biggish data

Hay...

i feel for you..i have followed your journey especially the horrible experience you had at the USEM and basing on the facts you have shared to us, you really did your best. you are a strong woman, so remain as is. don't let the shadow of that experience bring you down, keep your faith strong..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-09-12 06:32:00

Problem in St Lukes

i had my medical exam at SLEC wednesday and thursday. i underwent C-section 2007 when i gave birth to our son. during the physical exam, the doctor asked me if i had any previous operations, i said YES and before she could say anything, i then handed to her my medical certificate (from the hospital when i was confine) and a notarized affidavit from my OB and my son's pedia. then after that, she never asked for anything more.

personally i'd say it's best to bring "EVERYTHING" pertaining to any medical concerns just to play safe especially if you don't live in manila...traveling to and fro will be very epensive, time-consuming, emotionally tormenting and physically draining, so i advice, better be OVERLY PREPARED than be sorry..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-09-26 07:37:00

Medical Worries

don't even joke about psych test, this happens randomly...and if it hppens to you even if you think you're perfectly normal, YOU CAN'T COMPLAIN to SLEC's definition of sanity. hahaha.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-09-26 07:46:00

Tuberculin Test, How Many Days?

QUOTE (mehere! @ Oct 2 2008, 05:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi everyone! just wanna if, after TUBERCULIN Test was given to the child, how may days will it takes for SLEC to read the result. Will they check in on the next day or the 3rd day after the test was given? just wanna know, coz we're having our medical wednesday& i'm hoping that we could finish friday, since SLEC is closed on weekends. i just want to make sure that we have enough time for the medical. How many blocks away is Cherry Blossoms Hotel from SLEC? can i check-in, in the morning like 8:30am? coz i'm planning upon arrival from the airport to drop our things at the hotel & proceed with the medical.

Tanx in advance for ur replies!

had my medical september 24 (instead of the pre-meditated september 25-26 schedule) and i was thankful i did. i suggest you have your medical earlier than wednesday just to give yourself time just in case something comes up.

applicants who underwent tuberculin skin test are asked to come back for a third day medical for TST reading at the 2nd floor. if it's positive, then the applicant will be scheduled for sputum examination and pulmonary evaluation but if it's negative, the applicant may have his/her immunization.

take note that SLEC seem to be very tight on this TST issue. there was this child who was asked to return to SLEC a week after her scheduled medical coz her TST evaluation yeilded 8mm bleb.

i was kinda surprised considering how small the bleb was and that one should be worried if bleb reaches a diameter 11mm..but hey, i'm in no position to argue their findings..lol..if they think it needs more evaluation, then they really do MORE testing..which will eventually cost the applicant more time not to mention added stress.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-04 18:23:00

QUOTE (PingLocalHostess @ Oct 7 2008, 04:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The last time i called, i talked with Grace. I was told that number are for petitioners, not for beneficiaries. Beneficiaries are advised to call the call center. (eh!)

i called and was told the same thing, but who cares, calling the call center is way TOO EXPENSIVE plus i've heard some operators in the call center hotline are NOT even that helpful and can't even aswer queries..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-07 03:53:00

QUOTE (MieLon @ Oct 7 2008, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

HELLO MJ3LAS VEGAS...
HOW DID YOU REACH LORRAINE COZ I AM HAVING A HARD TIME CALLING THE EMBASSY AND REACH SOMEONE WHO CAN TELL ME WHATS GOING ON..
PLEASE TELL ME... THANKS...

i called the USEM trunkline number. look for grace or lorraine. here's the number just in case you don't have it:

(02) 301-2000
local 5184 or 5185

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-07 03:51:00

QUOTE (100%PINOY @ Oct 7 2008, 01:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi! what are the question that consul asked during the interview..I am already fix my documents for tomorrows interview, I have with me all the proof of our relationship and its so thick album, like a scrap book! so how was the interview?

you can actually read a lot of interview experience here at VJ, here's a link to mine:
http://www.visajourn...p;#entry2275207

you can browse through the PIregional forum and look for helpful inputs for your interview..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-07 01:29:00

well i was interviewed last october 3rd and when i called USEM and talked to lorriane, she told me my visa is all set and probably expect it in a week or 2 since i'm from cebu..though it hasn't been delivered yet, i'm confident since she confirmed it has been printed and ready for release..

baka na-release na rin sa'yo or something, don't worry, you'll get it soon in god's grace..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-07 00:40:00

The best of any man..'Is what is found in his heart

QUOTE (my_panacea = Greg @ Oct 8 2008, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

aww, very touching. Thanks for sharing.

I'll share a story too..

When I was still working in Call Center, I was in Ayala Makati that time waiting for Taxi. I noticed an old man (prolly in his 70's)who were waiting for taxi too but no taxi would stop to him since he is kinda nasty to look at. Ayala, Makati is the heart of business here in Philippines, its like, only corporate people/professionals are the ones walking in this area.
With his withered pants and dirty polo everyone would really think that he doesn't have a single penny in his wallet.As to my curiosity, I walked towards him and asked, "uhm, Lolo,(filipino term for an way old man), Where are you going? I might as well get you a taxi,I said. He answered, I am going to Marikina, to my daughter, do you have any idea how much would it cost me to go there? he asked me. I answered him, Lolo it depends on the taxi meter, of I might as well just get an agreed amount from the taxi driver and we can pay him before you get in. and the old man said, that would be better. So what I did was I called a taxi and when I was able to get one, I negotiated to the taxi driver how much would it cost the old man to get to his desired place, he said 300 would do. I told the old man that it's 300, to my surprise he gave me his wallet and asked me to get the money from his wallet cos he has his crane.I was kinda hesitant to do it since I don't even know this man,I just did so that this old man would just go. To my surprise, I saw big peso bills and some dollars,and I believe that I saw a a green card/permanent resident card from USA... I was kinda asking myself why an old man who is a permanent resident of USA would actually wearing something like that. He was actually giving me $100 but I refused it so fast.

Lessons I learnt from that was never judge someone based from their looks and helping other people willingly will always be credited in the eyes of God. And I felt so good helping that old man.

wow..that was so nice of you..i'm sure you not only made that man happy but HIM too who's constantly looking down at us everyday of our lives..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-08 02:39:00

Appointment needed for St. Lukes

the original appointment letter does not need to be with you exactly..i'd attest to this coz when i had my medical my appointment letter hasn't arrived in the mail (since i'm from cebu--where mailing system isn't so reliable). i went to SLEC with just a copy of the NVC email confirming my schedule for interview. i just highlighted my name, case number and appointment date with USEM. they accepted it but they indicated in the lower part of my papers: "MEDICAL WITHOUT ORIGINAL APPOINTMENT DOCUMENTS".

and NO, you don't need an appointment just so you could have your medical. as what bevs said, it's first come, first serve. you can go ahead anytime you wanna have your medical, just make sure you're healthy (no coughs), bring a couple of biscuits with you and a bottle of water so you won't have to go out just in case you get hungry or something..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-09 19:51:00

Where can i buy $ aside from PNB?

QUOTE (PingLocalHostess @ Oct 9 2008, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

By far, BPI is the best bank for me. They work wonders, no bull****.

BPI buys LOW and sells HIGH..

PNB too..
so far metrobank sells for reasonable amount..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-09 19:59:00

no visa yet

QUOTE (Jose Rizal @ Oct 11 2008, 07:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just be patient. Also ask your petitioner to call the Visa Immigration Dept. (not Hotline) at 63(2) 301-2000 loc. 5184 / 5185 and look for Grace or Lorraine. They are accomodating if the petitioner is the one calling.

hahaha..this is indeed true..i really hate the fact that they want us to call the call center..it's really expensive!

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-11 07:06:00

AGGRAVATING WAITING

[quote name='nickoftime' date='Oct 10 2008, 09:00 AM' post='2289907']
I also found out that the document verification in the Philippines has been considered a must (notwithstanding the submission of NSO authenticated copies of birth certificates, cancelled birth certificates, marriage contracts, cancelled marriage contracts, decree of nullity of marriage and such other official public documents) because Philippines is considered as a high fraud country.
[quote]

true, but the USEM has recently "somehow" halted the DV due to backlogs (as confirmed by GRACE when i called USEM earlier to day). i guess they're all swarmed up with papers stacked up documents in their office waiting for DV results thats why they are lifting the DV for recent applicants. the DV has caused so much tension to everyone..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-09 20:10:00

inquiry--any help is highly appreciated

QUOTE (Completely @ Oct 13 2008, 04:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (MJ3lasvegas @ Oct 12 2008, 06:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Oct 12 2008, 03:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

hi, i just like to inquire when are we going to apply for removal of condition? is it 90 days from the point of entry? or 90 from the issuance of visa?
what are the requirements to prepare ahead..and do you have an idea how we can file a direct consular filing for my daughter ( one year and 4months old baby girl) since we are really having trouble getting all the necessary docs needed for support domicile issues for my US citizen husband (went to schools already all washed out hurricane, talked with secretary of louisiana --pending; no tax since student ..etc)?

you're an IR1 benificiary right? i guess there's no need for you to remove conditions..

WRONG!.. The OP and the Petitioner are not married more than 2 years, therefore her greencard is conditional.. You have to remove the condition 90 days (look at the date of expiry in your greencard, then count backwards)

Always read the USCIS website for better information regarding your query..

oh, i thought she's an IR benificiary..

mah bad, sorry

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-15 18:36:00

inquiry--any help is highly appreciated

QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Oct 12 2008, 03:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

you're an IR1 benificiary right? i guess there's no need for you to remove conditions..
about your daughter, if it's impossible to file for CRBA (which is the fastest way to get your daughter a US passport to get there). then your husband can file a separate IV petition for her which will take time..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-12 06:57:00

SOOOO HAPPY!!!! VISA RELEASE FROM THE EMBASSY

QUOTE (MieLon @ Oct 10 2008, 05:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

HELLO GUYS!!!!! I AM SOOO HAPPY TO SHARE TO ALL THAT FINALLY... WHEN I CHECK AT THE WEB SITE OF DELBROS... THERE IS A NOTE THAT AS OF TODAY 2008-10-10 11:57 "SHIPMENT RELEASED BY THE EMBASSY" WELL THAT SIMPLY MEANS THAT MY VISA PACKET IS IN TRANSIT AND ON IT'S WAY TO ME

THANK GOD FOR EVERYTHING!!!!! I AM SO SO SO GLAD

JUST A FEW DAYS AND I WILL BE WITH MY LOVING HUSBAND AFTER A VERY LONG WAIT!!!!

wow..congratulations on the good news..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-15 18:03:00

CASE COMPLETED AT NVC

QUOTE (ryandgracey @ Oct 15 2008, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My hubby called NVC 8pm ET (8am RP time) and he was told that our case was completed last Friday. Took just about 4 days for them to process our papers, and no RFEs. Is unbelievable, if you'll ask me, since we just started this journey at the end of July. Now we are looking at a possible late November or early December interview. A pity we did not meet the 2nd week cut-off for scheduling appointments, no thanks to the ever-efficient NBI, but who am I to complain still, right? Still, we are very thankful....and thanks to this site as well which has been very helpful to us.

Hopefully get scheduled soon and be over and done with everything so I can turn my attention to the coming holidays

that's great news

what about your child's petition? you were so worried about it during your previous post..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-15 18:11:00

QUOTE (ryandgracey @ Oct 12 2008, 06:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So I can get this CENMAR via applying on the NSO website? And I input my data just as I did when I applied for my pre-marriage CENOMAR?

Pardon my ignorance.....

yes..CENOMAR request

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-12 06:19:00

QUOTE (vsmtghdy @ Oct 12 2008, 03:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

When you apply whether married or single--- it is the CENOMAR form that they will give you at NSO.

For single applicants: they will release the CRS Form No. 4 - CENOMAR (CErtificate of NO MARriage). Which will state that ___ (name) who is alleged to have been born on ___ (DOB) in ____(POB) to ____ (Parent's names), does not appear in our National Indices of Marriages.... ---> meaning this applicant have not been married yet.

For married applicants: NSO will release the CRS Form No. 5 - ADVISORY ON MARRIAGES . Which will state that ____ (Name) alleged to have been born on ____ (DOB) in ____ (POB) to ____ (Parent's name) yielded ____ (number of marriages) most likely match (es) in our National Indices of Marriages. Then a table-like statement will follow with the Date of Marriage, Place of Marriage and name of the bride /groom. If the applicant had been married more than once, all those marriages will be listed here.

^TRUE

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-11 17:55:00

QUOTE (Jose Rizal @ Oct 11 2008, 07:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (MJ3lasvegas @ Oct 11 2008, 07:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

marriage index is basically the CENOMAR. if you're single, it will indicate that you have never contracted any marriage but if you've already tied the knot, it will show the exact date, place and the person you got married to..

so basically, just request for CENOMAR on the NSO website..aka marriage index for married people.
i don't know how they exactly call it for married people but the CO who asked for it from just said:
"DO YOU HAVE YOUR MARRIAGE INDEX WITH YOU?"
and i was like...

"MA'AM, IS IT THE SAME THING AS THE CENOMAR BUT THE DIFFERENCE IS MY NAME AND MY HUSBAND'S NAME IS ON IT STATING THAT I WAS ONLY MARRIED ONCE AND THAT'S TO HIM?"

and she said YES..lol..

i felt silly for not knowing what a marriage index was exactly, i had an idea but i just felt it safer to ask..

Maraming maraming salamat!

no problem..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-11 07:02:00

and she said YES..lol..

i felt silly for not knowing what a marriage index was exactly, i had an idea but i just felt it safer to ask..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-11 06:11:00

QUOTE (100%PINOY @ Oct 7 2008, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Goodluck on your interview..I dont have a copy of CENOMAR coz I pay already on the DELBROS..please pray for us that everything will be fine..

this has got nothing to do with DELBROS. you secure CENOMAR straight from NSO.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-07 04:39:00

the marriage index may be a case to case basis. YES i was asked for it during my interview but others have not. when i asked the CO why i was asked for that document and why it was not written in the interview instruction as part of the requirements, she told me that they used to require that before but it momentarily stopped, but they are somehow bringing it back coz they found out there were women who got married twice without them knowing beforehand since they put more emphasis on knowing if petitioner has been married multiple times (not paying close attention to the benificiaries)

i guess it's just a way for them to check if the benificiary has only been married once and to whom she/he was married to. securing the marriage index at this point is your choice. you may be asked for it, you may be not. but who cares if they do or don't, as long as you have it with you then there's nothing to worry. do as you please at your on risk, but i'd advise you to secure one if you can, don't pressure yourself.

personally, i brought EVERYTHING i could possibly think of that they'll need..ITR, W2s, my husband's employment records, my medical records, bank staements, etc (everything! name it, i have it! lol) but they never asked for it! lol

instead, the document i least expected they'd want from me (MARRIAGE INDEX) was the ONLY thing they want...

Edited by MJ3lasvegas, 05 October 2008 - 06:47 PM.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-05 18:43:00

inquiry --tourist for mother to bring my daughter here in US

1 ) how can i apply my mom to get a tourist visa so i can save more just in case sophia will be approved for us citizenship.
it's difficult to get a tourist visa for a guardian. most of the time, it gets denied. plus, it's a hassle since you need papers which shows legal custody of the child (to the grandmother) and some papers for your child's exit travel. why don't you or your husband come home and fetch sophia.

2) things to prepare, amount? documents?
there are actually a lot of things to prepare. BC, MC, USC consent to issue passport and pass on citizenship, proof of relationship prior to conception, prooof USC parent's presence in US 5years prior to birth of the child and so many more. you can call FedEx US citizenship hotline at (02) 879-4747 and request for CRBA packet to be delivered to your mom. there are some paper's which needs to be signed by you and your husband, so have her mail it to you as soon as she gets it. the CRBA packet is 225Php, COD. and during the interview, you need to pay 150 USD for the processing (at least this is how much i paid on my son's CRBA - i have no idea if it increased already..)

3) tickets to buy cheap aside from local agencies and expedia.com?
this i'm not sure, but hawaiian airlines and NW airlines are amongs the cheap direct airlines with good deals.

4) is it possible if my mother acts as legal guardian for sophia and be the one to attend sophias CRBA INTERVIEW?on behalf of my husband who is a US citizen..
YES, it is possible. just make sure she has the consent signed by your husband and i guess an affidavit is needed as well to show legal custody. you better check on this thru FedEx.

if you have other queries, call USEM ACS at (02) 301-2000. ask the operator to connect you to ACS. make your husand talk to them as they are more accomodationg to the USC than the locals.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-15 18:31:00

September 10, 2008 paid DV

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-17 03:58:00

She arrives tomorrow!

so happy for you guys..have a great life together!!

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-16 02:19:00

So no more Documentation Verification???

QUOTE (Haole @ Oct 16 2008, 08:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

DV is still on the list of requirements!

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3220.html

if you noticed on the lower right of the document, you'd see that this was last revised April 30, 2008.
the DV was waived just october 2008, i hope this helps..

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-16 02:15:00

So no more Documentation Verification???

sorry..mah bad..
sorry if i sounded sarcastic to you and the rest, it's just that the DV issue has been all over the PI forum and countless members have seen and confirmed the changes. i'm sure most of the post are still active..

again, sorry if my response sounded offensive. i never meant it that way.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-15 18:51:00

So no more Documentation Verification???

this has been a previous hot topic and it has been confirmed through USEM's grace and lorriane plus the revised interview instructions on their website..what more do you guys want? lol..i mean, aren't you happy the DV is no longer needed? this info has been CONFIRMED countless times, why ask again..

the previous posts on this issue if the OP may notice, was NEVER off topic. it was accurate as well as informative.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-15 17:59:00

USEM call center

QUOTE (jettyglenn @ Oct 17 2008, 07:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

hi everyone, just so confused.. this morning my boyfriend called the 3012000 and was able to ask the operator the status of my case and the girl told him that the Consul Officer is already done reviewing my case but no visa yet. So just to make sure that they are consistent, my boyfriend asked me to call the Call center 19091017878 , then , when i called at 4pm, the girl i cant remmbr her name but not lorraine nor grace, she told me that visa is still in process at the embassy. i told her that my bf called the usem local number for usc and the op there told him to call on wednesday because the co has done reviewing my case but no visa yet, and then the girl said that he should not call that number, he must call the 1800 something and i must call the 1909 something number .. haaayyy i wonder who is more updated! y they really want us to call that expensive hotline when they can entertain us through that local number

now i wonder ano ba talga?

don't worry jetty, i got more or less the same response from them when i called yesterday. but the thing is that, lorraine said my visa has already been printed but has not been released. she said they will be realesing the visas together with the other visa just printed yesterday. and regarding the USEM callcenter, whenever i check on my case, i just call the USEM hotline (the 301-2000 local 5184 or 5185). i tell either grace or lorraine everytime i call USEM the reason why i'm the one doing a follow-up on the case instead of my husband (due to time difference and my husband's working time). thats why they're kind enough to entertain my call every single time. but i guess if there isn't any valid reason for the caller not to call the call center, they really impose this calling the call center scheme..

just be patient..it will come soon. imagine, there are dozens of people still waiting for DV results, their application has not been reviewed yet, we're lucky ours got through without DV and done with CO review. just be thankful for that blessing..anyone waiting for DV would love to trade places with you in this forum..

Edited by MJ3lasvegas, 17 October 2008 - 06:05 PM.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-17 18:03:00

Hiring a nanny

i don't think this is possible coz if it was, then we would have been seeing many filipino nannies in US.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-19 19:53:00

need some info Rent in Cebu

QUOTE (Seattle2Cebu @ Oct 20 2008, 05:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What can a local filipino rent an apt for in Cebu.. I am temporarily helping someone there.

I want to compare the numbers they are giving me.

To just get a cheap one or two bedroom apt or house in Cebu is about how much?

do they normally require a deposit or first and last months rent?

thanks for answering...

the rent varies on where in cebu she rents. if she rents in major key cities, then expect a higher rent.
a cheap palce to rent monthly would cost you 1000 Php (single bedroom) with common bathroom, salal and kitchen.
if renting a place with single room with bathroom and kitchen and a receiving room, expect to rent from 2000 Php to 3000 Php (single or double bedroom).

YES, deposit and one month advance is sometimes asked...but NOT ALWAYS.
in my case (since we have 44-doors apartment with 1-3bedroom facility), i require both, the deposit and advance since we're located in a major key city (mactan).

it really depends on what both parties agree on, so just tell the person you're helping out to ask for affordable options since there are a lot of cheap apartments in cebu with great facilities.

MJ3lasvegas

Female

Philippines

2008-10-19 19:49:00