ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Just a question for those who have just received their visas...how many months is the validity of the visa? Is it less than 4 months or ... ?

Congratulations to all of you who just got the visas :dance: :dance: :dance:

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-18 23:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

The Interview Site for Manila Embassy is now ready to access for April Interview dates.
http://203.177.135.1...tment/login.asp make sure to use your mouse to click on check appointment, otherwise it will show no appointment.


Thanks for the information...now we know when is our Medical Appointment and Inteview Date :dance: :dance: :dance: Exciting!!! :D at the same time full of anxiety :unsure:
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-15 00:02:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

This is the same line for all Visa applicants and the gard will not let you in until about an hour prior to your appointment time. No need to show up at 2 am. We had 0700 appointment times for the Tourist Visas and got there at 0600. Just go ahead of the line if it is geting close to your time and tell the gard, he will let you in. Our interview is on the 15th and we plan on being there around 6 am. We are staying at the Exec Plaza if anyone wants to catch a ride with us. Just PM me ofr our cell numbes, Ken

aloha for your response. she told me that someone told her there will be a long line early in the morning of the interview. many of the fiancees have the same appointment time. did not know that. some start to line up as early as 2 am. wonder if this is true. i suppose interview numbers are giving once the embassy is opened starting with the first person in line.


Ken_Maria, GOOD LUCK for the interview! And to all as well! You all do fantastic :dance:

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-12 12:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Coco, To play it safe, most of us made copies of everythting we submitted. I personally have 3 copies of everything we submitted... 1 for my fiancee, 1 for me and a back up. Most of the items for the interview can be copies and donot have to be originals. Looking at past interviews, the interviewers do not take a lot of evidence, just enough to satisfy there requirements. Good luck, Ken & Maria

Hi there!
You guys are all pretty much very ready :) Thank you for sharing your preparation of your documents and good luck for the interview!
I need the expertise from you all regarding making photo copies of documents as follows...
Me and my fiancee have tons of letters, greeting cards, mail receipts (USPS, Fedex, LBC), phone bills (cellular bills including text messaging and call logs from phone card I am using)...I am talking about correspondence from both of us since 2003 up to the present. I need to know how may of these documents I need to make photo copies? My fiancee of course will bring all originals to the interview. Do we need to make copies of each piece of documents from 2003 up to the present or we only have to select a few for the Consular's copy.
I need your advise...thank you!
Coco Puff



Thank you Ken_Maria :thumbs: We are doing the same thing 3 copies for all documents but in your own opinion because there is a lot to make copies...from 2003-2007 correspondence...Do we have to copy all even the 2003 letters/greeting cards and phone bills OR we just have to make copies of the last 12 months OR randomly pick 5-10 each year of correspondence? :unsure: My fiancee will bring all originals including the mails/correspondence she sent me here but I just want to know which of these we will make copies. I am trying not to waste a lot of paper for the photocopies because I know I don't need to copy all of it. I just want to make copies sufficient enough for the Consulate's review and surely they will ask for the originals anyway of which my fiancee is going to bring it. Sheriff told me to make copies a few before the petition and after up to the present. How about the old ones? Do I really have to make copies of all? :help: :help: :help:

Coco Puff :unsure: :unsure: :unsure:
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-12 12:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Thanks for sharing what you have prepared, made me stop and said gosh i only have 2 folders to show :D:... well girl, i think you are good to go! go for gold! :lol: see you soon.

Here's mine (hope im good to go too):

I think you should apply for a job with Immigrations LOL. You are well organized. With the 5 minute interviews, I think the pre-interview and CO have set questions to ask... looks like you are good to go. We have interviews the same day. Good luck, Ken Maria

Hey Guys! My interview is 5 days from now and I AM SO NERVOUS! Its already 4:30 am and Im still up trying to organize everything. I made a list of what I have for my interview and guys pls be patient because this is really long. Im hoping y'guys could tell me if I STILL NEED anything. Im hoping my list could also help you organize yours especially to Mari and Ate Ana :D Girls, do we have the same stuff? tell me if I miss/need something. THANKS ALOT!

DOCUMENTATIONS FOR INTERVIEW – FEB. 15 2007 7:30AM



Hi there!

You guys are all pretty much very ready :) Thank you for sharing your preparation of your documents and good luck for the interview!

I need the expertise from you all regarding making photo copies of documents as follows...

Me and my fiancee have tons of letters, greeting cards, mail receipts (USPS, Fedex, LBC), phone bills (cellular bills including text messaging and call logs from phone card I am using)...I am talking about correspondence from both of us since 2003 up to the present. I need to know how may of these documents I need to make photo copies? My fiancee of course will bring all originals to the interview. Do we need to make copies of each piece of documents from 2003 up to the present or we only have to select a few for the Consular's copy.

I need your advise...thank you!

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-12 00:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Updating timelines. CocoPuff, can we have the first 3 digits after "2006" of your Manila case number? Thanks.

Legend:
OK - Visa approved
AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required
ME - Military Expedite
AO - Age-Out (Derivative approaching age 21)

Name.................NOA2.....MNL REC’D..PACKET...INTERVIEW..MNL CASE#..STATUS..DELIVERED/#OF DAYS/PLACE DLVRD

K1 LIST
01..fish............11-13-06..12-28-06..xx-xx-xx..01-08-07..2006-733xxx..AR
02..sunflowertami...08-08-06..08-24-06..11-16-06..01-09-06..2006-735xxx..OK..Jan 12/03 days/Picked up
03..treynroxy.......08-03-06..08-25-06..11-29-06..01-11-07..2006-736xxx..OK..Jan 19/08 days/Tagbilaran
04..TimR............08-10-06..09-06-06..11-28-06..01-11-07..2006-736xxx..OK
05..daveandlirio....08-03-06..08-28-06..xx-xx-xx..01-12-07..2006-737xxx..OK..Jan 22/10 days/Cabanatuan
06..lovebug.........08-12-06..08-29-06..11-29-06..01-12-07..2006-737xxx..OK..Jan 17/05 days/Picked up
07..neonspark.......08-23-06..xx-xx-xx..11-28-06..01-12-07..2006-737xxx..??
08..kirkandjenny....08-18-06..09-26-06..11-29-06..01-19-07..2006-743xxx..Kirk is moving to the Philippines!
09. roundbo.........09-11-06..09-23-06..xx-xx-xx..01-30-07..2006-756xxx..??

10..Robhankins......09-01-06..09-22-06..xx-xx-xx..02-26-07..2006-761xxx..Rescheduled from 12/28/06

11..RiggerAF........09-04-06..10-02-06..12-14-06..01-18-07..2006-764xxx..OK..Jan 24/06 days/Manila
12..sway............09-05-06..10-30-06..xx-xx-xx..01-19-07..2006-764xxx..OK..??
13..edz2006.........09-05-06..10-04-06..12-14-06..01-23-07..2006-764xxx..OK..??

14..vic&el4ever.....09-07-06..09-27-06..01-06-07..02-01-07..2006-768xxx..AR
15..davidjack.......09-05-06..10-04-06..xx-xx-xx..02-02-07..2006-770xxx..??
16..binow...........09-20-06..10-02-06..01-04-07..02-02-07..2006-770xxx..??
17..lebby...........09-07-06..10-03-06..12-21-06..02-05-07..2006-772xxx..??
18..arch_n_cel......09-11-06..10-18-06..12-29-06..02-02-07..2006-772xxx..OK..Feb 07/05 days/Picked up
19..sbqwolf1........09-11-06..10-18-06..12-22-06..02-05-07..2006-772xxx..OK
20..lawrencejeramie.09-11-06..10-17-06..12-23-06..02-06-07..2006-775xxx..OK
21..JelloShotGirl...09-29-06..10-13-06..12-22-06..02-08-07..2006-776xxx..OK
22..Richard&Maria...09-05-06..10-06-06..12-21-06..02-13-07..2006-779xxx
23..garya505........09-18-06..10-17-06..12-29-06..02-13-07..2006-779xxx
24..Burrito.........09-21-06..10-18-06..12-23-06..02-14-07..2006-783xxx
25..Iniibig ko......09-07-06..10-15-06..12-27-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx
26..Thersch.........09-19-06..10-23-06..12-22-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx
27..Ken_Maria.......09-18-06..10-10-06..12-26-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx
28..mydestiny.......09-21-06..10-23-06..xx-xx-xx..02-23-07..2006-783xxx
29..Birdysboy.......09-11-06..10-23-06..01-05-07..02-26-07..2006-786xxx
30..gobdogman.......09-07-06..10-20-06..xx-xx-xx..02-16-07..2006-789xxx
31..Steve-n-Ana.....09-28-06..10-25-06..12-29-06..02-16-07..2006-789xxx
32..jamrok..........09-29-06..10-25-06..xx-xx-xx..11-24-06..2006-789xxx..OK..FINALLY OUT OF AR 1/31/06!!!
33..Erichu..........10-11-06..10-23-06..12-23-06..02-16-07..2006-789xxx
34..Paulily.........09-25-06..10-20-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx
35..felnfrank.......10-12-06..10-23-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx
36..bangus delight..10-05-06..10-20-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx
37..StevenandJinky..10-17-06..11-02-06..01-02-07..02-16-07..2006-793xxx
38..oakwell.........10-16-06..11-06-06..01-13-07..02-20-07..2006-796xxx
39..Mike_and_Jennie.10-05-06..10-30-06..12-21-06..02-20-07..2006-799xxx
40..2Hearts.........10-18-06..11-03-06..PICK UP...02-20-07..2006-800xxx
41..patrick808......10-18-06..10-30-06..01-24-07..03-08-07..2006-800xxx
42..Joone745........10-20-06..11-01-06..xx-xx-xx..03-09-07..2006-800xxx
43..kar3n...........10-16-06..11-14-06..12-21-06..02-21-07..2006-805xxx
44..macky...........10-05-06..11-22-06..12-12-06..02-22-07..2006-813xxx

45..Wes.............11-02-06..11-17-06..12-29-06..03-20-07..2006-818xxx
46..49bstreet.......09-29-06..11-21-06..01-23-07..03-21-07..2006-820xxx
47..maylet29........10-27-06..11-21-06..xx-xx-xx..03-22-07..2006-820xxx
48..kismet..........11-02-06..11-20-06..01-26-07..03-22-07..2006-820xxx
49..iya.............11-02-06..11-20-06..02-02-07..03-23-07..2006-820xxx
50..boch............11-08-06..11-29-06..01-05-07..03-23-07..2006-820xxx
51..B&N.............11-03-06..11-29-06..01-24-07..03-26-07..2006-824xxx
52..Alanlvsjudy.....11-06-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-27-07..2006-824xxx
53..mpgirl..........11-21-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-23-07..2006-834xxx

54..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-842xxx
55..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx
56..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx
57..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx
58..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx
59..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-852xxx
60..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-854xxx
61..supra...........12-07-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-860xxx
62..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-???xxx
63..Dean/Gra........12-26-06..01-04-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-503xxx
64..CocoPuff........12-29-06..01-16.07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-???xxx

64..Honeysweet......02-01-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

K3 LIST
01..Glenn&Rosemarie.08-29-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..01-25-07..2006-750xxx..OK..Feb 01/07 days/Cagayan de Oro
02..Amerikano.......10-03-06..10-19-06..01-05-07..02-13-07..2006-783xxx
03..KimTung.........10-06-06..10-26-06..12-21-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx
04..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-839xxx
05..M&M.............11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-503xxx

IR-1/CR-1
Name.................NOA2.....CASE CMPLT..PACKET..INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#..STATUS

01..Biancashey......03-09-06..09-01-06..xx-xx-xx..01-19-07..2006-576xxx..OK..Jan 24/05 days/Cavite
02..JunCel..........05-15-06..08-24-06..12-07-06..01-05-07..2006-646xxx..OK..Jan 13/08 days/SF, La Union
03..facechelle......05-31-06..09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..01-30-07..2006-659xxx..OK..Feb 02/03 days/Pampanga
04..Jazzy...........08-03-06..10-17-06..12-30-06..02-08-07..2006-729xxx..AR..late BC reg. of stepdaughter
05..w1n78...........09-05-06..11-16-06..02-05-07..03-02-07..2006-764xxx..P4 received in CA
06..soulm8z0928.....09-06-06..11-16-06..02-05-07..03-14-07..2006-76xxxx..P4 received in FL
07..M&M.............09-07-06..11-15-06..02-05-07..03-15-07..2006-765xxx..P4 received in OH
08..Amerikano.......09-13-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-772xxx..
09..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..02-06-07..03-19-07..2006-775xxx..P4 received in OR
10..KimTung.........09-26-06..12-21-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-779xxx
11..StarProg........12-28-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-508xxx



My fiancee actually said the same thing So I will go ahead and ask for the bank letter but as what Sheriff's said, it might not be needed in my case. So I will have it as a supplemental document...we will present it only upon request. Thank you guys :thumbs: !!! And PW thank you for adding our timeline...and ohh I will give the other 3 digits when we pass the interview :innocent:

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-08 23:40:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Hi,

Need further information :help: My fiancee got the notice already from USE Manila. Question about "Evidence of Bonafide relationship"...we have letters/cards/emails/phone calls/courier receipts...what about "Proof of Financial Support"? What is this? Never heard of this before :unsure: This is a seperate requirement from I-134, Affidavit of Support in the letter she received from USE. We are in process for K1 Visa. Do we need this "Proof of Financial Support? Can someone explain what is this? Thank you.

Coco Puff

Coco Puff...

The proof of financial support is the I-134 (Affidavit of Support ) form with the supporting documentation.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling



Ohh :lol: I thought I need to provide bank receipts or remittances that I am sending money to my fiancee ;) Of which I don't. It is on the same pharagraph of the proof or evidence of bonafide relationship that is why we were confused :blush: And they have a different pharagraph for the I-134 requirement.

And ohh Sheriff, I know you told me in PM that my income itself is sufficient enough ($50,000) and all I need is letter of verification, 3 years of ITR (maybe include the current W-2 as well) and 6 months of pay stubs. And here you go again the question of the bank statement :innocent: since they include it there again as part of the requirement. Should I get one or should I not? Sorry keep on asking about this :innocent: I just want to make sure my fiancee's interview will go smoothly. Thank you once again :)

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-08 18:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview

Updating timelines of Jazzy and to welcome Honeysweet (NOA2 is all you need to make it to our list :yes: )

Yay, congrats Jello!!! Now, you can go to sleep. Then again maybe not. Your adrenaline will probably keep you going til tomorrow :lol:

Legend:
OK - Visa approved
AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required
ME - Military Expedite
AO - Age-Out (Derivative approaching age 21)

Name.................NOA2.....MNL REC’D..PACKET...INTERVIEW..MNL CASE#..STATUS..DELIVERED/#OF DAYS/PLACE DLVRD

K1 LIST
01..fish............11-13-06..12-28-06..xx-xx-xx..01-08-07..2006-733xxx..AR
02..sunflowertami...08-08-06..08-24-06..11-16-06..01-09-06..2006-735xxx..OK..Jan 12/03 days/Picked up
03..treynroxy.......08-03-06..08-25-06..11-29-06..01-11-07..2006-736xxx..OK..Jan 19/08 days/Tagbilaran
04..TimR............08-10-06..09-06-06..11-28-06..01-11-07..2006-736xxx..OK
05..daveandlirio....08-03-06..08-28-06..xx-xx-xx..01-12-07..2006-737xxx..OK..Jan 22/10 days/Cabanatuan
06..lovebug.........08-12-06..08-29-06..11-29-06..01-12-07..2006-737xxx..OK..Jan 17/05 days/Picked up
07..neonspark.......08-23-06..xx-xx-xx..11-28-06..01-12-07..2006-737xxx..??
08..kirkandjenny....08-18-06..09-26-06..11-29-06..01-19-07..2006-743xxx..Kirk is moving to the Philippines!
09. roundbo.........09-11-06..09-23-06..xx-xx-xx..01-30-07..2006-756xxx..??

10..Robhankins......09-01-06..09-22-06..xx-xx-xx..02-26-07..2006-761xxx..Rescheduled from 12/28/06

11..RiggerAF........09-04-06..10-02-06..12-14-06..01-18-07..2006-764xxx..OK..Jan 24/06 days/Manila
12..sway............09-05-06..10-30-06..xx-xx-xx..01-19-07..2006-764xxx..OK..??
13..edz2006.........09-05-06..10-04-06..12-14-06..01-23-07..2006-764xxx..OK..??

14..vic&el4ever.....09-07-06..09-27-06..01-06-07..02-01-07..2006-768xxx..AR
15..davidjack.......09-05-06..10-04-06..xx-xx-xx..02-02-07..2006-770xxx..??
16..binow...........09-20-06..10-02-06..01-04-07..02-02-07..2006-770xxx..??
17..lebby...........09-07-06..10-03-06..12-21-06..02-05-07..2006-772xxx..??
18..arch_n_cel......09-11-06..10-18-06..12-29-06..02-02-07..2006-772xxx..OK..Feb 07/05 days/Picked up
19..sbqwolf1........09-11-06..10-18-06..12-22-06..02-05-07..2006-772xxx..OK
20..lawrencejeramie.09-11-06..10-17-06..12-23-06..02-06-07..2006-775xxx..OK
21..JelloShotGirl...09-29-06..10-13-06..12-22-06..02-08-07..2006-776xxx..OK
22..Richard&Maria...09-05-06..10-06-06..12-21-06..02-13-07..2006-779xxx
23..garya505........09-18-06..10-17-06..12-29-06..02-13-07..2006-779xxx
24..Burrito.........09-21-06..10-18-06..12-23-06..02-14-07..2006-783xxx
25..Iniibig ko......09-07-06..10-15-06..12-27-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx
26..Thersch.........09-19-06..10-23-06..12-22-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx
27..Ken_Maria.......09-18-06..10-10-06..12-26-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx
28..mydestiny.......09-21-06..10-23-06..xx-xx-xx..02-23-07..2006-783xxx
29..Birdysboy.......09-11-06..10-23-06..01-05-07..02-26-07..2006-786xxx
30..gobdogman.......09-07-06..10-20-06..xx-xx-xx..02-16-07..2006-789xxx
31..Steve-n-Ana.....09-28-06..10-25-06..12-29-06..02-16-07..2006-789xxx
32..jamrok..........09-29-06..10-25-06..xx-xx-xx..11-24-06..2006-789xxx..OK..FINALLY OUT OF AR 1/31/06!!!
33..Erichu..........10-11-06..10-23-06..12-23-06..02-16-07..2006-789xxx
34..Paulily.........09-25-06..10-20-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx
35..felnfrank.......10-12-06..10-23-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx
36..bangus delight..10-05-06..10-20-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx
37..StevenandJinky..10-17-06..11-02-06..01-02-07..02-16-07..2006-793xxx
38..oakwell.........10-16-06..11-06-06..01-13-07..02-20-07..2006-796xxx
39..Mike_and_Jennie.10-05-06..10-30-06..12-21-06..02-20-07..2006-799xxx
40..2Hearts.........10-18-06..11-03-06..PICK UP...02-20-07..2006-800xxx
41..patrick808......10-18-06..10-30-06..01-24-07..03-08-07..2006-800xxx
42..Joone745........10-20-06..11-01-06..xx-xx-xx..03-09-07..2006-800xxx
43..kar3n...........10-16-06..11-14-06..12-21-06..02-21-07..2006-805xxx
44..macky...........10-05-06..11-22-06..12-12-06..02-22-07..2006-813xxx

45..Wes.............11-02-06..11-17-06..12-29-06..03-20-07..2006-818xxx
46..49bstreet.......09-29-06..11-21-06..01-23-07..03-21-07..2006-820xxx
47..maylet29........10-27-06..11-21-06..xx-xx-xx..03-22-07..2006-820xxx
48..kismet..........11-02-06..11-20-06..01-26-07..03-22-07..2006-820xxx
49..iya.............11-02-06..11-20-06..02-02-07..03-23-07..2006-820xxx
50..boch............11-08-06..11-29-06..01-05-07..03-23-07..2006-820xxx
51..B&N.............11-03-06..11-29-06..01-24-07..03-26-07..2006-824xxx
52..Alanlvsjudy.....11-06-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-27-07..2006-824xxx
53..mpgirl..........11-21-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-23-07..2006-834xxx

54..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-842xxx
55..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx
56..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx
57..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx
58..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..01-24-07..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx
59..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-852xxx
60..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-854xxx
61..supra...........12-07-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-860xxx
62..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-???xxx
63..Dean/Gra........12-26-06..01-04-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-503xxx

64..Honeysweet......02-01-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

K3 LIST
01..Glenn&Rosemarie.08-29-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..01-25-07..2006-750xxx..OK..Feb 01/07 days/Cagayan de Oro
02..Amerikano.......10-03-06..10-19-06..01-05-07..02-13-07..2006-783xxx
03..KimTung.........10-06-06..10-26-06..12-21-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx
04..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-839xxx
05..M&M.............11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-503xxx

IR-1/CR-1
Name.................NOA2.....CASE CMPLT..PACKET..INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#..STATUS

01..Biancashey......03-09-06..09-01-06..xx-xx-xx..01-19-07..2006-576xxx..OK..Jan 24/05 days/Cavite
02..JunCel..........05-15-06..08-24-06..12-07-06..01-05-07..2006-646xxx..OK..Jan 13/08 days/SF, La Union
03..facechelle......05-31-06..09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..01-30-07..2006-659xxx..OK..Feb 02/03 days/Pampanga
04..Jazzy...........08-03-06..10-17-06..12-30-06..02-08-07..2006-729xxx..AR..late BC reg. of stepdaughter
05..w1n78...........09-05-06..11-16-06..02-05-07..03-02-07..2006-764xxx..P4 received in CA
06..soulm8z0928.....09-06-06..11-16-06..02-05-07..03-14-07..2006-76xxxx..P4 received in FL
07..M&M.............09-07-06..11-15-06..02-05-07..03-15-07..2006-765xxx..P4 received in OH
08..Amerikano.......09-13-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-772xxx..
09..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..02-06-07..03-19-07..2006-775xxx..P4 received in OR
10..KimTung.........09-26-06..12-21-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-779xxx
11..StarProg........12-28-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-508xxx



Hi PW,

Can you add our timeline too? MNL2007-xxxxxx Thank you!

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-08 17:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionManila Embassy Interview
Hi,

Need further information :help: My fiancee got the notice already from USE Manila. Question about "Evidence of Bonafide relationship"...we have letters/cards/emails/phone calls/courier receipts...what about "Proof of Financial Support"? What is this? Never heard of this before :unsure: This is a seperate requirement from I-134, Affidavit of Support in the letter she received from USE. We are in process for K1 Visa. Do we need this "Proof of Financial Support? Can someone explain what is this? Thank you.

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-02-08 16:47:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionA special thread for PatientlyWaiting...
Our best wished to you Ate Cora!!! You are a big help to our case! Bring us GOOD NEWS from the U.S. Embassy okay (F) God bless!

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-11 23:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSt. Lukes Medical in Manila

Hi everyone! We just finished our Visa Interview in Manila today and it went without a hitch or problem. Here are some tips I can give:

- Someone had a guide here with layout of the place. Print that out and follow it.
- DO NOT BRING YOUR X-RAY films. I saw a lot of people with it - it's not necessary. Just make sure you brought the sealed envelope St. Luke's gave you. It's a hassle carrying that large envelope around anyhow.
- If a guard outside tells you to wait on the side first and you can't get in the "Waiting Shed" area, don't believe him. I dropped my fiance off to park the car and found her waiting on the side (where the vendors and fixers are). I went to the line and asked another guard and he said I could go in. Just tell them you're for immigrant visa. We were there around 5:40AM and our appointment was 7:30AM.
- If USC is here to be with the fiance for the interview bring your PASSPORT
- Don't bother bringing cel phones or any other electronic device. You'll just surrender them.
- Inside the place you'll be given a ticket number ACCORDING TO YOUR INTERVIEW APPOINTMENT TIME. Ours was 7:30AM so we had to sit and wait until all the 6:30 appointees got their numbers first. So getting there really really early if your appointment is at 8:30AM is useless.
- Don't worry about the numbers being called or flashing on the board seem to be higher than yours. You haven't been bypassed. They call the numbers in a somewhat random order - I think according to who can get your file together quicker.
- Familiarize yourself with the surrounding - which window is what number - A few people wandered around when their number flashed looking for the room or window to go to.
- Make sure you have 2 extra passport photos and your complete forms. The person in front of us didn't and so they asked him to go back outside and have passport photos taken, gave him missing forms and had them complete it frist. Instead of being #1 for our time slot they went to #24. still no big deal it was about an hour difference.
- Bring at least Php 300.00 for paying Delbros for delivery of fiance's passport and visa. Ours cost around $165 (??) I think.
- Be honest - don't be nervous.
- They asked us the following questions:
> How did our relationship start
> When did we first meet face to face
> When did I propose
> Were we ever married before
> Do we have kids
> What do I do for a living? (the petitioner)
> When did I arrive here in Philippines (petitioner)
> When do we plan to leave for U.S. (we said sometime in May)
.... Pretty basic questions. There wasn't even any cross-examination, i.e. we weren't tested to see if we really know anything about each other.
- I prepared a new set of pictures and copies of boarding passes, receipts, etc. to present as an ongoing relationship. The pre-screener Just took the pictures gave us back all the other photocopies. Then the Consul NEVER even looked at the pictures just gave it back to me, which surprised me. She just went through my old pictures (from my submission of the petition in the U.S.)
- Here's another thing that surprised me. They didn't ask for her Police Clearance or Barranggay Clearance or CENOMAR. Just NBI and Birth Certificate is what we handed over.

Well that's it. No big deal. No hassle. Just make sure you have all your papers ready. Good Luck Everyone!!!!

Arnold & Joan


Check this post from "Arnold & Joan"...that is what I learned too that the results will be forwarded to the USE together with the passport.

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-12 00:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionSt. Lukes Medical in Manila
Someone mentioned about getting a SEALED ENVELOPE at St. Luke's together with the X-ray and vaccination record...what is that SEALED ENVELOPE since my fiancee was given only her X-ray and vaccination record :unsure: NO SEALED ENVELOPE WAS GIVEN!!! We're worried please advise...

Thank you!

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-12 00:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestions re: Manila CFO Guidance Counseling

That "visa summary" they are talking about is probably the form outside the sealed envelope...just make copy of that. I don't know how it looks like but I was told by my fiancee that some of her aquaintances during the seminar with the visa on-hand already bring those. And of course bring the passport with the visa on it since they affix the sticker/stamp on the passport.

Good Luck!

Coco Puff


Hi everyone, thanks for the advise. Coco Puff - I'm looking at the package of her visa that came through the Delbros delivery. All that's in the package was her Passport, the Brown Envelope that's NOT TO BE OPENED, a receipt from Delbros for the delivery, the Appointment Letter from the Embassy originally sent to her with her interview date, the pre-departure yellow paper giving instructions on the seminars to take, and the big WARNING DO NOT OPEN piece of paper. I don't really see anything that would pass as a "Visa Summary". Anyone else know what this is?

I don't really want to bring the entire package specially the Brown Envelope for fear of breaking that seal. Thanks again everyone.


Well I guess it is just the passport that you need to bring. That is considered to me as a Visa Summary if nothing else is inside the package except for the confidential brown envelope and miscellaneous papers. No name nor the case number in the envelope? You can just copy the exterior of the envelope if there is any information printed in there.

Tell you more when we get ours next week :thumbs: ...Wish us Good Luck! But for now that is all I can share with you :yes:

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-21 20:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestions re: Manila CFO Guidance Counseling

Hi Arnold and Joan! My fiancee went there on the 18th and all went pretty smooth. She was only ask for her BIRTH CERTIFICATE, NBI CLEARANCE, COPY OF HER PASSPORT (Since her passport is with St. Luke's enroute to USE for her interview next week), VALID FORMS OF ID AND PAYMENT FOR THE SEMINAR. The forms need to be filled out there when the applicant arrives. She was never ask for PARENT'S CONSENT FORM TO MARRY. I think she is old enough (23 years old) to decide for marriage. The only thing also you need to bring if available and if applicable to your case if one of you was married before...bring the divorce decree or annullment of marriage document. Hope this helps.

Coco Puff


Forgot something :) My fianceee was advise what to bring the next time she comes back for the sticker/stamp at St. Mary's...(don't get confuse...we had the seminar prior to visa issuance that is why she needs to come back for the sticker/stamp prior to departure to US)...

That "visa summary" they are talking about is probably the form outside the sealed envelope...just make copy of that. I don't know how it looks like but I was told by my fiancee that some of her aquaintances during the seminar with the visa on-hand already bring those. And of course bring the passport with the visa on it since they affix the sticker/stamp on the passport.

Good Luck!

Coco Puff
Coco PuffNot TellingPhilippines2007-04-21 18:51:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionThe Interview at the embassy
Hi everyone! My fiance and I are at the final stages of the process- he will be going to his interview in 2 weeks. We don't know any details about the interview process- Does anyone have any info that might help us be more prepared?
Thanks!
skbFemaleBrazil2007-01-04 17:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionquestions re final stage of K1 process
We were missing the DS 157, the FS 257a, and the second copy of the DS 156.
skbFemaleBrazil2007-01-16 17:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionquestions re final stage of K1 process
Hey everyone. My fiance just got back from his interview this morning in Rio de Janeiro, and turns out he was missing some required documents. We have had our interview rescheduled for January 31st, and I am trying to get the missing documents together. I have a few questions, and am hoping that someone will have the answers.
My first question is this: Is the "Sworn Statement" the DS-230 part II?

Also, does anyone know how long after the interview that my fiance will be able to travel? He has his interview at 8am on January 31, and the ticket that I bought is for 8pm Feb 3. Will he have his visa and his passport and be ready to go by then?

My final confusion is this: Are the "Affadavit of Support" and the "I-134" the same thing?

Thanks, everyone. This has been a difficult and horrible morning, but hopefully we will figure everything out and get it right the next time around.
skbFemaleBrazil2007-01-16 14:40:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Question 24, DS-230
I am new and this is my first time to post. I am waiting for ds 230 bill, can anyone tell me what the new fees for this are? We have already placed choice of agent. I would appreciate help for anyone who has information regarding the new fees. Thanks
NativeLisaFemaleJordan2007-11-07 19:38:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaNew York Times and Ecuadorian Cuisine
Chevere!!!!! my friend also sent this to me. My favorite: chochos and chifles!!!!!!
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2008-08-20 20:00:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaBreaks in Diplomatic Relations -- Visas Still Issued?
My fiance has not told me anything about embassies or consulates in ecuador closing, and he is pretty on top of the political stuff there.
For what it's worth.
isn't Hodges fairly new? that may be a plus....
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2008-09-14 15:23:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americapurchasing flight on internet
QUOTE (VivaBaños @ Sep 19 2008, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for all of the replies; they are all very helpful.

I spent 3 hours yesterday searching around on every single website I know of and could find listed on VJ for tickets trying all kinds of combinations of cities and dates. I ended up finding the cheapest ticket ($20 cheaper than ATI and that ticket was a steal) and ($100-$200) cheaper than the typical sites at, surprisingly enough, expedia. I had searched Expedia earlier, but this cheap-o flight didn't come up until the very end of my searching...so I grabbed it!

thanks for all of the help!



just wanted to add, I have flown American twice which was fine, but last time i took COPA and it was GREAT! a lot cheaper than American, great service, and a shiny new airport in Panama City to fly through.

i also just found out about a deal that LAN is offering- you can go all over south america for pretty cheap. instead of tickets you buy coupons, so its a little muddled in terms of the cost. i priced out a sample trip that hits about 20 cities and crisscrosses the entire continent for about $4000. the only hitch is you must be a citizen/resident of anywhere BUT south america to be eligible. so we are going to wait until he gets here and then buy tickets for a monthlong trip!

have fun on your trip!!!!!
all the best,
kathie
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2008-09-20 18:46:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaPolice Certificate in Ecuador
helpful information, thank you for sharing! i'm just sitting here trying to figure out all that stuff. i think we are going to get our noa2 in a month or so, so im trying to get ready!
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2008-08-05 12:42:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americavoting tax in ecuador
Hello, here is the update!
My husband was not asked to pay the voting tax. He departed from Quito--- and is back home now. YAY!
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2009-05-23 22:29:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americavoting tax in ecuador
no problem, i will let you know what happens. thanks again for your input. yes, even though i got the same answer as you it still sounded kind of flimsy. i will let C know about the place in Ambato, but if it were me, i would take the risk at the airport.
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2009-05-18 15:43:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americavoting tax in ecuador
So I talked to the Ecuadorian Consulate both in LA and SF today-- and got two different stories--- surprise! First i called the one in LA and the person who answered sounded like she was trying to BS her way out of not knowing the answer. Her accent was really hard to understand, and she was saying that US permanent residents from Ecuador still have to pay the tax ("it's not very expensive, it's no problem, just pay it") and so when my signal got cut off I didn't bother calling back. Next the Consulate in SF was more professional and easier to understand. She understood what I was talking about right away and stated definitively that as a US permanent resident, he does not have to pay the voting fine in order to leave. When asked what he should do if they ask him to pay, she said well then you have to pay, but they might not even ask him if he voted in the first place. She said she thinks the fine is around $30-35 and it is assessed at the airport.
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2009-05-18 13:22:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americavoting tax in ecuador
Definitely stellar advice, thanks for the heads up!!


QUOTE (VivaBaños @ May 17 2009, 03:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I hope the Consulate can help with the info tomorrow.

Also, just a little FYI--for whatever reason when my husband was passing through the Quito airport to return to the US after a quick visit home a couple months ago, the customs/passport checkperson did not want to accept my husband's greencard. I have no idea why not or why they didn't want to believe that he had been in the US already by also verifying the stamp in his passport. They called the supervisor over after a bit and of course let him go through. The point is, let Chamy know that it might be best if he allows a little bit of time for these kinds of hassles at the airport, just in case.


Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2009-05-17 17:27:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americavoting tax in ecuador
hey viva banos, how are you guys doing? thanks for your reply and legwork! i will let my husband know. this monday i might call the ecuadorian consulate in SF-- that's closest to where we live. hopefully they will give me some magic word i can give my husband. he said something about having to spend a day in line to pay the fine... i dont really know. anyhow i hope he doesn't have to go thru some major hassle. ive been searching the web for information on it and found very little- nothing useful. i was on the US consulate page but didnt think of checking the ecuadorian one-- so thanks!!
kathie


QUOTE (VivaBaños @ May 17 2009, 07:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Chamy and Gatita @ May 16 2009, 02:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everyone,
My Ecuadorian husband is visiting friends and family in Ecuador this week. It's his first trip back! However, Ecuador has a penalty fine for citizens who don't vote, and they had an election after my husband moved here. Now he has a green card and permanent US resident status. He says that it doesn't matter- that he will have to pay the fine in order to leave the country. Does anyone know about this? We also need to know how much the fine is. Thanks!


Hi Gatita.

Hope your husband has a nice trip back home.

When we called the Ecuadorian Consulate here in the US to discuss participation in the previous presidential elections they told my husband that folks at the airport would demand a fee/tax the next time leaving Ecuador because he had not voted in the elections. The Consulate in Chicago told us that there is NO fee to leave the country (beyond the regular tax that everyone pays at the airport that's around $40). It doesn't mean that people won't be asking or demanding the fee of course.

I believe, however, if your husband needs to get copies of documents from any level of government in Ecuador or when he votes again (since he won't be able to turn in the old voting card) there is a fee.

Hope that helps.


Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2009-05-17 16:58:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americavoting tax in ecuador
Hi everyone,
My Ecuadorian husband is visiting friends and family in Ecuador this week. It's his first trip back! However, Ecuador has a penalty fine for citizens who don't vote, and they had an election after my husband moved here. Now he has a green card and permanent US resident status. He says that it doesn't matter- that he will have to pay the fine in order to leave the country. Does anyone know about this? We also need to know how much the fine is. Thanks!
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2009-05-16 13:05:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americawhere can ecuadorians travel to?
Thanks for the last reply! besides a travel agent in ecuador, have you been able to research any of this online, or do you have any suggestions for that?
good point on cuba. we will look into the dominican republic. im still wondering about the bahamas/bermuda/other caribbean islands. saw your timeline- congratulations!
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2008-08-03 12:49:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americawhere can ecuadorians travel to?
muchas gracias a todos, i will send this information to our friend. she did confirm that her boyfriend went to quito but she didnt remember if he got the interviewer's name. the interview lasted about 3-4 minutes on 7/24 (and just to restate to avoid confusion, this was an interview for a tourist visa). she will try to get more information for those who were interested.

it is nice to meet all of you who are also marrying an ecuatoriano/a!!! where do all your ecuadorian partners live? how often to you all get to visit? if anyone has more information on where ecuadorians can travel without a visa, please let me know. how about canada?

to "viva banos", that is where my fiance lives! do you or your partner live there too?

ciao,
kathie
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2008-07-28 11:50:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americawhere can ecuadorians travel to?
I can ask my friend for more details- about anything in particular? they were all happy and geared up to see each other, thinking that getting an interview was a good sign. now they are trying to find out what countries they can both travel to.
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2008-07-27 21:59:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americawhere can ecuadorians travel to?
posting for a friend--
we are trying to find out where an ecuadorian can travel to without a visa. we are friends with an american-ecuadorian couple who are not quite ready for marriage (as of today) but do want to maintain a relationship. the ecuadorian applied for a tourist visa, got an interview, and got denied. I mean SMUSHED- apparently the interviewer was very rude and our friends are just crushed. Anyhow, they are trying to figure out where the ecuadorian can travel without a visa. any help will be appreciated!
thanks!!
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2008-07-27 21:02:00
Mexico, Latin & South Americacan USC get dual citizenship in hubby's country?
I married an Ecuadorian citizen, who is now a US permanent resident. We married in the US. On a recent trip back to Ecuador, a lawyer told us we need to legalize our marriage in Ecuador, so that my husband's legal status can be changed to married on his cedula, etc. (He also has a bank account and two properties there). The lawyer said that after we do that, I can get Ecuadorian citizenship and an Ecuadorian passport. This is relevant because currently I travel as a USC and am limited to a stay of 90 days unless I apply for a visa. We don't have plans to live in Ecuador any time soon but it seems like it would be a good idea to have that option.
I'm looking for information on this issue: is dual citizenship a possibility for me and is it a good idea?
Thanks !!
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2010-04-18 23:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTranslation of Divorce Decree
I'm not going to say I have it figured out...finally. I will just think this thought. whistling.gif

For the purposes of possibly helping someone in the future I will try to be as concise as possible...just remember I used the words try and possible if you slog through this entire post.

There was one additional doc I had not put up for you to view, but it is really irrelevant. On the back of the Udmurt Divorce decree is the Russian version.

After my last post I went to Wikipedia and did a search for Udmurt Language. Udmurt and Russian are co-official languages in the Udmurt Republic. The article says it has 5 more Cyrillic characters, but I could only count 4. They are ? , ?, ?, and ?. All Russian Cyrillic characters with the diaeresis added, like the ? in both Russian and Udmurt. After reading the article and seeing how 'Welcome' is expressed in both languages it is obvious a Russian would not necessarily be able to read Udmurt. They showed a photo of an establishment in Izhevsk. I will have to search for this when I am there in January. Sure, they could probably guess at words as I'm sure many are very similar. From the Wiki article:

Based on the style, about 10 to 30 percent of the Udmurt lexicon are loanwords. Many loanwords are from the Tatar language, as well as phonetics, the syntax and so on. Words related to technology, science and politics have been borrowed from Russian.

A Russian's guess at some Udmurt words might even be as accurate as some of our guesses as we learn Russian.

Last night I called Yevgeniya to discuss with her, her conversation with Luba. Then I did what I should have done Wednesday evening after having received all documents. I sent an email back to Luba asking specifically what I had been sent and how they all related. Her response was waiting for me this morning. I even did one more thing last night while I was waiting for the response from Luba. I did a search at Google and came across a very interesting site. Not really applicable for us going through this process, but it addressed my question about the accuracy of there not being such a thing as a marriage certificate being available after a divorce in Russia. I was still hung up with the impression I needed an original Marriage Certificate and certified translation to submit the I-129F. I'll come back to this point after I finish my search result discussion.

This site answers questions about Divorce related issues with a Russian from a lawyer. If you are interested in seeing more specifics or if you know of anyone in the position of divorcing a Russian this might be a good link to investigate:

Click here!

Anyway, I clicked Ask Lawyer and asked if it was true there is no such thing as a Marriage Certificate being available after divorce in Russia. She confirmed this in an email to me shortly after I posted the question. What can be requested, which I was sent, is what she called certificate on change of maiden name, which my document title shows as Conclusion of Marriage Statement. I explained to her I thought I understand now what I had and thanked her. This morning I received another email from her asking me if I sent her scanned copies she could confirm my analysis. Why not? So I did this with a fuller explanation of what I felt I had.

Now, a new light bulb went off, I re-read Item 6 - C. of the instruction for Form I-129F:

If either you or the person you are filing for is using a name other than that shown on the relevant documents, you must give USCIS copies of the legal documents that made the change, such as a marriage certificate, adoption decree or court order.

Italics and bold added by me. For some reason, and I would guess others have done the same, I did not make this important distinction. She is not using this name currently. Just because here maiden name appears on the G-325a I felt this required the need for a Marriage Certificate or other document proving her maiden name. With my new 'enhanced' reading of instruction I don't feel this is necessary.

I have everything I need regarding this final item - The divorce decree in Udmurt with a notarization at bottom and the English translation. I suppose I 'could' include the maiden name change docs but I think it might be confusing to the USCIS Adjuticator trying to say something that is titled Dissolution of Marriage Certificate is actually just proving a maiden name, so why should I? Some say err on the side of caution. For this sole reason, instead of going down to the post office as soon as I finish this post and sending the petition off to the CSC, I'll wait until Monday.

From the beginning of the topic I've obviously been thinking a great deal. Some might say too much. I will add that some of my ideas on what to do next popped into my mind at 3:30am, or during work. I'll let you decide if I was successful in having a peaceful sleep after some of these 'revelations'! I don't want anyone to think these were light bulbs popping off in front of my eyes exactly when I needed.

I apologize for the length of this post. Oops...short break I need to call Luba - 12 hours difference... ... ... ... Let's see where was I...I think I'm done and I think I'll just be enjoying this very unseasonably warm weather here in Northern California the rest of the weekend. BTW the link to the documents is no longer active. I've removed them. Their purpose has expired and is not necessary any longer. I feel my explanations are enough for anyone in the future exploring this Topic.

Oh...one final comment for Mox's benefit. This was a comment Luba sent in her last email.

Robert, Thanks you for such warm and the remarkable letter. It has calmed me and has pleased to me. It has pleased, because you with such care and understanding have considered me.

Now I will very soon be joining all of the others in WAIT mode. Back to my studying of Russian and my daily emails and phone calls to Luba.
bobbMaleRussia2008-11-15 13:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTranslation of Divorce Decree
QUOTE
For some reason I completely missed that it was being translated from another language besides Russian, even though we were talking about
that exact thing...

I understand. I've done that myself.

QUOTE
Regarding the language issue...search the forum, plenty of others have run into difficulties too, and have found unique ways around them. The best online translator I've found so far (and it's not perfect) is translate.google.com. If she writes to you in Russian, you can usually copy/paste it into Google Translate and get a good idea of what she's saying. You can also write a letter to her, and then translate from English -> Russian. BUT! Translate it twice and massage it until it comes out right. I.e., Write the English version, translate to Russian, then translate the Russian output back into English, and see what got mangled. Fix until it comes out reasonably well. It still won't be perfect, she'll probably get a couple laughs, but at least she'll be able to read it. Also, get a Russian tutor. After you're married you'll be going back with some frequency. The more Russian you know, the more impressed your in-laws will be. smile.gif

No problem with our emails. She has a friend who translates them, and she can even read English good. She just can't speak it well. The emails I receive are excellent and no problem reading. Just the common grammer errors. We used google translate when in St Petersburg. On the computer at apartment I set up two windows side by side. One for Russian --> English and vice versa. You have to really be aware not use any slang at all. It worked very good to get across any complex issues and questions.

Right now she has purchased a book with a couple CD's to supplement her limited knowledge. When I am there in January we will go to her Language Department at University and have them suggest a program for her to begin until she leaves Russia. I am also currently studying Russian. I have been slacking a bit lately because of preparation for the application. I did learn some very basic Russian a couple years ago...I have reached that level again in some areas, and exceeded in others. I know it will be a continual learning experience for me. I find myself answering Da a lot of time to people in general and at work. Before my trip in January I will really concentrating on family type conversations to learn. It's surprising I can understand more and more when she lapses into a sentence or two in Russian when we talk. There is a lot of Ya panimayu...panila?...chu chu...nyet...karasho, etc.
bobbMaleRussia2008-11-14 19:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTranslation of Divorce Decree
I don't know what it did when I edited the previous post but here is the link:

Click here!
bobbMaleRussia2008-11-14 15:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTranslation of Divorce Decree
QUOTE (mox @ Nov 14 2008, 07:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
This is common in Russia, actually. Yoshkar-Ola is in the Mari El Republic, where they speak Mari and Russian. Kazan is in Tatarstan, where they speak two different languages PLUS Russian. Etc. But the only translations that are necessary are from whatever the document was written in, to English. No intermediates.

Does Yoshkar-Ola use Mari in their documents?

QUOTE
Don't waste your time trying to get it notarized. And actually you'd probably have a difficult time finding a notary who would be willing to notarize it, unless they spoke the language.

My current confusion is with the requirement for filing the I-129F, which is different from what she will need to bring to the Embassy in Moscow for the interview. Filing does not require notarization. For the interview, if the original is in a language other than Russian, it must be notarized. I can't imagine why the difference but it is there. The only obstacle, and it may not be an obstacle, is finding someone locally, or elsewhere who can read Udmurt. Looking at the Udmurt version it appears there are only a few letters that are different from Russian - An M instead of a T, the use of the letter u and maybe a few other minor differences.

QUOTE
This is VERY common, don't worry about it. And don't push the issue with her. For some reason it tends to be a sensitive one. Maybe one of the wives/fiancee's can speak up and shed more light.

I'm not pushing her. I have just tried to explain it might be better for her to talk to a Russian who can help. someone who knows exactly what is needed. I have sent this person the documents I've been sent so they would be able to have an 'intelligent' discussion. This morning there wasn't an email waiting for me when I awoke. When I called her, as I do every morning and night, after my morning post, she mentioned she did talk with Yevgeniya. We might each both know 200 words in each others language. At least 200 words or maybe more you would use in normal conversations. I'm not talking about knowing how to say chair, or cat, or refrigerator in Russian. So you can imagine the difficulty of trying to convey our thoughts concerning this issue on the phone. I quickly learned how to say Don't send by courier yet. I did learn she did call Yevgeniya. I will have to wait for her email tomorrow but she also said Yevgeniya said the documents she has will work. If that is the case I don't know what order to put them in. Not one of these documents sent to me had any explanation of what is what. I think I've figured out what is what but have no idea about the two signed notarization docs. I will have to wait until this evening to call Yevgeniya to see what she can tell me. From her last email to me she might be on the train for Moscow by now.

If anyone would like to go the a link I provide below (I have erased the names) to review what I have, and can then confirm these would be adequate for filing I would appreciate it. Or maybe these will only be good for the interview and I will still need to find someone who can read them and then translate and certify the Udmurt divorce decree. I would further need to know in what order to assemble them. The divorce decree in Udmurt is converted to 8-bit grayscale to reduce file size. The acutal printing of these from inkjet is very good.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/bbrandt3/Documents#" target="_blank">
View Docs sent here!
</a>
When this is resolved it should help with the Marriage certificate docs I'm still waiting for.

Thanks Mox. I'm breathing fine and just looking down the road when we will laugh about this whole thing. She taught me an expression when we were in St Petersburg - Yalky - Palky!

Edited by bobb, 14 November 2008 - 03:46 PM.

bobbMaleRussia2008-11-14 15:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTranslation of Divorce Decree
Slim, I will take your comment into consideration as a last resort - Thanks

This is an interesting situation. Try to imagine, if you possibly can, that Colorado has a separate language which is not considered THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE. This is the situation I am in with her living in the Udmurt Replublic - 1300km East of Moscow and maybe 500km from the Urals. You can learn something new every day. So, from my understanding, there is no requirement for this document to be translated into Russian with a further translation into English.

At work later this morning I will call USCIS and try to clarify if what I believe is necessary, after understanding the above concept headbonk.gif , is accurate. Basically do I only need the 'front' of her Udmurt Divorce Decree and have this translated and notarized by a notary. Not as has been done, which is translated years ago and notarized on 5 November 2008 with no signature.

If I am in the same position I am now after Thanksgiving I might give Slim's option a go. Although I still need the correct info for her Marriage Certificate. wacko.gif

An offer to help from a member here, very shortly on her way to Moscow from Siberia for her interview, has been very helpful to me and I relayed her offer to my SO to talk with her. I have no idea why she has declined to accept this offer. That's really not that important though. My energy is being focused on how to get this issue resolved. Someday in the future I will ask her why she did not want to accept this offer.

If my next few suggestions do not bring any results I will give her the Visa section phone number of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow for her to call.

Hahahahahahaha - I can still laugh...a good sign

Edited by bobb, 14 November 2008 - 10:37 AM.

bobbMaleRussia2008-11-14 10:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTranslation of Divorce Decree
I think I have it under control. With the excellent original copy, in color, and the official translation I figure I can use these two documents to have someone else translate and certify locally, or with the assistance of 1 or 2 other offers of help I've received. My first thought is to just type up the translation in a Word document (exactly as the official translation is), add the certification boilerplate text at bottom. Send to whomever is the lucky recipient. Have them insert there name, sign, date it, and insert their address. Scan me copies and send originals in mail. If I really have to have them do the translation one offer is for 5c/word and it is 137 words. Certification no cost, only additional cost is postage back to me...42 cents. Voila!

Now I don't have to ask her to go obtain the notary's signature, which from my understanding can't really be done because a notary is basically for witnessing a signature, which the notary would not be able to do for the original translation from back in 2002. I would still need to include all the info showing:

Chief of Civil Registry Office Signature (this is just signifying a signature is here on original) L.Z. Gusseva

At least that is my interpretation of what is necessary. If anyone feels I am out in left field feel free to comment. Now if I can just get the same info for the Marriage certificate. Then it's 1,2,3 and FILE!!!
bobbMaleRussia2008-11-13 20:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTranslation of Divorce Decree
I just received by email the divorce decree, translation and certification. The translation was done in November 2002 by Chief of Civil Registry Office in Izhevsk with no signature. There is a line that shows:

Chief of Civil Registry Office Signature L.Z. Guzeva

and no actual signature.

She took this to a notary who on the bottom quarter of this document certified to it's accuracy and dated 8 November 2008.. But, like the translation above there is no signature, only the following after the certification:

Notary _______________________Signature of Garifullina A.Y.

Is this adequate or common in Russia? Or, does the notary have to sign, as I believe they do. At least according to the directions for certifications. It would be easy for her to obtain the notaries signature. It might be harder to obtain the Registry Office signature
bobbMaleRussia2008-11-13 00:24:00