ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinesst lukes discussion
Never been to St. Lukes but I went to the Sm mall daily when I was in the Philippines. No one ever bothered me or tried to sell me anything, to be honest I thought it was very much like being in America except the wait staff and clerks were much more courteous ..
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2011-10-14 20:08:00
PhilippinesHow long would it take to receive a hard copy of NOA1?

I know this is too early but..
 
I haven't got my NOA1 hard copy yet, 5days now since i got a text from uscis and when i checked my status online shows initial review. How long would it take to receive a hard copy of NOA1?
 
Thank you




Are we there yet ? We have all been there. Just accept the fact you got about 5-6 months ahead of you. It will pass quickly. Good luck

The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-06-22 03:47:00
PhilippinesFor everyone looking for local Filipinos


Do Filipino-Americans from America snob new Filipino immigrants?


Not in my experience. I would caution all new arrivals. Go into fil am groups with eyes wide open. Attend the social functions. Make a few friends. But don't rush in. Observe first

The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-06-26 16:56:00
PhilippinesFlying in!!

CFO:  check

Visa:  check

Airline ticket:  check.

 

She's flying into Detroit, then to Cleveland.  Here's the thing: There is not much time between flips in Detroit, 1 hour 40 minutes.  I've read the POE reviews, and that looks ok, but it still makes me nervous.  I'm half expecting a call that she missed her flight.  There is another Delta flight to Cleveland, but it's not for another 6 hours.  Here's my question:  should I just go ahead and greet her in Detroit?  It's about 2 1/2 hours from me to the detroit airport.  Will immigration and passport control allow me in when they question her?

 

Thank you in advance!!

 

 

I am almost sure you will not be allowed past security to greet her. It's only a 2.5 hour drive... Go meet her. Save her a lot of hassle.  It took my wife over 2 hours to clear in ATL.  1:40 is not much time to clear on a K-1 and make a connecting flight from Intl to domestic. 2.5 hours is not that long of a drive


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-06-30 03:28:00
PhilippinesWhen

Hi everyone,

 

I had my interview yesterday at 7:30 am.. I have been told by the american consul that my visa has been approve. biggrin.png Thank god. 

When does usually the passport get delivered? My fiancee already book me a ticket on 7-11 I hope I will have it by 2weeks. Any idea?

 

Thanks for the answer everyone smile.png

 

Oh by the way im from Philippines. I hope its the same time frame w/ other countries as well.  

 

 

No way i would buy a ticket until Visa is in hand. Based on what I have seen 50/50 chance you have it by the 11th


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-06-27 22:07:00
PhilippinesRenew Passport in DC instead of area embassy

According to your timeline, you got married with a 129F fiancé visa, adjusted the new spouse's status here already, and received the spouses green card over a year ago. Your spouse should apply for a US Passport, not a Philippines passport, as she is now a (conditional) permanent resident.

 

 

Got to be a citizen to travel on or be issued a  US Passport unless I am badly mistaken 


According to your timeline, you got married with a 129F fiancé visa, adjusted the new spouse's status here already, and received the spouses green card over a year ago. Your spouse should apply for a US Passport, not a Philippines passport, as she is now a (conditional) permanent resident.

 

 

Yes  i know people that have gone to the Embassy in DC to get their passport renewed. 


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-07-01 17:55:00
PhilippinesApplied for SSN

Sharing my experience and some question...

So the husband and I went to the SSA office in Gainesville, GA. We went after lunch so I expected a rather long queue.
Upon entering the office, we were welcomed by a machine - a queue machine. It asked if I have set an appointment or not (didn't know you can do this for application of new ssn)- basically my purpose of being there. Got my queue number N284 (I guess N states for "new"). They are already serving N281 so it wasn't really a long queue for my case but they were taking their time dealing with each customer. My number was called and I went to the respective booth. I gave my signed application form and all supporting documents (Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Passport, I-94). The lady told me that they need the I-94 that you print off of the internet. [I tried to do that but with all my searches, my name didn't come up]. She then tried to use the 1-94 that I gave her to see if it'll work. She verified some of my information - Place of birth, birthday. After a few minutes of typing on her machine she came back to me and told me that my name on the system was "effed up" [that was my language, not hers. :)]. Apparently they used my whole name (first name, middle name and last name) as my first name.
She photocopied my passport and I-94 and I was given a letter.
She told me that they need to verify my information - they accepted the application form.
I was informed or so I understand that all in all it will take about 4 weeks for them to do that and mail my card.

Is this normal?
Is this how it should be?








 

 

Your name or doc being messed up isnot uncommon. A federal employe using that kind of language to a customer is and should be reported..

 

 

P.S. welcome to the US and Georgia.


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-06-25 12:14:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

Yep the regs say EAD, but they wouldn't accept it at Warner Robins or Perry. Both places called Atlanta and had some bozo supervisor tell me that it was  GC or nothing. I even printed it an showed them, all they said was "next".

 

In any case the GC came about a week later. Pain in the butt that it expires with the green card, then you have to renew when you file for ROC and get the extension letter; then renew again when you finally get the 10 yr green card.

 

 

Good info. My wife was just telling me hers expired with her green card. I did not know that. Not that she uses it anyway.

 

One o four good friends got her learners permit in the Warner Robins office before her GC got here ( which was about 2 months ago), but it was good for a only a short time. At least that is what was explained to me.

 

Macon has a new DMV at the train station that is really nice. we only waited about 10 mins on a Sat morning. 


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-06-29 21:04:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

 

Do I need to give them my PI driver's license? I read somewhere that you have to.. Not sure what state.

 

 

No.. My wife did not drive in the PI


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-06-29 16:12:00
PhilippinesObtaining a Driver's License in GA

 

 

LOL! Thanks Darnell! I'm not a fan. Besides, I don't think I want to put my little monster in it and go all PI-style! smile.png

 

 

My wife got her's here in GA about a year ago or so. You got to pass a test. If you get just the "learners permit" it's just written. If you get the full blown one you have to take a driving test.

 

You will need your SS card

Green card or proof that you are here legally

 

You are also going to need something to prove you live where you live.   I,e, a Bank statment


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-06-29 15:45:00
Philippinessending electronics in balikbayan box.

Good morning to all!
This is my first time to send balikbayan box to the philippines. I'm planning to include a laptop and a tablet inside the box with those other goodies I'm sending to my parents and siblings.

Wondering if anybody tried it already and if your family recieved it?


You can pretty much get by with anything in a Balikbayan box. I have sent all kids of stuff. Cameras, Cell Phones,. My buddy is the local LBC rep. Hes says people routinely send TV's , DVD's etc. You should see a pile of those things taped up and ready to go. They don't open them and go thru them.

Now if you try it with FEDEX or DHL you are going to have problems.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-12-06 20:00:00
PhilippinesThe most Benificiaries are in the Philippines!???? Come on!!

According to VJ's Charts theres most highest number of Benificiaries are from the PHilipines!

 

Come on guys... You slowing down my Interview....

 

Try finding girls in other countries...

 

Justkidding....

 

But i wonder why?

 

 

I think it is becuse

 

A. The culture seems to like Americans

 

B. Many of the girls have values that are a little more traditional, not all

 

C.  Most important most of them speak at least passable English


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-07-17 00:37:00
PhilippinesAge gap difference in Philippines

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

 

dude that was just wrong 


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-07-19 15:58:00
PhilippinesAge gap difference in Philippines

I would bet there is something else in the mix as well.  The embassy thinking could well be towards old guy looking for a "care giver", or young Filipina scamming old guy.  But that is just speculation on my part.

 

VJ is just an drop in the bucket compared to all that go through USEM.

 

Me, I was looking for a co-pilot!   good.gif

 

 

I bet you are right. In almost every case I have ever seen, when you dig something else is going on. 


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-07-19 12:38:00
PhilippinesAge gap difference in Philippines

 

What packet did you receive from the embassy?    Just a letter or what?   Curious who would write that on the packet... I don't not think its SOP.

 

As for the age gap, not a serious issue at all.  As long as everything is genuine USEM won't care.

 

 

I did not think they actually sent out package anymore. What say you ?


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-07-17 21:41:00
PhilippinesAge gap difference in Philippines

Hello VJ'ers that petitioned fiancee's from the Philippines. I have a questions about age gaps between the USC and the Filipina fiancee. Has anyone ever been denied based on a 25 year age difference from their fiancee. I know my first ex-wife Filipina and I had a 21 year age gap and did not have any problems. I know it is common in the Philippines to have a large age gap and for me age should not matter if you are in a legitimate relationship. I am 25 years senior to my fiancee and we both love each other. Just don't want the Consular Officer to play God and pass their own moral judgement when the evidence I have provided and continue to provide show that we have a real relationship. Any past experience would be appreciate. Thanks.

 

 

After having been married almost 2 years and still lurking here I have determined. If you meet the legal guidelines. I.E. Financial, CENOMAR, Clean records, etc etc.  They will give it to you . Never ever heard of anyone being turned down without very clear cause.

 

25 years is a bit, but who cares.  Long as both of you are happy.

 

My wife is bit shy of 15 (years age diff) . More than I had planned on but she is a great girl. I  know some couples in that range that do well. 


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-07-17 00:33:00
PhilippinesAge gap difference in Philippines

If the relationship is "REAL" and you have all your documents then this will not be an issues. My fiancee and daughter will be on a plane next week heading to the United States. Our age gap is 20 years :whistle: LEGITIMATE relationship with plenty of proof/documents you will have no problem. I did not attend my fiancee interview in Manila, but based on our file and supporting documents then only ask her (3) questions before she was approved..

I would suggest keeping {HANK_AMY} as your friend for "GOOD" advice through this process. I think I already owe him a few beverages :dance: for his advice !!!






I concur. Hank_Amy usually gives solid advice.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-03-11 09:59:00
PhilippinesAge gap difference in Philippines

The timeline indicates you are 50 and she is 25.
I'm 50 and Mav is 34. (I always felt weird about that).
Well, as you know, she don't need parental consent.
I see no problem. But, You stated: The last one was bad to you and a 21 year age difference. I guess well just take your word for that. Treat this one better.


I am 50 and MJ is 35.. I never felt weird. By age 50 we have entered the we don't give a damn what others think stage of life. :dance:
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-03-10 22:54:00
PhilippinesVisiting Cebu with Green Card prior to Removal of Conditions?

Need some help & verification please....

 

My Wife arrived here in September 2012 on a K-1 Visa.  She received her Green Card in April 2013, so obviously we have not processed her Removal of Conditions yet.

 

Is there ANY issues/problems, etc., with her returning to Cebu for 3-4 weeks within the next month or so to visit Family and then returning back to the USA?

 

Is she going to have any headaches with Customs either in the Philippines and/or at LAX?

 

Thanks so much.

 

J

 

No not an issue  at all 


I'm getting some additional info on this and need some clarification.

 

My Wife's Green Card has her new (Married) name on it, which does NOT match her Maiden name on her Birth Certificate, her Philippine Passport and her old US Visa that the Embassy put into her Passport.

 

Do I need to do something and/or go somewhere to get her Philippine Passport updated and/or corrected to match her Green Card with her new name?

 

I'm just concerned about her having issues during travel/immigration with non-matching Passport & Green Card info.

 

Thanks for the help.

 

J

 

Not an issue at all. She can travel on her old passport, just make sure to carry a marriage certificate to show for re-entry. 


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-07-31 19:42:00
PhilippinesTickets to the USA

KAL won't let me book a ticket. I can't even search for available tickets originating from the Philippines. Their search only lets me see flights from the USA.

 

I know it sounds crazy that  it is Virginia Beach travel and it's in Manila, but this lady really hooked us up and saved us 100's..

 

 

 

Virginia Beach Travel

 

0917-550-9980

 

Albie Sullano

 

https://www.facebook.com/albie.sullano

 

http://www.visajourn...ents/?p=4912120


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-12 22:28:00
PhilippinesTickets to the USA

 

Wow. I wish I could find a flight to ATL for $800. Cheapest I can find is $1300, but that is for 1 stop only (MNL-NRT-ATL). The multiple stops (MNL-NRT-DTW/JFK/SEA-ATL) are a little cheaper.

 

 

You should be able to book KA out  of the PI for around 800-900. Prices should start easing a lot in the next few weeks  


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-12 20:11:00
PhilippinesTickets to the USA

Not for December flights. There is a $500 difference I notice. So I will definitely be getting her a one way ticket. Or having her get one, whichever is cheaper in that regard.

 

 

If Remember correctly we paid about  800  bucks one way Cebu to Atl  and round trip was about 1400... I will try to scare up the name of the agent who helped  her, but she saved us a lot  of dough


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-11 21:37:00
PhilippinesTickets to the USA

Just wanna ask what is better, for my husband to buy the ticket online or for me to buy by myself ticket here in the Phillipines?

 

He  told me about certain restrictions but i don't understand it. 

 

Can anyone help us? 

 

thank you.

 

 

Yes the Philippines have some funky law about  one way tickets. Some have bought here and sent a photocopy of the CC etc or done other things.

 

My wife ust shopped for a cheap one way there and I sent here the money. Easiest way for me

 

For others it  may be different. I just did not want  the hassles of doing it the other way


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-11 16:00:00
PhilippinesPetitions Of Brothers, Sisters and Adult Children to be Eliminated

http://www.gurfinkel..._updates179.htm

I am hoping that this would not pass,...

 

 

We have to make room for all the illegals that went around the process and broke the law.


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-19 04:50:00
PhilippinesTicket booked MNL to ATL!

After a 3 hour delay in Manila she is finally on a plane to Atlanta! Delta delayed her connecting flight, so she was able to make it. I was worried she was going to be spending the night in Japan.

She is scheduled to land in Atlanta in 10 hours! I'm sure i'll be very productive at work today. I took the rest of the week off! So excited. But, I only slept 2 hours last night so it's going to be a rough day.

Ahhh the memories

 

 

My wife's Korean Air flight from Manila was also late 3 hours. Barely made the plane in Korea.


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-20 10:17:00
PhilippinesTicket booked MNL to ATL!

 

Seems to be the thing to do. I've only been here for 8 years and I've always lived on the north side, since it's close to my job. But, it seems like a lot of people that live around here used to live on the south side at one point.

 

Any tips for my fiancee as a Filipino in the Atlanta area? I don't personally know any Filipinos here. I'm not sure you are a Filipino, but just guessing from your photo.

 

I've found a Filipino group called Atlanta Pinoy, I've mapped out all the Asian markets in the area for us to try and find Filipino foods she might like, found a place called Kuyo Express, and there is a Filipino Food Truck now in Atlanta. I haven't tried it yet.

 

 

Darn I just posted to you about Kuyas   yes it is very good

 

Use to be a place on Buford HWy  near the Farmers Market   Went out of Biz..It was called the FIL AM Star Cafe or something like that

 

I will in box you..We will hook her with some contacts in ATL. 


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-15 13:39:00
PhilippinesTicket booked MNL to ATL!

 

Thanks! It's been a long 8 months haha.

 

So, you are in Atlanta too? What part? I'm in the Vinings area.

 

 

We are down in Macon...Make sure you carry here up to the Buford Rd farmers market

 

Also really good Pinoy food at Kuya's at the Asian mall in Duluth (Kuya's has great prices also)

 

Lot of Pinay live in your area and lot of little social groups. She will find her circle of friends quickly


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-15 13:34:00
PhilippinesBE SAFE!!! To my fellow VJ's here in the Philippines...

My wife lives in Rosario Cavite, i have not heard from her in a whole day which is unusual because we talk every single day since we been married. I tried calling and messaging, Anyone would not happen to know if theres massive power outage in that area or anything? any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

 

Cavite got flooded be pretty good.

 

Check out the weather Chanel they have a good article on it

 

Looks like Rosario got hit hard 20,000 evacuated...She will be all right. Probably just in refugee stage right now

 

http://www.philstar....lood-hit-cavite


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-19 22:53:00
PhilippinesTourist visa to visit the US Vs. Unicorn sighting

I've read several threads recently where people are so adamant that a tourist visa to the US for a single woman from the Philippines is an impossibility.  Has anyone had an luck?  I've read of one instance on here but I think she obtained it while working in the Middle East.

 

In China my wife was told the same thing, "it's impossible", "don't throw your money away".  She was issued two actually, one before we were engaged and then another after I submitted her visa petition. 

 

So is it really impossible or is it just difficult?  What are the denial rates?  Since I've been on VJ it seems to me that K-1 visas are issued such that they don't treat it like a high-fraud country.

 

So has anyone in this community applied and been denied, or applied and been issued one? Or, do people just not apply?

 

 

 

I had a young lady visiting from cebu in my  home last week. She  had been in the USA all Summer.

 

First Pinay I ever dated was here on a tourist visa.

 

So yes they  can get them Both  had good jobs..One was a principal of a upper scale private school in Cebu. The other worked for PLDT in Manila


The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2013-08-20 23:56:00
PhilippinesManila No Appointments Available ? ?

Tieing the knot this coming Friday, September 7th, at 1030AM. you not that far away Hank....You invited just jump on the Bike. We getting Married at the San Bernardino County Hall of Records.


Congrats I know how long we all waited and how special that day is
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-04 19:20:00
PhilippinesHeading back to Cebu
Heading back to Cebu 22 Sep. We are going to get married (for the second time) on 29 Sep. Anyone who might be in town is welcome to come by. I promised her family I would bring he back within a year for a formal wedding with family so here we go. Every Princess deserves her special day.


One thing we are doing this time around is renting a home. We are getting a nice 2 bedroom wtih Air Con in both bedrooms for 23 a day. Not bad at all if your going to be there for 2 weeks.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-05 04:16:00
PhilippinesLearning Tagalog?

I am in the same boat as some of y'all. My fiance speaks primarily Cebuano/Bisaya where she lives in Mindanao and often times the only Tagalog you will hear is on the TV. So it is hard trying to learn. Plus when I went to get the Rosetta Stone to learn Tagalog her and her family were like "Why? We speak Bisaya not Tagalog". I guess its a whole culture thing going on. But I have learned basic Tagalog and Bisaya. Not conversational yet but getting there.

Just have your fiance/wife speak her language to you at home and have her teach you as well. My fiance loves to teach me while we are in bed just talking to each other or riding aroung on the motorbike.


I do think it's important to learn some words and try to learn about her culture. I mean if you have kids they are going to be 50% Pinoy. Learn the culture.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-05 04:13:00
PhilippinesLearning Tagalog?

I gave up trying too. Good thing my fiancee speaks fluent English and as is typical in the Philippines completed her college in English.


Same here. You can always tell when my wife is typing instead of me. The grammar is much better.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-05 04:10:00
PhilippinesLearning Tagalog?

Does anyone have experience with a course for Tagalog? I use translators and pick up a few words but I am completely terrible. My nose bleeds Tagalog.

Looking for advice for a course!


I started but here is my quandary. My wife is primary Cebuano speaker. Our friends are both Visayan and Tagalog. All the Visayans speak Tagalog, but few of the Tagalogs speak Visayan. So they swap back and forth all the time. I wold have to learn two languages to figure out what they are saying.

All of them speak English. Almost every Pinoy I know speaks good English.. So I gave up.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-04 19:24:00
PhilippinesFedEX to ship documents - OK

I plan to ship my supporting documention to my fiancee tomorrow for a September 7 interview. Is FedEx a reliable carrier in the Philippines? The package will go to Quezon City. Should I write "visa documents" enclosed on the package? Any tips are greatly appreciated.



Yes I used them several times. Perfect every time. Write documents on the package is fine Most of the stuff you send can be scanned and sent electronically then printed there to save money.

Edited by Run Herschel Run, 01 September 2012 - 06:37 AM.

The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-01 06:34:00
Philippinesneed an answer

hi everyone, im here in US now and married, my problem is this, there's a loan in citifinancial in the philippines under my name but in reality, my ex used the money and he is the one paying the loan. the problem is that he stopped paying it. my dilemma is we are buying a house now here and applying for a loan and im afraid that the bank will trace this loan which is under my name. do u think it will affect our loan even if it is in the philippines?please need an answer wth this...tnx


No don't worry about. I got my wife a low limit credit card so she could start building credit here
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-07 23:20:00
PhilippinesInsanity

What on earth does this have to do with visas?


we all have pretty much been in here for a bit. we talk about all kinds of mindless crapola and life with our Pinay brides and GF /Fiancee.

As for VISA stuff the same question usually gets asked time after time after time many times a week. A lot of us have gotten lazy and jsut wait for Hank to post his detailed walk thru which answer 90% of most questions

P.S. Difference in Army and Marines

Army Shells a hill and then takes it

Marines take a hill and then shell if for fun
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-06-25 21:00:00
PhilippinesI-797 (NOA2) received.. now what

:time:


You have zero information in your profile and your timeline is not filled in.


For K-1 here is the process.

or the NVC:

Check on your embassy case number:

Give them 7 - 10 days before calling. Call after 4:45 PM eastern time for shorter wait times K1's are not tracked through the AVR, ever. They are processed like an immigrant visa, but they are NOT immigrant visas, so they fall into a completely different class of their own. Therefore you need an operator. To get there:

1-603-334-0700 Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time)

Press 1 for English
Press 5 for an operator

NVC CONTACT INFORMATION:

Website: www.immigrantvisas.state.govwww.immigrantvisas.state.gov

E-mail: NVCInquiry@state.gov (I found NVC to be very quick responding to emails)

REQUIRED SECURITY INFORMATION:

You are required to provide the following security information with each inquiry to receive a case specific response:

* NVC Case Number or USCIS Receipt Number (Place in the subject line of the e-mail).
* Petitioner's name and date of birth.
( NOTE: If the visa petition is employment-based, include the employer's company/organization name instead of the petitioner's name and date of birth. )
* Principal Applicant's name and date of birth.

Manila Embassy:

After NOA2 AND YOU HAVE YOUR MNL # (don't need to wait for the letter from the embassy )

http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3023.html

Once you have your MNL # :

You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee with cash or debit card at any Bank of Philippine Islands. Before going to the bank, you must print the applicable U.S. visa application deposit slip available below on this page. Take the printed deposit slip with you to pay your fee. If you print a deposit slip in advance of the day in which you plan to make your payment, please take note of the expiration date on the deposit slip. If the expiration date passes prior to using the slip to make your payment, simply return to this site and re-click the appropriate link below to generate a new deposit slip. Bank agents will NOT accept payments based on expired deposit slips. Upon receiving of your payment, bank will issue you a receipt. Save your receipt. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your receipt number.

http://ustraveldocs....paymentinfo.asp

Select the deposit slip that matches your visa application fee from the list below. Values are shown in U.S. dollars and native currency. This page has more information about the different visa application fees.

http://ustraveldocs....visafeeinfo.asp

For K-1 the fee is $240

After you have paid the visa application fee, keep the BANK receipt for your records. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your receipt number.

If you have an account with either Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) or BancNet you may choose to pay your visa application fee online using their online bill pay services. Click on either of the links below if you are a BPI or BancNet customer and wish to make an online payment.

If you are paying for more than one applicant, please DO NOT make a lump sum payment for all the applicants. A UID/receipt number is required for each visa application fee payment for EACH applicant for scheduling an appointment. After you have paid the visa application fee, please keep the fee receipt for your records.

Receipt Format

Note: If you have a Bank of Philippine Islands receipt, your fee receipt number should be your passport number. If something other than your passport number appears in the circled area on the graphic, use that information as your receipt number. This receipt number verifies your payment and allows you to schedule your visa interview

When scheduling online with the embassy you need to include the "XX" at the beginning.

Priorty Date; this is the date the NOA 1 was accepted.

Make sure to print two copies of the interview confirmation page as you will need one for St. Luke's and the other (maybe, they might mail the interview letter) for the embassy.

(open all of these links then save them to your bookmarks so you have them for easy access)

Embassy Letter:

http://photos.state....3__rtf2_005.pdf

(Tagalog) http://photos.state....2__rtf2_007.pdf

(The DS-156 can be difficult to complete sometimes, if you have issues try a different browser.)

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/

Embassy (Manila) Phone Number (and email)

(632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185 (local number: USEM 301-2000 loc 5184/5185 call them around 3-4:30pm)

** (214) 571-1600 or (646) 254-3546 (these are USA numbers)


NEW EMAIL ADDRESS

In order to serve our visa applicants more efficiently, we have created this new e-mail address: IVMNLAppointments@state.gov , for early appointment requests and visa scheduling issues. Please note, however, that early appointment requests will be approved on a case to case basis (i.e., aging out cases, or in cases involving personal or medical emergencies), and only if visa interview slots are available.

For other immigrant and K visa concerns, please send an e-mail to IVManilaReplies@state.gov
.
To enable us to electronically sort the messages and provide better, more timely responses, you should follow the instructions below.
The subject line of your email should indicate the visa applicant's last name, first and middle name (ex. DOE, John James), case number/USCIS receipt number, visa category and priority date.

Messages should be limited to 500 characters or less. The mail size should not be more than 15 KB.
Do not submit documentation or attachments with your message as our system is unable to receive inquiries with attachments.
Do not send your inquiry more than once as duplicate inquiries will congest our system and delay our response time.


************ INTERVIEW DAY: Remember no electronics are allowed in the embassy; no cell phones, no cameras, no memory stiks. And no food. **************


TRACK YOUR VISA/PASSPORT

Here is a link for requirements for receiving your passport with the visa, there are also options for tracking the status of your visa/passport is currently. You can also change delivery options.

http://www.ustraveld...trackingoptions


***
St. Luke's:

http://www.slec.ph/u...l#required-docs

Have copies of passport bio page, confirmation page from scheduling interview online at embassy (or if the embassy mails a confirmation letter bring a copy of that), and of course the 2X2 photos. (copy of annulment is asked for at times)

PREREGISTER at St. Luke's website, it saves time when you arrive. http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/

CFO:

ALL exiting required to attend. There have been changes regarding CFO so for sure read through their website.

http://www.philembas...w_gcp_flyer.pdf

http://www.cfo.gov.p...onals&catid=140

Required documents & "OTHER DOCUMENTS" they ask for at CFO: copies of; CENOMAR, certified birth certificate, bio page of passport, visa page from passport, pictures together, from USC - bio page of passport, birth certificate, divorce decree (if been married before) are the most common. The "other documents" clause can be ANYTHING with those nit-wits at CFO.

** From the Family Code of the Philippines: it's 21-25 years old for advice and 18-21 years old for consent.

Art. 14. In case either or both of the contracting parties, not having been emancipated by a previous marriage, are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, they shall, in addition to the requirements of the preceding articles, exhibit to the local civil registrar, the consent to their marriage of their father, mother, surviving parent or guardian, or persons having legal charge of them, in the order mentioned. Such consent shall be manifested in writing by the interested party, who personally appears before the proper local civil registrar, or in the form of an affidavit made in the presence of two witnesses and attested before any official authorized by law to administer oaths. The personal manifestation shall be recorded in both applications for marriage license, and the affidavit, if one is executed instead, shall be attached to said applications. (61a)

Art. 15. Any contracting party between the age of twenty-one and twenty-five shall be obliged to ask their parents or guardian for advice upon the intended marriage. If they do not obtain such advice, or if it be unfavorable, the marriage license shall not be issued till after three months following the completion of the publication of the application therefor.A sworn statement by the contracting parties to the effect that such advice has been sought,together with the written advice given, if any, shall be attached to the application for marriage license. Should the parents or guardian refuse to give any advice, this fact shall be stated in the sworn statement.






I wish you got 25.00 dollars for every time you posted that to help someone. I would by Stock in Hank... Why can't you get a pin ??? By far the most helpful and frequently addressed subject in here.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-14 19:40:00
PhilippinesANYTHING I MISS DOING?

-Visa Claimed
-Passport stamped by PDOS-CFO
-Ticket booked by my fiance, flying through Delta from MNL to Minnesota tomorrow
-Fiance's CC and passport scanned and printed


- I am just little concern. Friends, VJ'ers, is there anything else I miss completing or doing?


Rice.. Buy lots of Jasmine rice.. Rice cooker... Take rice to the Airport.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-07 20:29:00
PhilippinesOn the wya to Cebu

Run Herschel Run - hey I'm always looking for insight and tips on how to help my fiance adjust here in the U.S. It'd be great if you could describe things she liked, things she didn't like, things you did that helped her adjust that actually helped her, anything like that. Thanks.
:)


Rice my man... Lots and Lot's of rice... :)

I think one of the biggest things for me was that I already had a group of friends that were married to Pinay. Her second night her, we all meet for supper just like we always did. It gave her a support group of people to talk to, lean on and question. That made it very easy for me. Seek out some other Phil-Am couples if you can. It was like she had her own sponsor. The adjustment was not hard.
The Nature BoyMalePhilippines2012-09-20 04:24:00