ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DS-3032 slowdown?
Darnell, Thanks as always. Email it is... :thumbs:
TomDMalePhilippines2010-07-31 19:30:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DS-3032 slowdown?
I am asking my wife to send in the DS 3032 Template via email ASAP. I will be sending in the hard copy from my US home. It is my understanding that the Email does not need a bar code. Does the signed hard copy being mailed need a bar code? I have received a NVC # so Can we now email and mail the DS 3032 in prior to the NVC sending me the DS 3032 packet? THANKS
TomDMalePhilippines2010-07-31 14:33:00
PhilippinesSt Lukes and Embassy

It takes 7 to 10 days for the visa to be delivered.

Thats good news. We should then here something today as it has been 12+ days ...
TomDMalePhilippines2010-11-22 11:38:00
PhilippinesSt Lukes and Embassy
Hi All,

I have a question. My wife only had a copy of her NSO Marriage certificate with her at her interview. She gave the one she had to the passport people when she renewed her passport. As a result she had to go to their Pasay office and pay for another copy. Well the Embassy now has a copy. My question is has anyone experience a similar issue and how long did it take for the Embassy to courier the VISA to their house. Her interview was on Nov 3rd and I am hoping she can fly on Dec 1... Any thoughts on this... Thanks.. GO MANNY..

My fiancee and daughter are in incheon right now waiting for their flight to atlanta, they arrive in atlanta at 9:20 am.... :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

NOW there is a happy Man... Great news Mike... Hope you can get some sleep while your waiting... :whistle:
TomDMalePhilippines2010-11-11 22:11:00
PhilippinesDecember 2010 Manila Embassy Interview Thread
Thanks for the Congrats Glenn & Bryan and to you TravelingNomad congrats as well. I hope Feb gets here ASAP!!! ...

I was looking at Kayaks over the weekend in the Knoxville TN area and visited with some friends. I left on Friday and I didn't have a chance to speak with my wife but was able to break away and monitor emails from my friends computer. There was no information about her receiving the Courier package so I was thinking things are moving slowly cause of the holidays. When I got home on Monday my wife calls me. That's how we have worked it because she has no home phone and if she is at work I don't want to disturb her. So she calls and is really excited cause she has her VISA package in hand. It was delivered Saturday evening! Whoa! The kicker is that is was delivered by an Embassy Employee and not a courier according to my wife. Isn't that nuts. For those who don't know or haven't followed my trials and tribulation I was pi$$ed for the last month about the poor service I felt the embassy was providing. I made phone calls, sent letters and emails inquiry's to my State Congressman and Senators office. They were telling me there was not much they could do, yada, yada .. I told them that they have been in the spotlight enough these past few years and it was not for good press. I told them they could try, that's doing something. I am not speaking directly to them mind you, but to their aids. It might have been a coincidence ( I like to think it was me ..Feeds my ego :innocent: ) because I had already been waiting 6 weeks for the Embassy to get off its A$$ but within a week of my contacting them my wife got her VISA and it was delivered by and Embassy employee.

So if you take anything away from all of this it in my view should be don't give up. These people work for us and they need to be reminded from time to time that everyone has a boss.

Someone else ask how long doe it take to get a response should you mess up in the interview and not have all your documentation. Well for us it was 6 weeks...

HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS and remember its okay to lose faith in the government but never lose faith in yourself. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Oh I got an email from American Airlines and they are offering a 20 % discount till Dec 30. This is the code for that Promotion Code: LNGK5QA66EL6
TomDMalePhilippines2010-12-21 22:23:00
PhilippinesDecember 2010 Manila Embassy Interview Thread
Got this from the Senators Office today

Control No: 35820

Reference: XXXX

Date: December 15, 2010

This is in further reply to your inquiry of December 8, 2010, regarding the visa concerns of your constituent, TomDXXXXXx.


We are pleased to inform you that an immigrant visa was issued to the applicant today, December 15, 2010. The visa packet will be delivered to the applicant’s designated address by guaranteed courier service.





Immigrant Visa Correspondence Unit
Consular Section
U.S. Embassy, Manila
1201 Roxas Boulevard
Manila, Philippines

THIS E-MAIL IS UNCLASSIFIED AS DEFINED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 12958

VISA APPROVED !!!!!!!!!!!!

Now she just need to get her CFO and Ticket. She might make it here by Christmas... :dance: :dance: :dance:
TomDMalePhilippines2010-12-16 01:26:00
PhilippinesDecember 2010 Manila Embassy Interview Thread
After 6 weeks of waiting for the Embassy to make a decision regarding my wifes VISA, I had to go to my Senators office and seek assistance.

This is what I got...

Please see the below response from the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

Senior Constituent Services Rep.

U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander

3322 West End Avenue, Suite 120

Nashville, TN 37203

FROM EMBASSY

Date: December 10, 2010

This is in reply to your inquiry regarding the visa concerns of your constituent, TomDXXX.

The case is currently under review by a consular officer. As soon as the review is completed, we will contact the applicant to resume processing the visa application.

WOW now I feel much better. I though they were not doing anything :bonk: :bonk: :bonk: :wacko: :blink: :help:
TomDMalePhilippines2010-12-15 08:45:00
PhilippinesFilipinos and saving money for retirement

I have a question for anyone who has lived in the Philippines. I am in my early 30s and all my life my parents, peers, coworkers and friends have urged me to start saving money as soon as possible for retirement. So shortly after getting my first job I started a 401K. In addition, I have other financial sources that I invest in. I know at some point I will no longer be working and need money in order to live (this is a fact). So I save some of my money. But Filipinos don’t seem to embrace this same idea. My ex is a Filipina and her parents spent money as they made it (according to her) and then suddenly “retired” with no savings what-so-ever and expect other to support them. Is this common practice in the Philippines? I mean, do Filipinos just assume they will work forever so no savings is needed?

I don't think its an assumption its a way of life. Its the culture. Its what has evolved because of how things are and it works for many many families. Spending habits are individual practices. Just like here . I saved always even as a child . My sister spends much more and I know others who spend it all. Same goes with other characteristics. We are all different because of our experiences and up bringing. Be glad your a saver it will pay dividends to you in the end. Just don't let others know how much or they will want some of it.

Hummm someone said they don't know any American who don't have a savings. Maybe it's your circle of Americans that you know who are not impoverished and in need. Many are even worse off they have large debt. Trust me there are some (more than you may think) totally dependent on SS when they retire. Many are dependent on the Welfare system as they go through life. Savings is something each of us do as we see fit. If you don't have discretionary income you don't save. If you don't have desire to you will not save unless its forced upon you.

College educations are not even a guarantee of getting a good job. You have to pay somebody at time to get a good job. There are many college grads who cant find jobs or work at places like Jollie B.

From what I see most of the people in the Philippines rely on family not only in retirement years but through out their lives. That's why family is so important to them as it is instilled in them at an early age. Thats also why so many wives push their husbands to give money to their family member and they has such a feeling of obligation even when its not their money being given.

My wife has worked for the same place for 20 yrs. When she retires she will get a lump sum pay out of 500,000 peso which is a little over $11,000. I don't know if they even have such things as 401Ks there. Not many to use it. Those that would don't need to worry anyway.

My wife gives money away at Christmas time. Not in large amounts but in 20, 40, 80, 100 pesos. The hundreds those in special need or close family members. I was surprised by it and even more surprised at how many came by to get theirs. She has done this for many years now. I could tell that she felt good doing this. She even gave her mother money to give out. When I spoke to her about it she told me I know my limit. ha ha Of course as a Westerner I looked at it totally different. I couldn't see the need and felt some pride was missing as I would not be in line. Then again I didn't have a need either. I don't know if its all good or not. I do know that its the way it is in many countries that are impoverished.
TomDMalePhilippines2010-12-16 07:10:00
Philippineshow many weeks we should received our green card from USACIS and ss number

Hey TomD !

OK you - dig out her passport again - look at all the stamps. Somewhere there, is an I-551 stamp - check the dates on THAT.

The VISA stamp that expires on 26 april 2011 was just to get her into the country - the I-551 stamp validates her VISA to be used as a temp green card for 1 year.

So - whatcha (SHE) got ?

I'm off to Wuhan tomorrow, be outta pocket for 48 hours or so.

Darnell,

I got it now. She has the I-551 in her passport and its stamped and states that its good for one year. So Now I just need to get her a SSN and we are good to go. Have yourself a safe trip.
TomDMalePhilippines2011-02-12 02:06:00
Philippineshow many weeks we should received our green card from USACIS and ss number

I believe you do not need to worry about the expiration date of the visa. that date is the time by which she needed to enter the USA. she should now have an
I-551 stampp in her passport, as has been prvoiusly noted by Darnell.

When You Have Your Visa - What You Should Know
If you are issued an immigrant visa, the consular officer will give you your passport containing the immigrant visas and a sealed packet containing the documents which you provided. It is important that you do not open the sealed packet. Only the DHS immigration official should open this packet when you enter the U.S. You are required to enter the U.S. before the expiration date printed on your visa. When traveling, the primary (or principal) applicant must enter the U.S. before or at the same time as family members holding visas.

http://travel.state....es_2991.html#17

Sun&Moon, Thanks for the info. That makes sense to me now that you explained it. I know they will not give her a 10y Visa until we are married for 2 yrs.

Thanks for the help as Always VJ rules.
TomDMalePhilippines2011-02-11 13:54:00
Philippineshow many weeks we should received our green card from USACIS and ss number

i wouldn't worry about it, for now -
as
there's a stamp IN yer passport, that validates the VISA to be used as a temporary green card, I-551 document, for 1 year.
and
2 weeks past yer POE date, YOU can go into the SSA office, apply for a SSN, in person, face to face.

with those 2 things, one of which you already have - you can work.

Thanks Darnell, How are you doing? My wife arrived in the US finally on Feb 2, 2011. Life is now much better.

My question now is about her VISA. It expires on April 26, 2011. Its a CR1 VISA so why is it only for 3 months? Do you have a link were I can read about renewing it. I am Clueless on this. Do I have to visit the nearest USCIS Office to get this renewed? Anyone else? Thanks for the help.
TomDMalePhilippines2011-02-11 12:55:00
PhilippinesWhere's your hometown?

My fiancee lives in Quezon City and should be joining me here in New Smyrna Beach, Florida hopefully before Christmas God willing. NSB is a small beach town on the east coast of central Florida about 20 miles south of Daytona Beach (most people recognize Daytona Beach but not NSB). Anyone else in the Central FL area? God bless.

We have some property in Sebastian Beach but don't live there. My wifes friend just moved to St Augustine a month ago and we will most likely be visiting them from time to time. I know its a pain trying to get through this dysfunctional government bureaucracy but once its behind you, all is good. My wife has been here 3 yrs now and is still adjusting ...haha Maybe I should have married a younger girl lol that wasn't so set in her ways... Take Care


TomDMalePhilippines2013-10-02 23:44:00
PhilippinesWhere's your hometown?

From Negros Occidental...

Lived in Australia for 12 years and now in California.

I am told that Australia and California have a similar climate. Is that true...
TomDMalePhilippines2010-12-28 23:27:00
PhilippinesWhere's your hometown?

Wife - Tacloban, Philippines. Me - Prineville Oregon.

Anybody from Prineville?

Lived in KFalls years ago but not now. Still have friends in Oregon mostly Medford area.
TomDMalePhilippines2010-10-31 20:40:00
PhilippinesWhere's your hometown?
My Wife is from Los Banos, Laguna. I am living outside of Nashville and also have a home in the SF Bay Area (East Bay). Hoping she will be with me soon. After that who knows where we will end up... Just know it will not be to cold...
TomDMalePhilippines2010-10-31 11:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2010 CR1 filers

kool.. thanks for the translation. I'm about to contact the Consulate in Kingston, Jamaica to ask if they accepted DCF because i dont see it on their website and wantd to see if it would be possible so my mom and file a petition for my brother if possible.

You might want to wait till tomorrow as today is a US Federal Holiday.
TomDMalePhilippines2010-10-11 11:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2010 CR1 filers

Forgive me but what do u mean.

He means we (Marchers) are almost done with our journey. Complete on most everything except our interviews. Some are even done with that. Now it will be the April group turn to be up to bat... or to prepare to complete their journey.

Edited by TomD, 11 October 2010 - 09:12 AM.

TomDMalePhilippines2010-10-11 09:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2010 CR1 filers

I remember that day also. That was when NOA2 were coming in within 100 days (compared to 160 days now.) My wife has no intention of moving to America in 2010 even if she could've done so. We are still not in a super rush. I was going to go visit her also. But I ended up going to another country instead. Just as long as she can come here within reasonable amount of time, we're all good.

I miss her and all that. But I'm not desperate. I just like being on top of the whole immigration process.

I hear you. Wow, how time flies... being on top of the whole immigration process :blink: is bordering on Delusional or excessive compulsive... :lol: JK . I can also wait I just like doing my waiting on my terms and not theirs. Never liked it when I was unable to do something or having to wait on someone to do something.

I was going to fly back and escort my wife to the USA but then I have things to do here. Besides she is not helpless and plenty capable of doing this on her own. She is also still enjoying her work and dont think she will stop that until her VISA is at hand.
TomDMalePhilippines2010-10-01 11:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarch 2010 CR1 filers

Guess who just got a touch on his junk er.. case file? C'est moi! Time to post my timeline here.


~*~ TIMELINE ~*~
20-APR-2010 - Form I-130 mailed
21-APR-2010 - USCIS received I-130
27-APR-2010 - Form I-130 fee cashed
28-APR-2010 - Received USPS return receipt (send for Form I-130)
29-APR-2010 - Touched, as in case was last updated on this day. With what and how, no one knows.
30-APR-2010 - Realized cashed check has case number, NOA1 has been mailed on 27-APR-2010.
30-APR-2010 - Received first Notice of Action (NOA1)
01-OCT-2010 - Touched, as in case was last updated on this day. Probably due to senator inquiry.

:rofl: Well at least someone is listening :blush: ... Hang in there. I remember a few months back you were saying I am not in any rush... and didn't expect anything for a long time to come. Seems like we all get caught up in this game eventually... :lol:
TomDMalePhilippines2010-10-01 10:41:00