ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesVisa Denial
Curious, has anyone been denied a K-1 because they had only been employed for 3 or 4 months prior to their fiancee's interview, even thou the annual income was more then adequate?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-07-21 01:11:00
PhilippinesParents coming for a visit
QUOTE (T_and_A @ Jul 25 2009, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Collating the supporting documents and all those stuff took longest.. But as soon as you have already paid the application fee from BDO ($131), can call up the PLDT line to schedule appointment

Here is the timeline they had:

May-July - collecting all requirements:
<they had to wait a long time for this because Papa doesn't have passport yet and so to get it he has to have birth certificate, but Papa's birth certificate was lost and the records were destroyed during WW2>, this was the hassle why it took long to get everything going.

July 20 - finally when all the requirements are ready, they went to Legaspi Albay to pay the application fee in BDO. Same day they tried calling the PLDT line, no luck, couldn't get thru; also tried calling using other lines, still no luck
July 21 - still continue trying to call PLDT line, still no luck...
July 22 - went to another town in Tabaco, Albay to try the PLDT office from there, someone answered from the US embassy:
They were asked the questions on the phone.
When is the planned visit (ans: as stated in my application form Aug 1 or as soon as possible)
Why do you want to go to US (daughter and son in law invited us and wanted to take the oppurtunity to visit and travel with my husband since he's also old already and would be nice if they can visit)
Is this coming Friday ok with you?...

...and so they had to leave morning of thursday, arrived in Manila, Thursday night.

July 24 (8 am) - they were asked to go in at 6:30 am for the 8 am interview sched.

Here's what happened: Had to wait for their turn to be called (40th interviewee on window 5 (this is my lucky no))
They were asked for their application forms, and their passports.
the questions asked were:

1. Why do you want to go to US?
2. What work does your daughter do in US? <she works in computers - IT, she's a graduate of computer science>
3. How many children do you have? (5)
4. How many in US and how many in the Philippines? <only one in US though i have a sister there who is already a US citizen>
5. What will make you come back to the Philippines? I only have one daughter in US and a grandson, I have 4 here in US and two grandchildren, there's no way i would exchange US life for my family here in the Philippines. Our trip is simply so we can go see my daughter there and not live there especially illegally.

Same day friday afternoon, they got message from air21 giving the tracking nos for their package.



QUOTE (LÜvtechwifey @ Jul 25 2009, 01:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
May I ask how long did it took for your parents to have their Tourist visas approved?
when did they apply? and how to begin with? smile.gif


We are very pleased to hear of your parents approval. We were told that over 90% of visitor visas are denied. They said you have to be rich and own half of Manila before they will give approval, which is not right. This has to be very exciting for you. We wish your parents a safe trip and a very happy reunion.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-08-01 13:32:00
Philippinessending laptop to the Phils
QUOTE (mossycouple @ Aug 25 2009, 09:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all! I am planning to buy laptop here in the US to send to my brother for his schooling. I just wanted to buy here because i think it's cheaper and the quality is good. Does anybody have tried sending laptop to PI? How did you do it, what carrier, how much and how long does it take to arrive to the receiver? thanks for the reply in advance!




I shipped a laptop to Manila via USPS. If you declare true value you will get ripped off in Phl Customs fees. I only declared the value at $100.00. as I had used the laptop briefly. You will save huge. Yes its always a little risky shipping to the Philippines. I have shipped 3 times without any difficulty.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-08-27 11:10:00
PhilippinesPassing the Interview with Petitioner there.
Has anyone gone through the interview with the petitioner right there with them and been denied? If so, can you state the reasons you were denied and what you did about it?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-06 08:29:00
PhilippinesDo we get any "Evidence" back from USEM
Curious, all of the I-134 documents (e.g. tax returns, letter from employer, copies of pay checks, etc.) do they keep or return all that?
Will they make copies of all that before returning it?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-09 23:00:00
PhilippinesCo-Sponsor's
QUOTE (Anh map @ Sep 10 2009, 06:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
No, the form is for one person to be a sponsor. Use the person's individual income information to complete the form.


Thank you for the response. However, if their individual income is on a joint tax return, what then? Do I fill out an I-134 for each of them using the same tax return on both forms?

Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-10 21:12:00
PhilippinesCo-Sponsor's
When the co-sponsor is married and files joint tax return, do you then fill out I-134 using both their names as on their tax return that will be submitted? This can be a little confusing.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-10 12:30:00
PhilippinesCo-Sponsor Requirements
What documents does the co-sponsor need to submit with I-134? last years tax returns only? or do they have to have bank statements, letter from employer, canceled pay checks etc. Just what is needed from the co-sponsor? Any and all help is greatly appreciated as our time is approaching and want to be as prepared as possible.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-09 23:42:00
PhilippinesChanging last name of my Filipina Fiance's child
My fiance' has sole custody of her son as stated on her annulment. Once in the US and we are married we want to change his last name to mine so all will share the same last name. Does anyone know the procedure for this? Does it require adoption of him in US? I would like to hear from someone who has been through this.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-07 22:15:00
Philippinesputting the package together today!!!!!
That is correct as during the waiting process you will be building more of the relationship. Document everything! If you are going back to see her take lots & lots of pictures and not just you and her but you and her family as well! Just because your passport is stamped Philippines does not mean you were there to see her, so lots of pictures. Good luck with everything, never hesitate to ask questions if you need help. There are a lot of very knowledgeable people on VJ.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-13 17:52:00
Philippinesputting the package together today!!!!!
I am assuming you are filing for a K-1. Keep in mind that everything you send in is highly scrutinized due to the fact they find quite a few applications are bogus, submitted by people just trying to get a visa and there is no real relationship. From what I read there are more RFE's because of lack of supporting evidence to substantiate a true relationship. Sometimes justified, sometimes not. I probably sent more then what is really needed, I just wanted to be safe. An RFE can slow things down. I did not know about the Pic's in a baggie, I just paper clipped ours to the application because it said not to use staples. Remember once you get the NOA 2 that means the US Visa Service, NVC has examined, investigated you and approved your application. Now its in the hands of the Embassy which is where you really want to be certain you have crossed your T's and dotted your I's. They have the final say. Just remember, don't assume anything. I hope my input helps you a little. We are still waiting for the NOA-2 ourselves. We wish you the very best, I'm certain things will go well.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-13 17:25:00
PhilippinesIf you could be SOMEBODY ...
The CO in Manila Embassy.......Just long enough to approve our application!
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-13 17:46:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support
I know the question seems silly,however the Manila Embassy is known to be captious so I don't want to assume anything.

Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-17 08:10:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support
The Instructions for the letter from your employer says to state the "Yearly Salary". Can you also use the term "Annual Income" just as well? My income is a combination of salary & commission. I'm just trying to be certain I do this correctly. Thanks!
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-16 21:19:00
Philippinesincome requirement question!
If your current job meets the 125% level (i.e. weekly gross pay x 52) is greater, you should be ok. So if you are paid as an example $500.00 per week that would be $26,000.00 (52 x $550.00) you don't have to be on the job an entire year. Co-sponsors I understand can be used, but they should be a family member. it sounds like you might be ok with meeting the income requirements. I suggest if at all possible to be at the interview, I hear it can be the deciding factor in your favor if things seem a little borderline. I hope this helps answer some of your questions. Good luck with everything
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-22 01:38:00
PhilippinesVisa Approved!
QUOTE (Qiix @ Sep 23 2009, 03:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Emi's interview was yesterday at 8:30

Visa approved!

There was no problem with me (husband) attending both interviews.

Screener questions:
Wife
What is your name?
When is your birthday?
Have you visited any countries outside Philippines?
Were you a tourist or did you work?
How many years did you work?


Husband
You are the Husband?
When did you arrive here in the Philippines on this trip
How many times have you been here

Asked us If we had any Pictures- Gave him the Pictures (two Albums) Nothing Else
Wedding Pics were on A4 paper in a clear book (9x12 binder, fit thru the slot ok)
Other pics were same A4 Paper in an envolope
About 100 pics in all. (lol overkill I guess)



Final Interview
Wife
How long have you been married?
How long have you been together?
Where did you meet?

Husband
When did you arrive here in the Philippines on this trip?
How many times have you been here?
When did you retire?
Do you have a job waiting for you?

Looked at our Pictures, Gave them back did some scribbling on our file

That’s It. Visa approved.

Thanks to God always!




Congratulations! Nice you posted the questions they asked you. Did they give much attention to affidavit of support? Just curious when both are at interview if the financial's are still much of an issue.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-09-24 20:37:00
PhilippinesWhen to buy Airline tickets?
QUOTE (legendofzelda @ Oct 10 2009, 04:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That I can not recommend you to purchase a roundtrip ticket for them. Because the airline will tagged them as no show on the outbound flight and basically it will cancel the entire roundtrip flight. Just get the two tickets for one way flight and make sure that you get them in the same flight. I would suggest you to book a flight with Expedia, save an itinerary and make sure the flight numbers and time is the same when you are going to book the 2 one way flights for them ( your return flight also).
I have been checking some flights in December, and it's kinda bit high or expensive. But it is still your choice.

Good Luck And Congratulations.


Thanks for the reply. Most likely we will not fly out of Manila till after Jan 1 because of the cost, it drops considerably after first week of Jan.The real trick is getting 2 tickets on the same flight as mine with adjoining seats.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-10 16:08:00
PhilippinesWhen to buy Airline tickets?
We just got our NOA2 and assume the interview date at embassy will more then likely be in December. I will be flying there from Florida to be at interview. assuming she is approved, there will be her and her son (10 yrs. old) and myself flying back to Florida.
I will already have my round trip ticket. How will I get 2 more tickets at that time on the same plane with seating next to each other going to Florida? Seems almost impossible to do. Because round trip tickets are about same cost as one-way and If I purchase well in advance I could buy 3 round trip tickets with only 1 of the seats being used on the way there and all 3 on the way back. Not sure if this makes sense or not so I could use some suggestions from someone that has gone thru this.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-10 15:37:00
PhilippinesApproval Received (NOA2)
QUOTE (marriedtomrg @ Oct 9 2009, 09:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations! smile.gif

Did you receive your NOA2 e-mail notice or the hardcopy? smile.gif

- Kaye and Rick


We received it via E-Mail stating hard copy in mail.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-09 20:34:00
PhilippinesApproval Received (NOA2)
It came today, we were starting to get worried. We are so very excited! We just want to spread the news.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-09 17:20:00
PhilippinesANNULMENT in the RP....stupid laws
QUOTE (Ndrangeta_one @ Oct 10 2009, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone has any information on how to annulment there in RP?

How long does normally take?

What are valid reason for annulment? (abandonment,etc,etc)


How much it may cost? (including the envelope money...heheheeh devil.gif)


Only 2 countries in the World do not have divorce, RP and MALTA and their stupid laws...... whistling.gif


Takes approx. 12 -18 months depending where you file. Cost in neighborhood of 100,000+ php. Get an attorney that has experience in these matters. Most of all you have to be patient. Here is a link that may answer some questions for you. Good Luck

http://www.familymat...e.htm#article35
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-10 15:42:00
PhilippinesUse an immigration Service
Ours was a K-1 and we used a service that actually turned out to be very good and was reasonable. They got our NOA2 in 2 1/2 months. I believe most people with the help of VJ and just being methodical can do it themselves. I do not recommend attorneys at all! If I had to do it again I would use this service again. My reason is that it gives you some peace of mind its being done correctly. This was my first time, where they have done it many, many times with total success. It only takes one little glitch to delay things and to most people its one of the most important events in their life and want no problems. I hope this helps and wish you luck.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-12 17:08:00
PhilippinesApproval without an Interview?
QUOTE (YMALIA @ Oct 13 2009, 04:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Mr.&Mrs.A @ Oct 12 2009, 09:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just read a few other posts stating that sometimes approvals are issued without requireing an embassy interview. Is anyone familiar with this happening?



my friend she does no interview us consular in manila send her visa to her home address.. so u dnt have to worry bout it.


Was hers a K-1 Visa? and if I understand you correctly she was approved without having an interview by a CO at the Manila Embassy. They just sent her a visa directly to her home for her to insert in her passport? If true what about the Affidavit of Support?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-13 17:22:00
PhilippinesApproval without an Interview?
I just read a few other posts stating that sometimes approvals are issued without requireing an embassy interview. Is anyone familiar with this happening?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-12 20:28:00
PhilippinesAffidavit of Support
I know the more the better, but how many is recommended? Will 5 or 6 of the most recent be adequte?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-12 18:41:00
PhilippinesATTEND OR NOT ATTEND THAT IS THE QUESTION!!!!
Everybody's situation is different. I really want to be there for my fiance, actually if I have to swim there I will! My reasons are this and this may or may not be of help to you.

1. She is the most dynamic and wonderful woman on the planet. I truly got very lucky!

2. In light of the fact there are so many fraudulant applications going that just my presence there pretty much erases any doubt.

3. Anyone going through the interview has to be very nervous and she is no different, so I will be there for that shoulder to lean
on.
4. The trip here is 13,000 miles with several stops plus the immigration routine at the POE. I want to be with her through all that.

5. When the CO looks at us and hopefully says 'You Approved" We plan on immediately going to church together and give thanks.


Well!.....These are my personal reasons for being there, but now you need to do what is right for you guys and believe me, I truly apreciate the value of a dollar.

We wish both of you all the happiness in the world.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-14 19:18:00
PhilippinesNOA2
QUOTE (Iris&Norman @ Oct 16 2009, 12:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Things are moving right along! So excited!


Email and SMS approval notices late on 10-6-09
NVC received case from CIS on 10-09-09
10-12-09 Got MNL number from NVC by Phone
Hardcopy NOA2 in mail 10-14-09
NVC sent materials to Manila on 10-14-09 (As per NVC by phone 10-15-09)


You will have it tomorrow hopefully! Congrats! kicking.gif


Thank you for the reply, it is very much appreciated.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-15 23:24:00
PhilippinesNOA2
From the time you receive the e-mail from uscis stating your I-129F was approved till you receive the NOA2 hard copy, how many days does it usually take? It has been 1 week and nothing. With the NOA1 we received it in 2 days. Our mail here gets fouled up sometimes and worry it may have been lost. Has anyone ever had theirs get lost in the mail?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-15 22:33:00
PhilippinesAffect of annullment/name change on K1/K2
QUOTE (Art1 @ Oct 13 2009, 02:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,

My fiancee has 2 children and an annulled marraige. We wants to change her name back to her maiden name for the visa process
but leave the children with their fathers last name. Will that cause a problem in the K1/K2 process?

What is the experience/advice of forum members with regard to name differences between the mother and children?

A


No it will not. My fiance did just that and we just got our NOA2. Her son still has his fathers last name, but we will change it to my last name after arriving in the US.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-13 22:42:00
Philippinesinterview documents question
Thanks Iris & Norman for the reply. Yes, I hope the NOA2 hard copy shows up next week, we would feel a lot better having it at interview. We have the e-mail uscis sent us stating we are approved, as to whether the USEM will accept that I don't know. As to your CENOMAR I read that the Embassy will not accept it from beneficiary anymore as they request their own copy. It is however recommended that you have one for yourself with you. I also read it should not be more then 3 months old. I hope this helps. Thanks again and we wish you the very best.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-17 20:20:00
Philippinesinterview documents question
QUOTE (Bob and Liezl @ Oct 16 2009, 06:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You all are great. I really appreciate all the help!

Bob and Liezl


I noticed you never received your NOA2 hard copy. Neither did we!, got the e-mail approving us from USCIS , but no hard copy. Did you find out if this is going to be a problem at the interview?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-17 16:34:00
PhilippinesInterview Tomarrow
I really understand your delimma, purchase tickets now or after visa in hand? If you purchase tickets a month or so in advance they will cost less then if you purchase them right after getting the visa in your hand. I spoke with an airlines about this asking what the penalty would be if I had to cancel the tickets at last moment and change departure date. On 3 tickets the penalty would be $750.00 ($250. each) If I wait and buy tickets right after getting visa, I will pay that much more for them! so its kind of a wash. This is just my thoughts and research on the matter. Good Luck
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-17 20:54:00
PhilippinesNOA2
I just spoke with Post Office and our NOA2 may have been lost in the mail! I called NCIS and it takes upto 75 days to get another one. Has anyone ever been asked to present their NOA2 at the interview? It seems by the time you reach the embassy its already a forgone conclusion that your I-129F was approved or you would not have received the appointment. I'm trying not to worry about this, but want to be certain its not going to cause a serious problem. We have our case number.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-16 11:46:00
Philippineswhat type of visa i can use for my sister???????????
Sad, but true the chances of getting a tourist visa are almost impossible and I think that is very wrong. The truth is here in the USA we have between 25 - 30 million Illegal aliens, but let a Filipino want to come over honestly and they say no! go figure!
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-19 18:19:00
PhilippinesNVC Hectic Schedule?
Heres the phone nimber in case you do not already have it (603) 334-0700 and they are open till midnight EST in fact I just called them myself. Good Luck
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-20 22:48:00
PhilippinesNOA2!
Wow Kevin, nobody answered your question! Let me make a suggestion asd this is what I have done. If its just the 2 of you the the 125% would be a minimum income of $18,200. What I suggest is take any job (I mean any job) whatsoever temporary all it has to pay is $8.75 per hour and you qualify! all you need is some copies of paychecks (make copies before cashing) a letter from the employer stating you work there that its permanant, that you are in good standing and annual income. Doing this is much easier then trying to start a business and document income from it. I know this may not what you really want to do, but it will work! Ihope this suggestion helps you. We wish you the very best in your efforts, good luck!
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-24 13:33:00
PhilippinesAssets for I-134 Affidavit of Support
This is true, but curious as to whether its considered a viable asset.
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-24 22:27:00
PhilippinesAssets for I-134 Affidavit of Support
I'm curious if using Gold & Diamond jewelry with a certified appraisal as an asset in lieu of some of the required income be acceptable? I know it has to be something that can be converted to cash within 12 months. Has anyone ever done this?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-24 13:21:00
PhilippinesNVC Additional Processing?
QUOTE (Dennis&Dane @ Oct 26 2009, 11:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yup, alot of us have endured that AP #######... but like all things you will pass thru it... but if you want to read my angry rant about it here is the link

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=220968


Our packet was stuck there for 41 days...


Thanks for the reply, I knew the NVC could take 2 weeks to send things on to the embassy. I guess that just doubled. As long as its approved by the NVC and eventually sent on is all I really care, well, in a reasonable period of time that is!
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-26 23:08:00
PhilippinesNVC Additional Processing?
The NVC has had our approved application for K-1 since 10/15, I called to check status and they said its going thru additional processing. They did not say there was a problem just going thru additional processing. Has anyone been told this and what does it mean?
Mr.&Mrs.ANot TellingPhilippines2009-10-26 22:47:00