ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

It Would seem now that most or all of us have our NOA2 and most have already gotten their Visa or about to get it. Lets not Forget each other in this long Struggle we began months ago. We were here for the support of each other, we shared with other, We cried with each other, we held up each other to stand when we were too weary! In essence we were like a Family, as we know the components of Family. I am so glad to have met each and everyone of you on this forum and I hope soon we get to see the faces behind the Posts.

Good Luck to each and everyone of YOU! Lets not forget each other as our journey comes to an end. Again Thank You Guys for your support of each and everyone of US!

Good Luck to the rest of our journeys! Our Special May 2011 Flier Group!

TOM :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:



I definitely agree, Tom. We've cleared yet another hurdle. We now have both CRBA and passport in hand for my daughter. The final hurdle, which is really a small one, is getting an exit stamp from Philippine Immigration in Serena's passport. Saving for their airfare has begun in earnest. :D :thumbs:
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-12-15 09:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Congrats to you guys. Patience was paid in full 10 fold =)

Quick question. Im preparing all financial documents and it will be the last package I send to my lady before she is to have her interview in Moscow. Currently I have 1040 ez forms dating back 4 years (2007-2010), a letter from my employer stating I make way above the poverty line, a bank statement with some savings and paystubs dating 5 weeks back. Is this enough information to include with the affadavit of support or I need more documentation? Let me know asap as Im sending this package on wednesday. Thanks

That should be enough.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-12-07 22:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Most of the May Filers know about the Situation Grace and I have been going through with her dad the last few months. it was such that I Emailed the US Embassy and explained my situation. they replied back, "not to worry I129F is routinely extended at that embassy" and they extended it an additional 4 months. I just received a Text from her short while ago that her Dad has passed at 130AM Philippine time today. 930AM PST in Cali, Sunday here, Monday early there.


I would like to thank the individuals that sent me PMs and of course the May 2011 Filer group! ThanK YOU!

Tom :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

My condolences go out to Grace and her family, which, of course, includes you. I know you want more than anything in the world to be there and comfort her in this difficult time. I'm sure she knows this and understands how you feel as well.

On a lighter note, it's a little humorous that you put thumbs after your name. It makes me think of Tom Thumb. ;)
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-12-04 21:46:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Anyone know the baggage overweight fee for Korean Air? I hear the limit is 23 kg and Ice's suitcase is 28 kg. :(

It depends upon the flight. They wanted to charge me $168 for an additional bag coming home from Manila. He is allowed 2 checked bags with a limit of 23 kgs each. Maybe have him get a duffle bag and put about 6 kgs in there? Hope this helps.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-29 23:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

you guys should try Momondo.com its a great place to buy really good priced tickets.

Saheed

The problem with using sites like this is that they often don't give the option to purchase a ticket for an infant. If it were just Amy, I'd probably use an option like this.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-28 01:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers




Hi Ray! Uhm maybe you can try booking with Asia Travel, I'm sure they have seats available after the 17th of December. It might be a little expensive but of course its also reasonable somehow because of the holidays

Amy's never been outside the Philippines before. I'm worried about her getting lost in an unfamiliar airport and missing her connecting flight. I've been through Seoul (ICN) enough to know where I'm going. I've been preparing her for ICN. As for expenses, I'm now in wedding pay-off mode with a mixture of airfare purchase sprinkled in. ;)

Ray-J, why don't u buy the tickets from websites like www.kayak.com ?
they always have seats available!! good luck!

See above explanation. I've had nothing but good experiences with Korean Air. I know they'll take good care of my ladies. Besides, they're typically the cheapest flights in and out of Manila.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-25 22:12:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers
Well, I have good news and not so good news. Serena's CRBA is done - no more paperwork until it's time to file AOS. The embassy did not ask for a DNA test. The not-so-good news is that they told Amy that she'll have Serena's US passport in 3 to 4 weeks. My travel agent says that there are no available flights from Manila after December 17 until January. :crying:
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-24 23:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

After 187 days, we finally got our NOA2!!!!!!!!! The email and text just came through 20 minutes ago. I am so happy, I am shaking... I can't believe it, some days I honestly thought this day was never going to come. Thank you Universe, and for my wonderful May Filers family for your love and support!!!! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!!!!!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

~Kat

FINALLY!!!! Now all we need is me&him to get their NOA2. Congrats Kat. :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :dance: :dance: :dance:
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-23 02:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Im glad things finally worked out for you after the headache they gave you.:whistle: You see, it all work out for the good even after all the trials you guys went through. I guess you can look at it this way......."You will have your family Home for the Holidays"!!:dance: Sorry you had to push the Wedding back but I know as well as you how expensive this process is. but thanks to God, you came out good. Good Luck, Congratulations after your hard work and may you and your family have Good Holidays!!


Your Buddy
Tom :thumbs: :thumbs:

Yeah, I came out of the trip to see them very well. I actually had money left over. Hehehe. I even had invitations printed. I guess it's a good thing that I didn't catch that they had left out the date of the ceremony on the proofing. I've come up with a simple fix for that, though. I'll be including 'Save the Date' cards with the invitations. :)
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-21 00:25:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Whats going on Ray_J, I assume you got things well taken care of and you Back in the States. Hopefully your Holidays is really going to be good although you had to leave your family behind when you left.I know how you felt! But at least you will have them for the Holidays, Good Luck to you Guys my friend! I cant wait to see all you guys in person and talk about all we went through.:whistle: but its all for the Good! Good Luck and " HAPPY THANKSGIVING"!!!:thumbs: :thumbs:

Sorry, Tom. I thought I had posted what's going on in our case. I guess not. Amy and Serena went for their CRBA interview on the 17th. All went well, except they didn't like or accept the notarized copy (I only had the first page notarized (all pages needed to be notarized)) I had scanned and emailed to Amy. I ended up having to send her my passport via DHL. She'll get that on Tuesday afternoon and then revisit the embassy (no appointment necessary) on Wednesday. So far, so good. I'm starting to save for their airfare. Due to finances, we had to push the wedding date back to early March. But, yes. I'm back home and back to work.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-20 19:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Cool, I'll keep that in mind. Btw everybody I just wanted to let all of you know that K-1 Interview and CRBA Interview has been set. Check timeline for detail.

It's good that you have the CRBA done before your interview. The interviewing officer may ask about that, though it won't affect the outcome. I was wondering if you saw this on the US Embassy - Moscow's site:

"If one parent is a Russian national, you may add your child to that parent's Russian individual travel passport or apply for an individual Russian passport for the baby to use to depart Russia. You may also choose to travel out using your child's American passport, however, this requires that the Russian parent officially renounces the baby's Russian citizenship. All the three procedures, i.e. issuance of a Russian exit visa, issuance of a Russian travel passport, and renunciation of Russian citizenship are handled by the Federal Migration Service and may take several weeks to complete."

I thought it interesting that Manila has a checklist to follow and Moscow doesn't. In fact, the checklist for Manila needs to be signed and dated and is part of the documentation packet. Also, ensure the birth certificate is the government issued copy. They are very strict about this requirement.

Edited by Ray-J, 20 November 2011 - 01:18 PM.

Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-20 13:15:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Okay I'll cross my fingers and hope for some good news about the DNA Testing that they will say NO need for it =)

I should note that we had a lot of pre-natal care documentation, including ultrasound pics. Plus, we had copies of her medical records during her pregnancy.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-20 09:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

You didnt need to do DNA testing?

Amy didn't mention them asking for one. The only thing they are asking for is my passport, which was sent on Friday. She'll have that Tuesday afternoon and show them Wednesday morning.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-19 22:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers
CRBA went well. However, USEM wouldn't accept my notarized copy of my passport. Since I won't be needing it for a while, I'll be sending it via DHL to Amy. She should have it by the end of the week. Due to finances, I may have to wait until New Year's Eve for Amy and Serena to get here. Also, we may have to push the wedding back a month or two.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-17 11:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Today is a glorious day!!!!! K1 visa has been approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :dance:

Congrats! You can head over to either St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation-Center for Overseas Workers (SMEF-COW) or People's Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization Foundation, Inc. (PRISM) for your pre-departure seminar (cost - 250 pesos). After that, you'll have to bring your passport with visa to the Commission on Filipinos Overseas to get your emigration stamp (cost - 400 pesos).

Edited by Ray-J, 07 November 2011 - 02:56 AM.

Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-07 02:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Yes You right about Incheon in Seoul South Korea. I went through there once in 2007.I loved that Airport.Very Clean, Very Nice.I also flew Korean from LAX.I like when you stand on the whatever you call it(stand and move you right along),you dont even move it moves you right along through the Airport. Also you right about the additional Security when you change planes within the Airport. My Security Screeners were all ladys and they were very business like,no smiles, just doing their Job.Hope all go well with Amy.I am sure no problems with her connecting Flight regarding the bags. everything as you said regarding that will be taken care of for her. You will have your family Home for Christmas!:dance: :dance: :thumbs:

I don't know what you call it, but I call it a PeopleMover, simply because that's what it does. The only difference between how you and I use it is that I choose to keep walking. At my normal pace, I get through that stretch at double the speed. :D
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-05 02:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

I am praying with you guys! BTW how do you go about seeing what Interviews they open up?How do you get the Appt? Good Luck! Amy will do fine getting it after you guys leave and b4 you know it she and the baby will land in Chicago!:dance: :thumbs:

It's all done online by visiting http://evisaforms.st...lingSystem.asp. I know Amy will do fine, but I still worry about her getting lost in the airport and missing her connecting flight. I've been preparing her by walking her through the procedures for changing planes at Incheon International ((presuming she'll be flying Korean Air) there's an additional security screening for changing planes there). She was asking me if she had to get her bags at her connecting airport and re-check them for the next flight (of course, I told her that she shouldn't even go through customs until she gets to Chicago). I've even found a map for the terminal.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-04 07:54:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

RAy_J when you think you will get NSO BC? I hope you get it soon.!!!:thumbs:

We were able to have the process expedited. We had to go to the NSO office in Quezon City (corner of Quezon Ave. & EDSA) and speak with Ms. Edit Orcilia's secretary, fill out a form to have Serena's file pulled from the scanning que and entered into the database, and paid a fee for the bc. We'll pick it up on Tuesday. USEM opened up a 2 week block of appointments today. I grabbed one on the first available date, but it's about a week after I leave for home. We're still praying that we can get one sooner before I go home.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-04 05:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers
We tried another round at USEM for a CRBA. We still didn't have the NSO BC, but thought that since we would have it next week that they might let it pass and let us bring it in after we get it. No dice. It turns out that they consider the child as the applicant (who also needs to be present) and the BC is the only means of identification for the applicant. They won't accept anything but the NSO copy because they don't know the security features of any other document type.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-04 00:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Thats a Good idea for the Pastry(s) to her Office, what a cool Gesture.:thumbs:I see you been there a Month?WOW, expensive, but worth it. Like I said before, at least you will have them home for the Holidays!!!!:dance::dance: I also see its hard to get an Appointment for your CRBA! I hope also they contact you with an Open slot for Appt. Keep us Posted, Ok!!:thumbs:

Yeah, you're right. A month off is expensive but soooo worth it. The embassy contacting me for an appointment? Yeah, right! I wish it worked that way. I have to keep checking a website appointment system to see if there are any openings. If there are, they fill up fast.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-03 00:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Whats up Ray_J.You leaving on the 11tth and when did you arrive in the philippines? Also to consider, Mrs. Guzman really helped a lot to speed up the process.:yes: My Hat is off to her.so you planning on the CRBA Appointment to be the 8th, 9th, or the 10th? I will keep you guys in my prayers that you get it done. Im hoping ALL of you come back together!!! :dance::thumbs:

Yes, Tom. Ms. Guzman did help speed up the process quite a bit. My hat is off to her as well. I'm planning on getting her and her office a little token of gratitude from one of the bakeries in the area. I've been here almost a month, now. I arrived on Oct. 10th. I would love to have another CRBA appointment before we leave so that I can just hand the Embassy cashier my debit card to pay for the processing. As for everyone leaving together, that's not going to happen, unfortunately. Appointments need to be made online and they can be very hard to come by. There was one available for today that was scooped up by someone in 10 minutes. I tried grabbing it just to open the CRBA case, but they still have our old appointment in the system (which won't let us make a new one until the old one is canceled). :bonk: I've emailed the embassy to inquire if we can just walk the NSO copy in when we get it or if we need to make another appointment, and if so to please cancel the old one from before. In the mean time, I'm looking for cheap flights (preferably Korean Air routing through Inchon) to Chicago around Dec 10. That should give them plenty of time to get Serena's CRBA docs and passport to Amy.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-02 16:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

thank you! :dance:


so.... any new updates from any other May filers? :(

I may not be a May filer, but I know you guys (and gals) consider me as family. We seem to have some positive movement on the NSO BC. After getting the help Ms. Guzman promised, we traveled to the NSO office in Quezon City today and spoke with Ms. Orcilia's secretary. We filled out a form and paid for our copy of the BC. We'll get to go back on Tuesday, Nov. 8 to pick it up. This is a process that would normally mean that the BC wouldn't be available until Nov. 22. In the mean time, I pray that we can get a CRBA appointment on either Nov. 8, 9, or 10. Mom and I leave for home on the 11th.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-11-02 07:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Ray_J I know you wanted to have them travel back to the States with you. But even after all the trouble getting Serenas CRBA Appt and the Processing time, you still will have them home for the Holidays and the Start of you guys new Life together!! that in itself is a great feeling!!:dance: I emailed you about my friend will be going through the same thing shortly, but like you said the good thing is he will put her on the initial petition. Keep us Posted on Serenas progress!!............Good Luck!!:thumbs:

Thanks, Tom. You always have a positive perspective on things. I'm secretly getting a little frantic because we're about 2 months away from our wedding date and have invitations on their way to the printer. CRBA appointments can be rather difficult to get in Manila. Still, I'm keeping anything crossed that can be. :lol:
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-30 05:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

That is great news. I cant wait for both Sasha (my son) and Tatiana's Interview. Then they can finally join me. I think that day I will cry...only because it will be tears of joy.

Yozhik

I'm not sure about your embassy, but for Manila, there's a checklist that needs to be signed as part of the packet. Make sure you follow what is required on that checklist to the letter. It explains what documentation is required. As for the DNA test, I'm not sure if what they told me is only Manila specific or if it applies to all embassies.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-30 01:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers
CRBA didn't happen. The embassy stuck to their guns about requiring an NSO birth certificate. They said the only way they could get around it was with permission from D.C. God knows how long that would take. Went back to Manila City Hall and talked to Ms. Guzman. She referred us to the person in charge of scanning documents into the NSO database. She wasn't there when we got to NSO in Quezon City.... But upon returning to Manila City Hall, Ms. Guzman said she did get our contact on the phone. Supposedly, Serena's NSO birth certificate is now being fast tracked. We could have it before we leave to come home. However, with CRBA appointment availability and embassy processing times, Amy and Serena will have to travel alone after she has Serena's passport. The good news is that I asked the Embassy about the possibility of a DNA test being required. They said they don't require them but only recommend.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-28 20:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

So I have a question. Approximately how long does NOA2 Hard copy take to reach the petitioner's mail box after receiving email. Also what is NVC sent and receive on the timeline notes? and Approximately how long does it take for the consulate to receive the petition after approved NOA2? Thanks

Yozhik

Expect the hard copy in about the same amount of time as it took for the NOA1. When you call the NVC to check to see if you have an embassy case number, ask when they received your case and when it went out for delivery to the embassy if they've already shipped it. Put those dates in your timeline. The amount of time it takes for the consulate to receive the petition depends upon how long it takes for USCIS to forward your case to NVC. NVC will only hold on to it for a maximum of 48 hours. However, it can take USCIS up to 15 business days to forward it. If NVC hasn't received your case in 15 business days (not including weekends and holidays), then email nvcresearch@state.gov with your receipt number in the subject line.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-26 21:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Riza finally got her Visa today. :thumbs: It was a 20 day wait for some kind of review. They never did say why. :angry: At least we have some peace of mind as we finish our plans. I fly out in one month to go get her. :) I pray everyone else gets theirs soon who has not already.

Congrats! Depending upon where she lives, she'll need to start the CFO process at either SMEF-COW or PRISM. She'll need 2 copies of her passport and visa. If she doesn't have them and goes to PRISM on Taft, there's an internet cafe around the corner that has a copier. The fee for the first part of the CFO process will be 250 pesos with an optional 100 peso fee for a copy of everything they covered in the seminar. She will also be interviewed by a counselor. If either of you were previously married, she'll be asked about those relationships and why they ended. She'll be given a yellow card at the end and told to make 2 copies of that as well. Then, she's off to the CFO office to get her sticker in her passport. The fee there is 400 pesos. After that, she's clear to leave. There's also a form that can be filled out ahead of time for the CFO. I've attached it to this post.

Attached Files


Edited by Ray-J, 26 October 2011 - 06:09 AM.

Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-26 06:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

luuuuucky!! good luck to ya, hope you all can make it outta there before they come up with some other bs way to squeeze more money out of ya. dont forget the 750php each for terminal fee to leave... made that mistake my first time leaving the PI and was a hassle to scrounge up the money, almost missed my flight. :angry:

Yeah, I made the same mistake here in January. The airline helped me out. I have that covered this time for all of us. :thumbs:

Good Luck Ray_J..I know its a trying time but You close! :thumbs:

Yep, so close now. CFO seminar is now done. Amy is cleared to leave. We ran into a couple who went through a CRBA with their child a while ago. We learned about a 3,000 Peso fee from Philippine Immigration for an exit stamp because Serena was born here, despite her being a USC. This is one thing that I didn't know about and didn't account for. Thankfully, my mother is with me and has my back. I just have to light a fire under some backsides at the embassy to get her papers and passport here before we leave.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-26 04:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Ray J are you and your family coming back together? Through Chicago? Thats awesome if so. I would love to accompany my girlfriend and son from Russia but I guess I will be waiting for them in JFK =)

Well, that remains to be seen. We still have to go through Serena's CRBA interview on Friday. We're cutting it close because it takes two weeks to get an approved CRBA documentation and US passport to Manila from Phoenix. However, we now have Amy's visa in hand. I was able to pick it up from the embassy because Amy forgot the receipt from the visa fee. So, if you want to get your visa at the embassy, forget the visa payment receipt at home "accidentally." ;) But, tell the person who helps you that you were told by the gentleman at window 46 that you could get it if you bring in the receipt. I'm going to state that I know I probably got really lucky by being able to pick it up at the embassy.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-25 00:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers
Okay, VJ'ers... here's where I'm at in the process now. As most of you might know already, we passed the embassy interview. We had specified for her visa to be held for pick-up at 2Go at SM Bicutan. However, when we went there to check on it we found out that location had gone out of business. This prompted me to make another trip to the embassy to inquire about our options. Amy forgot to bring her visa payment receipt to the interview, which they never asked for. This worked out in our favor because the embassy never sent out her visa for delivery due to no proof of payment. They told me that all we have to do is bring the receipt to them and we can pick-up her visa from the embassy. That was relief number 1 today.

I had a bit of frustration again with the NSO (National Statistics Office (for those not familiar with Philippine government)). We've been having issues getting Serena's birth certificate from them. The NSO says that her BC is in a verification period and that they wouldn't be able to release her BC until Nov. 22. The problem is that we're supposed to leave on Nov. 11 and Serena's CRBA interview is this coming Friday. When I was at the NSO this past Friday, they told me that if I came back with the civil copy they'd be able to release the BC. That proved to be false. I asked to speak to a supervisor. The supervisor I spoke with directed me to go back to Manila City Hall and speak to Ms. Aurora Guzman (very nice lady). She was the one who gave me hope that everything might actually come together. She said that the embassy knows how slow the process is in the Philippines and will accept a civil copy if it is printed on security paper. I had to pay an additional fee for copies on the security paper and was asked to return the next day. I'll be glad to be done with this 3-ring circus governmental system.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-24 10:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

I have to do CRBA as well, Are you planning on getting a DNA test prior to the CRBA interview just in case the consulate decides DNA is the only way to prove if your daughter is yours? Just curious.

I've researched what labs the DOS uses and their fees and turn-around times. I have the money saved just in case they require it, but will not order it unless they consulate requires it. As with visa petitions, every case is different. In our case, Amy hasn't been with anyone else but me and this is her first child.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-19 17:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Congratulations Ray_J way to go! i am right behind you hopefully! Ray_J how did you apply for Serenas CRBA?


Thanks, Tom. By the way, where have you been all this time anyway? Serena's CRBA is pretty much a more straightforward process then what we've had to go through with USCIS/NVC/USEM. Although, you do need to make an appointment online by clicking here. As you might expect, there are a lot of documents that you have to gather. The burden is on the USC to prove paternity if the child is born out of wedlock. I have to prove the existence of a relationship prior to conception, physical presence at time of conception, provide medical records of Amy's pregnancy, a birth certificate on NSO paper, and... a signed affidavit of parentage and support. I've heard horror stories of some cases requiring a DNA test, but there's no doubt Serena is my daughter. They say it can take 2 weeks to get the paperwork, since it comes from Phoenix. I'm also applying for her first passport to make POE easier.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-18 22:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

Immmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!! Congratulations to you both and ALL the May 2011 Filers that got approved!!! I see it is too Many to name individually But you know who you are!..........................Congratulations Ray_J on the Birth of your daughter Serena! Hope Amy and baby and ................YOU is doing ok! And to the others that havent got approved yet, Hang in there, its coming!:thumbs::dance:

Thanks, Tom. I have even better news... APPROVED!!!!! :dance: :dance: The next step is Serena's CRBA interview on Nov. 2. :thumbs:
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-17 22:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

had the interview Friday at the usem and we got approved!!! i'm sure it really helped i was there for the interview, but i think even if i wanst she'd have been just fine. it was fast too.... we were only interviewed for maybe 3-4 minutes and then she told us congrats and good luck and wait for the visa to arrive. didnt ask for any pics, chat/phone records, paycheck stubs, tax forms, ect... hopefully we get the visa this week while i'm still here cause if so, she'll be coming back with me.
hopefully a few more will get interview's and approvals this week or next, cause this is a stressful process that shouldnt feel like waiting for the next Haley's comet.

Congrats!!! :thumbs: Our interview is on Tuesday. Where are you staying here? I'm in Taguig City at Acacia Estates. I have a rented condo. I hope and pray for our approval, too. Our case is a little more complicated due to the arrival of our daughter. She just turned 3 weeks old today. She's so precious. :D Her CRBA appointment is on Nov. 2nd. I'll keep everyone posted how things go.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-16 07:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers
Man! Oh, man... I'd forgotten how long of a flight that was. I'm happy to say that we made it to Manila safely and that I've had a chance to hold my little angel. She is soooo precious. I'm also happy to be with my love, but haven't had much time to spend with her yet. She's been busy taking care of Serena. Amy's sister is here with us for the night tonight. I know we'll have plenty of time to get reacquainted.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-10 15:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers
Well, friends... the time is finally here. In about 12 hours from now, I'll be getting ready to get in a van to take my mother and I to the airport. I've been preparing for this all day and I'm still not finished. Laundry is finally done. I'm just about finished packing everything. The car is mostly loaded up. Dishes still need to be finished, but only have a small amount to do. And, the last thing I need to do is sweep the floors. Then, it's off to the Chicago area where I'll wait at my mom's place for our ride. Oh, on top of that, I still have homework to do for school... and, it's due tomorrow night while I'm on the plane. I'm not going to be getting any sleep tonight. :wacko: However, it'll help me adjust to the time difference. :lol: It's hard to believe that I'll be with my mahal soon. :D
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-08 20:42:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

The interview went well I guess. There were no problems mentioned. All the questions went fine. They did not say if she got the visa or not. all they said was they have to process the paperwork and wait. They did take her passport. So I think that is a yes?

I would think so. Congratulations may be in order. :D
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-06 21:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

So guys....originals or copies of paystubs, NOAs and receipts for the interview??

At this point, I would make copies (or scan them into your computer) for yourself and send originals.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-03 21:44:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

for those of you who's fiance(e) has already done the med exam in the PI, did your fiance(e) do the pre-registration via the slec website? mine did that and i'm just curious if it was at all a time saver or not? she's at her exam right now, hope i can get a text from her soon for an update. i can tell by chatting with her earlier she's a bit stressed, poor gal probably didnt hardly sleep a wink. sounded like she wasnt too fond of the area at all and said the lotus garden is pretty noisey. not sure if we'll stay there next week when we go for the interview...

I pre-registered Amy for her medical, but she hasn't gone yet. I think she's allowed by me to wait a while to go considering she just delivered our daughter. :lol: Our interview isn't until 10-18 anyway. I think we'll be fine as long as we get it done before the 72-hour mark prior to the interview. I'll be arriving in Manila late night on the 10th.
Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-03 20:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMay 2011 Filers

hello Ni-ing!

noticed you said "sending in packet 3 today". what does that mean? coz as far as i understood beneficiaries from the Philippines don't have to send anything to US Embassy Manila prior to interview. Everything will be submitted/hand delivered during the interview. or am i mistaken here? Or maybe it's different with BKK embassy?

anyone, please shed some light on this... please... I am preparing all my documents and taking all of them with me to interview. correct? Nothing to mail to embassy prior to my interview, right? Thanks everyone!

Yes, other embassies have different procedures. My guess is that all embassies will eventually do away with the packet 3 and adopt USEM's method. For Manila, nothing is mailed and should be brought with you to the interview.

Edited by Ray-J, 03 October 2011 - 12:44 AM.

Ray-JMalePhilippines2011-10-03 00:43:00