ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and Pacificmy plans.....in FEB
You have two choices. You can wait until after your interview and receive your visa then go to the CFO and complete the counseling and get the certificate and stamp the same day.
Or, go to the CFO prior to the interview, get only the certificate of attendance then go back after the interview approval and receipt of your passport and get the stamp from CFO.

My head is spinning :wacko: Claudeth did her CFO after she received the visa. She actually took the CFO in Cebu the day before she flew here. Not sure if that helps you but it worked for us! Good luck :thumbs:


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-25 13:56:00
Asia: East and Pacificmy plans.....in FEB
Essha, This is better posted in the Manila Embassy Thread as the things you mentioned here apply only to Manila.
Yes you can attend the CFO without your passport, just tell them St Lukes has your passport. You will need a copy of your passport or another valid ID, BC, NBI, copies of divorce decrees/annullments and 2xregular pictures of you and your fiancee. This was posted in the Manila Embassy Thread. Remember if you are between the ages of 18-21 CFO requires a letter of consent from you parents and 21-25 a letter of advice from your parents. Good luck, Ken & Maria

What is a smef-cow?

sorry...SMEF-COW means St. MAry Euphrasia Foundation Center for Overseas Workers and CFO means Commission on Filipino Overseas...we need to get the certifiactes of the two seminars..was asking if i can attend the two seminars without my original passport with me...if i can just show my photocopied passport..i think the people who were approved and done with their interview can answer me...plsssss let me know... :help:


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-25 11:49:00
Asia: East and Pacifictravelling from Manila to USA
No problem, I just thought there was more to your question? I think we should add this the the Sheriff's checklist... Ken

sorry, Ken Maria, I have been skimming through the "manila embassy forum" I guess I was looking for a simple one- sentence answer that u gave me LOL! please forgive my "attention defecit disorder! LOL! Best of luck on your upcoming interview! :whistle: :blink: :wub: :bonk: :shocked:


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-02-12 20:08:00
Asia: East and Pacifictravelling from Manila to USA
You have asked this same question several times in different threads? The answers has been the same everytime. You only need a one-way ticket... are you lookign for a different answer? :help:
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-02-11 12:04:00
Asia: East and PacificManila International Airport
Destiny, Now I understand. You can however get a taxi at the arrival area just by asking on of the guards. There are approved taxis for the arrival area. Some have meters and some do not. I have never had a problem catching a taxi at the arrival area. i have had issues getting one that was willing to run the meter.
I still suggest arranging for a pick up through ur hotel or some other means.

BTW, begining you sentence with 'Hello.." tends to be taken as sarcastic or as an inference to the individual your are replying to as being dumb. :unsure: I am sure that was not your intent and probably just a greeting at the beginning of ur reply. Ken

Not sure what you are referring to with the fixed rates unless you are referring to the Hotel taxi area upstairs by the exit of baggage claim? If so, they are way to expensive but convient. They charge a flat rate to Makati of 500 peso... to P Burgos St, Oxford Suiets when a meter taxi cost about 200 peso. The difference of $6 may not make much difference to some people, but I am Kuripot when in the PI and want the same prices as the Filipino, not the tourist. Ken

Hello.. airport taxi's have fixed rate depends where you want them to drop you off.



hello, Im not referring the Hotel Taxi. These taxi are those airport taxi's. :)
In NAIA, you cant get a metered taxi from a waiting area because they have airport taxi. Metered taxi are not allowed to pass at the arrival/waiting area only at departure area.,but if you want, you can go upstair at the departure area and pick metered taxi there with your luggage In Centennial airport, you can get a metered taxi at departure area.

Just be careful with dealing with metered taxi drivers because sometimes they charged too much and will always complain that they dont have passenger on their way back.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-21 14:11:00
Asia: East and PacificManila International Airport
Not sure what you are referring to with the fixed rates unless you are referring to the Hotel taxi area upstairs by the exit of baggage claim? If so, they are way to expensive but convient. They charge a flat rate to Makati of 500 peso... to P Burgos St, Oxford Suiets when a meter taxi cost about 200 peso. The difference of $6 may not make much difference to some people, but I am Kuripot when in the PI and want the same prices as the Filipino, not the tourist. Ken

Hello.. airport taxi's have fixed rate depends where you want them to drop you off.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-20 23:26:00
Asia: East and PacificManila International Airport
Gary, really wish I could help you. I assume the 5 hours is after clearing customs, immigrations and baggage? They do have VIP lounges for a fee inside Terminal I but I am not sure about #3. Unfortunately Manila is not set up with a USO or something like Korea where you can shower and rent a bed, locker...etc for long lay overs. It would be a little dangerous dragging all your bags all over town in my opinion.
If you do not mind a taxi ride, go to the Hard Rock Cafe at Gloretta Mall. I have friends living in Manila and they all said the same thing.... without friends or family in Manila, there is not much to do during a lay-over. Ken

I'm still looking for something to do to burn about 5 hours near the airport from like 6AM until 11AM on Saturday morning Feb 10. There's no way I'm sitting in Terminal 3 (Cebu Pacific Air) for that long, it really sucks. I'll have all of my bags with me. Is there anything nearby, a coffee shop, restaurant, cafe? Anything??? Forget the malls, as I'll have my bags with me its not practical.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-20 23:23:00
Asia: East and PacificManila International Airport
I personally arrange for my own transportation and have them pick up my fiancee then wait for me behind the gated area where everyone waits. I do this because we do not stay in Manila. It is more expensive but a lot less hassle after flying all the way there.
If staying in Manila, have your hotel arrange a pick up or meet your fiancee at the waiting area and catch a metered taxi. I was just there and a metered taxi to Malate is no more the 150-200 peso. I think the meter actually read 110 peso from the Exec Plaza near Robinson Mall. Good luck, Ken

Can anyone tell me the best way to meet your girl and get to the hotel from the airport. I know that you can get one from the airport desk but can you get the person that's waiting for you? Thanks for the help!!!


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-01-19 10:26:00
Asia: East and PacificHotels in Manila
This site will help, Precision Reservations, just narrow your search down to Ermita or Malate and you will be within walking distance of the Embassy. I never stayed at the Best Western, but have stayed at the Pan Pacific, Diamond, Hyatt, Exec Plaza, Palms and a few more. Ken & Maria

Has anyone stayed at the Best Western? It has some good reviews. Looking for a place to stay while at the interview. The bayview gets really lousy remarks so definately not staying there. We are on a budget so cant spend more than 55 a night. Thanks.

Orimai


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-03-23 10:33:00
Asia: East and PacificExiting the Philippines
Hong Kong is a member of the ASEAN and she does not need a visa to travel to any country in the ASEAN. Since she is leaving the PI for the U.S. (assumption) the immigrations officer will be looking for the CFO certificate and stamp up on departure. However, when we departed, I do not remember the Check-in counter or immigrations; looking for or asking for the Travel Tax receipt nor the CFO. I still think the CFO is a scam by the Filipino authorities to garner money from their over seas workers and foreign spouses. Good luck, Ken & Maria

Never mind, I missed the part where she had been living in HG for 18 years. I would still be interested to know if she now is required to do the CFO class. I would think not if she has been traveling between HK and the Philippines for the past 18 years. Keep us posted. Thanks


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-04-07 13:45:00
Asia: East and PacificExiting Manila International Airport
Beam, If you read a couple of replies up, no one disagreed with you. What was said, was if purchased in the PI at an agency, the travel tax is included in the price of the ticket. If you purchase the ticket online or in the states, you have to pay the travel tax separately when separting the airport.
I think we (myself included) understood the question to inply you are the USC and purchasing the tickets from the states. ken

Excuse me, but I just purchased my ticket here in the Philippines and the travel tax was added into the airfare.
I have lived in the Philippines for 4 years now and have legal permanent residency. Immigration also informed
me of the fee as well as the Annual Report (fee) requirement before being permitted to leave the Philippines.
If there is one thing that no one needs to endure it is being "held up" by the authorities at the Manila airport prior to departure.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-04-10 23:08:00
Asia: East and PacificExiting Manila International Airport
The travel tax is only for tickets purchased outside the Philippines. A few K-1 applicants have departed without paying the tax because no one ask for it. We paid it but not a single person in the process asked for the receipt. Ken & Maria

Not only is there a Passenger Terminal Fee of P750 there is also the Travel Tax of P1620 applied to Philippine citizens leaving the country and if you are flying first class the Tax is P2700.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-04-09 11:23:00
Asia: East and PacificExiting Manila International Airport
The only problems I personaly know of are not Filipinas on K1/K3 visas. If they are 18 or look 18 or younger, they typically get questioned more due to the number of fake documents provided to underage girls leaving the PI for work. If you fiancee has her K-1, CFO stamp, tickets and passport, there should be no problem. Just remember the departure fee has increased to 750 peso (it includes the additional 200 peso for the security fee now). Ken & Maria

I have heard stories of Filipinas being detained at the Immigration check-point inside the Manila Airport for supposed "inconsistencies" in their paperwork. I was wondering if anyone has had any problem whatsoever with their fiancé or spouse getting through this check-point and boarding their plane in Manila.

I know for a fact that it has happened to others, but usually when they are accompanied by a foreigner (boyfriend) and going on vacation.


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-04-07 13:38:00
Asia: East and Pacific25 days and still no visa delivered. I'm about to lose patience
Unfortunately you fell into the middle of a lot of Philippine holidays. They do not work during the last week of Ramadan, then there is All Hallows week and All Saints Day. They also get the U.S. Holidays. I am applying for a job at the Embassy! Payato
[/quote]

Ramadan? Isn't that a muslim holiday? Why do they have to celebrate every religious holiday? I thought the only muslims in the philippines were terrorists?
[/quote]

I do not think you meant to offend or say what you wrote, but not all muslims are terrorist and not all terrorist are muslim.
The Filipinos celebrate every holiday and even make up holidays as they go along. I have worked in the Embassy many times and it is frustrating as hell trying to get things done when they are always off work because of some short noticed presidential declared holiday. Just found out there may be yet another unnamed Filipino holiday 30 Nov and probably 1 Dec too. Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-11-06 23:24:00
Asia: East and Pacific25 days and still no visa delivered. I'm about to lose patience

Ok visa is on its way according to delbros. Wow only took a month geesh.


Unfortunately you fell into the middle of a lot of Philippine holidays. They do not work during the last week of Ramadan, then there is All Hallows week and All Saints Day. They also get the U.S. Holidays. I am applying for a job at the Embassy! Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-11-04 23:51:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)CSC to NVC Timeline

I updated the timeline for the K-1 visa's cases from the CSC to the NVC...

If you got a NVC case number and it is not on the time line then just post your information in here as I will be updating the timeline again.

http://www.agamcorpo...visa/tline.html

Enjoy...

AKS


Just found out our petition was sent to Manila last week on 11 Oct. The idiot still have not replied to my email request and I still have not figured out how to track the damn thing by DHL. But at least it was sent according to NVC, not sure when they received it as i called them 10 Oct and they claimed they had not received it yet. Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-16 12:14:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC NOTICE

I never received anything from NVC either, the only way for me to know was to call them and get an operator on the phone.

Email NVC at NVCINQUIRY@state.gov reference your USCIS case number in the email header, and names of petitioner, and beneficiary as well as DOB of beneficiary. They will reply with status and if sent to the embassy, and the new Case number for the consulate.

http://travel.state....types_1309.html

Our NOA2 was also approved 15 Sept and received hard copy on 18 Sept. I have been emailing NVC and each time they said they had not received the petition form CSC yet. It has been one month. I sent another email this weekend and hoping for better news tomorrow. My fiancee is calling the Embassy in the morning, so hopefully one of us will get good news. Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-15 12:07:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)NVC time frame 90 days?

It's been almost a month since our petition approval and we're still waiting for NVC to receive it. My fiance is a Filipina living in Korea and we're waiting for the petition to go to Seoul. Anyway, I called NVC today and the lady that answered, Zoe, was exceptionally helpful. She even looked up the petition by my Social Security number. Still, no luck...and she told me it could take up to 90 days before they can even do anything about it. I know the NOA2 said 2 to 4 weeks, but I'm guessing that's the timeframe that it normally takes. I can't imagine having to wait 90 days...anyone else get this line too?

I was hoping she'd be here by Christmas since it takes about six weeks after they receive packet three for the interview, but it's looking less and less likely since I've had to wait this long for NVC to receive it.

I even wrote to Santa and asked him to bring me Susie for Christmas. I hope he doesn't let me down.


MRC hang in ther ena keep emailing NVC, I never got notification that they even received my packet (last call was 10 Oct). I emailed them again on 12 Oct and called today and found out our case had been assigbned and forwarded to manila on 11 Oct. I received and email this evening confirming the phone conversation around 5 pm Hawaii time. We too were hoping for a b4 Christmas interview but looks more like after the new year. Good luck, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-17 00:57:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)National Visa center Question

I we got approval from the California CIS on Sep 21 (which was way faster than I thought) but the NVC has no record of our number yet. Is this normal? Should I be concerned that possibly it has been lost? My attorney does not seem to be concerned, however a good friend of mine recieved his 5 days after recieving his CIS approval....


Do not count on the phone calls to give u accurate information. I called once a week just to see if they had received the NOA2 and always got the same answer, "we have no record of ur case yet". I called them 10 Oct and againt he same answer. I called yesterday and low-and-behold, our case had been sent on 11 Oct to Manila and we have a case number. So how on 10 Oct did they not have our case and now on 16 Oct it was sent out on 11 Oct? I have had no luck finding our case on DHL either. My fiancee's is caling the Embassy weekly to see if they have received the case. Good luck. Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-17 12:06:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)No joy at the NVC

As a rule, they treat whites better..thats why most of those complaining of delays are not bringing people from white countries. Thats just how USCIS/NVC/USA works, sorry.


There is no place for unfounded comments like this. Everyone of us is nothing more than a case number to the low paid workers in the NVC and USCIC. I would like to see stats on your emotional claim. I am sure there are many couples here that feel they are not getting enough attention when their case are not moving or taking WAY too long. The issue is the process and not the individuals working it. Like me, there are many here with a fiance/e that is non white and I do not feel we have been treated any less or better than anyone here. It seems we all get the same "not my problem" attitude. JMHO, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-29 12:01:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Notification when it moves onto the Consulate fromm NVC?


I received the letter from the NVC that gave me my new case number. Blah blah.

Will I, the petitioner, receive any sort of notification when the petition is forwarded onto the consulate?

I'm asking as my fiancé a) lives on a farm in the middle of West Nowhere, Alberta, and B) works out of town for weeks at a time. So I basically need to know when I should tell him to start keeping his eyes open for it and arranging for someone to get the mail out of the country mailbox.


No, you will have to call NVC for the date it was sent. You can also email them and they will email back telling you when it was sent.


Much better to email the NVC with you question as the live bodies give you the standard answers and a different answer everytime u call. Try emailing them NVCInquiry@state.gov Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-29 12:07:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Who received their NVC Letter this month (October)?

Hi guys! We just received our NVC Letter yesterday, October 18 but before we even received the letter, we already called NVC and was told that our case was already sent to the Manila USE last Oct. 12. I tried calling the USE in Manila but I couldnt get hold of anyone so Im not sure if its already there.
Anyways, anyone here who received their NVC Letter this month? When do you think our schedule for interviews will be? I hope it will be in January. .. :unsure:


Do not trust the dates on the NVC letter or email. I received an email reply that our petition was received on 12 oct ans sent on 13 Oct to Manila. The letter said the same thing. However the Packet 1 Instructions we received stated the USE received the petition on 11 Oct. All we have so far is the directions and the letter stating it can be up to 120 for the interview. Good luck, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-11-01 02:12:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Help please...

Hello... I got an email from NVC today about our case number but last Friday my Fiance already called NVC and the operator gave him our case number.. NVC spelled my name Garaljane instead of Geraljane .. Is it okay if I'm the benificiary call Embassy Manila to verify the spelling? Guys, help us what to do.. Thanks so much.. :help: :help: :help:

Dear Sir/Madam:

Your inquiry has been received at the National Visa Center (NVC). The NVC has completed its processing of the visa petition you mentioned in your letter and has forwarded the petition to the assigned US Embassy/Consulate General for further processing.

Any further inquiries should be directed to the assigned US Embassy or Consulate General.

Case Number: MNL2006799***
Beneficiary's Name: ******, GARALJANE
Preference Category: K1
Your Priority Date: ********
Foreign State Chargeability: PHILIPPINES
U.S. Embassy/Consulate: EMBASSY OF THE UNITED STATES, VISA UNIT
1201 ROXAS BLVD
MANILA
PHILIPPINES
Regards,
National Visa Center
lvf


If I am not mistaken, you can call the Embassy once they acknowledge they have the ptition and correct the spelling over the phone just like you would an address change. If i am wrong, I hope some of the other VJ members will speak up. Good luck, Payato.
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-11-01 11:34:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Do all cases go to NVC before the Consulate?

I feel like I'm asking a really stupid question, because I know we need to be assigned a case number at NVC, but ...

I originally called the USCIS to change my address and they informed me that the case was sent to the London Embassy and that is where I should change my address. I then said, "shouldn't I try the NVC first?" and the woman said, "not all cases are sent to the NVC before they're sent to the Consulate."

Could that be true?!? Or did I get an operater who doesn't know her stuff...

I have been calling the NVC once a day for 3 days, but they stil haven't gotten our case. It's only been 10 days since our NOA2, so I'm figuring it's on it's way there. I just don't want to miss changing our address if what she said is true.

Any thoughts ...

(and thanks as always!)


There was a previous thread about this when the Sept batch of NOA2 were released and several members were told the same thing by USCIC and NVC. I think the confusion is there is an electronic notification sent to the consulate the same day the case is sent tothe NVC. It took most of us a month to get notification from the NVC and even then their dates were al jacked up. I called on 11 Oct and they said they did not have my case yet. On 15 Oct I received an email from NVC telling me my case was received on 10 Oct and forwarded on 13 Oct. However their dates are obviously wrong becasue we received our first letter from the Embassy on 30 Oct stating they received our case on 11 Oct, which means NVC had it way before the dates they stated. Just be patient. Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-11-03 11:48:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Packet 1 and delivery concerns

Oops I think Ken didn't notice it's the I-130 you are talking about. Your wife will receive the DS-3032 allowing her to appoint an agent to receive visa bill and application. And are you still living in PI with her? The petitioner usually receives the AOS bill and I-864 documents, but uf tiy are using an attorney I'm not sure how that works. I haven't gotten to that point myself yet so I'm not completely sure of the procedures but yes there is a packet your wife will receive from the NVC. I think it usually takes about 2 weeks but being it's going to the Philippines it might take longer.


Yep yep yep... sorry, did not notice the I-130 and asumed incorrectly he was referring to I-129. Sorry for the confusion. Ken
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-11-10 09:37:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Packet 1 and delivery concerns

Hi. My wife lived in an area in Cebu Philippines with no number assignment for the house. It is not in the city and I am concerned of how they will receive the packet from NVC? Or if anyone else has similar circumstances?

Also, what is the average time to receive the first packet from NVC after the I-130 was sent to them?

Thanks so much.

Orimai


Orimai, First you will not receive any packages from the NVC. NVC forwards your case to the Embassy and the Embassy will send a letter to your finacee. There is no packet 1 from Manila, just the letter letting you know when you case was received. According to the timeline averages, the interview will be scheduled approx 120 days after the Embasy receives the case. We got our letter of 30 Oct and the Embassy received our case on 11 Oct.
The packet 4 has been ht and miss with members here. Some receiving it prior to their interview and soem not. Maybe some of the member that have already received their packet 4 can weigh in on how long after the letter did they receive the packet 4.
I can only assume if your fiancee is currently receiving mail at her residence, the post man already knows where it is at? Ken

Edited by Ken_Maria, 10 November 2006 - 06:53 AM.

Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-11-10 06:49:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DHL TRACKING --PLEASE HELP
I personally found that tracking from the NVC to Manila via DHL to be a great waste of time, inaccurate and unreliable. By the time DHL tracking indicated our package shipment and delivery date, I alrerady had the email from the NVC and my fiancee had the conformation letter from the Embassy. Good luck, Ken & Maria

Hello fellow VJers, my case finally made it to the NVC after about a month after NOA2, can soemone please help me on how i can track the DHL package going from the NVC to the Consulate in bombay

thanks everyone in advance


Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2007-02-10 18:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT QUESTION
In questions 9. That I have previously submitted affidavit(s) of support for the following person(s)..... does this only apply to fiancee' visa or the tourist visas that we attempted to get?

10. That I have submitted visa petition(s) to the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) on behalf of the following person(s). If none, state none...... again is this only referring to fiancee' visas and not the tourist visa we attemted to acquire?

Thanks, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-06-17 22:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 quick questions
I attached my last 3 Paya Stubs and you can order copies of you Income tax filings direct from the IRS. The copies IRS sends you is one page and not the many pages you filed. The IRS forms will have your annual income, gross income...etc and this should suffice. From everything I have read here, they are basically making sure you have a job and can support your fiancee so you will not become a burden on the state financially after marriage. Good luck, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-06-18 12:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-129F Extension

OR can he not delay sending in the paperwork etc for the next stages like when they send the pack 3 delay in sending it back for a month or so, and then wait till you get interview date and see at that point how far down the dates you are and maybe even reschedule a new date for later on.


Thanks, I do not intend to delay sending any papers as that would be counter productive. I will not be working in the Immigrations section, but I am sure the Ambassadors office can point me in the right direction to get the extension or dealy in interview. I still can not believe we go lucky enough for me to be there 6 months before we come back to the states. Good sign I hope.
Thanks for the advice everyone. Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-06-30 12:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-129F Extension
Thanks, So this means we need to ask the Embassy to delay issuing the VISA instead of getting the approval then requestion the extension? Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-06-30 11:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-129F Extension
Here is the situation. We already sent in the I-129F this week. We have not received NOA1 yet. I just found out I may be deploying for 6 months to my fiancee's location on Embassy duty beginning Dec 06 or Jan 07. Looking at the time lines for California and Manila, we could get our NOA2 before I deploy and her interview somewhere around Dec-Jan.
If I understand the process properly and the interview is successful/Visa is approved, it is good for 6 months from the date of approval? Is this correct? Also, If we leave at 5 months and two weeks intot he 6 month VISA, it is only good for two more weeks right?
If the time line is correct and we get the interview/approval between Dec and Jan, the problem will be I am deployed until some time in Jun and the 6 month may pas before we can leave the Philippines.
I found an extension request in the example forms with this statement, "It is my understanding that pursuant to 9FAM 41.81 N3.1 (Period of validity), the consulate can extend the approval notice for another 4 months, if my fiancé and I remain legally free to marry and continue to plan to marry after my fiancé enters the United States."
As I understand it, this is a request for an extension on the VISA for 4 months. Is this corrrect? I see no justification, should I include a justification in the request?

Thanks, Payato.... Day 5.....
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-06-30 10:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow important are Engagements Pcitures on the Interview

Hi,
Does any one know that how much important it is to show engagement pictures at the time of interview.
My situation:
When I went to India in 2005 my fiance family arranged a small dinner @ his house only -so we actually didn't had a big or proper engagement ceremony & we didn't had any good pictures showing our engagements but we do have pcitures showing his family & my family together for that night.
But we did exchanged our rings but didn't took picture of that particular scene - because we never thought that we might will ever face this siuation in future where we have to show proof or give :unsure: this proof to any one that we both r engaged ---will n e one can tell me how will this effect my fiance interview or in getting a visa.

Please reply me as soon as anyoe can.

Thanks inadvance to everyone single member who will be replying me on this situation. BIG THANKS


First, In the U.S. there is no requirement or tradition for a huge engagement party or ceremony. It does happen but most engagements are private events. It is more important for u to have oictures of you and ur finace plus pics of ur families together is good.
Second, the letter of intent to marry is proof enough. Good luck, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-09-27 04:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionif i filed 3 dependents last year ????

hi,i filed me and my 2 kids last year.so i just thought maybe i can file 1 from now on and let my ex wife claim my kids will this be ok.also i thought just have my mom file joint sponser and still claim 1 should be more than enough but do i need to have my dad on there too or is my mom ok if she makes enough???i dont know how explain this very well


As a single fathe myself, you need to think about this long and hard. For you X to claim your children on her Income taxes, you have to relinguish that right and benefits of all the tax deductions of having kids. I am in the military, single fathe rof 3 kids and I meet the poverty minimum with no problems.
I suggest you get you parents to co-sponsor or get an additional job to increase your income to meet the guidelines in stead of giving up on you kids.
That said, unless you have changed your W2 it will still show the number of dependents. It is easier to go to your employer and change the number of dependents (exemptions) you claim... this may be what you are lookgn for instead of giving up legal rights of your kids for taz purposes. Good luck, hope all works out for you. Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-02 23:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPictures

Should 50 pictures be enough? we have pictures of us together both in the states and in Poland. We have about 15 pictures of us with friends and family and the rest are just of us. Should that be enough?


If you r trying to save money, create a collage. You should be able to get 25 pics on one 11x13 sheet. Not that expensinve at Walmart. I suggest only sending the requested number of pictures with the package and sending the collage to your fiancee for the actual interview. You can always frame them later for picture in your house. Good luck, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-06 04:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMelinda is Coming Home!
Congrats Roab & Mel! Those of us going through Manila would really like to see some of the example question Mel gets at the interview if you guys get a chance. Again, congrats, ingat and Mabuhay, Payato

Edited by Payato, 03 October 2006 - 11:52 AM.

Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-03 11:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - How Soon?

it's best to have the documents as recent as possible. i've heard it recommened the beneficary have the I-134 one month before the interview date. at this point i'd say the interview date will be Feb/March. at the Manila Embassy it takes 3 to 4 months from the time your petition arrives at the Embassy till you have an interview. best of luck with the rest of the process.


The 134 has to be within one year of the Interview date. I had all on mine including the updated Intent letter done as soon as we got the NOA2. I did this because the NVC (form what I have read here) has been known to send your case to the embassy or consulate and the embassy send your fiancee' thier package befoe NVC even gets around to updating their system to let you know they have received and forwarded the petition. If it takes more than the average 4 months at this point, it will be a new year and I will resubmit a new intent letter and especially my 134 as the military gets our pay raise 1 Jan. Good luck, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-08 12:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 - The Questions Continue

I've got over $300,000 in inherited assets [cash, stocks, bonds, etc.]. I live off the interest income, which is about 1,000 +/- a month. Were these assets converted into straight cash, it would be way over 50% of the value on my monthly statements. I'm pursuing freelance writing, but have not had a paying job yet.

Now, I don't come up to the poverty line with my income, but since I have so much in assets, will that make up the difference? Will I need a co-sponsor?

When it comes to a co-sponsor, does it have to be someone within the United States? I don't understand why they do not take into account assistance from the fiance's side of the family, or allow written affidavits from their side. I don't get it.

My fiance's mother has more than enough to help support him and intends to, there's no chance he will become a public charge. Her boyfriend would readily be willing to be a co-sponsor, but he lives in the United Kingdom. I don't see why they don't seem to take this into account.

Any commentary or help is [as always] greatly appreciated.


TheZilla, It is up to the USC (petitioner) to prove he/she can support their foreign fiance/fincee with the affidavit of support. If he alone does not meet the poverty line requirements and his mother is willing to co-sponsor, that is the best bet. If I understand the co-sponsor requirements correctly, they have to be a USC. Good luck, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-08 19:58:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionneed all the advice possible

Hi friends,

I need some real good advice from you guys.my case is now at the embassy and i will have to go to get a date for the interview soon.
In my case im the benifeciary and my wife is the usc.
after some months of dating my love had come to visit me in oman and we could not stay without each other and wanted to get married so i went to usa and got married to her.we were engaged in oman before i went to america and her parents were very happy about it.
we then fixed a date to got married having a simple civil marriage with her friends as witnesses.
but her parents dont know we are already married.the reason we didnt want to tell them is my wife and i were not ready for an expensive reception and also we didnt have time to arrange for it cause i went to usa within a month after she left oman.
her parents love me and always talk about our marriage plans whenever we talk.the main reason why we didnt tell het parents is that it would break their heart if they knew we got married or wanted to get married in such a simple way without a proper reception and a ceremony as she is their only daughter.
till this date they dont know we are married,and my wife still feels it will hurt them if we told them we are already married and she will not have HER DAY if you know what i mean the dream marriage day.
Do u think its ok to tell the immigration officer that her parents dont know we are married explaining them our reason or they will not accept this and reject me.
Or i make my wife tell her parents that we are married and explain them why we did this.

dear friends i really need ur help on this what to do
please advice im going crazy and

best regards

bombay.


If you got married in the U.S., why didnt you just stay and apply for AOS? I assume you are applying for a K3 and not a K1? Parents can be more understanding than you think and you should not start hiding things from you future in-laws now. JMHO, Payato
Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-07 12:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussiongetting Divorce papers
[/quote]Thanks for some of this info maybe I wasn't clear enough, I wasn't actually divorced in New Orleans it is just that my divorce papers were there,
I thought I was divorced in Phoenix, AZ, I now live in Las Vegas< NV and she now lives in North Carolina.
The possibility of tax returns are interesting, but we did file separatly in 1987 so I may not have put it on my return, especially if the papers came after I filed.
[/quote]

If you know the location u filed, call the county court house and they will direct u to the correct number or office. Most states now, u can search for ur case number once in the county website. There are lots of websites (pay of course) that specialize in finding this type of information for u. Giving them ur name, ur X's name and the county should not take long and the court should have records of the divorce. Good luck, Payato

Edited by Payato, 01 October 2006 - 04:31 AM.

Ken_MariaMalePhilippines2006-10-01 04:30:00