ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesWhat is the current terminal fee at ninoy aquino airport?
QUOTE (Seattle2Cebu @ Mar 10 2008, 12:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
are there any other fees or taxes???? I got the flight booked online.. we cant
print e-tickets, something to do with two airlines... continental told me to just have her
go to the counter and give her confirmation code... I was reading an old post where they
could tax her for foriegn bought tickets??


if you bought the tickets online, your fiancee needs to go the PTA counter at the airport and pay for the Php1620 travel tax. add the Php750 terminal fee and she's all set to fly to you.

may she have an uneventful trip.

best wishes on your future life together.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-03-10 09:36:00
Philippinesmy fiance is flying out of manila on march 12th
congratulations to both of you! may your respective SOs have a safe and uneventful flight. God Bless!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-03-10 09:40:00
PhilippinesMy mom passed her visitor's visa interview on March 7, 2008
Congratulations! both on your mom's visa approval and your forthcoming wedding!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-03-07 23:43:00
PhilippinesMarch 6 Interview; MArch 12 Visa received
Congratulations! have a safe trip to the US. spring's coming, when are you flying in?
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-03-14 06:55:00
PhilippinesQuestion to people married in Manila
if you want spanish cuisine in quezon city, try alba's they have 2 branches in quezon city--eastwood city in libis and another in tomas morato. they have an all you can eat lunch buffet. last time i checked (this was last month) it was at 500Php/pax. here's the site: http://www.alba.com.ph/home.htm

another option would be kamayan, for crossover all you can eat buffet (filipino, japanese and american cuisine) at about the same price as Alba.

we had our civil wedding performed by my cousin, who's a judge in Makati. it was her gift to us, so we paid nothing. we had our mini reception in Lutong Macao in Jupiter St., spent 15,000 for 30 guests including bottomless drinks. i guess the 3,000 quote is the standard rate--just make sure it includes filing fee with the local civil registrar, so can get your certified copy of your marriage certificate after your boracay trip.

congratulations and best wishes on your forthcoming wedding.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-03-14 07:26:00
PhilippinesDream faded
so sorry for your devastating news. keep the faith. our prayers are with you.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-31 11:47:00
PhilippinesFebruary interviews at US Embassy Manila
Congrats and Goodluck to all those who got their February skeds!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2007-12-10 01:15:00
PhilippinesMy interview experience (2-8-08)
Congratulations! you sure did well. may you have the visa in hand soon. good.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-08 23:13:00
Philippinesssn
they asked for my BC too! i told them i didnt bring it with me since it wasnt required from their website. they said it was necessary to check on my DoB. so i had to go back the next day (yesterday) and finally applied for one. i was advised that i'd be getting my card in the mail within 2 weeks.

lesson learned, just to save on the extra trip, might as well bring your BC, Passport and your immigration papers with you when you go visit your friendly local SSA office wink.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-04-02 11:28:00
PhilippinesHow much pocket money did you bring?
i had 200 plus some loose change in my wallet for the trip. bought some Royce chocolates at the Nagoya airport to bring home to my in laws as well as for my and hubby's consumption on the plane ride. those chocolate potato chips are great! YUM! anyone flying in to DCA on board NW? you think you can buy some royce chocs for me? LOL innocent.gif

brought all my dollar currencies with me too, no sense in leaving them in the PI.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-04-02 11:17:00
Philippinesphysical, mental & emotional preparations for your USEM interview
prayers helped me a lot. chat with people around you to help you relax. get a good night's rest. as to information about your SO, know it by heart. there's less chance you'd get rattled during the interview if you do. i only wore my regular office attire to the interview. but as has been mentioned, wear what you're most comfortable in, as you would exude more confidence if you do.

let me share the Memo i saw tacked on my COs corkboard, i cant quote it verbatim, but here goes:

Do not deny unnecessarily. Look for:
1. Identity;
2. Relationship;
3. Eligibility/Authenticity (i'm not certain which is which between these 2)

i think knowing that these are the guidelines they use, would help everyone prepare for their respective interviews.

Goodluck everyone and God bless!

lani
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-30 19:55:00
PhilippinesK-2 Follow-to-Join
their interview experience might be of help to you:

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=109090
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-07 10:16:00
PhilippinesResident of the Philippines
QUOTE (Jimmy and Angela @ Apr 6 2008, 06:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was just looking for tickets for My Asawa to come here on NWA.
If you go to more search options and enter resident of Philippines it gives you about $150 price difference
Just an FYI

...or you can just have your asawa buy through a philippine based travel agent and ask for a first time immigrant rate. i inquired from my travel agent as my friend's fiancee is flying on the 14th and got a $979 one way ticket on NWA for MNL-WAS route. good.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-04-08 14:43:00
PhilippinesFlying on Korean Air (E-Ticket) purchased in the US..
if your flight is outbound Manila and your ticket is purchased overseas, the ticket holder should be able to present the credit card used to purchase the e-ticket or a photo copy of the same. this is the current practice in the philippines, due to the high incidence of identity theft/credit card fraud in North America, its to verify if it was indeed the card holder who purchased the ticket.

identity theft/credit card fraud is likewise the reason why a US issued credit card cannot book through any Philippine based airline e-ticket facility.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-04-09 09:34:00
PhilippinesHOW DO U REQUEST TAX TRANSCRIPT
QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Feb 11 2008, 09:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wizardfitz @ Feb 10 2008, 06:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (lostGurl18 @ Feb 10 2008, 06:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (wizardfitz @ Feb 10 2008, 04:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i called 1-800-829-1040 and had all 3 yrs in about a week free of charge.

thanks. what were asked by the agent? what are needed? . so i can advise my husband. its the timezone why im having a hard time to call them.

when i called i asked for my tax return transcripts for the last 3 yrs. from what i read here i only have to submit the past yr(2007), but i figure it cant hurt to have the past three years just in case. i will send them all to my fiancée and if they are not needed then she can tares them. better over prepared than under.

thanks for the fast response. i am scared that they might not assist me as i am calling on behalf of my husband. for the last question. what did u provide (information) to request transcript over the phone? thanks.

i suggest you ask your husband to talk to them, they might have reservations on releasing the information you need if the one requesting it is not the actual taxpayer--they might not have a way of verifying your relationship over the phone. Goodluck!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-10 20:58:00
PhilippinesAt what point did you quit your job?
gave my notice after i got my visa in hand, which is 2 months before my resignation takes effect. my boss didnt forward it to our HR until my last day of work (took my terminal leave on my last month) innocent.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-04-09 09:15:00
PhilippinesKorean Airlines
QUOTE (ray77755 @ Apr 10 2008, 12:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mikeandlani @ Apr 9 2008, 07:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi! you really can't book online for MNL-US you would have to go check with a Philippine travel agent for that. i remember my friend mentioning that there is a restriction on KE's outbound segment, hence no internet booking allowed. i can give you my travel agent's email address so you can inquire through her if you want.



Yes I would appreciate her email address Thanks


hi! you can get in touch with andrea at andrea.carcha@gmail.com. she's an agent for Adkins Travel based in Manila. Goodluck with the rates.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-04-09 22:38:00
PhilippinesKorean Airlines
QUOTE (ray77755 @ Apr 9 2008, 02:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (William33 @ Apr 8 2008, 10:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Dude, check this link:

http://www.koreanair...d/eng_tp_sd.jsp

You can indeed select Manila to LA. Due diligence is required here. I cannot do it for you.



Due diligence? You CAN NOT make a reservation at the link you are giving. I invite you to or anyone here to go to the reservation page and tell me they can see Manila to Los Angeles and get a price for a ticket.


hi! you really can't book online for MNL-US you would have to go check with a Philippine travel agent for that. i remember my friend mentioning that there is a restriction on KE's outbound segment, hence no internet booking allowed. i can give you my travel agent's email address so you can inquire through her if you want.

Edited by mikeandlani, 09 April 2008 - 09:24 AM.

mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-04-09 09:22:00
PhilippinesFinally on Her way to US.
QUOTE (edp333 @ Apr 24 2008, 11:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks everyone. I am happy to say Meryll arrived safely and the POE was easy.

Finally! Congratulations! I wish you all the best in your life together!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-04-30 13:09:00
Philippineswill it affect process if we get cenomar since were MARRIED
no need to secure one. USEM will have your NSO records anyway once you pay the document verification fee prior to your interview date.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-05 20:18:00
PhilippinesEmployement Contracts in PI - Please explain to an American
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ May 4 2008, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
BackGround:

My Fiance sister got her first job at a hotel in Makati. She is from a city/province/town about one hour south of Davao.

She basically clears about 4000 peso per month after tax / rent. Pitiful in my opinion, but that's another subject.

She signed a 6 month contract, she has about 2 months left. She asked off work for 2 weeks to spend time with her younger sister (My Fiance). They granted her 2 weeks off, I sent money for airfare and misc expenses to get her back home to Hometown.

Her company/supervisor has been texting asking her to come back early, I told her to text them and ask them if they were going to pay for ticket back. Of course they declined with some type of excuse.

Her sister is very niave, and I told her if you let your employer know they can push you around ,then you will be a target forever.

I told her to tell the company to "Take this Job and Shove It", but of course in the typical Pinay style she is afraid to challenge authority.

SHe is afraid of being sued, so she is going back to work early.

She owns no assets, except for a cellphone and her clothes.

Employment contract are very rare in USA, and if a employee wants to quit at any time, They just quit and find another job very easily.

Question is : Can or would they really sue her, or is this some type of PI myth to scare workers.


your fiancee's sister probably works in an agency, as such they are not considered regular employees but contractuals. the have no security of tenure and work on a no-work, no pay scheme. they probably won't sue, instead they'd just terminate her services if she fails to return as required. if your fiancee's sister is no longer interested in working for them, the company cannot compel her to do so as that would be involuntary servitude, a gross violation of a person's constitutional rights....unless of course the company sent her to one of those expensive trainings that require a lock-in employment period so as to get the return of the cost of training...
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-03 19:46:00
PhilippinesInternational Drivers License
QUOTE (rjp44 @ May 3 2008, 11:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sunlyk @ May 2 2008, 04:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know how to get an International Drivers License in Philippines? Or can I use Philippines drivers license in the US for a little while until I get a new one?


Check the web site for your state's BMV. It will vary state by state as to what their laws are. In Ohio the Philippine license is good for up to a year or until you obtain employment. The Internation driver's license is really only usefull when the foreign license is in a language other than enlish.



QUOTE (SJ @ May 3 2008, 11:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sunlyk @ May 2 2008, 01:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone know how to get an International Drivers License in Philippines? Or can I use Philippines drivers license in the US for a little while until I get a new one?


you can call DMV


i agree! good.gif better to check your local DMV rules, they're available online anyway. here in VA you only need the international driver's license if your valid foreign license is in a language other than english. star_smile.gif its somewhat similar to that of Ohio's as rjp44 stated.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-06 13:28:00
PhilippinesSSN
QUOTE (fwaguy @ May 7 2008, 02:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mikeandlani @ May 6 2008, 12:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My advice, since you won't have much use of it at this time, might as well just apply for one once you have your AOS and EAD done. Goodluck in whatever you decide to do.


So opening bank accounts and other activities that have become so dependant on the possesion of an SSN are not of much use? I respectfully disagree.....


just basing my response to the SSA guidelines which specifically states, and i quote: "Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver’s license. " whistling.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-06 13:09:00
PhilippinesSSN
i'm not sure if i have this correctly, but i read in one of the topics here that a K1 visa maybe issued a SSN, however, the SSN would have a proviso on it that says "Not valid for employment". After you get your AOS and EAD done, you'd have to go back to the SSA and change the previously issued one.

for more information, here's what i got from the SSA website:

Original Social Security Number for a Noncitizen Adult

In general, only noncitizens who have permission to work from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) can apply for a Social Security number. If you do not have permission to work but need a Social Security number for other purposes, see “Work eligibility” for further information.

To apply for a Social Security number:

Complete an Application For A Social Security Card (Form SS-5); and
Show us documents proving:
Immigration status;
Work eligibility;
Age; and
Identity.
Take your completed application and original documents to your local Social Security office .
Anyone age 12 or older requesting an original Social Security number card must appear for an interview at a Social Security office.

Immigration status

To prove your U.S. immigration status, you must show us the current U.S. immigration document, I-94, Arrival/Departure Record, issued to you when you arrived in the United States. If you are an F-1 or M-1 student, you also must show us your I-20, Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status. If you are a J-1 or J-2 exchange visitor, you must show us your DS-2019, Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.

Work eligibility

For most foreign workers, we only need to see an I-94, Arrival/Departure Record. Some foreign workers also must show their work permits from DHS (I-766 or I-688B).

Student: If you are an F-1 student authorized to work in curricular practical training, you must provide us with a Form I-20 with the employment page (page 3) completed and signed by a designated school official. We also need to see evidence of that employment, such as a recent pay slip or a letter from your employer. Your supervisor must sign and date the letter. The letter must describe:

Your job;
Your employment start date:
The number of hours you are, or will be, working; and
Your supervisor’s name and telephone number.
If you are an F-1 or M-1 student and are authorized to work off campus, you must provide us with the Employment Authorization Document you received from DHS.

If you are a J-1 student, you must provide a letter from your sponsor. The letter should be on sponsor letterhead with an original signature that authorizes your employment.

If you do not have permission to work

Lawfully admitted noncitizens can get many benefits and services without a Social Security number. You do not need a number to conduct business with a bank, register for school, apply for educational tests, obtain private health insurance, apply for school lunch programs or apply for subsidized housing. You cannot get a Social Security number for the sole purpose of obtaining a driver’s license.

Government benefits or services: If you do not have permission to work, you may apply for a Social Security number only if:

A federal law requires you to provide your Social Security number to get a particular benefit or service; or
A state or local law requires you to provide your Social Security number to get general assistance benefits that you already have qualified for.
If you need a number to meet these state or local requirements, you must bring us a letter from the government agency. It must be on letterhead stationery (no form letters or photocopies) and:

Specifically identify you as the applicant;
Cite the law requiring you to have a Social Security number;
Indicate that you meet all the agency’s requirements, except having the number; and
Contain an agency contact name and telephone number.
Taxes: If you need a number for tax purposes and you are not authorized to work in the United States, you can apply for an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Visit IRS in person or call the IRS toll-free number, 1-800-TAXFORM (1-800-829-3676), and request Form W-7, Application For An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

If you are assigned a number for nonwork purposes, you cannot use it to work. If you use it to work, we will inform DHS.

Age

You must present your birth certificate if you have it or can easily obtain it. If not, we can consider other documents, such as a passport or a document issued by DHS, to prove your age.

Identity

Social Security will ask to see a current DHS document. Acceptable documents include:

Form I-551 (includes machine-readable immigrant visa with your unexpired foreign passport);
I-94 with your unexpired foreign passport; or
Work permit card from the Department of Homeland Security (I-766 or I-688B).
We may use one document for two purposes. For example, we may use a DHS work permit as proof of both work eligibility and identity. However, you must provide at least two separate documents.

All documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents.We also cannot accept a receipt showing you applied for the document.

We will mail your card as soon as we have all of your information and have verified your documents.

Keep your Social Security card in a safe place. It is an important document. Do not carry it with you.


My advice, since you won't have much use of it at this time, might as well just apply for one once you have your AOS and EAD done. Goodluck in whatever you decide to do.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-06 12:57:00
Philippinesideas to give to future parents in law :)
QUOTE (I luv my chappara @ May 1 2008, 08:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (dbears @ May 1 2008, 08:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
if you still have time, check out Quiapo area, yong madaming native stuffs.. there are a lot of collectors item doon...

as for his mom, ask Ryan what she likes, yong mga hobbies nya then decide from that.

Good luck to you and Ryan... and have the safest trip ever.



hello ate thanks a lot.. Ryan's mom like jewelries.. and she have part time job in jewelry shop...smile.gif but I can't afford to buy them yet.. she don't like fake jewelries sad.gif

she's the one who always gave to me jewelries too smile.gif


Yah I will check kulturang filipino.. thnx thanx... te alam mb san nkkabili ng murang crosstitch? smile.gif sana ginawa q nlng pla kaso ala aq time...


i'm not sure if live in Manila or in the provinces, but in case you are in Manila, what about pearls that you buy in Greenhills? they have good quality fresh water pearls there, since your MIL loves jewelries, she will enjoy the pearls. she can actually just have them reset to a new style. my MIL loved the set i got for her. if budget is quite low, you can actually just buy her the pearl stones without the settings, just make sure you buy her a minimum of three stones, 2 for earrings and 1 (a larger kind) for the ring, if there's some more money left, make it 4 for the pendant. good.gif

p.s. get the colored ones, the american market is filled with the milky white ones already. star_smile.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-11 00:01:00
PhilippinesHas anyone accepted an employment offer with gov't
QUOTE (prettynpink @ May 8 2008, 02:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello guys and girls..Im sorry if this topic may sound to be somewhat unrelated to visa but i really need some guidance/advice on this matter.I got an offer from BIR to be an Tax examiner right now and im confused if i will take it at this moment.As you can see we are in amidst of the visa process.The oppurtunity is just to big for me to not to consider without due consideration.If i take the job ,do you think i will have problems leaving the country..im really confused..
I need your help or advice on this..
What will you do given the same situation?
Thanks....
Much appreciated ...
God Bless


yup! you cannot travel without the required clearance from the government agency you work for. although, people i know seem to have gotten around this rule by saying they work for a private firm instead of the government.
Goodluck in whatever you decide to do.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-11 01:03:00
PhilippinesWaiting my VISA to be deliver! its more than 30 days +++ already!
my prayers go to everyone who are still waiting for your visa delivery. edp333 i sincerely hope your wife gets her visa soon, you guys have been waiting since the 2nd week of february...let's hope the new month brings some good news.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-04-02 11:07:00
PhilippinesPAG-IBIG Contribution Refunds
QUOTE (KC?MP @ May 11 2008, 04:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mikeandlani @ May 11 2008, 12:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (island_princess @ May 11 2008, 01:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone here asked for a refund for their PAG-IBIG contributions? If yes, what visa did you show them?
What are the requirements?

Thanks.


hi! i am currently having my PAGIBIG capital contribution withdrawn. my former staff is processing it for me in manila, i gave her an SPA for that purpose. to address your concerns check out this site, http://www.pagibigfu.....it Claims.pdf go over the guidelines in page 2, the requirements are on the checklist at the bottom of the form. Goodluck!

thanks for the link.I didn't know I could still get something from the Philippine government smile.gif. What about SSS contributions? I worked and contributed for about 17 years in it too. Any ideas? smile.gif


funny thing you asked that. that was the same question i posed when we were collating the documents i would be leaving my staff...unfortunately, there is no such a thing as contribution withdrawal from the SSS, i checked it from their website before and found nothing of the sort. i'm ok with that, as long as it helps countless of retirees in the country...my parents are getting their pensions currently... good.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-11 17:38:00
PhilippinesPAG-IBIG Contribution Refunds
QUOTE (island_princess @ May 11 2008, 01:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone here asked for a refund for their PAG-IBIG contributions? If yes, what visa did you show them?
What are the requirements?

Thanks.


hi! i am currently having my PAGIBIG capital contribution withdrawn. my former staff is processing it for me in manila, i gave her an SPA for that purpose. to address your concerns check out this site, http://www.pagibigfu.....it Claims.pdf go over the guidelines in page 2, the requirements are on the checklist at the bottom of the form. Goodluck!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-10 23:46:00
PhilippinesTampo
QUOTE (Michael and Lea @ May 19 2008, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello guys, just thought i wold let everyone know Lea contacted me and told me the whole story about the bf.He has been her bf on and off for the past 10 years.Her parents dont like him or aprove of him because he will not work.They had been split up for the last year and when he found out about me and Lea he came back into her lfe.She told me she was so sorry about not telling me the truth.Lea told me she loved the bf and me the same.that she knew the bf could never give her a good life and her plan was she hoped i would have never found out about him as she was gonna get her visa and sneak away from him and come to me and hoped he could never reach her or contact her no more.As hard as it was for me to do i told her im sorry Lea i still love you but you should have told me the truth from the begining.Good luck with your bf hope he makes you happy!


so sorry to hear about what happened to you. but you made to right decision of letting her go, you don't deserve to start your life together with drama and half-truths. i wish you all the best and hope you find someone who truly loves you.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-05-19 22:48:00
PhilippinesParents' tourist visa interview experience...
QUOTE (alabamabislig @ Feb 7 2008, 01:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
mabuhay,
We are getting ready to bring my wife's parents over for a visit to see their grandson and ,MAYBE, be here in time for the birth of another grandson. What do you mean by a 10 / multiple visa?
What should be our greatest concern in completing the visa process? Any suggestions in completing the process will be helpful.
THANKS
Jim, Rosemina, baby James and soon to be JOHN


hi! multiple/10 in tourist visa language is multiple entry good for 10 years. its the maximum validity they give for a tourist visa.

per the non-immigrant visa section in the USEM site, they explicitly state that all visa applicants are presumed to have the intent to immigrate, hence, the applicant must be able to convince the CO that there is no such intent by establishing strong ties in the Philippines. Previously, to demonstrate strong ties, applicants have been known to present bank certification with adequate amounts of deposits. however, due to high incidence of show money fraud, bank certification has ceased to be a reliable mode of establishing intent to return. some of the things i can think of that could be a good indicators of strong ties in the Philippines are:

1. majority of family members live in the Philippines;
2. regular employment;
3. financial investments;
4. pensions;
5. real estate properties

you might want to read the link below to be able to brief your in-laws on what questions to expect during the interview:
http://***removed***/visas/visitor/interview.html

oh, i've been told now is the best time to secure a tourist visa as they are more lenient now--some opined that it could probably be due to the recession, they need tourists to boost the economy... whistling.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-02-07 10:55:00
PhilippinesParents' tourist visa interview experience...
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Jan 28 2008, 02:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow, that was nice. Claudeth has been thinking of maybe inviting her parents to come over for a stay but isn't sure who would watch after the other children


i say go for it! worry about the other children after the visa issuance... laughing.gif
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-28 06:25:00
PhilippinesParents' tourist visa interview experience...
QUOTE (honeybear @ Jan 28 2008, 12:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi mikeandlani!
Thanks for posting your parent's interview experience and like beng, my parents and 2 siblings are planning to attend my wedding in hawaii in june. We are planning to schedule their interview once we have a definite date on june so that we could also send my parents the invitation to serve as evidence of their purpose for their trip. They both still have work as government employees so im crossing my fingers that they get visas when they get interviewed.


hi honeybear,

since your parents are both government employees, have them secure a permission to travel from their respective agencies in addtion to the requirements posted in the USEM website, this could help establish their strong ties to the Philippines and negate the presumption of intent to immigrate. as to your siblings, if they are adults and working, make sure they have with them their certificate of employment and compensation. It would likewise help if you can have your family travel to at least two countries before they apply for a visa, this is to prove that they do travel but always do come back to the Philippines. i did this with my parents, had them holiday to 3 different south east asian countries before i filled up their visa application.

just a side, an invitation does not always ensure visa issuance. 4 years ago, a friend of mine who was getting married in the US sent her family her wedding invitation as well as her wedding programme, to help her mom and eldest sister secure a tourist visa. her mom was already in her late 80s and her sister had kids, plus they had principal roles in the wedding ceremony, unfortunately they got denied. on the other hand, i know of someone who applied for a tourist visa two years ago for the purpose of attending a friend's wedding. she didn't have any invitation with her, neither did the consul nor the pre-screener ask for it. she was approved for a multiple/5. smile.gif

here's a link to sample questionnaires the consul might ask, i had my parents read through it while i prepped them for their interview. its basically a guide for indian nationals, but i guess it can apply to filipinos as well yes.gif http://***removed***/visas/visitor/interview.html

Goodluck to your family's tourist visa application and always remember to pray, as mike and i prayed hard for the approval of my parents' visa .

God Bless.

lani
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-28 06:13:00
PhilippinesParents' tourist visa interview experience...
QUOTE (docjazzie @ Jan 26 2008, 10:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
congrats!!! i'm so happy your parents will be with you...and a multiple/10??? kicking.gif that's great! congrats again.


QUOTE (edp333 @ Jan 27 2008, 01:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congrats on your parents receiving their B1 visas. Please have a great interview as it is only 4 days away.


Thanks guys! We were really happy they were able to get a multiple/10. Now we don't need to worry about how they'd get to visit us in the US. As for my interview, I'm really praying that everything will be alright.

Goodluck to both of you on your respective interview dates. May all of us have a hassle free and expeditious visa approval. God Bless!

lani
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-27 11:13:00
PhilippinesParents' tourist visa interview experience...
QUOTE (mossycouple @ Jan 26 2008, 02:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
wow! congratulations to your parents!!!


thanks!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2008-01-26 08:10:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 SEPTEMBER 2011 FILERS
updating my timeline

Instructions for adding/updating yourself (or assisting others) to this list:
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5. Always use [Courier New] Font and font size [2]
6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"!

**For more detailed instructions with screen-shots "CLICK HERE"**

=================================
N-400: September 2011 Applicants
=================================


======================================
USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox
======================================
UserName.......|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice..............|
MIDUVIL........|08/26/11.|--/--/--.|09/01/11.|11/21/11.|11/29/11.|01/03/11.|--/--/--.|Buffalo,NY...............|
Nosferatu2xlc..|09/01/11.|09/06/11.|09/10/11.|11/02/11.|--/--/--.|12/20/11.|--/--/--.|Tampa,FL.................|
Prince.........|09/06/11.|09/13/11.|09/12/11.|10/18/11.|10/03/11.|11/09/11.|--/--/--.|Greer,SC.................| EB 09/27/11
nycguy78.......|09/06/11.|09/09/11.|--/--/--.|09/28/11.|12/12/11.|01/13/12.|01/13/12.|New York,NY..............|
adonis1........|09/06/11.|09/12/11.|09/09/11.|10/28/11.|10/xx/11.|12/01/11.|12/01/11.|Mount Laurel,NJ..........|
Vickitalo......|09/06/11.|09/12/11.|09/15/11.|11/10/11.|10/26/11.|12/06/11.|12/15/11.|Lauderdale By The Sea,FL.| EB 10/20/11
Seanm..........|09/08/11.|09/14/11.|09/12/11.|10/04/11.|11/23/11.|01/04/12.|02/23/12.|Houston,TX...............|
Abdul2.........|09/09/11.|09/13/11.|09/13/11.|10/20/11.|01/13/12.|02/14/12.|--/--/--.|New York,NY..............| EB 10/13/11
mikeandlani....|09/09/11.|09/--/11.|09/15/11.|11/17/11.|01/20/11.|02/28/11.|03/28/12.|Washington,DC............|
kontumdiary....|09/15/11.|--/--/--.|09/16/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|........,TX..............|
aamkhan61......|09/27/11.|09/xx/11.|10/03/11.|10/31/11.|12/05/11.|01/04/12.|01/27/12.|.........................|


================================
USCIS Phoenix, Arizona Lockbox
================================
UserName.......|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice..............|
Island-Girl....|08/31/11.|--/--/--.|09/13/11.|10/07/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Honolulu,HI..............|
JordanUSA......|09/02/11.|09/09/11.|09/08/11.|10/24/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Minneapolis,St.Paul......| EB 10/13/11
Antonio y Olga.|09/03/11.|09/09/11.|09/06/11.|10/26/11.|10/24/11.|11/28/11.|01/12/12.|Indianapolis,IN..........| EB 10/19/11
iwalkbyfaith...|09/08/11.|09/19/11.|09/21/11.|11/14/11.|--/--/--.|12/19/11.|--/--/--.|Milwaukee,WI.............| EB 10/26/11
Geico..........|09/10/11.|09/15/11.|09/19/11.|10/31/11.|11/04/11.|12/08/11.|01/12/12.|Indianapolis,IN..........|
Sjowol.........|09/11/11.|09/19/11.|09/16/11.|10/06/11.|10/28/11.|12/06/11.|--/--/--.|Los Angeles,CA...........|
richo_006......|09/12/11.|09/16/11.|09/15/11.|10/25/11.|--/--/--.|12/13/11.|--/--/--.|Santa Ana,CA.............|
garrobito......|09/12/11.|--/--/--.|09/19/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Vallejo,CA...............|
SaysWho........|09/13/11.|09/20/11.|09/23/11.|10/17/11.|10/25/11.|11/29/11.|12/27/11.|Seattle,WA...............| I am US Citizen!
zeeofman.......|09/16/11.|09/22/11.|09/19/11.|10/18/11.|01/09/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Portland,OR..............|
ddkm...........|09/20/11.|09/28/11.|09/27/11.|10/21/11.|10/26/11.|12/08/11.|--/--/--.|Tucson,AZ................| EB 10/19/11
RMC............|09/24/11.|09/30/11.|09/29/11.|10/27/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|San Jose,CA..............|
Friscoflip.....|09/28/11.|10/05/11.|10/07/11.|10/28/11.|--/--/--.|12/07/11.|--/--/--.|San Francisco,CA.........| EB 10/20/11

===========================================================================
USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing Under 319b, 328, or 329 of the INA)
===========================================================================
[b]UserName....|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice..............|
mcerdx13.......|08/23/11.|--/--/--.|09/06/11.|09/13/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Lincoln,NE...............|
[/quote]
[/quote]
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2012-02-28 16:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400 SEPTEMBER 2011 FILERS
missed adding myself to this list...better late than never... :blush:

Instructions for adding/updating yourself (or assisting others) to this list:
1. DO NOT DELETE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
2. Please make sure you are using Rich Text Editor as your message setting.
3. Click "Reply" on the most recent/updated posting version of this list.
4. Remove the "Quote Coding" at the top and bottom of the list.
5. Always use [Courier New] Font and font size [2]
6. Red Font="I'm A United States Citizen"!

**For more detailed instructions with screen-shots "CLICK HERE"**

=================================
N-400: September 2011 Applicants
=================================


======================================
USCIS Dallas/Lewisville, Texas Lockbox
======================================
UserName.......|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice..............|
MIDUVIL........|08/26/11.|--/--/--.|09/01/11.|11/21/11.|11/29/11.|01/03/11.|--/--/--.|Buffalo,NY...............|
Nosferatu2xlc..|09/01/11.|09/06/11.|09/10/11.|11/02/11.|--/--/--.|12/20/11.|--/--/--.|Tampa,FL.................|
Prince.........|09/06/11.|09/13/11.|09/12/11.|10/18/11.|10/03/11.|11/09/11.|--/--/--.|Greer,SC.................| EB 09/27/11
nycguy78.......|09/06/11.|09/09/11.|--/--/--.|09/28/11.|12/12/11.|01/13/12.|01/13/12.|New York,NY..............|
adonis1........|09/06/11.|09/12/11.|09/09/11.|10/28/11.|10/xx/11.|12/01/11.|12/01/11.|Mount Laurel,NJ..........|
Vickitalo......|09/06/11.|09/12/11.|09/15/11.|11/10/11.|10/26/11.|12/06/11.|12/15/11.|Lauderdale By The Sea,FL.| EB 10/20/11
Seanm..........|09/08/11.|09/14/11.|09/12/11.|10/04/11.|11/23/11.|01/04/12.|02/23/12.|Houston,TX...............|
Abdul2.........|09/09/11.|09/13/11.|09/13/11.|10/20/11.|01/13/12.|02/14/12.|--/--/--.|New York,NY..............| EB 10/13/11
mikeandlani....|09/09/11.|09/--/11.|09/15/11.|11/17/11.|01/20/11.|02/28/11.|--/--/--.|Washington,DC............|
kontumdiary....|09/15/11.|--/--/--.|09/16/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|........,TX..............|
aamkhan61......|09/27/11.|09/xx/11.|10/03/11.|10/31/11.|12/05/11.|01/04/12.|01/27/12.|.........................|


================================
USCIS Phoenix, Arizona Lockbox
================================
UserName.......|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice..............|
Island-Girl....|08/31/11.|--/--/--.|09/13/11.|10/07/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Honolulu,HI..............|
JordanUSA......|09/02/11.|09/09/11.|09/08/11.|10/24/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Minneapolis,St.Paul......| EB 10/13/11
Antonio y Olga.|09/03/11.|09/09/11.|09/06/11.|10/26/11.|10/24/11.|11/28/11.|01/12/12.|Indianapolis,IN..........| EB 10/19/11
iwalkbyfaith...|09/08/11.|09/19/11.|09/21/11.|11/14/11.|--/--/--.|12/19/11.|--/--/--.|Milwaukee,WI.............| EB 10/26/11
Geico..........|09/10/11.|09/15/11.|09/19/11.|10/31/11.|11/04/11.|12/08/11.|01/12/12.|Indianapolis,IN..........|
Sjowol.........|09/11/11.|09/19/11.|09/16/11.|10/06/11.|10/28/11.|12/06/11.|--/--/--.|Los Angeles,CA...........|
richo_006......|09/12/11.|09/16/11.|09/15/11.|10/25/11.|--/--/--.|12/13/11.|--/--/--.|Santa Ana,CA.............|
garrobito......|09/12/11.|--/--/--.|09/19/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Vallejo,CA...............|
SaysWho........|09/13/11.|09/20/11.|09/23/11.|10/17/11.|10/25/11.|11/29/11.|12/27/11.|Seattle,WA...............| I am US Citizen!
zeeofman.......|09/16/11.|09/22/11.|09/19/11.|10/18/11.|01/09/12.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Portland,OR..............|
ddkm...........|09/20/11.|09/28/11.|09/27/11.|10/21/11.|10/26/11.|12/08/11.|--/--/--.|Tucson,AZ................| EB 10/19/11
RMC............|09/24/11.|09/30/11.|09/29/11.|10/27/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|San Jose,CA..............|
Friscoflip.....|09/28/11.|10/05/11.|10/07/11.|10/28/11.|--/--/--.|12/07/11.|--/--/--.|San Francisco,CA.........| EB 10/20/11

===========================================================================
USCIS Lincoln, Nebraska Lockbox (Filing Under 319b, 328, or 329 of the INA)
===========================================================================
[b]UserName....|Sent.....|ChkCashd.|NOA......|Fprints..|Int Ltr..|Intview..|Oath.....|FieldOffice..............|
mcerdx13.......|08/23/11.|--/--/--.|09/06/11.|09/13/11.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|--/--/--.|Lincoln,NE...............|
[/quote]
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2012-02-26 22:04:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionNo more same day oath in Fairfax, VA ??

Has anyone heard that they have stopped same day oaths for VA residents? I was reading this on another forum.

If true this sucks! They are already slower than anywhere else and now everyone will have to also wait for oath....


That's what my AO told me last month, since they are in the process of re-organizing their offices. Which is why I had my oath today, a month after the interview. I'm sure they'd have the same day oath back as soon as the re-org is done.
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2012-03-28 16:00:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionROC - my story -
congratulations! good.gif

QUOTE (Anamaria2009 @ Dec 10 2009, 11:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, I just received a letter from USCIS confirming the approval of my 10 years GC!
I feel like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
This website is great and it helped me a lot with the entire process (K-1, GC and now ROC).

I will tell you my story as briefly as possible for those that are getting ready to file for ROC and are in a similar situation as I was, when I applied, in September 2009 - if I can help you with any information, I will.

I arrived here in US on a K-1 visa in 2007 and I received my temporary GC that year also. My husband, the USC turned out to be anything but the guy I knew before the marriage and I've been mostly emotionally and psychologically abused by the USC and in-laws, often threaten with deportation if I don't obey their orders. I couldn't live up to their expectations so, they decided to have me deported. My husband filed for a marriage annulment on the ground of marriage fraud for immigration benefits on February 2008 (and also I am sure he called ICE).
I contested the annulment and on August 2008 I filed for divorce based on cruel and inhuman treatment. I received the divorce decree on May 2009. I worked on my paperwork to remove the temporary conditions of my GC for a few months.
I decided to save myself a few thousands of dollars by not hiring any lawyer and I filed I-751 on September 2009 with a waiver of bonafide marriage; went for biometrics on October and got approved on December 2009.
The package I sent was big, about 250 sheets, very well organized (the index is 2 pages long), all in all illustrating the story of my relationship from the very beginning (courtship) until I got the divorcee decree.... almost 3 years of my life.

Keep your hopes up for those who are waiting to get the 10 years GC! (especially for those that are still married and file jointly : - there is no reason to fear about your legal rights here, in US).

Thank you for all your help.


mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2009-12-09 22:32:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionDone with removal of conditions
congratulations!
mikeandlaniMalePhilippines2009-12-10 23:07:00