going to get there soon.

Congrats Rigger, do you need me to bring her any calming meds, LOL. I will be there 5-14 Jan, wish we had a date. Congrats, Ken & Maria
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-11 21:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

But the airfare in January is horrible!! ($1100-1200 one way :o )
Haven't booked anything yet. Looks better towards the end of the month.

Check TravelPh.com one way $640 +tax on 4 Jan

TravelPH
Ken & Maria

Edited by Ken_Maria, 07 December 2006 - 02:08 AM.

Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-12-07 02:04:00