Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Any Motel suggestions for my wife stay at in Manila during medical and interview?	If you book through Precison reservations, they will email you and you fiancee a hotel voucher paid in full. She will only need to present the voucher and put down the deposit for the mini bar or have them remove all the items. Ken How can I get my fiancée a room without a credit card to present at check-in? Does anyone have experience with this situation? I think I would rather return to the Philippines to fly back with her rather than go for the interview and or medical. What is the best way to get her a room for her physical and interview without being physically present in Philippines and with out a credit card to present at check in. Thanks in advance!	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-03 19:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Any Motel suggestions for my wife stay at in Manila during medical and interview?	Dean, Not sure what you are looking at on Precision Reservations. I have used both and like both agencies. Precision Reservations does include the taxes in the total when you select book. It shows at $32 then when you select book it shows you the $6 is taxes. Exec Plaza is $38 through Precision, AsiaRooms, BeeLine and Action Travel. Ken Everytime I have compared I have found www.asiarooms.com to be cheaper than www.precisionreservations.com. Their published rates include taxes and fees and precision does not. For instance precision shows $34 for the executive plaza but that doesn't include the $7 per night they add when you book. Executive plaza through asia is $38 which includes taxes and fees. Just search hotels in the ermita & malate area and they are all close to the embassy and St. Lukes.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-25 13:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Any Motel suggestions for my wife stay at in Manila during medical and interview?	Precision Reservations will send you a voucher as the room is prepaid. She will need to present that and put down a deposit when checking in. The deposit is usually held on our credit cards for incidentals or the mini bar in the room. I have never had a problem getting them to let my fiancee check in without me by emailing the hotel direct. Good luck, Ken I know we are a long way from the medical exam and interview, but my question is this. Who has experience with booking a room and having their fiancée check in with out a credit card? I have visited Manila twice, once I got the hotel to allow my fiancée to check in ahead of me after sending them a letter and copy of credit card and the other time I couldn’t get the hotel to allow her to check in before me. Who has experience with setting up their fiancée/wife in one of these hotels near St. Luke’s and US Embassy and paying for it on their end? Thanks in advance…	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-25 13:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Any Motel suggestions for my wife stay at in Manila during medical and interview?	Rob, The convience of the Exec Plaza and the hotels on Mabini St is that it is walkig distance to the Robinson mall and only about 3 block from the Embassy. We usually walk down the bay walk to the embassy from that area. Ken [/quote] There is already another topic specific to this thread. It has many hotels listed. http://www.visajourn...showtopic=48111 The Precision Reservations site has much better rates for the same hotels as other sites. Lilia stayed at the Executive Plaza for a week @ $35 per night. Regular price is $70. It was OK, but probably not as convenient as some others listed in the thread. [/quote]	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-21 13:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Any Motel suggestions for my wife stay at in Manila during medical and interview?	Gary, best to go to the Manila Embassy Interview thread as this subject has been discused at length and there are several links to different Hotels and agencies in Manila. The Area she is looking for is Malate or Ermita. Check out PrecisionReservations, select your dates, country and city then pull up the Manila map and it will give you a map of Manila with Hotel icons to select from. I was just there last week and Executive Plaza has room through Precicion for $38 a night including all taxes. Good luck. Ken Hi Everyone- Well its getting close to the interview. I dont know whos more nervous-Myself or Marie But anyway-I was hoping someone might be able to tell me a good place for Marie to stay at for the interview and medical exam. The total time will be about 2 weeks I think but depends on how long it will take for the Visa to be issued. She insists it doesnt have to be anything real nice, just so its clean and has cable television and a shower. Something kinda cose to embassy also-she is worried about getting caught in traffic. Thanks Ahead of time- Gary	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-01-17 09:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Question about Docs for Interview?	Norvette, Go to the Manila Embassy Interview thread... search the thread first and then ask the question. I do not remember anyone saying they were asked for the birth certificate at the interview... It was included in the original petiton so they have a record of it already. Ken Hello does my fiancee need my birth certifiacte ?? I was looking on another board and they were all saying that they did... But I did not see that anywhere? HELP	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-05 22:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	134f manila embassy income requirements	Poverty levels are established by the USCIS not the individual Embassies. It is 125% unless you ar emilitary, then it is 100%. Ken Does anyone know if the US embassy in manila uses 100% or 125% of poverty level as an income guideline? I know technically the 134f uses the pre 1997 i-864 guildelines which are 100% but I heard different embassies use different amounts. Also, I have 2 children who don't live with me but are partial dependents. Is this counted as one full dependent in figuring the family size? Thanks!	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-06 09:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interview questions	Many interview experiences and questions have been posted in the Manila Embassy Interview thread, check it out. ken& Maria Do they ask about the fiance's job much in the interview? do they go into much detail i mean or does the tax return/bankstatements pretty much cover that?	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-08 10:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Interview Manila	CoCopuff and Malou_ron join us in the Manila Emabssy thread. Many members in ther going through the process u have just begun. K1 interviews are scheduled by the Embassy, no need to call them. Annullments are tricky and need documentation, ask the experienced members in the manila Embassy thread. The CFO and Mediacl requirements are confusing and members in the manila Embassy Thread have compiled the most up-to-date information based on the last people going through the process. Welcome and good luck, ken&Maria Hi. Our package is at the embassy in Manila. They received it on Jan. 25. I have called them a couple of times and I have managed to confuse myself just a little more. So I am going to ask some of you that have gone through this process recently to explain some things to me. I have read numerous times that the fiance's packet three will be mailed to her and she sends it back to the embassy. Tonight when I spoke with the embassy about DS-156 I was informed that she will be required to fill packet three information out online-is this correct and if so any information you can provide is of course appreciated. My fiance is annulled and I was told that she needs to check off the divorced box-does that follow procedure with what some of you have experienced? One last question. My fiance has an 8 year old son that will be coming with her as a K-2 derivitative. I keep looking for information about what is required for him-specifically is there a requirment of the father giving permission for him to leave the Philippines. My fiance has full custody but if a document is required I would like us to get it soon. In all my reading this issue is not mentioned at all. I thank you all in advance-your wonderful. Marlou&Ron	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-08 10:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Employer Letter Question... what do you think?	I typed up my own letter with the required information on business letterhead and had my supervisor sign it. it does not have to come from the HR department. Ken & Maria My fiance's HR department has done the employer letter for him, which is good... they've put all the right info about how long he's worked there (5 years) & that the position is permanent, but instead of putting his annual salary, they've put how much he earns weekly. It does SAY that this is his weekly earnings, though. That seems strange to me that they'd do it like that, but... so long as it clearly shows he earns more than the poverty level (which will also be backed up by the bank letter & a load of paystubs), should this be ok? I haven't even got Packet 3 yet, so my interview's a long way off - there would be plenty of time to get the letter re-done if necessary, but if he can avoid having to ask them to do it over again, that would be great! What do people reckon? I'm sure I'm worrying over nothing (as usual), as it's how much he earns that matters, not how that information is presented on the letter... right?	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-09 09:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	how long will i wait after i got Pre-Interview notice?	Our time line is in our signature also. What I do suggest is downloading the packet 4 forms from VJ's examples and filling them out instead of waiting. Some members have not received their packet 4s for one reason or the other. Good luck and come join the Manila Embassy thread. Ken & Maria Dear all vj members , i just want to know how long usually it takes to receive the appointment for medical and interview after they got the pre-interview noticed? I got my pre-interview noticed last Jan 18, 2007?Does any one who got it also and how long you waited? Please give me some hint..Good luck to all of us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Boo	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-10 15:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	How long from first letter to Interview Packet?	Doc, welcome back. Glad to see u have worked things out. Look at my time line, we got the letter 13 Oct and the Packet 4 on 26 Dec. We may have received the packet 4 before Christmas but we were out of town. Good luck ken My fiancee received her first letter from Manila Embassy on January 20, 2007.: Packet from NVC arrived 12/12/06, where the Embassy letter was dated 12/19/2006. This was funny as the NVC letter dated 12/13/06 stated that our packet would be sent to Manila within a week. A month to deliver a letter? REALLY FAST mail in Philippines! When would I expect the Interview packet if the Embassy received packet from NVC on 12/12/06? Anyone have a clue? NO2 approved CSC.......11/15/06 Embassy Arrival............12/12/06 Interview Packet?......................? Interview Date?.........................? MNL2006845138	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-08 10:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	A second trip	Chad, Being there for the interview kind of proves the relationship part of the interview. I have not seen any statistics stating whether approvals with/without the petitioner present has made a difference. I am sure your fiancee' would appreciate the support at the interview as well as flying back to Cajun land. Ken Greetings All.... I will be getting my tax return back in a couple of weeks. I was planning to use the money to buy her plane ticket and the wedding. However, I'm toying with the idea of making another trip there. Then I started thinking about if I do that, maybe I should take a trip there for the interview. So I guess my question is, will it help for me to be there for the interview? Of course it would help emotionally, but does it make a difference to the consul? I would imagine that a second trip there could only strengthen our case for the interview.... Thanx for any replies, Chad	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-12 19:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	DS Forms	Essha, I would not put too much credibility in the ONE person's opinion when so many here in VJ have been through the interview using the examples on this site without any issues. See you on the 15th at the VJ dinner. Ken & Maria Had my paperworks checked with the lady in d immigrant center(yesteray Feb 2)...and i have nothing to do this time so i want to share about what d lady said about my DS Forms.Hope these can help! (i just dont know if this post is appropriate to be here) is it???? lol About my DS-156, had this printed for thrice. The first one coz of q27 What is the purpose of your trip i put there to be with my fiance and we will going to plan for our wedding...and when i saw sample of forms i saw it there for marriage and relocation. When my visa counselor checked it she said need to change it into TO BE WITH MY FIANCE AND MARRY HIM. She let me print another DS forms without barcode...coz i had barcode in my previous DS 156. I asked her why??? for K1 is without a barcode. So i have learned that DS FORMS in K1 application need not to have barcode. She checked every box..So to those who r doing the DS forms see to it to fill it out all boxes...u can put NONE..if it is not applicable. q32 and q33 if u want then check yes..and write BUT NONE AS OF THIS MOMENT.Q37 need to check all the boxes and dont forget to put NONE if it is not applicable. Q 39 CHECK no and fill out q40 write ur name and address put MYSELF after relationship to applicant then sign. and in DS156K in q4 and q5 put NONE if its not applicable...just in the first blank. see the words below??? DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE...U can write the balnks to marry (write the name of ur fiance) then sign. and put the date (date of ur interview) at the place where u have ur interview. She asked many questions while she was checking...she was acting like the consul...hehehehehe...anyway..im happy and excited now....pls pray for me and for others (FEB interviews) God Bless us all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-04 09:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Proof for the Interview	Again only speaking for the Manila Embassy. There is no room, just a window with the interviewer behind it. The USC is allowed at both the prescreener and CO interviews. They actually asked me more questions then my fiancee, which I did not mind. Ken Every embassy has their own policy I guess. But I think mostly the USC is not allowed to be at the interview with the foreign fiance.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-01 09:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Proof for the Interview	I can only speak for the Manila Embassy... scrap books are not recommended as the proof you bring has to fit under the security window, suggest loose pictures only... ATM receipts, Passport stamps, Hotel receipts and boarding passes are better proof that he/she has visited you in your country. Email/chat logs instead of actual emails worked for us. However, like others have stated, the prescreener and CO just kind of fanned through the proof of relationship documents. They were more concerned with divorce decrees/annullments, the Affidavit of Support with ITRs... I do not remember them even asking about the updated letters of intent to marry, the bank statements or letter form my employer even though we handed them the entire stack together. We had to divide the documents up so they would fit under the window . Ken & Maria I'm the USC but attending the interview with my fiance. I plan on bringing a scrapbook of pictures I made (we don't have new ones though ), 10 e-mails, proof of calling card purchase, and a few letters/cards from him. He'll bring presents I've sent him since we last saw each other. I don't think we'll need it since I'm travelling to Brazil for the interview, but I believe in CYA	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-02-28 22:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Children to USA	Did you submit the K2 with the K1 for her child? If not, that needs to be done as fast as possible. maybe you can ask for an expedite for her child. Just remember there are lots of requirements for her child, depending on whether she ever married the father or not, whether the father's name is on the BC...etc. I'd go to the Manila Embassy Interview thread and ask for assisstnace since lots of members there processed their K2s at the same time. Good luck, Ken & Maria I included Jenny's daughter Sophia on my petition. Jenny got a visa, but Sophia got no paperwork. What do children need to get into the United States with their mother?	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-08 12:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Police certificate from US	Francel, You are getting good answers here, but if you go to the Manila Embassy Thread, scroll to the bottom then search within the thread, most of your questions have already been asked and answered. I found the search function works better once in the thread, not sure why. Ken I need some advice. My parents' interview sched is this April. Category is IR5. Dad was temporarily here in US for 11 mos (2004-2005). He has a 10-year multiple entry visa. He was given 6 mos. at first for length of stay. He applied for a 5 month extension and was granted (I-94 with him). He was on a legal status,,, all those 11 mos. When the case was with NVC (nov 2006-Feb,2007)-------we did not submit a police clearance (Atlanta----is where he stayed). In contrast to Manila Embassy's req'ts requiring police certificates in foreign countries stayed for more than 1 year, NVC wanted Police certificates if stayed in another country for at least 6 mos. (So Manila Embassy------PC if 1 year,,,,NVC------if 6 mos.) But NVC instructed NOT to submity ANY POLICE CERTIFICATE from USA. Now that was NVC. How about for Manila Embassy? I know they require Police certificates if stayed in another country for 1 year. But one never knows if a consul will be too stringent or unfair. I've known Manila Embassy to be very strict. Has anyone here ever required of providing a Police certificate from US?-------if stayed for more than 6 mos or 1 year?. Forgive me,,,,,,I always anticipate for the worst. Manila Embassy has traumatized some of my friends in the past. I almost have a phobia with them, because of the horror stories I've heard.. Thank you so much,,,,,,,,I love my parents so much and I don't want them to be broken-hearted. May God help them.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-09 20:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Petition received at Manila Embassy	Mae, If you look at the timelines in the Manila Embassy Interview Thread, 2 weeks is not nearly enough time to get notification from the NVC after the NOA 2. 3 weeks was the early average and 4 weeks was the norm. Once you get the "Letter of conformation" form the Embassy, you will see that any dates the NVC gives you over the phone are most likely inaccurrate anyway. Be patient. Ken & Maria We were approved last Feb 27 and until now, still no news from NVC (though they say they got our case). I'm giving it Monday for my fiancee to receive a letter from them, otherwise, it's time to make him call and write instead of me doing it for us... Oh I just can't wait till it's forwarded here in Manila... Mae	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-12 09:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila interview	The most important thing is to ensure your fiancee has the notarized 134 with her, the rest can be originals or copies. They never asked for the bank letter or pay stubs during our interview, just the 134. We saw two individuals not prepared during our interview, one was filling out the 134 while waiting (no notary) and another had not paid the visa application fee and had no DS157. All she needs to get into the embassy is the Apointment letter and a valid ID. Remeber to tell her about the new security measure and not to bring her cell phone unless she has someone outside that can hold it for her. Good luck, Ken Hello VJers, we now have my fiancees interview in Manila for May! I am now getting the I-134 ready and have a few questions I would like to ask those who may have had the interview. 1. Did you send your fiancee a copy or original letter from the NVC with the bar code? 2. It says in the I-134 "the sponsor must submit in duplicate evidence of income and resources,as appropriate:" How many of you have made duplicates of statement of employment and statement from a bank officer? 3. If one is at least 3x's above the poverty level should they even include the bank officers statement or mutual fund information,or will the employment statement with the salary on the I-134 line 7 be enough? Thanks and sorry if this has been talked about before. Hi Kevnles, I don't think the letter is one of the required documents needed for the interview. As for the I-134, they are looking to make sure you make and or have enough to support her. Try to furnish as many documents as possible. They probably won't want all of them, but it is better to be over prepared and under prepared. In this site go to Forums, Foreign Embassy Section, Manila Embassy thread, there are lots of people there that will give you lots of info. It is a fantastic thread. Good luck, Dean	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-17 14:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy-- Sons following to join visa lost ??	Did she file a K2 for her son? AR and RFEs can take a while, just look in the Manila Embassy Interview thread... Ken & Maria Well folks I need some advice ??? Wife ( with green card, and paper work ) took her son to visa interview Feb 17th. Went well ( he was listed on her K-1 petition ) but I needed to refile an affadavit of support again . Ok did that , so they , the consulate, have his passport and all the info , since Feb, 26th ??? Nothing, after 1 email , and fax. Soooooooo What should I do, who to contact, anyone ever been here before ????? The online checking just lists our orginal interview on feb, 14. No purple slip, no RFE , no nothing	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-17 14:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	questions for manila embassy filers????? i need help!!!	mr88888, fill in your timeline and join the thread "manila embassy interview". once you fill in your timeline we may be able to answer your questions better. If you are just starting the process, look at the K1 guidelines and take a look at Sherrifuling's and Sillygirl's signature blocks. Good luck, Ken & Maria hi guys! how/where/when did you get your manila case number??? thanks alot!	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-24 13:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Maria had a prior petition for K1 and we put "yes" the Prescreener and the CO had the old petiton on file when we were interviewed. They both even asked about the previous petition and the circumstances of why she cancelled the K1. We even listed the previous Tourist Visa denials, all of which are stamped in the back of her passport. Bottomline, if someone other than your current petitioner or in this case the same petitioner has filed a different type VISA or been denied and you are refiling, you need to put "yes". Ken & Maria BTW we got married today... we did not forget to say "I DO" lol. [/quote] There seems to be some disagreement on this then. Luz had a prior K-1 (no visa issued) and my lawyer and the DOS said to mark yes under the question of a prior immigrant visa application. (which we did) Maybe imaskin should call the embassy and ask just to be sure. [/quote]	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-04-03 02:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Scott there are many websites and online agencies that allow you to book the room from the states and pay by credit card then just add your fiancee to the authorized guest list. Most of them are in this thread already. PrecisionReservations is one of them. Ken I will be flying to Manila for my fiance's interview, but she will attend to the medical exam alone. Is there anyone that can advise how and/or where they booked a room for their fiance in Manila. I have looked at a number of websites that have decent deals, but they all require that in order to use my credit card to pay for the room, I must be present and staying at the hotel. My Fiance doesn't have a credit card so I can't book the room in her name. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Scott	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-31 14:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	When you fill out the delbros form at the Embassy before leaving, it asked for a cell number. You should receive a text that day from Delbros welcoming you to the Delbros SMS tracking and it will have the tracking number in the text. The tracking number is your case number with a letter or number added (I can not remember which). Ken & Maria How do you track you visa process from the Embassy? DELBROS site click here you must enter the tracking number Is the tracking number your case number? MNL2006820XXX?	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-27 10:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Chad/Lira, The only exceptions I have seen to getting into SLE without the appointment letter has been the following; One girl presented her NOA2, another an appointment letter from the U.S. Military and the 3rd option is to call SLE or the embassy and ask for the packet 4 to be sent directly to SLE and Lira can pick it up there. Both of the examples were the same day Maria attended the medical. Essha of daveandessha did not have her packet 4 either, hopefully she will respond to this. good luck, Ken & Maria Hi! guys, I planned to have my early medical this 10-11th of April. I dont have my packet 4 yet. the person my fiance talked to said it was sent already last 14th of this month but i dont have it yet. Im goin to manila on the 5th of April to see my fiance and would be staying there after my medical exam is done. In case i wont be getting my packet 4 yet next week, can i still go and have my medical exam without the appointment letter? if yes, what documents should i bring in place of the appointment letter? i have my ID pictures and passport already. only the appointment letter is my problem. thanks in advance for your promt answers.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-24 13:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	The Prescreener will ask for those documents if you do not hand them to him/her. We handed all the required documents per the guidelines and then all the proof of relationship. The prescreener wil ask questions and make notes for the CO. We noticed him reorganizing al the papers and grouping them in different groups with paper clips/staples. It is better to hand them everything at once than to wait for them to ask for things. Ken & Maria I was just wondering how come any one of the CO never asked my CENOMAR or even my FIANCE DIVORCED PAPER? what comes to my mind even if he said congratulations ad goodluck, will it take time for me to recieve my visa since they might probably request first to NSO my cenomar and verify if my fiance is legally divorced? my fiance has been divorced for 3 years from now. All I have to do is just to wait the coming week whatever might happen regarding this visa delivery thing. goodluck everybody for your upcoming encounter with the CO!!!god bless to all of you	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-24 13:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Luz, the only thing you will have to pay at the airport is the departure fee (550 peso) and now security fee (200 peso) for each of you. Cost Maria and I 1500 peso. We also approached the desk right after you clear the first baggage screening and paid the travel tax...... however bangusdelight did not pay the travel tax... no one at the check in counter asked me for the travel tax receipt and bangus's fiancee is here in Hawaii now without paying the travel tax (1620)... so you can take your chance and not pay it to see if the checkin counter sends you back or not. Ken & Maria Greetings all, Aside from travel tax and terminal fee,is there any fee that I have to pay for a K-1 visa like me and my son ?just wanna make it sure and prepared..hehe ..am I excited or what? Thanks, Luz	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-22 21:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	All filipinos leaving the PI for overseas work or marrying a foreigner are required to attend the CFO seminar. Do a search in this thread for CFO requirements, it has been discussed many times. Ken Hi, I have a question: My fiancee works for the city government. Does she need some type of authorization to fly out of the country? I have read of others who were delayed because they didn't have it. Thanks.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-21 22:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Robert, The forms are U.S. forms not taking into account the cultural differences in the PI. Her "surname" is her family name, not her mom's name. You can list more thanone name in the first name block if that is her name. Example; if you fiancee's name is "Mary Jane Delfino Garcia" (made up name), you can list her first name as Mary Jane, middle name as Delfino and surname Garcia... or you can just list FN: Mary, MN: Jane and Surname: Garcia. As long as the names match the petition, BC and NBI, it will be fine. Good luck, Ken & Maria I am requesting your comments and guidance about a question I have on surnames in the Philippines on the DS 156 form. Questions 18 (Other Surnames) and 19 (Other First and Middle Names Used). Since the last name of the mother becomes the part of the name of the child, should you list the mother's surname in question 18 or 19 for your fiancée? (Yes I used the search feature, most the results were about married surnames, and hits on name checks, LOL, so any clarification would be appreciated). Thanks, Robert	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-19 01:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Coco, We provided some of each. Most were scanned copies so I could put several on the same peice of paper and they didn't say anything about them. Actually, they kind of just fanned through the proof and didn't really look at it???? Maybe it was because the documents would not fit under the security window LOL. Good luck Ken & Maria Quick question to those who have gone with the interview process...When the consul ask for documents of on-going relationship or bona-fide relationship ( I know we need to present letters/cards, emails, phone call logs, etc... ); we made copies of all those documents...should we provide the copies and show the originals OR just show the original documents? If COPIES only, how many ( just average ) you will show to the Consul? Can you give the whole stack of copies? Need your advise. Thank you!	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-17 13:49:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Vic, I made our reservations directly with PAL online but if it is short notic with PAL, you will pay dearly. The I-194 can be filled out on the plane but you usually have to ask for it. I think Mrs. Shamulus can get her CFO stamp in Manila without having to go back to Cebu? Here are a few links I use when booking flights t0/from the Philippines: Kayak.com, TravelPH, Best Travel Store, and AllCheapFares... Just remember if you buy the ticket and send her the E-Ticket, she will have to pay the 1620 peso travel tax at the airport. PAL currently has one-way flights to LAX 24 Mar for $668 including taxes. Not sure what you final destination is? Good Luck Ken & Maria Funny you asked that, we have got it in our hands today! We are jumping for joy, not we need to find a good deal on a flight to the US with a POE for LAX. If anyone is getting any good deals on buys tickets please PM us. Is it better to buy in the US and mail it or will it be better for her to buy it there? I think we need to fill out the I-94 yes? She will take a boat to cebu to get her stamp there where she took her CFO. then flght out of CDO to Manila to LAX. The soon to be Mr. & Mrs Shamulus [/size]	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-17 13:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Do a search, The link has been posted several times in the last few days and is in my reply to Robert above. Good luck, Ken & maria Can someone tell me how I go about checking Manila USE database of interviewees? Please???	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-15 10:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Robert, If you do a search within this thread, you will find several links to online booking agencies and travel agents in the Philippines. PAL has the direct flights and ask for the "first time immigrant" discount. If you buy your fiancee's ticket online or here in the U.S. you will have to pay the 1620 peso travel tax when departing. There are the numbers to the Embassy to call for trackign your case and DHL for tracking it between the NVC and Manila... neither are really worth the time. Check Interview Dates with your assigned case number, just remember it has been taking up to 120 days after Manila receives the package form NVC for appointments. Delbros delivers the Visa and the timelines have differed from 2-10 days depending on location for delivery and if no AR. I planned our flight 9 days after the interview and we received the Visa 7 days after the interview in Pampanga province. I used PAL, kayak.com and best travel store when looking for our flights. good luck, ken The NVC issued us a MNL number and has forwarded our petition to the US Embassy in Manila on March 7th. My question is how can I track our petition's process? What are anyone's thoughts on our projected timeline? Also, if I wish to be there for the interview and our flight back to US, how many days should I plan on being in the Philippines? Finally, what would be the best way to purchase her flight back to US? I do not mean to be presumptuous of our approval; I am only looking forward and thinking of our options. Thanks in advance for you thoughts. Respectfully, Robert	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-14 23:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	So that is the secret, instead of going early, go just before closing. ... I think your son will have to wait for the AOS process to be naturalized before he qualifies as a U.S. citizen and can get the SSAN. Hopefully someone with this experience will shed some light on this. Ken For those of you here in Hawaii, the SSAN process is simple but the office has long waits. Parking for the SSAN office is almost impossible and prepare to wait for approx 2.5 hours. We got there at 10 am and were finally called to the window at 1:30 pm. The CO said they would not issue a non-immigrant SSAN if you are within 2 weeks of the K1 expiration. We should have Maria's SSAN within a week. Ken & Maria Hi Ken, We went to get our SSAN last week too. Park a little bit farther along Punchbowl St. We got inside the place around 3:45 and got called after 5 mins. Maybe that was because it was almost time for them to close. To our disgrace they don't give my son a card or a number unless I can get him a work permit which is shady because he is only 4 yrs old and what is the purpose of getting him a work permit. I didn't know about this. Does anyone here experience the same thing? Is SSAN required for the AOS? Zane	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-13 22:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	For those of you here in Hawaii, the SSAN process is simple but the office has long waits. Parking for the SSAN office is almost impossible and prepare to wait for approx 2.5 hours. We got there at 10 am and were finally called to the window at 1:30 pm. The CO said they would not issue a non-immigrant SSAN if you are within 2 weeks of the K1 expiration. We should have Maria's SSAN within a week. Ken & Maria	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-13 10:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Bangus, Now that I think about it, no one ask us for the receipts of the paid travel tax. I guess we could have slipped out without paying too. Good luck and see you here in Honolulu, Ken & Maria My fiancee txt me earlier this evening to tell me that she is waiting at the boarding C2 terminal for PAL. For sheer luck, she had passed all check-in points without having to pay the travel tax. I had book the ticket through Expedia.com. We will be together soon in a couple of hours here in Hawaii.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-10 13:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Like SillyGirl said, the CFO is pretty simple. If eirther of your are divorced/annulled, bring a copy of that. If your fiancee is between 18-21 bring a letter of consent from her parents. If between 22-25 bring a letter of advice and bring a couple of wallet size pics (not sure why they need them but they took them). I cant remember if they asked for the singledness (CENOMAR) or not. Good luck, Ken & Maria What happens during the one on one counseling during the CFO? Edited by Ken_Maria, 09 March 2007 - 10:38 AM.	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-09 10:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	Basically what the Embassy is looking for on your latest ITR is whether you meet the poverty guidelines. Since the dealine for 2006 is 17 April, all you have to say is that you have not filed yet and present your 2005 ITR. The prescreener and CO only asked for the 2005 ITR at our 15 Feb interview and gave back the rest. We had 3 years worth as well as the bank statement, pay stubs...etc, but they were only interested in last years ITR. If you have it, bring it, if not, not a lot you can do. Ken & Maria To All Having Interviewed This Month: As several questions have arisen in several other topic areas about the Phil's. I have a very good question. With the delays of the last year, and with all the problems having arisen due to all the changes that have created delays, has anyone been asked for this years (2006) tax returns thus far? Lorelle (Aussie) and a few others have made it known that it has happened before, and at this point in saving many a trip to the embassy to be saddened in arriving without knowing it, do we need to bring New transcripts with our loved ones to the Interview, will this be a problem? Just was wondering, and hope it really isnt a problem at all, and just me being a worry wart. Thanks, and I am sure others are wondering as well in reading posts thru out the forums. Seems Manila has too many issues , and this is just another to worry about. Thanks...	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-07 03:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion	Manila Embassy Interview	The medical is nothing more than a physical and not an OBGYN apointment. I keep seeing the post worried about the menstural cycle and it has no bearing what-so-ever on the Medical exam. Of all the ladies in this thread, I have not heard of any of them being affected by their menstural cycel but have heard many being concerned about it. If I remember right, they only made my fiancee get down to her panties and no further. Ken & Maria My fiance's medical is scheduled for the 7th, and she got her monthly period on the 5th. Her plan is to make the appointment to complete as much as they will allow her to, and then return on the 12th to complete the physical once her period is done. I worry that the medical results won't make it to the embassy for her interview on the 14th. Do you think there could be any hang-ups, and is there anything she should be doing to insure that the results are forwarded to the embassy in time. Thanks	Ken_Maria	Male	Philippines	2007-03-06 10:04:00