Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Philippines	recent interviews for k-1	Hey everyone, I am curious as to how recent K-1 applicants who had their visa's approved interviews went. Anything specific did the CO ask? I know most people have different things that the CO asks but I'm just looking for some experiences because me and my fiance are a little nervous about the interview. Don't know what they will ask or how they will judge us, so anything would be helpful. Thanks Just tell the truth, and you'll be fine.. You really cant prepare for something that you should already know. They'll ask how you met, so answer it.. They will ask where your fiance works, lives, etc.. all basic information that you should already know. Remember the CO are just trying to prove that you two are really in love (and know each other well enough) and plan to get married in the US and not just so you can go to the US to get a visa... Also, if you prepare your evidences neatly in a folder with tabs, most likely they wont even ask you anything regarding the evidences. I took my interview and basically just ask simple questions like where we met, and where my fiance works.. and then jumped to what I do for a living in the Philippines. After about 3 questions, I was so at ease, coz it felt like just making conversation.. Edited by Abby-Ron, 16 February 2011 - 06:26 AM.	Abby-Ron	Female	Philippines	2011-02-16 06:22:00
Philippines	Age difference between fiance and fiancee	No it's not a problem for the Philippines. It's quite common for older older guys to marry younger girls. Older, older guys. Now THAT'S old! Now I understand why all my coworkers are planning to retire to the Philippines or Vietnam.	Yagisama	Male	Japan	2011-11-18 02:31:00
Philippines	medical	Hi Planned to go to medical tomorrow but today when I wake up I felt sick and has sore throat. Can I still go to medical even if I have that? I know it sound stupid but it's not something contagious that could kill people. Thanks! My interview is on Dec 9 that's why I'm worried... thanks! I would keep your medical appointment. While they do check your throat, ears etc. they are mostly concerned about contagious diseases (and that's what they test for), for mental disorders, and also for drugs or alcohol abuse. You can let them know that you are a little sick when you go in so that they know. You can always try to reschedule for later in the week/early next week, but I'm not sure if this would incur a cancellation fee in the Philippines (in London for example they charge 90 GBP as cancellation fee if you ask to reschedule less than 72 hours before the appointment). A good reason for people to keep to their appointments Edited by Christi85, 30 November 2010 - 05:18 AM.	Christi85	Female	Greece	2010-11-30 05:17:00
Philippines	Filipina wife issues....advice please...	So Scott, has the situation improved at all these past few days? Has your wife started talking to you again and has she started to be any more open to discussion?	Christi85	Female	Greece	2011-01-20 10:13:00
Philippines	Filipina wife issues....advice please...	Sorry, I don't have personal experience dealing with such situations, and I saw some people gave you really good advice based on their own personal experiences. I just want to say that this seems to be quite a re-occurring theme here on VJ with people from the Philippines and other countries who expect the USC fiance/husband to financially support their whole family. I really hope some of the tips the people here gave you work in your case and I do hope your wife can understand that your role is to support your family (i.e. her, yourself and the kid you are going to have) and this family alone. But two things that really struck me and made a bad impression are: a)the fact that she stopped talking to you from the minute you said no to her family's latest money demands - to me this looks like blackmailing and like someone who may not care enough to maintain a happy marriage if the money stops flowing, especially if this attitude goes on (and I completely understand the pressure she may be under from her family, but she also has an obligation here to defend her husband), and b)her brother's comment on F/B was really unacceptable, deeply offensive, and very intrusive IMO (not to mention embarrassing for you, being made in public on FB!!), so please DRAW THE LINE NOW with these people. Good for you that you are trying to find some middle ground and negotiate the amount down, but I do believe you need to cut it off completely. You don't owe them anything and continuing to pay them (even lower amounts) is a guarantee that they'll never get off your back. The arrival of your baby in a few months' time is the perfect opportunity to claim that now that you have a new member in the family with such high expenses, you can't afford to help them. I only hope that your wife understands and stands by you in this. Good luck in the future! P.S. Kind of out of topic, but, like others have said: you call her your wife but you say that she has a K-1 visa and that you'll be going back to the US soon. If all this is accurate, I'm afraid the K-1 (which is a fiance visa- strictly for unmarried people) isn't good anymore as you're married already. If this is the case, you will now need to file for a CR-1 (spousal) visa for her to join you in the US. I understand you're both living abroad right now. This is a good thing, as you very well may be eligible to file DCF (Direct Consular Filing) with your local US Consulate, which can reduce the processing time to just a couple of months from start to finish (depending on the Consulate's timescale). Take a look at the DCF forum and Wiki here for more info on how to go about the CR-1 through DCF. Edited by Christi85, 18 January 2011 - 06:43 AM.	Christi85	Female	Greece	2011-01-18 06:38:00
Philippines	Tips for organizing a packet	I had a folder with sections for each form. I had a cover letter for the whole folder and seperate coverletters (a list with every document and copy) for each section. I put each document in a sleeve and labeled each sleeve. The problem is that not only one person works on your case. And it's nice for the officer since he can find every information he needs right away. Edited by Gina-S, 27 October 2008 - 11:53 PM.	Gina-S	Female	Germany	2008-10-27 23:52:00
Philippines	Anyone fr SFO?	If you're going to San Francisco, I recommend you to go to see the following, Golden Gate Bridge Pier 39 (Fisherman's Warf) Union Square (shopping) Coit Tower Ghirraldelii Sqaure Chinatown Japantown Presudio And if you can go across the Bay: You should not miss Sausulito and Muir Woods Monteray Bay if quite a drive down south. You can go to Carmel and Monteray Bay (17 Mile Drive) If you are short of time, you can always book a local 4 hour tour by Pier 39.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2008-09-27 18:05:00
Philippines	Advance Parole Question Departing Manila Immigration	Hello Everyone. When departing in Manila does Immigration question the Advance Parole Document for travellers to re-enter the US. My wife's K-1 Visa has already expired a few months ago. It is a single entry visa. Does Philippine Immigration know that even if the K-1 Visa is already expires, and there is an advance parole document, will there be problems to enter the US. The reason I am asking is because I am wondering if Philippine Immigration knows what the Advance Parole Document is. They might not let my wife leave the Philippines because the K-1 Visa had already expired. Thank you.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2008-09-30 18:26:00
Philippines	checklist for AOS	Thank you for the checklist. We will be looking at this and submitting our AOS soon. Doc.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2008-05-20 09:53:00
Philippines	Need to get wife flowers	http://islandrose.net/ I've ordered over twenty times from them within the last 2 years. They're the most reilable and you can make the order online. There are a lot of companies who can do it, but this is the most reliable that I was able to find. Also, they're not affiliate. Hope it helps.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2008-11-24 19:30:00
Philippines	Apply for a new passport after receiving greencard?	My wife finally has her greencard. The greencard has her married name, but her passport has her single name. Did anyone renew their foreign passport or just keep it as it is. I wanted to ask if anyone was given a hard time to re-enter the us. Thanks. Do not want to have problems in Manila @ Immigration also.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2008-12-24 14:03:00
Philippines	arrival card and customs declaration form	Hello VJers, I need some help. My brother is a handicap person and he will be flying back to PI by himself. I was wondering if anyone has a scan of a blank arrival card and customs form to the Philippines. I cant find it online. Thanks.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2009-03-03 02:15:00
Philippines	Do you have to have proposed to your fiance?	EDIT EDIT... Disregard the post above.............. For our interview, the CFO will ask you how we met. Being a beneficiary, its important to know that your petitioner has intentions of marrying you. As for the ring, I just got a simple ring to my fiance (wife now) when I proposed. My 2rd trip back before the interview I gave a more flattering ring with a stone. Good luck. BTW, the ring is important, not important like it has to be a 1 carat ring or something expensive, but just having a ring. It's important for the woman that is. Its a symbol. When we did our interview in USEM, every beneficiary was wearing a ring. Hope this helps.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-08-23 02:25:00
Philippines	Do you have to have proposed to your fiance?	The CFO will ask you how you guys met. As for the ring, I just got a simple ring to my fiance (wife now) when I proposed. My 2rd trip back before the interview I gave a more flattering ring with a stone. Good luck.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-08-23 02:19:00
Philippines	interview on sept. 2	I will cross my fingers, this situation is like a Catch 22 logic. I highly doubt they will ask, but cannot be certain of what will happen. Have a plan incase you get asked that question. But at the same time, dont stress too much about this situation.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-08-23 10:15:00
Philippines	interview on sept. 2	Its normal to feel nervous when the interview is fast approaching but in your case I'm not really sure what to say but to tell the truth beacuse if you lie and they find out their will be a red flag.Just pray that they will not ask you about that matter so that you will be approved. Good luck. Can I ask why did not declare it? Sounds like you need to come up with an answer why you did not declare if beneficiary has kids. Normal to be nervous. Everyone goes through with it, but just try to relax. Edited by Dr Mirage, 23 August 2010 - 02:44 AM.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-08-23 02:44:00
Philippines	Documents Preparation for K1 Visa Interview	Good Job! Nothing to it eh? This is only the beginning. Can't wait for whats next... Here is a Preview... Saying farewell to family... POE... Entering the US... Adjusting to life in the US... Getting Married... DL... SSN... Civil Surgeon... AOS... EAD... AP... AOS Interview... Lifting Conditions... Edited by Dr Mirage, 28 August 2010 - 02:40 AM.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-08-28 02:39:00
Philippines	Documents Preparation for K1 Visa Interview	I am sure you will be fine. I believe during the time we had our interview, majority were approved. As I do not recall anyone being denied. This is just formality. If you have all your documents in order, you should be fine. Most people I remember were approved pending (document verification). Also, don't forget to bring the engagement ring. Lastly, after the interview, make sure to ask when you get approved. (when you are approved, you will get a paper to give to DELBROS) Good luck.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-08-23 10:11:00
Philippines	Documents Preparation for K1 Visa Interview	Good luck on the interview! My wife and I did the same interview back in April 2008. (view my timeline) I was the petitioner and I can remember how tense we were when we had our interview. The funny part was we brought so much supporting documents and they didn't even bother to look for them during the interview. Only the pre-screener looked at them. Also, I mananged to fly back to escort my wife to the interview and when it was our turn, the interviewer asked me to leave the room. LOL. So it was just my wife 1 on 1. It was casual interview. So just relax. Talk with them like they're buddies. Dont look nervous. So after that, we received the visa within a week. I can still remember the document verification nightmare for most ppl. But this was a few years ago, I hope they managed to fix it. Lastly, when we had our interview, I was quite surprised how many fiances were there. There were atleast close to 100 ppl being intervied for K-1. The best part of the interview is you get treated like VIP. You do not need to wait where most ppl are waiting outside (tourist visas interviews). You get to sit at the blue chairs with the AC. Good luck again. My wife and I are applying for the Removal of Conditions now. You will be going through with this also 2 years down the road.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-08-23 02:11:00
Philippines	Should I Be Concerned ?	The prop can be fixed, thats just a small problem, but the marriage, sounds like you guys need to communicate about what's going on before this gets out of hand. If she raises suspicion, you're probably right. Is her new friend Filipino also? Filipinos love to stick together, so you gotta watch out. Filipinos love to text a lot too, but deleting them. Thats shady. Good luck.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-08-23 02:34:00
Philippines	adoption:	Adoption or Adopting your nience for immigration sounds easier than it looks. There's many requirements that have to be met. Good luck!	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-09-15 15:43:00
Philippines	Going to interview with fiancee?	I was able to enter into USEM during my fiance's interview a few years ago. But during the time of the interview, the IO asked me to step outside even before the interview started. LOL. The interview went well. When we were at the time, there was about four other fiance's there.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-10-20 23:34:00
Philippines	Torn Yellow Envelope	I remember the sealed envelope. We carried it sealed all the way to LAX for POE. The security at the airport opened this envelope before we got into the line for immigration. I was like #######! So we were able to view the contents inside this envelope before even reaching the window for a good 15 mins. Go back to the US Embassy and have them re-seal this envelope. Our envelope was very thick since we submitted many documents and pictures. The envelope barely even closed.	Dr Mirage	Male	Philippines	2010-10-23 12:55:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Had our interview on Thursday June 7th, and VISA still not released. We were called around 11:30 to see the CO after turning the DS forms, PICS, Tax transcript for 2006 and Affidavit of Support to the pre-screener. As we sat back down, they told everyone to leave for lunch. After lunch we return to our seats expecting to be called, sat for a few hours and decide to see what the problems was. Anyhow they tell us that we were called at 11:58, we certainly didn't hear it. As we were waiting we found out that there was a index finger scan that should have been done at end of CO interview, we informed the woman at window 37(?) that it wasn't done. She went and checked and said it was done, my fiancée said no it wasn't, anyhow they gave us the pink slip and told to pay DELBROS. Fast forward to the following Monday, my fiancée receives a call from the Embassy to come back and do her index finger scan, she reports to window X and then does finger scan after they locate her file. Jump ahead a week and I call the embassy to see why VISA still is not released. Either Lorraine or Sandy tells me that my Fiancée's father is a Naturalized American, LOL. They said she was told at interview to report to American Citizen Service to apply for USA Passport. I said no she wasn't, I was there. I get off the phone with the Embassy and called her. She checks with her family about this, you see her father has been deceased for twenty years. Both her mom and Lola assure her that her father has never been to the United States. So I call the Embassy back and inform them. Another four or five days later I call again, now the file has been transferred back to the CO. I asked if they need anything more from us, no they say, its just waiting for approval. I call every few days to check, still no change, nothing needed, and it's at CO's desk. I have spoken to Lorraine and Sandy a few times now, no help. My legal representation that touts having a professional working relationship with the Embassy in Manila and full Embassy support are of no help, they suggest if it goes on like this I contact my Senator, Thanks. So I fax the Privacy Release Act form to both my Senators and my US Representative. No reply from them, I will be calling their offices to follow up and calling back the Embassy again in the next day or two. It is also nice that DELBROS can't keep their database up and running. There, I feel better now. Just that the summer is passing away and I will be celebrating Independence Day without out the woman I love. I know others have had to wait a lot, lot longer than us. So its not a pity party, just a wake up call. Uncertainty is certainly a test of the strength of a couple's relationship. Moral of the story, if everything isn't spot on the day of the interview, then be prepared to wait. Pink slip or not. Regardless of what they tell you. Even if you try your best and meet all the requirements, things can still go astray. So the Visa Journey continues. Good luck to upcoming interviews, I hope you the best. Congratulations for those we met at the Embassy, who had success, and a quick review process for the others we met there. I know, Ano. It's tough to wait, but you're closer now than you ever were before and getting closer every minute. My honeyko and myself needed to make some concrete plans for a celebration we're having in the Philippines, and we needed to do it before we had our interview date, so basing it on my best guess, and factoring what I thought could be a certain amount of AR time, I came up with August 4. Well, she had her interview June 5 and her visa a week later and I still have a month to go!!!!!! But it's all in God's hands, I know that. In ways I haven't completely realized, we are using the time for the best. I know things will work out well for you, hang in there.	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-07-03 00:47:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Hello everyone! I'm here now with my future husband! Boy, it was a long way to be here... 28 hours, Jesus! But thank God, I made it here safe and sound and seeing David at the airport made me forget about the long and tiring trip... and oh, the jetlag. He's worth everthing to me! It seems so surreal that I am here with him. I had to pinch myself till I got bruised just to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Anyway, it's going to be a busy month for me with all the adjustments to make, meeting my future in-laws, some new friends, plus the wedding preparations on top of everything. I wish you all the best for those who will have their interview appointments for this month! And have a happy marriage to those who just got married! --Mae Oh David and Mae, that's great! Congratulations. You'll be married before Mharis and me. Check in and let us know how it's all going. Rick	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-07-02 14:10:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	I want to add congratulations to Gary and Fely also! Way to go.	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-07-01 22:55:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Hello All VJers Good luck to upcoming VJ interviews and congrats for those who have been approved since my last post. Our interview is July 11, so we are getting nervous. Just a quick question, am organizing our paperwork. For proof of relationship I have: Photos - I picked out about 20 from my two trips to philippines with her of us together. Airline Ticket Reciepts - From both trips Phone company records of our calls Printout of gift and money transfer reciepts to her Prinout of a 5 emails from each of us Letters we sent to each other ( 3 each) Snapshots of our chat, showing both of our webcams, dates (maybe 15 over 1 1/2 years) Snapshots of yahoo message archive showing all dates of chatting from Dec 2005 to Jun 2007 Printout of a chat session - one for each month Dec 2005 to Jun 2007. Signed by both of us intent to marry Is this enough? Any other suggestions. Thanks and God Bless Carl & Ginovie The consul really seemed to enjoy the photographs according to my girl. I had some with the family, neighbors, pastors, in lots of different locations and think it was good. A few more couldn't hurt.	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-29 00:46:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	To those who already got here in the states and went thru the immigration officer, did they check your xray film? Mine he did not check it and i even offered to show it to him but he didn't care. So i am wondering now, because all i knew this xray film was to be used at my Port of Entry in the US. I arrived today June 13 In the US. Welcome to the States. May you enjoy all sorts of happiness here.	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-13 23:29:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Drumroll please.................. We got the visa, it was delivered June 12 in Muntinlupa City. Have a safe trip PatientlyWaiting. God bless.	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-11 20:20:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Congratulations Mae! David must be so excited! You'll be in the US before Mharis! Does anyone know what it means when the Delbros website says shipment process in embassy with the date of the interview June 5?	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-07 23:11:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Yes, David and Mae, God bless you for your interview. We're waiting to hear the good news!!!!!	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-06 16:31:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	It feels so good to have the visa approved!! Mharis told me the pre-screener asked for the affadavit of support, her bc, latest tax record with w2, and photos only. They had a friendly chat in Tagalog about the photos in Bohol. She wasn't asked for chats, emails, cards, phone records, etc. She waited most of the day with three other ladies with K1's and at noon they asked them to come back at one for their interviews. Mharis dashed across the street and we talked for a few minutes where she told me not to worry it was going well and keep praying. She said there were a few interviewers the women saw took a long time with the clients, and everyone was nervous they would be called to one of their windows. When she was called, she went to a window with a nice young woman who again had a friendly chat with her mostly about the pictures. Then she said, "Congratulations, you're approved." Yay. the other three ladies were approved that day as well. She paid Delbros and is waiting now for the visa to arrive. Now we start the next part of the journey. Our plan is for me to finish the teaching year and summer school and fly out to escort her home the last week of July. Thanks again to everyone of Visa Journey! You helped give us confidence and gave us great information at every step of the way. I emailed all the success stories to Mharis to let her know we were going to make it too. Mabuhay!	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-05 20:10:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Thanks, she just texted me at 12:15 PM Manila time. They asked her to come back after lunch. She said she hadn't had her interview yet and everything is fine so far. That's the first I've heard that it would continue after lunch. Anyway, looks like I'll be up later than I thought tonight. Needles and pins. hope you'll still have some fingernails left. almost 2am Manila time now. hopefully you wont have to wait much longer. you'll make it Approved!!!!!!!	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-05 01:19:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	it's now 2:34am Manila time June 5th. orion44, your wait is down to just a few hours. best of luck with the interview today. Thanks. We just got off the phone and prayed. She is walking across the street now from the Bayview Park Hotel to get in line at 6:00 AM at the embassy. No cellphone for a few hours. Thanks for the prayers everyone. Wow. I'm happy. May the good Lord be with your fiancee's side on her interview today and Goodluck!!! Thanks, she just texted me at 12:15 PM Manila time. They asked her to come back after lunch. She said she hadn't had her interview yet and everything is fine so far. That's the first I've heard that it would continue after lunch. Anyway, looks like I'll be up later than I thought tonight. Needles and pins.	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-04 23:28:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	it's now 2:34am Manila time June 5th. orion44, your wait is down to just a few hours. best of luck with the interview today. Thanks. We just got off the phone and prayed. She is walking across the street now from the Bayview Park Hotel to get in line at 6:00 AM at the embassy. No cellphone for a few hours. Thanks for the prayers everyone. Wow. I'm happy.	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-04 16:57:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	I think our interview is next!!! This Tuesday at 7:00. Good luck Mharis.... I know you can make.... We all are. We're finally here! Thanks Almi and everyone for their good thoughts. Mharis is going to her hotel in Manila tomorrow to stay the night before her interview on Tuesday. We're so excited.	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-03 00:05:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	thank you, thank you, thank you for your prayers and good wishes. We feel very prepared having been here on this site and learning what to include in our papers and how to present it. Of course, our confidence is ultimately in God who is in control of everything. I hope we'll know soon, but in any case, we are so excited and emotional to be at this point in our journey. Thanks again. I'll let everyone know as soon as I can how it went. Rick	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-06-02 07:58:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Yes, thanks everyone. Okay, I'm starting to get into my narrow focus now. Almost out the chute. Woohoo! And Congratulations Princess Sutil, I'm happy for you. Mae, I feel some visas coming!	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-05-31 16:36:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	Yes it is! Mae, I keep looking at your signature and subtracting two days from it so I know when she's going in to her interview. Only five days!! Let's get those visas! Mharis tells me you are as prepared as me, we spend a lot of time here on VJ. That's good. Going into the interview we can have some confidence that our paperwork is in order. five days! Seven days!	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-05-30 22:28:00
Philippines	Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status	I think our interview is next!!! This Tuesday at 7:00.	orion44	Male	Philippines	2007-05-30 22:04:00