ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesHow do you like your new American hometown?
QUOTE (luckymom @ Jun 16 2009, 09:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My husband lives in a small community here in Rhode Island (which happened to be the smallest state of USA for some people who always ask me where is this located). My first stop in this area was Massachusetts last 2007. I met my husband (who's from here) so I moved in his house. I like the weather here now especially if I see rabbits, squirrels, cute chipmunks etc. I also like summer of course (which happens to be real hot like the Philippines) and of course fall (where the trees turned different colors). But I also like the place of my sister (Palmdale and Lancaster California). I guess I am the type of person who easily adjust to where I am. I hope all of you like your American hometown also.



hello, fellow pinay! i'm here in RI too! in which town are you? i like the weather here, not too much snow, unlike in other states, easy to get around. i would like to get in touch with other pinoys here. do you attend mass? where?
hope to hear from you!


Zen DenMalePhilippines2009-06-25 13:24:00
PhilippinesHELP about employer's letter

Hi. we need help about employer's letter. my fiance works in US air force. jsut wonder if we still need to secure a letter from his employer? if yes, who will he ask to make him a letter? he doesnt know where to request it.
replies are greatly appreciated.

-uan



he should approach his immediate superior :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-01-30 19:07:00
PhilippinesHow much time to recieve visa after submitting docs

My wife passed the interview but needs to turn in the NBI "AKA" tomorrow. What is the process after that? Will they say, "Thank you" we will have your passport ready for you tomorrow? How long can we expect to wait now for the visa?? Did anyone have a similar experience?

Thanks,
Eric



after submitting the doc, it should take a week or two for visa processing and delivery

good luck and god bless!
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-01-31 14:38:00
PhilippinesWhat is CFO?

I wonder if only the Philippines is doing this procedure, what is that for? Does the immigration officer at the POE ask for it or in the Philippines immigration?



yes, the CFO seminar is specific to the philippines only, as a preparation for filipinos leaving for another country either for marriage or work (about life that other country, the culture, environment etc)

the seminar will provide you with a regisrtation with the CFO database and a sticker on your passport stating that you are registered and have attended the seminar.

the sticker is checked at the phil airport, so if you're not taking off from the philippines (meaning you're somewhere else other than the philippines) you should be fine without it. you probably had a similar seminar (PIDOS) already
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-01 13:32:00
Philippinesadvice is greatly appreciated!!!!

Hi all,


My fiance recently had his interview on January 5 and I think the interview went well but he was given a white slip stating that I need to submit "EVIDENCE OF CURRENT SUSTAINED INCOME",

I have done so and he went to the embassy on January 27 to turn in the documents needed and the "Person" he turned it into told him they will review the documents:

At present, his passport is still at the embassy. He filled out the air 21 form but did not pay the fee.

What I sent:

-I sent 6 months worth of paystubs
-Letter from my employer
-bank statement
-notarized declaration of income

Is this enough or should have I added more?

My question is how long will it take for them to "review" the documents? and hopefully not, what if he gets denied, do they send back the passport with a note or to they call him to inform him?

I am in the brink of anxiety break down. I do not know how this will turn out and my fiance is getting influenced from people back home telling him he'll wait 3years for them to review it( and this was said by his friend who was petitoned family based)

I do not know what to do anymore. I am frustrated and hopeful at the same time. I think i am going crazy thinkin about it every night and day. Sometimes when I do think about it, it's so hard for me to breath.

Here are m info:

I am currently working, making 11an hour and have been employed for 6 months working full time.
I did not make enough income for 2008 tax return as I went back home to the PI and lived there for almost 11months.


I do now know what to do. Please any advice on what to do would be greatly appreciated.



hi. looks like you submit more than what they asked for so your fiance should be fine.

usually it takes 2 weeks to a month, depending on hoe fast you are able to respond to the req for more docs and how fast they are able to get back to your application.

don't worry, sinve the passport wasn't returned and you submitted the correct docs needed, there's no reason for your fiance to be denied a visa.

just wondering though, was not paying for air21 delivery your choice or the consular officer's?

because unless the CO told you not to, you should have paid for it already.
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-01-30 16:40:00
Philippinespal flight..what are the things need to know?

1.how many kilos my bag should weigh?how about my hand carry bag?how much it cost to have excess baggage ?

2.how much the terminal fee for the international flight?

3.what more fees needed in the airport?my ticket is tax free already.

4.i plan to bring dvd(its pirated) its s collection of my favorite movies.can i bring that one?i know in our seminar in cfo its forbidden but i heard from my husband theres no dvd there.only indivial movie.huhhu..those movies are rare too.

5.how many peso needed in this flight.im planning not to bring any peso.i just give my money to my family...

6.what are the important things i need to know in my us flight this jan 22 ?



1. airlines officially allow 2 pieces of luggage weighing 23 kgs each (have to be equal, not 40 and 6kgs or 20 and 26kg)
charge per kilo of excess is crazy, from $50 to infinity so weigh your luggage beforehand

2. terminal fee is still P1620

3. what do you mean by "tax-free already" (does not include tax?, -then you need to also pay P750 (airport tax)

4. although those (pinoy dvds) will play here, you'd be safer not to bring them here if you don't want the risk of being deported at the POE, it's not worth it

5. during the flight you'll probably need to spend only for food while waiting for your flight (P200) and connecting flight later on P 2000 (change money to dollar $50) this is a safe minimum since you prefer leaving your money with your family but

6. be early (so you don't miss your flight), be alert (so you don't get lost or lose things), be smart (read instructions everywhere at the airtport, forms to fill out), dress decent (whatever your definition of decent is is OK), and enjoy (relax)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-01-21 13:32:00
PhilippinesHow did u present your pictures during the interview?

hi guys.

i cant believe i am asking this but for those who already had their interviews, how did u present your pictures? did u put them in an album? paste them on paper and put caption? put them in an envelope? :unsure: i cant seem to decide how to do them :wacko: :blush: my interview is on the 3rd of Feb and i am starting to panic :(

pls :help:



don't put them in an album (it won't fit in the window)

paste 2-3 instead on a white sheet and more importantly put a caption on each one, describing the event, date, and who else are in each one aside from you and your fiance
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-01-23 18:55:00
PhilippinesMy wife to be's cough... medical ?

My wife to be always has a little cough in the morning. Nothing that bothers her too much. I notice that her mom and her sister also have that once and a while.

I ask her if it her cough ever goes away completely and she said no just a little every morning. I don't know what the cause of that is. I know she had typhoid as a child but that was cleared up with medicine.

Should I be concerned about her passing medical ?

What exactly are they looking for with the xray and sputum test ?

I want to send her to the local doctor now just for a checkup though I have no idea what the cost might be. She never had a physical before.

Should I have her do a complete physical now and would that help her to have clean health before her medical comes around in the next 2-3 months ?

Or should I just send her to the doctor to treat her cough ?

Any idea what the costs might be if I send her to the local hospital for physical or treatment ? She lives in a remote province but they do have a local hospital.

She always seems very healthy to me and not sickly at all.

Thanks very much for helpful suggestions. :)



well, no cough is normal and if and her mother has it every morning it definitely needs to be checked.

it will cost a 1-2 check up fees and a cough syrup probably, what i mean is it won't be very expensive

and if you want no delays caused by medical issues when her exam time comes, it's always better to be ahead (treat what needs to be treated)

good luck and god bless!
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-02 15:07:00
PhilippinesConfused again!!!

Hi all!

I think I'm stressing myself out but on FEBRUARY 1(PHIL TIME) i called the 3012000 number and asked about our case status and they said the visa is approved(was approved same day I called). they also informed me that it will take 7-10 days for the visa. I called 3 times to verify and all said yes he is approved(One even got irritated and said "why do you want us to deny it").they also told me to let them do what they have to do and if after 10days still no visa that I could give them a call. They even offered air21's phone number(i can't track ours because he didn't pay the fee).

Now, today I called the Manila embassy call center for USC and asked to verify again about our case and for them it says that the our status is still under review? Should I call again. OH MY>all the excitement was for nothing then???


gosh.. i really wanna call again so bad but at the same time i feel that they might get irritated and that I'm scared of what they might have to say at the immigration unit.


please.please.please.what now???????? I dont understand. I'm dumbfounded.



you're excitement is understandable. be anxious is ok too.

maybe the agents are playing with you now because you've been calling too much, just kidding

but to make you feel better, they usually won't say your application has been approved unless they see proof on their screens that say so.

just be happy that they say it's approved.

as for the USEM status (still under review), agents you called might have information that has not yet been updated.

good luck and god bless! :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-03 15:43:00
Philippinesfiled k1 to ir-1cr1..

hello! :)

i really don't know if this is the right forum to post my quiry... :unsure: (sorry for double posting:phil. forum/ fiance/e visa forum)

honey (USC) filed a k1 petition for me last year, it was approved and reached here in the us embassy manila, but bcoz of problems on my papers we didnt pursue it.. to make it short we withdrew the approved petition and settling first now the problem...

after all this we want to re-file the k1... but were thinking too about ir-1/cr1 visa...

if we changed our minds and go the next file in ir-1/cr1 route do we need to submit a waiver to USCIS?

and if we are goin to re-file again the k1 what we need is a waiver right?..(just want to confirm folks!!! :P )

replies from you will be greatly appreciated... :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

thank u soo much,

godsgift :star:



first of all, when you say you and your fiance withdrew the petition, do you mean to say you formally wrote a letter to cancel it (it was already approved but you say you withdrew it?) or did you simply did not go/cancelled the interview?

depending on your answer to my question, and the reason you gave when you withdrew the petition, you might be able to request the extension of the validity of the approved petition (validity is 4 months from date of approval)
based on a very good reason.

otherwise, your fiance will have to reapply.

as to whether to refile a K1 or IR/CR1, it depends on your plans.

if you refile a K1, you're still a fiancee, but if you want to file IR/CR1 you have to get married first
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-03 15:28:00
PhilippinesCo-sponsor as back-up?

I've read in so many posts here that USEM for K1 Visa doesn't accept co-sponsor? Is this applied at present? We are preparing all the documents and requirements and we are thinking to get a co-sponsor as back-up.

And another question, does it applied all the requirements for co-sponsor - Employment Certificate, Recent Pay Stubs, I-134 and W2?

Thanks.


co-sponsors are allowed, but the ideal is you being able to prove that you can support your fiance on your own.

yes, all reqs that apply to you apply as well to your co-sponsor, and he/she fills out a separate form
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-04 13:31:00
PhilippinesUSEM Interview Schedule

My fiance and I are a bit confused on how to schedule the interview. We've try to track the approved I-129F from NVC going to USEM and USEM just confirmed today that they received it on January 28, 2010 through email.

Some excerpt from the email I received is below:


Is this mean that I can now go ahed and call the Call Center to schedule my Interview or wait for the snail mail to come?

I'm a bit confused.
Thanks.



yes, you can call already! the sooner, the earlier schedule you will get! :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-04 18:43:00
PhilippinesFINALLY ! FINALLY! FINALLY!!! Visa Received

FINALLY GOT THAT ELUSIVE VISA !!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

Thank you to everyone on VJ that has provided countless bits of helpful information. This is the greatest place for those on this "journey". Some people can't believe that we did it all ourselves without an attorney, but in all reality we would have been lost without those of you here at VJ that have laid the groundwork. Also thanks to everyone who have been there during the hard times when it seemed like there was no end in site. We had to battle through some tough times, but now we are 3 weeks from being together.

It has been such an emotional battle, for those yet to come I wish and hope the process improves as time goes by.

Good Luck to you all!!!

Latest Details:
Interview on 1/28/10, provided missing NBI for AKA and returned it to Embassy on 2/1/10. Visa approved 2/3/10. Prayers Answered.
:dance: :dance: :dance:



congratulations! may you have a wonderful life together! :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-04 16:40:00
PhilippinesUSCitizen or Filipino-USCitizen?

Golly! ^_6 in connection with the renewal of my passport, I am comtemplating on having a dual citizenship, Filipino-American.

Ive read the links from the previous topics of other Vjers relating to dual citizenship, and some part of the constitution and by-laws , hence learned, I have to have sole allegiance.Furthermore,It appears I need to be aware on what are the pros and cons if il retain USC or take the dual citizenship.And I making sure to take note of its requirements. Being a USC or FIL-USC ,Which one is more beneficial in the long-run?



dual citizenship. provides more benefits for you and your spouse...and future chuldren.

but you haveplenty of time to think about it
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-01-27 16:32:00
PhilippinesFeb23 '10 tourist visa interview

I applied for tourist visa last dec17 '09 and i got the blue form, and I re-apply my tourist visa and my 2nd attempt interview will be on feb23, I dont know what's wrong i got denied I have my supporting documents I have my own car,business,bank accounts but I got denied. I hope this time I will get the visa, I really want to visit my relatives in Hawaii thats all... Any advice please! Thank U everyone... :)



recall what happened when you were first denied (what was the reason)

see, the main reason or denials is the inability to prove that you are going to return (have reasons to return ) to your country before your visa expires (because they are afraid of the possibility that you will overstay)

it's not just about having money and business (because these you can leave and still have access to while abroad)

it's more about having very strong relations back home (like small kids and a wife), employment where your bosses know (and therefore will attest) that you're definitely going back

also the length of your proposed stay should be believable as that of a tourist

good luck and god bless! :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-05 18:57:00
PhilippinesMy little boy's interview on March 2010 (CR1)
hello!

you also need to pay for his visa application, just like you did and the rest of the process is pretty much like what you went through w/includes visa delivery, or if you want to pick it up yourself, you can ask permission from the CO who will interview you/your son if you can do so (some COs are ok w/it some are not).

if the CO doesn't allow it, delivery is anywhere between 1 to 2 weeks.

good luck and god bless! :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-03 19:02:00
PhilippinesNeed some suggestions for applying for passport

yes both US and phil. passports, to make things easier so we don't have to back and forth each application

two (2) pics are required for the US passport (i already have the application form,available at http://travel.state.gov/passport ). i still need to check for the phil. req. :)



the phil passport requires 2 passport-size photos also. make sure you bring requirements for the report of birth to go w.your application

read here: http://www.philippin...passport.htm#12

good luck! :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-09 14:37:00
PhilippinesNeed some suggestions for applying for passport

Very Cool!! Thanks for the info!

Are you planning to get both the US and the Filipino passports?

How many pics are you making for each?

-Phil



yes both US and phil. passports, to make things easier so we don't have to back and forth each application

two (2) pics are required for the US passport (i already have the application form,available at http://travel.state.gov/passport ). i still need to check for the phil. req. :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-09 14:26:00
PhilippinesNeed some suggestions for applying for passport

Hello Everyone, Happy Journeys to all,

This summer my wife and I are planning to start the process to get a US and Filipino passport for our child.

As she would be about 4 months old, she is not going to be able to stand for the photos...

Can I, or her mother, hold the child while photos are taken??

Is there any specific age requirement?

Is 4 months too young to get passports??

I have looked for details on this and most sites only address younger than 18 or older...

I can't find and info on very young children.

I know many here have done this so I am hoping to get some guidance from the group.

Thanks!!

Phil



hi there!

my husband and I are also preparing for the same thing. one trick i use to take a pictures of matthew is putting a white sheet on the bed and putting him there so you don't need to sit him up.. or

one of you can hold him under his armpit from behind or the front and the other can take a picture only from half of shoulders up or...

at four month she would be able to sit on a boppy pillow or bumpo which is perfect for the shoot or...

you can always bring him to walgreens/cvs for a more professional approach, hehe

what's important is you get a picture that meets the size/frame color requirement of the dept of state.

as for the age, whatever age the baby needs to travel is ok getting a passport. matthew is also four months now

and we're going to travel in 6 months yet but we don't want to rush then so we're applying for the passport already.

good luck to us! :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-09 13:31:00
PhilippinesThis one's for the folks from the Philippines

I'm pretty early in the visa process (haven't even recieved the NOA1 yet) but I'm trying to get my ducks in a row for later on. I've already sent in the check for $355 and I know I'm going to have to send the NVC about $500. I also know that the medical exam is $215.00. However what I don't know is how much does the wife need when she goes to the US embassy in Manila? The website is vague. I have more questions but one at a time.

Thanks in advance for everything.



hi there!

before your wife goes to her interview, her major expenses could include:
airline tickets (if she lives in the province and will have to fly to manila)
hotel stay for 2-7 days or longer ( depending on when she'll have her medical),
the visa application fee (interview fee) $131
CFO seminar fee (to get sticker required for immigrating filipinas) P650

minor expenses are:
taxi/jeepney fare (to and from st. lukes medical center/ to and from embassy)
photocopying of docs (ex. passport and visa pages for the CFO seminar, several copies)
ID photos for embassy/visa
NBI, police clearance applications (P115, P150, could be more depending on how many times she moved since age 16)
food


:) good luck and god bless!
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-09 13:17:00
PhilippinesMy wife VS. American food

Before my wife got here to the USA, she told me that she will eat a lot of food when she gets here as she has a big appetite. I kept telling her that American food is 5 times more filling than food in the Philippines. Once she got here, we went to quite a few restaurants. One of which is Hu-Hot Mongolian Grill where you have a buffet of uncooked foods and they cook it up in front of you on the grill. She got her first place of noodles and meats and it dominated it her. She didn't even eat half the plate mean while I devoured most of my plate, though I didn't go up for 2nds. It's been like this at every restaurant...she comments on how full she gets from the food here unlike in the Philippines. And so I have to say:

American Food: 1
My Wife: 0

:devil:


It's really the size of the serving of american food that overwhelms most filipinas like me!

Although I could eat, I always end up taking half of my order home.

Anyway, like what others have suggested, try taking your wife to a filipino restaurant and chances are her filipino appetite will come back and the american serving will be chicken feed :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-09 14:11:00
Philippinesvisa in hand

wow...im so happy...i got my visa today. feb 03,2010 interview

flight on feb 14 2010...
excited coz we will celebrate valentines day together....



congratulations! :) and welcome to the US!
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-11 12:57:00
PhilippinesRenewing Passport in Philippines

My husband's passport expires in October 2010. We are going to Philippines in a few months. Can my husband renew his passport over there and if so does anyone know if they offer expedited services to get the passport fast for Balikbayans? (Like getting the passport in a day or so...) or is he better off just renewing it here at the Philippine consulate general in new york?

Thanks


it's still ok to use if expiration is oct/10 yet.

yes, there is what is called a "rush" service for a fee in PI, and very convenient because he will just need to go in for the updating of his personal info (no need to be in the long lines)

it's cheaper too if done in the Phils. :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-13 23:46:00
Philippinesmedical interview schedule

hi..just wanna ask, if its ok to have your medical exam done more than 1 week before your interview date..?



there is no rule set as to how many days you can or should have your medical.

but as experienced by most VJ members, the earlier the better because you'll have plenty of allowance for
whatever problems there may be (like a positive sputum test that will require treatment and re-examination)

:)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-13 23:52:00
PhilippinesVisa Packet torn

this makes me feel better because mine has a little tear at the bottom too. starting from the triangle cut. but it's just tiny.. like 2 or 3mm :)



little tears that are the result of normal handling by couriers are ok,
what is not acceptable is deliberate tearing, whether or not by accident, of the envelope that exposes the contents of the documents inside that might allow for possible tampering. :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-17 12:40:00
PhilippinesManila K-1

Hi Everyone,

I’m sure I can find the answers to my questions if I do a search but I am a little frustrated right now. We hired a guy to help us out with this process and I’m not sure if using his guidance is delaying the process. He has been great thus far. Last we spoke he said my fiancée has to wait for a letter from the embassy in manila before she can move forward with the medical and interview. My questions are:

Can she do her medical before getting anything from the embassy? If so what will she need to take with her? Its copy of NOA2 and NVC letter correct?
How long does it take St. Lukes to forward the medical information to the embassy?

I read on the embassy website that an interview appointment can be scheduled in 3 days? Have you seen that?

If we schedule the interview and get an e-mail confirmation is that good enough to take to her medical?

Were trying to set it to where she can do her medical and interview back to back or at least within a week and a half. She lives in Capiz, Roxas city and the less she has to go back and forth to manila the better.

For her interview what are the accepted forms of ID? All she has is her passport and NBI ID.

Any answers would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,
Michael & Heidi



hi there!

1. yes, NOA2 and NVC letter (showing MNL case no.), among other things. (if she has these already, i wonder what letter your guy is referring to though)

anyway, she also needs to bring her passport (valid for at least 6 months), 2 color photoIDs (because these will be forwarded to the embassy together w/her medical results come interview time) and the medical fee in peso equivalent

2. once you have her MNL#, you can already call for an interview schedule, which is given based on available slots USEM has per day/week/month.
so if you ask to move yours days/weeks earlier and they have a slot for you, they'll do it.

still, the best way to know what specific things she needs at what point is the K1 guide on the K1 guide on the VJ homepage.


3. even if you're 100% sure your fiancee is healthy (ex. previous TB that may appear as a scar in her x-ray) 1 1/2 weeks is might not be enough for medical and interview (the actual medical takes only 2 days, results after 2 days to a week) because st. lukes takes at least another week to submit the results to USEM.
so even if gets an her interview a week after the medical, her visa might get delayed if her medicals are not in yet.

other things to consider, if say you give it 2 weeks, (she arrives in the morning and has her medical the same day,she'll be safe to attend an interview towards the end of the 2nd weeks) where is she going to attend the CFO seminar (manila, cebu others?) this is required so she can get a corresponding sticker on her visa.

where is she going to wait for the visa (back in capiz or in manila) waiting for the visa takes 3 days min to 2 weeks (although she can request to pick it up herself, approval is case to case basis)

3. her interview letter and one of these should be good: SSphotocard, GSIS, work ID, professional license, or postal ID

the most complete, very easy to understand, step-by-step guide is still the best source.

everything is there, and you won't even need that guy's help :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-19 13:51:00
PhilippinesMiddle names

Ok, I fell into a cultural difference trap. When I filled out the I-130 for the wife I put the same middle name I knew she had. What I didn't know is that when we got married that middle name dropped and her maiden last name became her middle name and then she took my last name. Think this will be a problem and if so what advice can you give.

Thanks



oops disregard the first line of my previous post (if you mean that she has since changed her name in her GC/SS/DL after you got married)

didn't see that you're a CR1 :)

simply put, whatever your wife decided she will use should be what you put in the form, so if it's wasn't, call the uscis still
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-19 12:46:00
PhilippinesMiddle names

Ok, I fell into a cultural difference trap. When I filled out the I-130 for the wife I put the same middle name I knew she had. What I didn't know is that when we got married that middle name dropped and her maiden last name became her middle name and then she took my last name. Think this will be a problem and if so what advice can you give.

Thanks



if you mean that she has since changed her name in her GC/SS/DL after you got married,

although the error in her i-130 application is a minor thing, USCIS says to call for corrections.

it's better to do so to avoid any other problems. :) (plus it will take the stress away, hehe)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-19 12:40:00
Philippinespink slip

weeeeeeeeeeeee... im so happy. i got the pink slip. waiting for the passport nlang. :)



congratulations! :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-19 12:52:00
Philippinesquestion

just wondering can me and my fiancee get marry at the embassy in manila



I don't think so. But your first requirement (legal capacity to marry), if you plan to marry in the philippines, will come from them. :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-25 20:16:00
PhilippinesInterview Preparation Tips - Please Share!

I've read a lot of interview experiences here in VJ but I just wanted to hear specific tips from people who've undergone successfully the USEM Interview.

I'm really nervous about it and it's getting nearer... :whistle:

Tips, advices and reminders will be very appreciated!

Thanks.



questions will be mostly about your fiace and your relationship so just remember all info about him, his work, family :)

understand each question and answer w/honestly

and pray pray pray
good luck and god bless!
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-27 15:31:00
PhilippinesWalk-in Biometrics at Lakeline Austin,Texas

Wednesday Rainy day America! ;)


Walk-in versus appointed date of taking biometrics.. :rolleyes:

Am I legally allowed to take my biometrics prior my appointment date of taking it at Lakeline Austin Texas? :help



if the security and staff aren't strict about it, yes. just give a very good reason and you should be ok :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-02-03 15:30:00
PhilippinesResearch Study, need help lng sa research study ng sister's brother in law ko sa P

My sister's brother-in-law have is doing a research study. Could you please help him on his research study? thank you.

WHAT ARE YOUR REASONS WHY YOU CHOSE TO MARRY A FOREIGNER:

because...

a. good attitude or character
b. good educational background
c. financially stable
d. stable job
e. good physical appearance
f. arranged marriage
g. your family agree that you will marry a foreigner
h. your friends agree also that you will marry a foreigner

pwede kang pumili kahit ilan o pwede rin lahat. pero kung may ibang reason ka pa pls paki-indicate n lang. tsaka kung pwede pahingi sana ng picture niyong mag-asawa for documentation.

Thank you in advance sa lahat na mag response for his research study..


just some tips for your brother:

remove vague words such as "good" the choices (it's implying that foreigners have a good attitude and filipinos don't, which if this is the meaning, he should say so)
choices should be clear

these can be choices for why you chose your husband (never mind if he's a foreigner or not)
suggest to your brother that the choices should cover all possible answers (ex. bad experience w/a filipino BF, hehe)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-03-01 14:42:00
PhilippinesNOA1

Hi there fellow VJ's...just want to ask question how come my other step-daugther's NOA1 I didnt receive it yet? but we filed it in same day....i got my wife NOA1 and my other step-daughter NOA1 last Feb 22 and that its already March 6 i never got my other step-daughter NOA1? What should be the best way I can do? will I just wait for the NOA1 of my other step-daughter? Or call USCIS?

One more thing, i received some instructions from USCIS about G-325A form and I-130 Form 3 days ago? what is this for? any idea? i sent our G-325A Form with I-130 Form with the rest of the papers that's why we got our NOA1...AM i still going to send another one? Please Help me...Thanks in advance for ur input...God Bless us all...


it's better to call and ask if your other stepdaughters papers were received, so you can hopefully get an answer right away

about the instructions from uscis, what exactly did they say, -to submit a new 325A etc? they usually tell you specifically what they want you to do in every notice they send you.
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-03-07 20:31:00
PhilippinesVisa Journeyer's help

My wife had a miscarriage last October 2009 , she is Type 1 diabetic that takes insulin everyday . We told her doctor , we were trying to start a family . And he told us that when she is pregnant , we need to come back to the doctor . Which my wife was ok with that . But she changed her mind after seeing all the medical bills , for her treatment of her diabetis . To stop all the fighting we were having due to all the medical bills i gave into her , by not having her go to the doctor . Now she blames me , and herself , we have our own private insurance . And as many times i have tried to explain to her how the medical insurance works here . She still does'nt understand , and thinks we can't afford anything . Now she does'nt even want a family of her own , i can't change the health care system here . And no matter what , even if we have a baby , we would still be paying something insurance does'nt pay for it all .


i find the health insurance and the general healthcare system here a lot more complicated than the philippines. although our medical facilities is mostly third world, and most people don't have health insurance but for as long as you have cash hospitals will admit you. the big difference too is that alternative medicine is still the main source for common ailments, and one would not seek a doctor unless the problem is something they can't self-medicate for.

what i'm trying to say is your wife will eventually understand and accept it, like i did. the system really is so different from what she's been used to that's why to her it's a big deal and she doesn't want you to be financially burdened that's why she didn't go back for her appointments.

in any case, you have to support her for now by not arguing with her because she's definitely still grieving. let time pass and focus on other happier/more pleasant things.

if she's still in her 20s and even early 30s, you have plenty of time to have a family. right now help her get back her normal mindset so she can forgive herself and move on.

hope she gets better. god bless

PS did she take insulin when she was still in the philippines?
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-03-09 11:53:00
PhilippinesK2 Passes Interview

Yes, I'm not sure she will sleep tonight. She's moving to Seattle in two weeks herself so there is all that saying goodbye to Canada and her friends stuff, then a week or two later the daugther arrives. This will be the frist time they've lived together fo many many years. For me, it's an adjustment of two women and also for those two adjusting to each other. I think thier adjustment will provide some comic relief ad drama at times but I could be wrong. In any case, I wont understand the fast track Ilocano conversation between them and my "Guy" house will probably be rearranged at least 5 times while I'm at work.....


that's funny...well, congratulations still, another journey ended happily :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-03-11 12:24:00
PhilippinesGetting married in Vegas

Our wedding is fast approaching.. I am pretty sure most of the girls in VJ are experiencing the same feeling I have this very moment. It's sad that my immediate family couldn't make it to our wedding but with the support of my fiance's family everything is going well so far. Thanks to the technology now a days, my family can watch our wedding LIVE through online streaming. Due to some constraints - Seattle being far from Vegas, lack of time, etc.. - only the 4 of us (Fiance and Me, his mom and dad) will be attending the wedding. I find it weird that only two people are attending considering the kind of wedding traditions we Filipinos have where the least number of guests are usually around 50 -100.. but oh well what more can I expect? We are only given 90 days to prepare... My fiance assured me that we will have another wedding in the Philippines once I get my papers. Guess, I'll have to freeze my wedding fantasies for now. :unsure:

So guys... care to share how your weddings were like? (to those who arrived in the US through Fiance Visa and were married here) How did it went considering the limited amount of time? How about the guests? What were the traditions you practiced? aside from Something New, SOmething old, Something borrowed and something blue.

Thanks guys.



hey, that's the same scenario at my civil wedding! me, my then fiance, and his parents as witnesses :)
because that's the fastest way to do it w/in the 90-day period

but believe it or not we got to have a formal wedding too before the 90-period ended. it's easy really because you can do a lot of things online. we found a justice of peace to "redo" the ceremony (since we really were married already) for our guests sake. once that was clear, we booked a venue and chose the menu as well w/in a week. went looking for our cake, had my wedding gown already from the phils but there are a lot of nice and not so expensive gowns in our area if i didn't have mine already, went to bedbath and beyond for the centerpieces (coz it's a tradition here to give them away later) and did the invitations myself (both the nice formal blank cards from Michael's and the other "props").
it was fun and because we did everything together. it was a successful one as well. my aunt flew over to give me away and my sister from philippines came too as my maid of honor.

our motivation by the way was all the friends and family of my then fiance who wanted to share in the celebration of our marriage. we orginally had a guest list of just 50, and it turned out to be 125, but it was memorable and everybody was happy.

:)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-03-13 23:20:00
PhilippinesK 1 Visa

Is it a good ideal for me as an American to come for her interview

any one coments welcome



it depends. if your fiancee is confident enough, you don't need to, -especially if you have to fly there. but if you're already there it will definitely help her confidence.

also, if you read USEM manila's policy, they only allow those to be interviewed to go in, but if the security guard lets you in, might as well take advantage. a lot of USCs get away with it :)
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-03-13 22:32:00
Philippinestravelling to PI with baby

hi there guys my husband will be deployed next month and im planning to take vacation to manila with my 5months old baby.im thinking of all the hassle from the airport and all that, my question is it more convenient to purchase a seat for my baby even its more expensive or just buy my ticket and him on my lap?anyone experience travel with baby?can u pls give me advice thanks guys!!! god bless y all!


i'll be travelling with my baby too and paid for just my seat :)

since your baby is only 5 months, chances are she'll be on your arms/lap most of the time anyway. also most airlines provide a baby carrier/stroller on-board anyway for your baby to sleep on. just make sure you request this before your flight.

also if you don't want to pay for excess baggage make sure yours does not go beyond your limit, and depending on how big your baby is, use a sling/stroller to carry him around airports and have just one bag (or your baby's needs and impt stuff) as your carry-on.
put baby's needs that will be used for the whole flight but make it as light as possible.
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-03-15 13:05:00
Philippinesneed your advice

hello! i need your advice regarding the situation of my friend...

she is an immigrant and she can start her citizenship process on june 2010. she recently got married and her husband has a tourist visa...they are now together here in US. the husband can stay here until july because he is only as i said a tourist visa holder. now they need your opinions about their situation because some people told them that the wife can file for a CR1 while he is still here and he doesnt need to go back to the philippines anymore..what would be the best way? i advised him to just go back home and wait for the processing but im not sure if thats the best advise or way....

the naturalization will take probably 6months and another 6 months for the I130, what do you think should he stay or should he go? hehe...

he doesn't want to be TNT here


hi there.
so your friend obviously has two options, petition for her husband as an LPR or wait til she's a citizen before applying.

petitions by an LPR take longer than those of a USC. the good thing is your friend can start the process now and make it shorter when she becomes a USC, -change the status of her husband from immediate relative/spouse of an LPR to immediate rel/spouse of a USC.

in either case though, her husband's visa stay of 4 months will not be enough for the whole process.

if she petitions for him now as an LPR, he'll have to wait til the petition is approved and then wait for a priority date to become current (date when a visa in his category becomes available) before he can actually apply for it. in other words four months (mar to july) of legal stay in the US is not enough for the whole process. even if he goes home after that, the whole process would still take longer than if she waits til she becomes a USC.

consular processing will apply to him if he goes home and your friend takes that petition route, but not while he is in the US on a 4-month only legal stay.

so if he doesn't want to become a TNT, tell him to go back to the phils before the visa expires, whatever the status of his wife's petition. otherwise, uscis/nvc will suspect that the tourist visa was used to bypass the immigration process.


here's the uscis site for the complete info:
http://www.uscis.gov/
Zen DenMalePhilippines2010-03-15 12:54:00