ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesWhat's the best time to call the "Call Center"?
The best time to call is when they open at 9:00 AM.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-01 18:39:00
Philippinesmy checklist
Sounds good.

My interview is on the 22nd also.

I've gotta start preparing all my docs.... CHOP CHOP time.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-03 09:38:00
Philippinesapril 22 interview
We're on the same boat. My interview is also on the 22nd of April.

My fiance is on her 2nd day of her medical today. When the medical is done, its just one more thing left. The interview.

I think the interview will be fine. I'm more worried about the doc verification eventhough we have submitted and paid for it almost a month ago.

I guess there's only one way to find out.

I'm flying back on the 20th so I'll see some of you guys at the embassy.

When we're all in line at the gate, I will shout out. "Sino kayo taga Visa Journey?"
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-02 15:11:00
PhilippinesThe Document Verifcation Code Cracked!
oops... innocent.gif we used the green slip ohmy.gif blink.gif
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-05 02:07:00
PhilippinesThe Document Verifcation Code Cracked!
Use the Green Sheet that says PAYMENT SLIP. Not the Blue Sheet. Blue sheet is for Deposits. blink.gif

Make you write the Account #: 7-151-51420-7

and the Account Name: Delbros International Logistic Inc.

Check the Current Account.

Thats its. You're good to go.

Lastly, pay for it in Cash only. They do not receive a check.



QUOTE (dbears @ Apr 4 2008, 10:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Dr Mirage @ Apr 5 2008, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you can on Tuesday, pay the fee early in the morning ASAP, so you can wait the whole day for the 2nd text.

If you do not receive a text, you definitely have to follow up with them, but you should receive the first text immediately.
QUOTE (dbears @ Apr 4 2008, 09:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you Dr Mirage... will try following these steps when I pay on tuesday... but if i don't get a text from them after 5-15 minutes? some people here don't receive the confirmation till a day or two after... maybe call delbros right off then?


Thank you doc. I will be paying on tuesday since its araw ng kagitingan on monday. i will follow your document verification prescription and hope for the best. good.gif

Another thing, which of these slips should i use when i make the payment?

[attachment=6679:metrobank_slips002.jpg][attachment=6678:metrobank_slips001.jpg]

Thank you very much.

Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-04 22:17:00
PhilippinesThe Document Verifcation Code Cracked!
If you can on Tuesday, pay the fee early in the morning ASAP, so you can wait the whole day for the 2nd text.

If you do not receive a text, you definitely have to follow up with them, but you should receive the first text immediately.


QUOTE (dbears @ Apr 4 2008, 09:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you Dr Mirage... will try following these steps when I pay on tuesday... but if i don't get a text from them after 5-15 minutes? some people here don't receive the confirmation till a day or two after... maybe call delbros right off then?



You have to call on Tuesday early AM, because Monday, April 7th is a Philippine holiday.

Also, what you need to do is follow up with Delbros, so there are no delays.


QUOTE (Primie & Ryan @ Apr 4 2008, 09:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the info...

Delbros texted me once only and they said... we confirm your payment to the doc verification as required by the USEM.

We will take your advice.. we should call Delbros on Monday to verify if they forwarded my docs to NSO and inform the USEM that I already paid.

Edited by Dr Mirage, 04 April 2008 - 09:51 PM.

Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-04 21:49:00
PhilippinesThe Document Verifcation Code Cracked!
Dear fellow VJ Members,

I keep hearing problems and delays about document verification.

Here is the solution: If you follow these instructions, there will be no delays in receiving your US Visa after your USEM Interview.

The reason for most of the document verification delay is most do not follow up with Delbros.


Step 1. Pay Delbros at Metrobank one month before the interview or after you receive your case # from NVC (650 Pesos).

Step 2 When you receive the duplicate copy from Metrobank, text Delbros @ 09175555313
USE/CASE#/SURNAME, GIVEN NAME, MIDDLE NAME/BRANCHBANK/DATE OF DEPOSIT/TIME OF DEPOSIT/AMOUNT

Step 3 After you send the first text, within 5 minutes you will receive a confirmation saying "DELBROS HAS SUCCESFFULLY RECEIVED THE INFORMATION YOU SENT. WE WILL SEND YOU A TEXT CONFIRMATION AFTER WE VERIFY YOUR PAYMENT. THANK YOU."

After 3 Hours, you will receive a second text that will say. "THIS IS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE DEPOSIT YOU MADE. RECONFIRM YOUR PAYMENT TO THE DOCUMENT VERIFICATION AS REQUIRED BY THE US EMBASSSY. THANK YOU."

So basically, you should have received 2 Text Messages from Delbros. Just wait. Do not have to text and text Delbros again and again.

Step 4. After receiving the second text message, call Delbros @ 339-2761 right away. When you call this number, say you wish to be transferred to Document Verification Deparment. Now when you are talking with them, confirm with them if they have received your payment. Have your CASE # ready when they ask. (you do not have have to call, but just call to make sure that Delbros really received the payment in their system)

Step 5. After 3 days, Call Delbros again and ask Delbros if they already informed the US Embassy that you have already paid and also ask Delbros when they forwarded the form to NSO. (the most important information to get is ask Delbros when they submitted the form to the NSO)

NOTE: If Delbros says "No" always ask them when can you call back.

In summary, the most important step in document verification is to pay early as much as possible if you have your case # already and follow up with Delbros to verify that they have notified the embassy and the forms have been forwarded to the NSO.

I hope this helps all of you.

----------------

Dr Mirage

Edited by Dr Mirage, 04 April 2008 - 09:38 PM.

Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-04 21:35:00
Philippinesis providing 2006 and 2007 W2's good enough?
Thank you for the reply.

Yes, I am self employed and I also receive salary from another company.

This is why I have W-2's and 1040's.

So far I have:

Notorized Copy of I-134
1040's from 2005, 2006, 2007
W-2's from 2006 and 2007
Self Employment Letter
Employment Letter
Copy of Articles of Incorporation
Copy of Business License
Copy of Seller's Permitt
Last three checking account bank statements
Last three months pay check stubs
IRA 2007 statements


I'm worried because I only have 2006 and 2007 W-2's. Most people I have seen provide three years of W-2's.

Dr Mirage

QUOTE (fitzee21 @ Apr 6 2008, 10:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Dr Mirage @ Apr 6 2008, 10:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just realized that I only have 2006 and 2007 W-2's.

Will this be sufficient to show the pre-screener?

I also have 2005, 2006, 2007 ITR's (1098's) since I am self employed and I will be providing my last three pay check stubs.

Thanks.

You're self-employed and receive a W-2? I thought a 1099 is for a self-employed individual.

Anyways, I'm self-employed and receive a 1099-MISC. I sent my 2005, 2006, and 2007 tax returns. I also sent:
- 2 months of bank statements
- 8 weeks of sales statements
- proof of life insurance
- proof of property ownership
- statement of bank information signed by bank manager (date joined and amount deposited since joining - I joined back in August, 2007 so I wasn't able to provide them with 1 year of deposits)
- printout from my SEP-IRA

It's way more than what they ask for, but as far as I'm concerned, you can't provide them with too much information smile.gif

Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-06 23:11:00
Philippinesis providing 2006 and 2007 W2's good enough?
I just realized that I only have 2006 and 2007 W-2's.

Will this be sufficient to show the pre-screener?

I also have 2005, 2006, 2007 ITR's (1098's) since I am self employed and I will be providing my last three pay check stubs.

Thanks.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-06 22:43:00
PhilippinesThoughts before the interview....
Hello all,

I'm one of the few who are having their interviews on the 22nd of April in USEM.

Its about 2 weeks from today. I'm trying to keep myself busy and try not to think and worry about how the interview is going to be, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to explain how anxious I am for the interview.

We filled our K-1 back in August of 2007. I can say that its been a long journey since that time.

My fiance and I have learned so much, I think we can consider ourselves K-1 experts if there is such a thing.

Also, I've been spending a good amount of time in these boards hours per day. Its pretty crazy. I know I am not the only one.

As I write this note, looking back now since we applied, I have to say that it wasn't an easy task because I honestly thought it would be a lot easier. (but at the same time, after being where we are at now after passing the medical, it could have been more difficult)

We're fortunate that we did not receive any RFE's or delays because too many things can go wrong with completing these applications and requirements. Now, its just the wait and patience until the interview.

Golly! I want to thank everyone in VJ for their help and contributions. My fiance and I wouldn't have made it this far without the help of this board and its members.

Thank you all.

Dr. Mirage
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-07 17:24:00
Philippinesany April 22nd interviewees here...
Hi Guys/Gals,

I know our interviews are still a week later, but I'm all excited about it.

I'm pumped up and ready to go!!! Got all the docs ready.

I'm in HK now and will be visiting China then I'll be in Manila on the 20th to be with my fiance again. *wink wink*

I actually had to hand carry about 7lbs of documents with me, just to be safe that it won't get lost during my flight. *tsk tsk*

I'm scheduled to be interviewed at 7:30 am. I'm debating to be at the gates at 6:00 am or 5:30 AM.

Also, I've got a flight scheduled to return back to the US on 2nd of May.

(hope no document verification hell to happen) Or else I'll be flying home alone. LOL.

Keep you head up. Good luck to us all.

-Doc
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-13 03:32:00
PhilippinesDouble check your interview appointment!!
Hello all,

We never got the link to work to show the status of our interview.

http://203.177.135.1...tment/login.asp

Our status never showed up on that.

However, they did sent me and my fiance a confirmation email for our interview on the 22nd of April at 7:30

After calling USEM again today, they said that the site isn't updated. But we already have our schedule.

Pretty crazy huh?
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-11 02:57:00
Philippines5 days to go for the interview
Yes! April 22nd is comming. 5 more days.

I'll be with attending with my fiance.

If you see a guy wearing a suit, thats me at the 7:30 am appointment line. LOL

I know there are atleast 9 who are having their interview that day in this board.

Doc.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-17 04:31:00
PhilippinesScatterd T-Storms in Manila during interview
Hello all,

How difficult is it going to be when its scattered t-storms in Manila during this week's interview.

I'm already expecting it to be hot and humid.

I'm scheduled on Tuesday with a few others here on this board.

Weather.com says Manila is in the mid 90's with about 70% humidity making it feel like mid 100's. Yikes!!!

-Doc
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-19 03:41:00
PhilippinesApril 22nd Interview updates
Hello all,

Just wanted to let you all know thank you for your support and the big day is finally today. After waiting 8 long months.

Our interview is on April 22nd at 7:30 am.

My fiance and I are at the Bayview Hotel Lobby now 5:15am on April 22nd and are ready to walk across to the USEM.

I will have updates as soon as I get the results.

Wishing everyone good luck for those who are having their interviews this week.

-Doc
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-21 16:17:00
PhilippinesApril 22nd Interview Experience
Hello guys,

We had our appointment on April 22nd at 7:30am.

I'm now at the lobby of Bayview Hotel across the embassy 12:30pm and writing this post about my experience before I leave the hotel.

We finished our interview at around 11:15am and before I go out and start celebrating with my family and fiance, I want to update you fellow VJ'ers because I know how important these posts are to you who are having their interview on April 23rd, 24th and 25th.

I'll skip all the specific details about filling in line and getting your ticket number etc because its pretty much self explanatory.

But before you get into the embassy, have your appointment letter with one valid ID before you enter the Embassy.

Today we met up with about a dozen VJ members including Sandy, Prime & Ryan... ETC. Sorry for those I do not remember, because I didnt really ask for everyonnes profile.

I was surprised to see that there were about 100 K-1, K-2, K-3 who were interviewed today because I wasn't expecting that many who are scheduled.

Before you get your ticket # in the que. Have all these prepared before you reach the window. (about 1 hour wait)

2 copies of DS-156 (paste the picture and sign the applicant signature),
2 copies of DS-157 (one from the bank that is validated, and the one that you filled up yourself)
1 copy DS-156K

After this step, you wait to get scanned for finger prints. (about 30 mins wait)

The most important are the documents that the pre-screener asked for.
I was asked if I was the petitioner. Second, if my fiance has been married before. Third, they requested for Birth Certificate, NBI Clearance, 2007 ITR (1040) most recent and the affidavit of support. Lastly, they asked my fiance if she worked out side the Philippines.

They did not ask for the Cenomar, Check Stubs, W-2s, letters, email. I brought 3 years of ITR and W-2s but were not necessary. They only asked for the most recent 1040 2007 ITR.

The pre screener did ask for pictures, but we had enough with the petition that we submitted with the I-129F. After the pre-screen we sat back down and waited about more than 30 mins for our ticket # to be called for the final interview.

Then we waited to be called for the CO.

The CO that interviewed my fiance asked me to step outside the door and leave all my documents with my fiance. Most of the petitioners who did attend were admitted in the interview room, but I wasnt able to go inside.

The interview took about 5 mins while I waited outside. The CO was very nice and asked these question.

First question, the CO asked about my parents (petitioner) what do they do for a living.
Second question, if my fiance was married or pregnant before
Third question is on how we met.
Forth question, CO asked about the restaurant that we went to when we first met.
Fifth question, CO asked where he can buy a good egg tart.
Sixth question, CO asked if my fiance knew this other bake shop
Seventh question, CO asked if my fiance has been to the US.
Eight question, CO asked about the denied tourist visa she applied for June of 2007. (if my fiance's intention was to visit me) My fiance said NO.
Last question, CO asked how we communicate.

Then CO was writing, he quickly said that we were approved!!! The whole interview lasted for 3-5 mins. We really didn't time it, but my fiance said it was very easy and the CO was very nice. we were at window 32.

We asked for a visa pickup but the CO says they no longer let people pick up the visa.
The CO asked why we need the VISA pickup, and we said because we have our reservation and we will be leaving on May 2nd. The CO says he will try his best that we get our visa before that because they are no longer allowing visa pick up.

We then filled and paid for Delbros to deliver our visa with others who got approve with the PINK SLIP. Everyone seemed to have gotten approved. I didnt see any white slips. Also, I see people smiling after their interviews which means they got the approval.

For everyone who will be having their interviews this week or in the future. My advise is to just relax and have all your documents ready. Do not be nevrous or worry too much.

If you have all your documents ready you will be approved. Also, get your DOC verification early, we paid for our doc verification March 6th and NSO received it on March 17th. (do this early so there will not be a problem).

Thank you all for all those who have helped here in VJ. I wish everyone the best in your future interview and I hope what I have written down can help you get that approval.

Doc-
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-22 00:20:00
PhilippinesNew procedure for interview dates
QUOTE (EricC @ Mar 10 2008, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
After calling the USEM they have told many of us we have to call the call center to pick an interview date. I don't know that if we don't call we will be given a default or later interview date or not. But according to the embassy they said call.


Yes! We have to call on March 14th for an interview date.

The only way for us to be given that date is to call the call center.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-03-10 16:23:00
PhilippinesNew procedure for interview dates
Does anyone have an idea what the packet #3 is that DOS is talking about that we have to send back.

My fiance has not received anything in the mail and the USEM is already closed for the weekend so I am not able to confirm anything.

So here is what I know so far:

I called DOS early this morning (friday morning) and they said the beneficiary will received a packet #3 in the mail and have to be returned back to USEM. Then on March 14th, we can schedule the medical and interview date.

I called USEM last night (thursday night) and they said to wait until March 14th to schedule the medical and interview date. No mention of the Packet #3 of what DOS is saying.

I didn't want to inquire agressively about what the new protocols are with USEM and DOS, however DOS did know in their system that I have called USEM on thursday night and their system says I have to call the call center on March 14th for the medical and interview dates.

Hope this helps everyone.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-03-07 18:20:00
PhilippinesNew procedure for interview dates
We all have to just wait for the 14th of March.

Now, I am not sure if this is Manila Time or US time.

Also, I am not sure why they told me that my fiance will be receiving the packet #3.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-03-07 16:55:00
PhilippinesNew procedure for interview dates
QUOTE (Dr Mirage @ Mar 7 2008, 12:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (EricC @ Mar 7 2008, 12:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If it says they are on the phone press 0. It will ring again. Keep doing that until you get an answer. Sometimes it took 4 min the other time it took 1 min.


Eric,

I just spoke with Grace at extention 5184/5185. They told me the same thing as what they told you.

They've received the Case# and its already on their system, but we have to call the call center on March 14th to schedule for the interview date.

I also asked when is the estimate interview month and Grace mentioned that it will be in May.

She was nice and helpful, but cannot schedule an earlier interview date.

I guess we'll all be calling DOS tomorrow.


UPDATE: Just called DOS and they said that the beneficiary will receive packet #3 on the mail from USEM, however, I can download it from the USEM website and return the packet and I can call on March 14th.

On their system, they have a record that I called USEM yesterday (today Manila time). I was surprised on their accurate information from both ends.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-03-07 10:58:00
PhilippinesNew procedure for interview dates
QUOTE (EricC @ Mar 7 2008, 12:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If it says they are on the phone press 0. It will ring again. Keep doing that until you get an answer. Sometimes it took 4 min the other time it took 1 min.


Eric,

I just spoke with Grace at extention 5184/5185. They told me the same thing as what they told you.

They've received the Case# and its already on their system, but we have to call the call center on March 14th to schedule for the interview date.

I also asked when is the estimate interview month and Grace mentioned that it will be in May.

She was nice and helpful, but cannot schedule an earlier interview date.

I guess we'll all be calling DOS tomorrow.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-03-07 00:31:00
PhilippinesNew procedure for interview dates
For those who have an MNL# and do not yet have an interview date like myself, we'll just have to try to call DOS or that # ext 5184 to see what is going on.

I've tried to call that extention 2x, and the person is on the phone.

Loraine must be very busy.

If I do get to speak with her, i'll be updating everyone.

C'mon Loraine!! You are my density blink.gif
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-03-07 00:04:00
PhilippinesDelbros Text us that we will be receiving our VISA!
Hello all! My fiance and I had our interview on 4/22.

We just received a text from Delbros that our VISA is going to be delivered today 4/25 or on Monday 4/28!

I was surprised to receive this text from Delbros because I did not know that they send a text to inform you that you will receive your visa. (they got our cell phone # when we applied for the Visa Delivery at the US Embassy..

Which means we are receiving our visa after 3-6 days after the interview. (you cannot count Saturday and Sunday because Delbros is closed)

So for all of those who are curious on what we did to make this possible. Here is the summary.

After paying document verification from Delbros, it will take almost 2 weeks until NSO will receive the request form from the US Embassy.

You have to follow up from Delbros when NSO receives this. That is the first date that you have to count from the interview. (you do not count the 4 weeks when you paid document verification)

For example, we paid for document verification in March 6th. On March 17th, NSO received the request form from the US Embassy.

From March 17th, you can count 4 weeks after the date. Our Interview was on April 22nd. So its more than a month already before our interview.

When the Embassy in Manila receives the petition, then you can pay for your document verification as early as you can.

Like if you are married before, it will take more than 4 weeks because NSO will have to check your CENOMAR.

Good luck for all of those who passed their interview this week in receiving your visa soon.

My fiance and I will be leaving for the US on 5/2. We are both very happy with everyone a sucessful interview.

Doc.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-04-25 02:07:00
PhilippinesFor those who are still waiting
Hello all,

I was looking around the forum in the Philippines region and I noticed that many are still waiting for their NOA2s from USCIS, NVC Case #'s, Interview Dates, Medical Results and Visas. From someone who has gone through that. My advise is to pray and be patient.

I know its difficult especially to deal with everyting including the ever popular Delbros for their visas especially when it comes to document verificatinon.

Or maybe its just me that updated my timeline after we received our visas because most do not update their timelines any longer after this step.

As for my case, my fiance and I were both lucky that we paid early (about 6 weeks before our interview) and followed up with delbros frequently. We received our visa four days after our interview. I believe there were five others who got theirs also. (but thats so few comparing to those who were applying who had their interview that same day)

The first time we heard of document verification was four months ago and we were curious what this was and why we had to pay for it. For this reason, we inquired the forums and Delbros and were inquisitive about this step because it is not a requirement in order to receive the visa.

God Bless you all.

Dr. Mirage
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-06 16:46:00
PhilippinesI SHED A TEAR
Very touching topic/post.

For those who are waiting, be patient and you visa will be arriving soon.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-08 04:41:00
PhilippinesWhat hotel is ideal to stay in Manila during medical exam and interview?
I stayed at the Bayview Hotel.

Just across the Embassy.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-08 04:38:00
PhilippinesVisa on Hand!! :)
wow!!!! Great news!! We're all very happy for you!!! smile.gif
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-10 09:05:00
PhilippinesMY POE exp MAY 9.. ST PAUL MINNEAPOLIS
Welcome to the USA~
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-10 09:04:00
PhilippinesMy visa is in my hand now! Thank you Lord Jesus ; )
Congrats!!!
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-05 02:39:00
PhilippinesHas anyone filled for their AOS and EAD?
Hi Guys,

I know this is a Regional Discussion, but I wanted to ask if anyone has filled for their AOS and EAD under a K1 Visa.

If anyone can help me answer some questions. I will greatly appreciate it.

My fiance and I are already in the US since May 2nd and we are having our CIVIL wedding ceremony on May 17th.

I heard the AOS application takes 7 months to process (receive the green card)

My question is can my fiance get her SSN any earlier than filling for the EAD which may take 90 days?

-Doc.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-13 16:58:00
PhilippinesConfused about renewing a US Passport in Manila
Hello all,

I have a complicated question if anyone can help. I have a friend who was born in the US.

He immigrated to Canada and is now a dual national (US and Canada).

He used his Canadian passport to enter the Philippines and has been living there for the past 20 years as a dual national (US and Canada).

His parents then applied for a US Passport in US Embassy in Manila by using his US Birth Certificate. He was given a US Passport that is issued from Manila, Philippines.

Right now, he has an expired US Passport and he is interested to know how to aquire a new US Passport.

My question is, will he be able to apply for a US Passport in USEM because he has been living in Manila for the last 20 years. (His US Passport was issued in Manila) Will he be getting himself into trouble?

Or should he come back to the US using his Canadian passport to apply for the US Passport in the US. However, if he does this, will he be questioned how was he able to enter the US if his US Passport had already expired.

Will he lose his US Citizenship by living in the Philippines.

Anyone who can help will be appreciated.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-14 15:38:00
PhilippinesHow will you know if you pass the Interview (k1)
Congrats! You passed the interview, just have to wait for your visa and keep an eye out for delbros to text you.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-15 14:11:00
PhilippinesQuick Question about Marriage.
I suggest you think of the pros and cons of the K-1 VS K-3.

I was in the same situation as you and I went for the K-1.

First, because it gives your fiance freedom to choose and not going all in. (it wont be as embarrasing if she returns back to the Philippines) (no divorce needed)

Second, you two can wait together for the Green Card as soon as she arrives with her K-1. (not waiting separately)

Third, what if you had a problem going with the K-3 petition. Now, you will never know what happens down the road during the K-3 process. If your fiance doenst pass the Medical Exam (a good example is what if she has been exposed to TB HIV/AIDS). (medical exam is required for K-1, K-3 applicants) Then you would have married someone and you cannot even bring her into the US. So you'll be screwed. Which leads to if you really want to be with her, you will just have to move or live in the Philippines.

With the K-1, if there are problems with the petition such as the medical, both parties can back out without as much harm because you didn't get legally married.... I think its just a safer decision.

Maybe not all will agree with me... but I hope this helps.

Doc.

QUOTE (Dr Mirage @ May 15 2008, 06:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I suggest you think of the pros and cons of the K-1 VS K-3.

I was in the same situation as you and I went for the K-1.

First, because it gives your fiance freedom to choose and not going all in. (it wont be as embarrasing if she returns back to the Philippines) (no divorce needed)

Second, you two can wait together for the Green Card as soon as she arrives with her K-1. (not waiting separately)

Third, what if you had a problem going with the K-3 petition. Now, you will never know what happens down the road during the K-3 process. If your fiance doenst pass the Medical Exam (a good example is what if she has been exposed to TB HIV/AIDS). (medical exam is required for K-1, K-3 applicants) Then you would have married someone and you cannot even bring her into the US. So you'll be screwed. Which leads to if you really want to be with her, you will just have to move or live in the Philippines.

With the K-1, if there are problems with the petition such as the medical, both parties can back out without as much harm because you didn't get legally married.... I think its just a safer decision.

Maybe not all will agree with me... but I hope this helps.

Doc.

Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-15 18:39:00
PhilippinesQuick Question about Marriage.
I've not heard of a question / topic like this before: Cheaper? K-1 vs K-3 not to mention you added AOS.

For my experience I believe doing the K-1 (fiance visa) is easier and faster than the K-3 (spouse visa)

With the cost, I think its hard to determine at this time because there are so many factors that will come up that you will not even be able to think about. For me, the whole experience wasn't cheap ie. airline tickets, phone bills... etc.

Whats best of the K-1 is that once the visa is approved, you can be together after you are married in waiting for the AOS (green card)

I think getting married and waiting 8 months to 1 year for you two to be together is very difficult and I cannot imagine the hardship of how the relationship will be being separated from your spouse.

Also doing the K-1 has an advantage because you are able to give your fiance 90 days to decide if she wishes to really go on with the marriage. It gives her a free choice to decide if she really wants to be with you in where you are in the US.

Doing the K-3 is like saying "all in" in poker. Remember in Manila, divorce isnt easy to get. Plus the embarrasment if in case the marriage didnt work out and she needs to go back to the Philippines.

Hope this helps.

Doc.





QUOTE (srogue @ May 15 2008, 11:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all. I am a US citizen, and may possibly be marrying a wonderful lady from the Philippines. My aunt, who is from the Philippines, has said that it would be less costly for me if I were married in the Philippines and then tried to bring my wife over to the US on a spouse visa due to the fact that I wouldn't have to pay for a fiance visa, then spend the $1010 on the AOS, or something like that. She knows more about it than I do. I just wanted to do some research and see what anyone else out there knows about this. Would it really save me alot of money to marry in the Phlippines, or would it not really matter in the long run?

Thanks much!

p.s. conversely my uncle married my aunt a year ago and did most of their paperwork back when an AOS cost $70. That is quite an increase! They had an engagement party there in the Philippines, and then got married over here. I, ideally, would want to do, but if it meant saving a thousand dollars, I would be willing to do whatever they suggest.

Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-15 17:52:00
PhilippinesShe's on her way!
congrats! finally! its about time!
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-20 09:54:00
PhilippinesCheapset text / call from PI to US
Hello all,

I know there is a topic here on the cheapest international call from US to PI here already on the board.
We are using Myworld and Time Warner Digital Phone One Price and are happy with that.


But what about when your fiance / spouse is already here in the US. (baliktad naman ito)

What is cheapest way to text / call from the Philippines to the US.

My fiance has many text buddies with SUN/GLOBE/SMART. What is the cheapest way for her to keep in touch with them? (via text or by voice)

Is there a unit / cell phone that can be used in the US where your friends can just call you locally from their Phlippines cell phone.

But, we do not want to pay for roaming fees that cost an arm and a leg.

Any information will help. Thanks.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-15 18:21:00
Philippinesunable to get an SSN for K1 until EAD is approved.
Hello All,

The reason why I was denied for the SSN was because my wife and I aready got married.

The SSN person told me that the my wife is no longer my fiance so I cannot get an SSN which doesnt make sense.

Urgh!!! This topic I found and someone said that you can get a SSN before or after marriage for K-1 Visa Holders.

http://www.visajourn...p;#entry1867240

I'm gonna have to go back and speak to a manager.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-23 17:53:00
Philippinesunable to get an SSN for K1 until EAD is approved.
Hello again!

I wanted to ask a question about getting a SSN.

I went with my fiance to the local SSN office yesterday and I was unable to get a SSN in California under K-1 Visa.

I was told that K-1 Visa holders are non-immigrant and we cannot get a SSN until we get the EAD approved.

My question is how come some VJ'ers were able to get their SSN.

Thanks.

Doc.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-23 15:18:00
PhilippinesI got my SSN card today
Congrats in getting your SSN! We're still trying to get ours LOL.

Right now Fayanne is carrying with her an internationals drivers license for ID.

We went to a bar/restaurant the other day. And she has to bring her big internationals drivers license... and the security was saying WHOA OMG. This is the largest license he's ever seen.

Looks more like a fishing license.
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-28 10:23:00
PhilippinesVISA ON HAND 12:30PM MAY 7...I TOLD YOU GUYS MY NEXT POST WOULD BE THIS :)
Congrats!!!
Dr MirageMalePhilippines2008-05-07 10:31:00