ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificHotel in Taipei, Near airport
I have a likely overnight stay Taipei on my way to Manila, is there any reasonably priced Hotels near the airport?

I don't need any thing fancy, just a place to sleep.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-10-08 22:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFilipino - American couples question?
Our choice is for the family visit and farewell parties. It really was not a hard decision. Ann has lots of support from family and friends around Manila, so will have local support for that portion, but wants me on the airplane with her for the trip back to USA.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-04-08 10:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLetter from employer
I'd just be honest with why you need it.

I'd think they'd be thrilled to be see the stability of marriage entering your life. I'd bet the biggest question you'll hear is: "How did you meet someone from there?"
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-07 23:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBest way to send papers to Philippines?
One more update, EXTREMELY FAST SERVICE..

I sent this at 12:30PM in Newton Kansas on Tuesday. It is now Thursday night 10:45PM, and Annie is looking at the contents of the envelope.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-16 22:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBest way to send papers to Philippines?
Just a quick update for anyone interested..

I took a cardboard 9" x 11" envelope from USPS for Global Express Guaranteed. Took it to the local post office at noon today (Tuesday Aug. 14th) It's guaranteed for delivery on Friday, August 17th (Wonder if that's Friday in Philippines, or Friday in USA). The envelope and contents weighed in at 14 ounces with about 40 pages of documents, 1/2 dozen pictures, and an envelope full of receipts/boarding passes.

Total Cost - $55.00

Much better than the quotes I had from FedEx and DHL. Interestingly my tracking is done through FedEx and delivery in the Philippines is via FedEx. And the best news.. Annie tells me FedEx makes deliveries in her neighborhood semi-regularly, so they should find her easily.

My luckiest part... My local post office just started offering this service less than 30 days ago.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-14 18:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBest way to send papers to Philippines?
Hmmm, I just checked that out. Global Express Guaranteed through USPS is contracted with FedEx and is about $50 for a 1 pound package. That might be a great option.

I'm going to drop in on my PostMaster tomorrow and quiz her about it.

Thank you, everyone..Again

I just recently sent a box Fedex with all my important papers. Cost me $97.00 but it got there 5 days just as they had quoted me. I also did it International Express so I'm guessings thats why it costed so much.



The USPS works with FedEx and you'll save a lot of money that way. Go to any USPS that offers international express mail. You'll get a tracking number along with a guaranteed delivery date. They contract with FedEx agents to personally deliver the package.



KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-07 18:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBest way to send papers to Philippines?
Thank you for all the answers..

One more question.. How much is the cost for DHL or Fedex to Philippines for a packet of documents?
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-07 00:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionBest way to send papers to Philippines?
What is the quickest and SAFEST, way to get papers sent to Annie?

I need to get the affidavit of support, tax forms, etc.. all sent to her.

Thanks for your advice, again and again...

Barry
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-06 19:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWere we deined the visa?
Actually his statement is accurate. The "requirement" does not happen until AOS. Now, I'm not saying they won't deny you, but the technical requirement is not until AOS.

Reference: http://travel.state....tml#Vaccination

"Vaccination Requirements All applicants for immigrant visas are required to have the following vaccinations, if appropriate, for age, medical condition, or medical history:

  • Mumps
  • Measles
  • Rubella
  • Polio
  • Tetanus and diptheria toxoids
  • Pertussis
  • Influenza type B
  • Hepatitis B
  • Varicella
  • Pneumococcal
As a fiancé(e), you are not required to fulfill this requirement at the time of your medical examination for a fiancé(e) visa. However, you may want to do so. These vaccinations are required when you adjust status following your marriage."



Vaccinations are not required for a K1


I'm not sure where you got this info, but, unless there have been major changes to that policy, the proper vaccinations ARE required. As it was, my wife (then fiance) did not have to have any due to the fact all of hers were up to date. You might want to check your sources on that.


KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-14 19:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMy fiance need to send all the documents that I need for interview
Sorry I did not respond sooner about the price. I think it cost me about $55 to send it. It was very reasonable.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-10-20 06:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMy fiance need to send all the documents that I need for interview
DHL, Federal Express, and US Postal's Global Express Guaranteed can all do it in about 3 days.

I used Postal's Global Express Guaranteed and it arrived in 2 1/2 days in Annie's hands in Mabalacat, Pampanga from Kansas, USA. The US Postal's Global Express Guaranteed is actually shipped on FedEx, and delivered by FedEx in the Philippines.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-10-18 06:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUsing Inkjet Printer for Fillable PDF's
Annie's only printer is an HP Inkjet printer. She'd prefer to fill out all of her DS-156, DS-156K, and DS-157 using the fillable PDF forms and printing them out.

Is using an inkjet printer accepted?

Yikes, now that it's back to more paperwork time, my head is going round and round..But I love it, since it means we're close to being together.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-07 18:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionSplitting Life Between Two Countries, Before Removing Conditions?
I am self-employed, with a portable job. I can work from anywhere there is an internet connection.

My wife's 2-year green card expires next July, we have a plan in place to spend several months per year (possibly up to 6) working in the Philippines, with the rest of the time here in the USA.

We would maintain an address, banks, etc.. in both places.

We are wanting to start this plan shortly, and be gone for several months between now and the renewal of her green card.

Would this likely cause any major issues with her renewal?

Any tips, or advice we should follow prior to going?


Thank you!

Barry & Ann
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2009-10-03 14:12:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOut of Country - Pregnant - Travel Concerns
Bob,

I understand your point of luxurious airplane, if there were not a complication with the pregnancy. 5 hours???? Try 14 hours, and that only gets us back to the USA, not back home. By the time we finish the travel jaunt we will have been in airplanes and airports for over 24 hours.



I understand that airplanes are a fairly new invention, but we already have come a long way from the times of the Wright Brothers and even Charles Lindbergh. Today sitting for 5 hours in an airplane is not much different from sitting for 5 hours in a movie theater.

How did people ever have children in the early days, I wonder? They had babies in caves, on pirate ships, in the Sahara desert, traveled in wagons across the wild west, with no doctor or even fresh water within days' reach. Nowadays we are afraid to enter a luxurious plane a few months before delivery date? Are you serious? I mean, really?
Getoutahere!


KansasDragonMalePhilippines2010-02-04 21:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOut of Country - Pregnant - Travel Concerns
Thank you, Tracy

I had not thought about contacting my congressman, that is a great idea. I might send it to both my representative, and the senators to see what happens.

Thank you, FreeTV

I was not aware of a cruise ship. We would still need to find a way to get to Japan. I'll run your idea past the Doctor next week and see what he says.



My only concern with you trying to remove conditions from there is she would have to have her fingerprints taken in order for the 10 year GC to be approved.

Given a circumstance like this, though, I would think there would be some way they could accomplish that without requiring you to return to the states. Perhaps having her fingerprints done at the consulate - though that is Dept of State and they'd somehow have to get that information back to DHS. But I'm sure it's not impossible - it would probably just take some planning.

If you do indeed find she cannot travel, I would contact your congressman's office for assistance before you file so that you have a game plan. They have an immigration liaison who could reach out to USCIS and see what they suggest you do. I would NOT call the (MIS)information line. They'd probably advise you wrong and jeopardize her status.

*edited for typo*


KansasDragonMalePhilippines2010-02-04 08:36:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOut of Country - Pregnant - Travel Concerns
I've never checked on ship travel between the two locations, but when you say a few days, I think you should be saying a few weeks. It is a long haul by ship. As far as I know, the only ships which travel that route are freighters, which may have a few bunks for hire, but I'm quite sure they will not have a doctor aboard.



Don't they have boats from the Phil to the U.S.? I am sure you can get something to South Korea or Japan which I know for sure has trips to the west coast for something around $1000. With her still being a ways off, I don't understand how spending a few days on a boat could really cause trouble.... and they often have doctors on those boats anyway.... something to check into at least.


KansasDragonMalePhilippines2010-02-04 08:11:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOut of Country - Pregnant - Travel Concerns
Thank you, Darnell

Actually we have two opinions. We had the first opinion from a mid-wife, who I dismissed her thoughts, and scheduled an appointment with a Doctor. He said the same thing.

We may still seek one more opinion, it depends on what the Doctor reports, and the results of the sonogram.

The real question comes back to this, I'm not as concerned about medical advice. I'll leave that to the Doctors. If they claim it is putting the baby at risk, quite simply, we will not travel.

If it becomes the case we cannot travel, then I need to put together a plan for trying to insure my wife's ability to come back to the USA. I'm with her in the Philippines, and we are just trying to plan for the worst, while we prepare for the best case.







when is the baby due?

I suggest you find another doctor, get second opinion.


KansasDragonMalePhilippines2010-02-04 01:30:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOut of Country - Pregnant - Travel Concerns
We will keep everyone updated. I'm sure we are not the first people to face this challenge, nor will be the last.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2010-02-04 01:03:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOut of Country - Pregnant - Travel Concerns
Thank you for your answer. Luckily the 12 month time frame would not come into play even if we had to wait until the baby arrived. We would be back before then, but it is still a very long time out of the USA. We have another appointment with the Doctor early next week. We have return tickets next week, which we are hoping we can use. We have also contacted the airline to see if they will allow us any rescheduling options if the Doctor says "wait".

I'm just trying to get ahead of the game, rather than wait.

If we cannot return before sending the application in, we will make sure it is sent within the 90 day time window before expiration, and early within the 90 days.




First, congrats on your impending addition!

One problem I see is that she needs to make sure she's not outside of the US for more than 12 months otherwise she is considered to have abandoned her LPR status.

Is there anyway she can fly back to the USA like now? Or is he saying "at all"? Is there anyway to say buy her a economy plus seat for the flight back making sure she has good leg room and is relaxed and not-stressed? Personally this is the option I would be seeking above all else, but if it's not viable I'm sure there are things you can do.

It is possible, anything is possible, but how difficult it is, and how stressful it would be is another matter.

Here is the info on what happens with the baby AFTER it's born: http://www.ehow.com/...hilippines.html which should help. It will take about a month (hopefully not longer) to get that part sorted out.

Here is the guide for ROC: http://www.visajourn...p;page=751guide

Honestly I don't know what will happens. I would say make an infopass appointment but can you do that from over there? Honestly if her card expires in July then you need to apply in the 90 days BEFORE then, which starts around next month. I assume she would need to go to an interview, and who knows what else... and the greencard is really important so i would speak to the doctor and get him/her to speak to your doctor at home and travel back ASAP and take her to the doctor to make sure all is well.

I truly feel the safest option for all concerned is to head back now.

Good luck.


KansasDragonMalePhilippines2010-02-03 23:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionOut of Country - Pregnant - Travel Concerns
We came to the Philippines with the intention of staying a couple months, and then returning to the USA. My wife is pregnant, and suddenly we have some big challenges.

The Doctor here is recommending my wife not travel, due to a concern with the pregnancy. Her 2-year resident card expires in July. I know we can send in the application from the Philippines, but may not be able to return to the USA until September after the baby comes in August. Even then, we are going to need to scramble to get a passport for the newborn through the Embassy here.

The first question I have, is this even possible?

The second question, if it is possible, do I need to notify an immigration office?

The last question, where do I need to contact?

Life certainly finds ways of throwing blessings and challenges to us at the same time. Luckily my work allows me to work from anywhere, so we are not without income, but this certainly was not in our plans.

Looking forward to any suggestions, or advice.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2010-02-03 23:00:00
PhilippinesHelp my weary mind..What all does Ann need for medical and interview?
Help me out here...

How many total passport photo's does she need?

Are the 3 at the medical sent on to the Embassy, or is it 3 at the medical and a couple for the Embassy?
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-08 23:38:00
PhilippinesHelp my weary mind..What all does Ann need for medical and interview?
Yikes, amazing how the mind starts going....

She will have the following:

For the Medical:

Passport
Appointment Letter
$95 Peso Equivalent
Passport Photo
Ink Pen
Don't have to worry about immunization records.. cause there ain't any...And she hates needles, could be a fun day.

(Can she take her cell phone into St. Lukes?)


For the Interview:

I-134 (2 Copies), with 2006 Tax Return, 2006 W-2, Statment of income and employment from my company, Letter from my bank, and a couple check stubs from work.

DS-156 (2 Copies) Filled out online, printed and signed by Annie.
DS-157 (2 Copies) Along with payment validation stamp from the bank (BPI Angeles City, Main Bank)
DS-156K (1 Copy) Filled out online, printed, and signed by Maganda Girl.

Passport?? - I thought this was taken at St. Lukes and forwarded to the US Embassy..
Medical Results??? - This is forwarded by St. Lukes, also, right??

Birth Certificate - NSO
CENOMAR - Certificate of No Marriage for Annie.
NBI Clearance - (She is a cute little criminal..)

Evidence of Meeting - Hotel Receipt, Cebu Pacific Boarding passes (for both of us, side by side), Northwest Boarding passes, pictures from both trips. (Evidence needs to be the originals, correct?)

Evidence of Engagement - We've chatted forever on Yahoo, and talked on the phone for 1,000's of hours, but not much snail mail or email. I'll select a few good emails, a few good archived chats, engagement ring receipt, phone records showing 1000's of calls. (Anything else?)

Proof of Termination of Marriage (From me) - Certified copies of Divorce Decree from court house.

2 Passport Photos.

(Leave cell phone with cousin, before entering Embassy.)


WHAT DID I MISS???? HELP!!!!
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-08 20:33:00
PhilippinesSending Money Home

"But I got to thinking that she wants me to keep sending the money and she wants to send what she makes too. She has said its traditional that we do this, and that when she comes here, her family will expect this of us."



So, in other words, you're thinking this, not confirming this?

#1 - Where do they live in the Philippines? If in Manila, then $700 for 3 households, would not be a lot of money. But, How were they making it before you arrived on the scene?

#2 - I'm guessing she means, "My family is my burden, I want to work and send them money, your money is our money."

#3 - Big WARNING - You're establishing the RICH AMERICAN concept in the entire family. You need to clarify this issue gently with her, and establish what you would like to sponsor. Always know excactly what your money is intended for. If you don't establish control, your fame will spread to all the uncles and aunts and your requests for money will grow and grow. (My fiancee's extended family have made lots of requests, we both choose to ignore.)

Examples: I have elected to sponsor my future nephew in his high school expenses, and his future college expenses. (about $50/month now, $100/month later) With the understanding that this only happens with good grades, and with progress shown to me. I also paid for 1/2 of a generator for her parents, who live on an island with no electricity. Ann and her sisters paid for the other 1/2. Otherwise, my main contributions at this time are the occassional Pizza Blowout for Ann, her sisters, and cousins who live together.

#4 - Don't get to worried about this. Start talking to her about family and how they are using money, how you two will help, and about your future together. Just define things with her, gently, and you'll soon have an answer.

I'm betting it will all work out, that you're just having a lot of miscommunication, and need to get things cleared up between you two.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-08 07:02:00
PhilippinesAnyone else with Sept 13th Interview??
Ann's interview is scheduled for then.

I'm sure she'd love to chat with, email, text, or meet someone else who is going on the same day.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-08 20:35:00
PhilippinesWe got our Approval today!
:thumbs: :D :dance: Congratulations!! :thumbs: :D :dance:
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-10 15:02:00
PhilippinesBPI Main Bank in Angeles for Embassy fees..
[/quote]
hey i went there last month nearby apo church, good luck
[/quote]


Yahoo!!!! Thank you, Libra! Annie goes to the Apo Church every Friday, so she will know the area.

(She has to go to Apo, This Dragon needs many candles and prayers for him..)
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-11 10:05:00
PhilippinesBPI Main Bank in Angeles for Embassy fees..
I can find an address that says Rizal Cor. Burgos Str., Angeles City, Pampanga

This will be the one closest to Annie for paying the fee, but she's not sure where it's located.

Does anyone know this branch, and what else is near it? Seems like everyone there goes by landmarks, not street addresses.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-10 22:55:00
Philippinesyeyyyyyyyyyyyyy i got approval
YIPPEEEEE!!!

Congratulations!!!

:dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :D :D :D :D :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:


KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-09 23:21:00
PhilippinesWhat is Mailed to Embassy Prior to Med Ex & Interview?
Bill, from my understanding. You mail nothing back to the Embassy. You fill out the DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, I-134, etc... Get everything together. Send the evidence, etc.. to her

She will take the appropriate forms along with her to St. Lukes in Manila. Then she'll take the other papers to the Embassy in Manila on her interview day.

NBI is only thing needed if she's always been a resident in the Philippines.

Make sure she has her Certificate of No Marriage, and an NSO Certified Birth Certificate.

Annie and I are in the gathering process, but these are the things I'm learning from others who have been through the process.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-09 22:59:00
Philippinesintend to live in US
lol, Kansas City is 1/2 in Kansas, the other 1/2 in Missouri. He could have moved 10 feet and changed states.

But you're right, moving within the USA and territories is not restricted, by anything I've read. Just notify the USCIS.

it wouldnt be a problem. a friend of mine is supposedly staying in kansas sity but his hubby started working in MO before she left Philippines. theyre residing there now.


KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-14 17:49:00
PhilippinesRiddle
I think Joan deserves a big: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs:

She also deserves some: :whistle: :dance: :whistle: :dance: :whistle: :dance: :whistle: :dance:

Congratulations!! That's much better than a Barry Bonds Home Run!!
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-14 19:12:00
PhilippinesPaper work for Embassy, Do you assemble..
Thanks everyone, some great advice. Every little bit of perparation we can do before the interview, will help Annie's nerves greatly.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-13 06:34:00
PhilippinesPaper work for Embassy, Do you assemble..
Did you assemble your papers and evidence for the Embassy in a binder, like you did for the I-129F, or just keep them separate and available?


I'm assuming separate, since they will ask for specific items, and may not ask for others.


Thank you, again.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-11 10:14:00
Philippinesvisa in hand at exactly 4pm
:thumbs: :thumbs: :thumbs: Congratulations Libra :dance: :dance: :dance:
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-14 17:45:00
PhilippinesK1 can work?

To be clear, it is illegal to employ anyone without complying with I-9 requirements. You can be self employed.


Is that correct? So, If Annie wanted to clean houses, paint houses, do manicures, as an independent, self-employed person, that's legal?

She'll probably like that news. She's a very business minded lady, and has no use for a BOSS, including me. (Luckily I get to be a partner, which is what I want.)
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-15 22:41:00
PhilippinesWanna clarify about CFO and PRISM
Do you need to make an appointment for the CFO? Or just show up?

I'm not sure when Annie will choose to do this. She might wait until I'm there. We will have 2 weeks to visit family and friends before coming back to USA.

(Of course waiting for Visa Approval before scheduling that trip.)
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-14 23:20:00
PhilippinesQuestions on Passport
Did I miss something here? When does your passport expire?

If you're still in the Philippines, and in the Visa process, your Passport must meet this requirement:

A passport valid for travel to the United States and with a validity date at least six months beyond the applicant's intended period of stay in the United States.

If your passport is going to expire in Early 2008, you need to renew. My biggest concern would be making sure you're passport stays valid more the 6 months past your entry date into the USA.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-15 22:35:00
PhilippinesNumber of Visa Photo's needed?
Just have to love the Philippine's shop keepers..

Annie went to a "Photo Shop" that "claims" to know exactly what you need. They gave her 4 2x2 Visa Photos, and 4 1x1 Photos. (What in the world would the 1x1's be for?)

I'll just have her go back after her medical for another set of them. They are pretty inexpensive.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-26 11:45:00
PhilippinesNumber of Visa Photo's needed?
How many total Visa Photo's will I need for Annie?

I see it says take 3 2x2 to St. Lukes.

I need 2 for the two copies of the DS-156.

So, is the total 5? What are the purpose of 3 at St. Lukes?

Are there more needed?
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-26 10:40:00
PhilippinesSt. Lukes Medical, Can you have friend go with you?
Annie was not planning on taking anyone inside, but her friend, keeps telling her she can go inside with her.

But maybe that's because her friend is close friends with a couple of the St. Lukes guards.

I guess I'll let the two Loko Girls figure this out.
KansasDragonMalePhilippines2007-08-26 11:41:00