ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBesides the financials,is there anything to worry about at the NVC stage?

Be very careful on anticipating Manila Embassy Robert. Your wife still has to go through the medical which may or may not put her in the sputum test waiting pattern (two month wait) Anything can happen so I'd hold off on the ticket purchasing for now. At best, you'd be getting a January interview date / post holidays so the prices will already be going down for travel. Keep your powder dry for now and focus on the medical would be my advice. Best of luck!!!
Bob



Thanks Bob. Did you have any problem rescheduling your interview date. If they give me early January date, I may need to reschedule for February.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-11-07 20:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBesides the financials,is there anything to worry about at the NVC stage?
We have everything requested and enough income for the AOS. I would like to get a ticket to go before the interview while there are still some reasonably priced available. Is there any reason I should worry about something I may need from the US.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-11-07 18:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Day will arrive in less than 24 hours!
Good luck, soon you will be home!!!
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-11-21 17:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed to change interview date Manila

Hi! Did you try contacting the Visa Information and Appointment Service at (632) 982-5555 or (632) 902-8930? Got the numbers from the Manila embassy website. My husband and I were going to try to reschedule so he could use his free PAL miles to fly here, but we ultimately decided to just pay the high peak season rate and stick with the schedule given by NVC. I did call the hotline once to inquire. The first thing they'll ask for is your wife's passport number, then the expiration date and her name.


That is what I did before i went to bed last night. First I tried to change through the chat option they have, but it didn't seem the operator was familiar with the process. Then I tried the number, they asked for passport number, date of issuance, date of expiration, priority number, case number, and beneficiary's email address. It was really very easy over the phone, just taking about 10 minutes, and we got a date just a few days after the original, which was all I needed. Our new date is February 1.

Good luck to you!
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-14 06:22:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed to change interview date Manila
I tried to change the date before I made this post. I cannot change the date of my trip. So I would still like to know how to go about changing the date of interview.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-13 09:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed to change interview date Manila
What do I need to do to change the interview date. I plan to be there for the interview, but my plane arrives at 9:30 pm and the interview is at 8:30 am. :bonk: I really thought they would not schedule the interview before February. lol
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-12 19:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNervous!!
Good luck to you. We will be just a couple weeks behind you. We just keep asking each other questions, even what sounds kinda irrelevant. I think it will go easier than we think, then we will say, "Is that it?"
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-19 09:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresManila Interview times: Wife is 6:30 Son is 6:45
We scheduled our interview times over the phone, when the times arrived they were scheduled at different times. I think they will probably be interviewed together, but I wanted to see if anybody has been through this. My wife's son is only 10 years-old. I will be there for the interview.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-28 13:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPrivate interview rooms in Manila?
I was reading an embassy interview review today and they mentioned there were 4 private interview rooms at the embassy in Manila, but they didn't know what they were used for. Of course after reading that, I needed to know what goes on in those rooms. Anybody have any information about that?

Like I don't have enough to think about. :lol:
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-01-06 13:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCSC BACKED UP

Anyone have any info on the CSC backlog process? Someone please give me a bit of light....


I got an email Monday night that said they sent my NOA2 on Sept 19. That was after I sent an RFE on August 18.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-09-21 11:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMedical Exam at SLMEC
WooHoo Congratulations!
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-21 15:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1 delivered without IR-2
We got Ramona's IR-1 visa delivered, but Nino's IR-2 was not delivered. I thought they were in the same pack, so I didn't get to ask the deliveryman. Is this normal?
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-03-30 05:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long does it take to get through LA POE?

Took my wife 30 minutes.. I just let the house when she called! I was an hour late...very bad....


First day and you were in the doghouse. :lol: Thirty minutes sounds good!
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-05-07 18:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long does it take to get through LA POE?

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/poereviews.php


haha Thanks. I finally got it to work, must have been my connection. Anyways, it appears it takes a little longer for processing the CR-1/IR-1 route, but nothing over two hours, so we should be good. Thanks for the link.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-05-07 03:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow long does it take to get through LA POE?
I can't seem to find the POE reviews here. Can someone tell me how long it might take to get through the Los Angeles POE? I had originally gotten a ticket with a five hour layover thinking that should be plenty of time. Now the airlines tell me they have changed the ticket and I have just short of three hours.

Thank you!
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-05-07 03:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr 1 visa denied

u tell me her cr 1 visa will get denied if not to much income...


YES. I believe they will give you an opportunity to find a co-sponsor. They will probably like to know how you are able to pay for plane tickets, send your wife money, pay visa fees, and still pay your own bills on $7,000 per year. Doesn't make sense.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-04-09 18:39:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescr 1 visa denied
Here are examples of bona-fide used by the embassy - I found by "googling":

Visual Assessment—Profiling for a lack of a better term, is when the interviewing officer views the couple and makes a decision as to whether or not they look right together. Officers will make an immediate visual assessment of a couple when their name is called to look for signs of deceit by assessing differences in, race, religion, and other overt characteristics. Of course such tactics will never be confirmed but I can tell you that they exist and are being used.

Behavioral Keys—Seasoned Immigration officers will note behavioral keys, tendencies and body language from the couple. Once they call the name of the applicant to introductions and all through the interview behavior is being watched. Is the couple comfortable together, do they appear too amorous for a married couple, are they sincere, how do they communicate together? I once had an officer tell me that he knew a couple was in a valid marriage when the wife said to the husband "I told you to bring the birth certificate but you never listen." He said he didn’t have to ask another question because that’s how married people speak.

Documentation—Another way for the Immigration Service to assess a bona fide marriage is to review what they call "joint documentation." Any paperwork that reveals a commingling of financials or that prove up cohabitation are to be submitted in support of the application. Birth of child, joint debt, home ownership and photos are some of the documents necessary to prove up the marriage. This however can be daunting for an immigrant who previously was without proper identification and therefore lacks the ability to open an account, buy a car or home or to get insurance.

Personal Questions—Most people familiar with the Immigration Process are aware the interview may include questions regarding items of a personal nature. I was recently in such an interview where the officer asked questions of the couple that included what type of birth control was used, last time for intimacy, what the couple did last Thursday, Friday and Saturday in detail, color of their carpet, favorite restaurant and supermarket and so on. These questions are usually asked after the couple is separated so the officer can compare the answers. Unless properly prepared the interview can result in a disaster even for couples in a valid marriage. Case in point the officer asked the couple what they had for dinner last Friday. I told the officer I had been married almost 15 years, and I can’t remember, I think he suspect my marriage as a result.

But none of this matters if you can't meet the income guidelines, which by your previous posts, you do not.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-04-09 18:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo we need the medical results at the time of the interview?

You need to have the medical to be approved for the visa.


Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2014-03-21 12:03:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCan the american fiance attend the interview too? :)
Yup. I'm going whenever too. I think probably February.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-01 19:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresExcessive Chat Log - Too Many Pages
Can you do a screenshot of the chat summary? I'm not familiar with Skype but I did screenshots of Yahoo messenger.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-12 21:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE

That is correct, but only because DUI is not taken seriously enough by legislators and the justice system.


Edited by Robert and Ramona, 19 December 2011 - 06:20 AM.

Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-19 06:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresRFE
Any rehabilitation records and a doctor statement that he has remained sober will also be helpful. I have read about people getting approved with a lot worse offenses than 4 DUI's 20 years ago.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-18 08:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUPDATE - Taking the Medical At St Lukes
Congratulations and thank you for the information. I'm sure this will help calm my wife who will be going on Tuesday.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-01-04 15:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTraveling Fees

Good day everyone i just wanna ask if is there any body here got a flight from Narita Japan to Dallas forth worth?wanna know much it cost for each lay over..im aware that i need to pay Terminal fee from Bacolod To manila which is 200 pesos..but what about Manila to Narita Japan and Narita Japan to Dallas Forth worth..need help here :)


I am not sure about the terminal fee from Bacolod to Manila - you are probably correct about the 200p. I believe in Manila you will have to pay 550p terminal fee and P1,620 Philippine Travel Tax. The 550p was reduced from 750p a few months ago.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-04-24 23:34:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Department of State reduces K1 + CR1 visa Fees
That's good news, but better news would be a refund for those of us who recently paid. :no:
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-04-20 00:50:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionnew rules to us embassy manila
Might be good news. We have our interview coming probably in February and I kinda hope they don't start trying new things until after that. Change would probably mean extra time to adjust and work out the kinks.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-02 19:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFiance went for interview today - CASE UNDER REVIEW??????
Zack,

How is this going for you? Did any of this information help, like was she born in another country?

Thank you.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-01-06 13:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAirport Fees - Manila?

This might help http://www.visajourn..._United_States?


Thank you!

Hi, you can check it out here:

Philippine Tourism Authority
Revenue Department
Room 117, DOT Bldg., TM Kalaw, Rizal Park, Manila
Tel. No. 523-3029, 524-7141 loc. 100, 103, 109
Their office is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm Mondays through Fridays
E-mail address: revenue@philtourism.com or trvltax@philtourism.com
Website: www.philtourism.com

>> you save P810 with a reduced travel tax for your son, but if you are not staying anywhere near Manila, I would suggest just pay the full amount instead of going to this office, be caught up in traffic, pay for transpo/gas, and if there's a long queue of course you'll get hungry and have to eat later on. Aside from that, i think you will need to pay for the form there too. it really sucks because it would have been less of a hassle if this can be done at the airport. :wacko:


Why doesn't this surprise me? lol
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-04-19 19:37:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAirport Fees - Manila?

P 550 if the terminal fee while the P1, 620 is the Philippine Travel Tax. If your son is below 2 years old, he is exempted from that but if he is between 2-12 years old then he can qualify for a reduced travel tax but you need to apply for it to get 50% off. Have a safe trip! :)


Do you know how to apply for the reduced tax? He is only 10. Thanks.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-04-19 18:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAirport Fees - Manila?

Cash only as of August 2011 when I last exited. Your wife and son has to pay a bit more. You amount seems high as I remember paying less than 1000p to exit. Those on Visas or Citizen pay an Immigration fee on top of airport fees. You may be close on your amount for them.. Good Luck... Nothing like having to pay to leave a country.... I guess ours are hidden in the tickets fees so it's the same.. Just seems different when paying at airport.

Take care


Thanks. They get you where they can. The 1620 is the immigration fee, I didn't know what it was called. The 550 is the reduced exit fee - down from 750. whoopee
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-04-19 06:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAirport Fees - Manila?
My wife, son, and myself will be leaving. So I guess it is 1620p + 1620p + 550p + 550p + 550p = 4890p. Does that have to be cash or do they take credit cards?
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-04-19 06:16:00
PhilippinesPAL Baggage Allowance
It has been two years, but I think they were more interested in weight than size.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-11-27 15:46:00
Philippinesbetter if fiancee attends the interview???

I read somewhere that the petionier was not allowed in the interview. So the person making the decision was not even aware that he was in the building. I would like that person that I traveled 1/2 way across the world to be there and to answer any extra questions they may have


Everything I have read has been beneficial and positive about the petitioner being there for the interview. I read that the beneficiary has to go into the embassy before the petitioner, and I saw one comment, from some time ago, that the CO asked the petitioner to remain quiet, but I have never heard they were not allowed at the interview -- at least in Manila, other countries vary.

If you have some information about negative consequences of the petitioner being present, please share. Thank you.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-11 11:50:00
Philippinesbetter if fiancee attends the interview???

I have read both good and bad about the fiancee attending the interview. What are your feelings towards that???


I haven't heard any bad things, I will be there.

What are some of the bad things you have heard?
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-11 08:38:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance Slowed

Yeah that's normal to have long process but you can make it a lil faster if u know someone who can process it fast, like "fixer" in a good way and for me having fixer it works.., fixer is not fake .. u just need to add some extra money .. for them to process it fast and if u are in a hurry like me .. why not give it a try if u can afford. normally u need to give hundreds for that .. and your NBI will be printed on that day. Like me .. imagine im in nothern part of phils . and to where i am now it takes 3months to release my NBI even if i dont have someone with the same name .. but then i cant handle waiting that long for just NBI clearance.. i have this guy "fixer" and make him do my NBI since if i go to manila im not pretty sure to get it at the same day... plus my expenses there .. food .. a cheap hotel where to stay since NBI have first 500 applicant per day to serve ..(just incase u dont make it to be in the first 500) last week i got my .. NBI .. the next day i contacted that person do my NBI clearance to release it faster.. for me .. its wise to pay few hundreds.. than to wait for 2 weeks or 3 MONTHS long in my case. hope this help.


I don't think a fixer is going to help your situation in Tacloban, my wife said they were offended when she asked to pay the jaywalking ticket that wasn't hers. They assured her it was out their hands and they had to wait to get the clearance from Manila. But if you don't have any "hits," then you should be ok.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-18 08:38:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance Slowed

She filed in Tacloban in Samar.


My wife got her birth certificate name in one day in Tacloban - no hit. Then we got her alias name, just in case they ask at the interview, and there was a hit. It took over a month for that, I think closer to two. It was a jaywalking ticket from someone in Manila, we offered to pay it, even though it wasn't hers, but they wouldn't let us. She went there everyday and even had a meeting with one of the supervisors to try to clear it up.

PS Tacloban is in Leyte. Good Luck.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-17 21:48:00
PhilippinesA Second Sputum Culture 7 Months after a Negative Result
AMEN
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-19 13:17:00
PhilippinesA Second Sputum Culture 7 Months after a Negative Result

Well,

After our March negative sputum test result , having to wait 1 1/2 months for an interview, 3 months to get our waiver done, and a month to expedite and get our waiver successfully adjudicated, my wife has the same scar on her lung as what caused us two months last spring.......hmm, go figure. Scar tissue, same lung, same spot, now we have a second sputum test to wait out. HO, HO , HO

Bob


Rotten news. So sorry to hear that, hopefully this won't be such a long wait.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-19 12:49:00
Philippineslost in space
Sounds like the decision is already made. I think you should make sure you are divorced before leaving, so you can get on with your life. There are plenty of good men out there who would be happy to start a family with you.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2011-12-19 10:01:00
PhilippinesBalikbayan Box from Manila to US
I had some information about that, but I can't find it now. What I remember is that it is substantially more to ship a box to the United States. The balikbayan box was invented to give some revenue to basically empty ships on their return trip to Asia because US doesn't export as many goods to as we import, so shipping a box to US is more expensive. Also, I believe there was something about a tax to take certain valuables out of the Philippines. I'll give another look for better info later.
Robert and RamonaMalePhilippines2012-01-02 09:13:00