ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 needs to be notarized by my local USCIS office????
follow up question on that.. my fiance's outside US, working at Iraq, specifically at the base camp..the form says if the petitioner's outside US, his form should be notarized before an immigration officer or any US consular officer/office. This is impossible for him, he cant go out of the camp to do that. I read somewhere that any US notary is acceptable, are we doing the right thing? oh he's not an army nor marine.
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-05-24 22:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134
does tax returns really has to be notarized,? aside from having a notarized Affidavit of Support (I-134)? what I understand is that the income you declared on your Aff of Support is the exact amount on the tax returns..
is this necessary? it's confusing, I just read this thread, and my interview will be two months from now.
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-05-19 13:55:00
PhilippinesCELLPHONES IN THE US EMBASSY
Yes, there's a booth for that, but the privilege is just for US citizens only. At the entrance, I gave my cellphone to the ladyguard, and she said you can't leave it here, and the other ladyguard informed her that im with my husband (US citizen), so it's ok, only then they took my cellphone. ;)
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-24 01:26:00
PhilippinesVisa Pickup

that's the stub that has the beneficiary's name that you need to show at the window 34 to pick up the visa, and also the guard won't let you in without it..



So if I go with my honey to the interview I can ask for the visa and get it instantly? The pink slip means I can walk to another window and walk back to the hotel with her visa the same day?



no. not the same day. after a few working days.



How many days? My gals interview is on Wed at 730AM. Can we pick it up Friday? I booked a plane for her the following Mon at 11PM.

I had to book the flight now as it goes from 600 one way to 1700 one way with 3 days notice. The ticket is good for one year and no fee to change date.

I would like her to fly home with me Mon night at 11PM.



I had my interview on July 5th 7:30 too, we got a call from the embassy on Monday (July 9th) that the visa is ready for pick up. But of course it all depends on them. Like CountryBoy posted, have your fiancee present a letter of request of visa pick up from you, attached that trip itinerary. Or simply talk to the consul, they're nice anyway. :)
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-26 23:15:00
PhilippinesVisa Pickup
that's the stub that has the beneficiary's name that you need to show at the window 34 to pick up the visa, and also the guard won't let you in without it..

Edited by dave&evan, 24 July 2007 - 01:58 AM.

dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-24 01:56:00
PhilippinesVisa Pickup
Im not sure if they will allow her to pick it up, not unless the petitioner is with her on the interview and he would do the asking. My fiance requested for a visa pick up and the consul said there's no problem about it, they gave us a pink card right away. :)
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-24 01:18:00
PhilippinesHotel's for medical and interview
I stayed at Bayview on my interview day, it's good. It's just across the embassy, like literally you just have to cross the street. $75 for a suite!
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-08-01 05:25:00
PhilippinesThings to do for a K1 bearer once arrived in US
Ok, this is my understanding of what I have read so far here and other information online. I'm a K1 visa holder, and will be flying 3 months from now. Please understand my excitement ;) and also I want to prepare everything as early as now..

1. arrive in US (before visa expires)
2. TD shot
3. get marry
4. get marriage certificate for #5
5. apply SSN- married name
6. apply AOS
7. report of marriage/passport amendment

Questions:
1. what would the Civil Surgeon needs from me aside from the Vaccination Supplement and payment? I checked the form I-693 and it says the CS has to certify that im on good health. Do I have to do a medical exam again and do I have to secure a copy of medical report from St.Luke's again so I would be waived from that?

2. How long a I-94 valid?

3. Do I have to apply SSN before I get marry? I attended a CFO seminar and the lady said we should apply SS# AFTER we marry our fiances?which is which

4. when do we have to file AOS?before my 90days expired? or before I-94 expired? or before my K1 visa expires? :huh:

Thank you for the replies..
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-23 06:01:00
PhilippinesNovember flight and travel agencies.
hi there, I'll be flying the same date too via NWA. Did you purchased tickets yet? My fiance bought it for almost 800, a connecting flight is included on that price. smile.gif
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-09-30 06:43:00
PhilippinesCFO Seminar - What do I do?
you could go with her at PRISM office, you just have to wait at the reception area though, seminar usually starts at 9-12am.. Then after the counseling, she has to get her passport to CFO main for certificate and sticker, you could with her too and wait with her until her name's called, then you're done, you two could enjoy a movie after. From my experience, I finished at around 4pm here, and I was alone then, it was so boring waiting. So she really needs someone to talk to while waiting. Goodluck!
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-10-14 10:49:00
Philippines2007 K visa statistics by country
I'm part of that number too! good.gif
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-14 23:54:00
PhilippinesTicket you got?
I was on K1, and I have a one way ticket, had no problem at all. Trip went smoothly. cool.gif
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-17 23:25:00
PhilippinesAnyone who had their Phil. passport changed? maiden to married name
thank you for all your replies! big help.. I really just wanted to keep my green passport with that US entry stamp date biggrin.gif while the maroon is on process..Thanks!
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-19 19:44:00
PhilippinesAnyone who had their Phil. passport changed? maiden to married name
Not really, but my only time to get one is when hubby gets home next month for his R&R from work, we can drive down there, and it's a 6-hour drive. I can't drive yet. Also, it's for Identificatin purposes, since I don't have any US id yet showing my married name. Thanks for the link

Can I keep my green passport if I apply for this one?
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-18 08:58:00
PhilippinesAnyone who had their Phil. passport changed? maiden to married name
I just can't seem to find a topic about this.. I'm planning to have my unexpired Phil. (green passport) changed, with my maiden name to married name. And with the new memo or project of the Phil government regarding changing the passport to a more secure one, read here-- aka the maroon passport, I'm just clueless how it goes, my mind is pretty much set to sending the application by mail, but they don't allow that anymore.

Anyone had their passport changed? how does your experience went?
do I have to make an appointment to do that?
how long does the fingerprinting and picture taking goes?, I mean is there a line?

I'm talking about going to the embassy in Washington, because that's where my jurisdiction is.. Anyway, thanks for replies!:)

Edited by dave&evan, 17 August 2008 - 11:46 PM.

dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2008-08-17 23:44:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

DAVE&EVAN

how was your interview? is it hard? what did they asked you?? hehe


hi ryza, my interview went fine, I was so nervous that morning though, but I felt fine when we finished the pre-screening interview, a filipino lady asked me:
-How you met your fiance? (i said thru a common friend..)
-How many times he visited you? (i said this is his 8th time--she was surprised)
-How many days he stayed on those visits? (i said he stays 3 weeks usually, and once stayed for 2months)
-What is your job? ( Im not employed as of the moment)
-What was your last job? (I was a project supervisor for ___)
-What do you do on your last job? ( I supervise blah blah blah)
-Are you single? ( Yes! never been marrried)
-Any kids? (No kid/s)
then she asked my fiance the last two questions.

for the consul's interview, we were asked the same thing, he asked Dave about his job instead(not mine), and flips through our thick application, and check the pictures I gave the Filipino interviewer, he laughed at one picture where Dave & I are on a wacky pose.. The consul is great, friendly and not terrifying, he smiles a lot actually.. Then he told us, "with him being here with you today is convincing enough that your relationship is legitimate" then he looked at the papers again, he said, everything's fine, then he stamped "approved" :star: on our folder.

And so I thought, it really helps if petitioner's with you on the interview, aside from complete papers of course. Smile a lot, dont be nervous, and do it with prayers too. :luv:
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-16 23:21:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
hi VJ'ers, just want to thank this site and for your very informative replies and posts that helped me and my fiance get through the interview we had last July 5th, yes we got approved!! We picked up our visa last July 9th..I just never had the time to update you guys, since me and Dave got busy with planning things, for the flight and things to do while im still here in Philippines, I wont be leaving until November anyway, he still have some work to finish, same thing here with me..

for those who will be having their interviews soon,goodluck and dont forget to pray, having your petitioner with you at your interview is really a big help. Dave was asked a lot of questions, not me! hehe, that made it easier for me. :yes:
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-15 03:37:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
Hi everyone! Evan here.. just asking for your prayers, ill be having my interview tomorrow, wish me luck! :whistle:
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-04 00:42:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
congrats Gary & Fely!!

My big day's coming...I cant wait to get over it! lol it stresses me out thinking about the possible questions to be asked, im thankful, my Dave is here for support. Wish everything will be easy and smooth. Please include us in your prayers too.

Salamat
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-07-02 12:08:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
Congrats to those who got their interview dates, *drum rolling* Goodluck to all of us!! :yes:
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-06-13 04:02:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

Well so far so good with the medical exam, I think. Fely was in be 6 am and out by 2 pm. She mentioned the "getting naked" part, but it wasn't a problem. She'll go back again tomorrow for one more test and then her shots. They did try to tell her that it was too early for the exam, that its supposed to be one week before the interview. The instruction sheet says AT LEAST one week, so I assume the person that signed her in just didn't know what he was talking about.


Hi there StarProg, if I have read this thread before I went to St.Luke's today, I could have met your Fely :) . It's my second day though--for shots. Medical went fine, I guess, because I dont have to redo some tests anymore and I was told to proceed to 2nd floor already--which is for immunization area. No one asked me why am i taking my medical so early, it's a month before my interview, I just noticed that ladies at the reception doesnt smile at all, very serious people ;) Hope our upcoming interviews goes well too, let's pray to that
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-06-07 13:04:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
hi, been here in VJ for so long, but I haven't seen this topic ever, I stick to K1 discussions always..haha
please add me up too MNL2007602*** , NVC didnt notify us so I dont know when exactly our case went to NVC. I found out about our case number when I called the embassy last thursday 05/17.. the rest of the details are on my signature.

Thank you! and im asking for your prayers. God bless
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-05-19 14:14:00
Philippinesfirst time immigrant POE question
mine took 20mins or less, my fiance-now-husband was with me then, he did all the talking smile.gif The Officer was nice
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2008-11-18 01:09:00
PhilippinesAnother boring day alone at home in U.S.
QUOTE (pepe N pilar @ Nov 13 2008, 09:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (dave&evan @ Nov 12 2008, 01:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Me, though I have a lot of things to do, I still get bored.. wish I have driver's license already so I could go to malls.. malls here isn't (sic) even as nice as what we have in Phils tsk tsk..


You can always go back to the PI, if you so desire .....



Yeah, I will, as soon as I get my GC whistling.gif
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2008-11-14 21:40:00
PhilippinesAnother boring day alone at home in U.S.
Me, though I have a lot of things to do, I still get bored.. wish I have driver's license already so I could go to malls.. malls here isn't even as nice as what we have in Phils tsk tsk..
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2008-11-12 01:12:00
PhilippinesEvidences...
When I had my K1 interview, the consul asked if I have pictures, I have tons with me arranged on different ziplocs on different places we've been. I just took one ziploc randomly, and it was the wacky pictures taken when we went to Palawan. The consul laughed his heart out. My interview went well, with my fiance then(husband now) was with me so the whole interview was like just him and the CO chit-chatting about their jobs.

My advice is just keep everything ready, and just give the officer what he/she ask. I have emails printed out, hotel/vacation receipts, chat logs, phone bills, plane tickets, and letters/cards to each other. I have everything on my hand, and the consul only asked for pictures! huh.gif Well, it could be because we sent a lot of evidences along with our K1 packet. I remember our file folder was so thick.

Just don't be nervous on your interview, goodluck!

oh our pictures don't even have dates in them.
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2009-01-14 00:17:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Boxes
I have sent one balikbayan box last Nov. 15th thru cargoplususa, the Filipino store here in my town is affiliated with them. My family got my box just 5 days ago. It usually takes 1 month & 3 weeks total for it to get to Laguna, where my family are at. Try to check the status of your box at their Manila office. Maybe delivery time is varies depends on where the receiver is located. I haven't used Manila forwarder yet in sending boxes, since I don't even know if they have an office here, so I don't know if their service is good or not.
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2009-01-13 23:54:00
Philippinessending card to us
I got a birthday card from my family, the stamp date shows it was mailed 3 weeks ago via airmail (regular mail), my sister paid P58 for it..

then I got my NSO birth certificates mailed to me via registered mail(Phil. Post Office too!), it took 5 weeks to get here.. They're unpredictable! well at least I got them.. smile.gif
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2009-02-04 23:19:00
PhilippinesFilipino PAGIBIG Fund Member planning to migrate
Thanks for the post.. I have some contributions too, ilang years rin yun huh..sayang naman.. pero wait ko pa si GC smile.gif
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2009-03-17 20:30:00
PhilippinesDo you find this irritating?
It has been a common joke I guess for others to ask me/you to hook them up with someone who lives in US. I just go by it, laugh it all off and even tell them to give their resumes to me biggrin.gif and once approved, I'll contact them for further instructions! biggrin.gif And they would just laugh at it too. I just don't take it seriously. I have been asked a gazillion of times about this, I don't mind, because I know they're not into it anyway. BUT out of all those people, I got one who turned out to be seriously looking for someone, and have been sending me messages/email making follow-ups. I got disappointed and yes, it's a little annoying, because she would just talk to me about it. Doesn't even bother to ask how am I doing here, not even a hi sad.gif Now that one is bad..

dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2009-03-26 03:16:00
PhilippinesPacMan Wins!!!!
I missed the show, but was able to watch it on facebook.. ang galing, tinapos kagad nya yung game, round 2 out of 12! wow
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2009-05-03 15:40:00
PhilippinesAge difference between Filipinas and americans (Poll)
him-- 27
me-- 27, but im 38days older than him :)
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-08-08 11:15:00
PhilippinesMy passport will expire on nov 2009
if you renew your current passport, they will punch two holes on that old one. I had mine renewed here at DC and that's what they did. I think you're still good to go, renew your passport when you get here (US).
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2009-05-18 23:53:00
Philippinesshipping clothes from PI to US
I remember I sent one, from PI to US, cost me about 25K to send clothes and important documents, pictures and Philippines stuff, thru DHL, used their jumbo box, took 5 days to get here. That's a lot of money, not doing it again.
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2009-05-18 23:48:00
Philippinesfirst international trip alone, how long does it take going through Detroit airport?
Hello, I'm a 2yr conditional GC holder, and I will be leaving for Phils soon. Buying the ticket has been a pain, that we had to choose the most inexpensive one online. I got one luckily, but it has tight connecting flights, will be flying thru Delta. Going out of US, I'll be flying from Raleigh to Detroit to Manila, with only one hour layover on Detroit. And going back, from Manila to Detroit to Raleigh, I only have 1hr & 40mins layover in Detroit--which I'm so worried about, and that thought that I might not make it to my next connecting flight, IF the lines are bad.

Husband suggests that I don't take a checked luggage with me going back, so I can quickly go through the passport control, but of course I don't think I want to do that, since I have a lot of things I want to buy in PI and bring it with me. :D

How bad is Detroit Metro for inbound international travelers? as far as security check, passport control and claiming bags? And for passport control, san ba ko pila, non-US citizen line?

And pano sequence ng airport process (coming in to US)--from the plane, I'll go straight to baggage claim, then passport control, and security check?

An daming tanong, this is my first time travelling alone, I don't want to get lost or waste time wondering what to do and miss my next flight.. Please share your experience naman :help: Salamat :)

(I'm excited)!
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2010-02-26 11:36:00
PhilippinesLooking for the best deal on phone service: USA/Philippines
I am currently in Philippines for a vacation, and I brought MagicJack with me and I tell you it works great, and the cheapest deal you can get out there! I call my husband's cellphone all the time, it works on landlines as well. Your girlfriend just have to have good internet and a landline to use this service. Other than MJ, I use PLDT budget card, it charges P1.50/minute. A card worth P100 lasts for only two days for me, but of course it always depends on how often you two talk on the phone.

Edited by dave&evan, 28 March 2010 - 10:10 AM.

dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2010-03-28 10:10:00
PhilippinesCan you bring canned foods in checked luggage going to US
Thank you for your replies. Hmm, I think I won't risk it then, it would be just too much of a trouble. I'm so ready to come home, missing my husband so much :( . Thanks all
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2010-03-30 09:08:00
PhilippinesCan you bring canned foods in checked luggage going to US
Hello, I am in Philippines right now and will be leaving soon, I already have a permanent resident status (2 yr). I'm just wondering if I can bring with me canned goods of corned beef and sisig. There's no canned sisig in US, not even online. I'm going to bring shampoo and conditioner as well, they're milder than the ones I available in US. I have checked TSA website, but can't find info about bringing canned goods in checked luggage. I will be flying Delta all the way. Please share if you have more information. Thank you
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2010-03-30 01:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsK1 Petition Mailed Today!
Congrats and goodluck on the rest of your journey :)
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-13 08:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary Filers
hi january filers, im not sure what is my NOA1 date was, but we got an email approval of NOA2 last March 27, which happens to be me and my honey's 2nd year anniversary, isn't it the sweetest thing? im just so happy..

My prayers for those who are still waiting for approvals, you'll all get it soon, just hang on there OK :)
dave&evanNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-13 08:16:00