biggish data

COMMUNICATION

yahoo chat and video calls ..saves a lot money haha..just need to give more effort in long distance relationship :)but don't worry you will get used to the set up..

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-06 23:20:00

FedEx three-day express. It's never failed me.

Don't send it through the USPS. You've been warned.

there are different mail offer ( if i said it right) regular mail.., first class mail, priority mail, express mail and global express .., regular mail one sucks ('coz philpost don't care about it and it will take months to have it) express mail always works .. tho pricey .. 38 to 63 dollars .. global express... cost you more than express mail .. so i guess it depends on what mail offer you avail.. since it always works for us if u dont mind paying more.. and about the tracking ..(it's always an issue when the package is here in phils) you can track it thru usps.com but once its here in phils www.usps.com don't update.. anymore but u can track it (in different website) thru www.phlpost.gov.ph and it will be delivered by EMS.

-cath

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 10 October 2012 - 12:18 PM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-10 12:15:00

I found a really cool collapsible file holder with removable color coded poly folders that was probably a good portion of the weight. I did also however enclose over kill on the documents as well. It gives my fiance confidence having everything and confidence goes a long way during the interview.

My fiance has met several girls during cfo and medical who have aleady now had there interview . The general consenus was:

Be confident and know all the info you can about your fiance. If you can answer the questions easily the rest will be very easy.All the girls were also above the 125% poverty guidelines.

1. Appointment Letter

2. 2 DS 156 Forms

3. 2 DS 157 Forms

4. 1 Ds 156K Form

5. NSO Birth Cert

6. Cenomar

7. NBI Clearance

8. I-134 and supporting docs
A. 2011 Tax return or Tax transcipts
B. 2011 W2
C. Employment letter
D. A few recent paycheck stubs

9. Pictures together

10. 3 Visa Photos ( This Im not sure about. Some are telling us to bring and pre attach to DS Forms? Can anyone answer this ?)

Other than that they are reporting that very little secondary evidence is being looked at. They are asked if they have it and most of the time just being told to put it away. If looked at its just glanced through.

It appears if you can answer all questions about your relationship ,your relationship is sincere,your I-134 and supporting docs prove you are above the the 125 % poverty guide line and wont become a public charge that it will be a easy interview .

I think the reason everyone is advised to bring overkill on secondary evidence is in the rare occasion you get red flagged and pulled in the dreaded room. You will want every doc you have to back up your relationship.

I figured this woukd be useful to the OP as he also has his interview coming up. This is the experiences that are being shared with my fiance and I.

Is this similar to what you all are experiencing ?

for no. 10 ... if ever your fiancee attached her photo to her ds-form .. filipino pre-screener will give it back to her saying they don't need that.. and about being over prepared i think i did that but seriously if u (petitioner) reached the poverty line .. and no red flag you don't really need lots of secondary evidence haha it's useless hahah .. 'coz consul wont even look at it but filipino pre-screener did.

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 10 October 2012 - 12:16 PM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-10 12:07:00

envelop

he just sent his affidavit of support and other supporting docs..

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-09 23:01:00

FEDEX maybe?? tho fiance always use USPS express mail takes 5 working days. cool to see that she is from san jose im from cabanatuan one hour away from san jose.

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 09 October 2012 - 10:09 PM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-09 22:09:00

Manila Hospital Appointment

the only paper you need for medical at st. luke's is appointment letter..(if you decided to do medical after you sched. you interview) that will be available once you schedule you interview and you don't need to go to manila embassy to get that.. if you do online scheduling thru http://cgifederal.force.com/ at the end of scheduling your appointment on that site it will give you the printable version of your appointment letter.. if you do your scheduling thru phone call .. i believe the person u talk will send your appointment letter thru email (that's what happened to me way back when i'm scheduling my interview under student visa). After you print the appointment letter you can go to st. luke's (walk-in), dont forget to do online registration http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-09 21:46:00

CFO requirements

not applicable for k1 good luck:)

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 18:52:00

Hubby Bunny - Great CFO review. Did they teach how to use the washing machine? lolz. I read that from another review. My fiance only has one original NBI clearance which is meant for the interview. Does she have to get another original copy?

hahaha that makes me laugh no they don't, actually its more on what will you do if your hubby/fiance is abusive.. pretty random.. and about the NBI - when your fiancee get her NBI Clearance its two copy .. one is her own copy .. where it said "personal copy" and other one is the one that she will give when ur fiance have her interview.. anyways they will return your fiance's NBI when she finish her pdos and turn over her pink i.d. on the front desk.

-cath

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 11 October 2012 - 07:31 PM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 19:30:00

oo....salamat. She have a blue cerificate from CFO

Is that the one she need?

yup she needs that and show that too for getting the sticker they will staple it to her passport:) it's fast to get sticker

she don't need to go so early for that .. and it only take 15 min. to 20 mins. (waiting time to print and put the sticker on her passport)

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 11 October 2012 - 07:22 PM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 19:19:00

My wife read your topic, now she is worried that she did not attend the PDOS.

She attended CFO 9 months ago and have interview next week.

I'm sure she attended PDOS also during her CFO.

What do you think?

if its the seminar and she get certificate that's PDOS hehe she just need to go back for the sticker.. at window 2 or 3 . ground floor ..

Thank you so much for the great experience review. When it comes time for my Fiancee to take the CFO course, I will give her a print out of this so she has an excellent idea of what to expect! Thanks again and congratulations!

you're welcome

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 11 October 2012 - 07:17 PM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 19:13:00

How did the CFO Counselor know your fiance didn't have a religion??? Is it a question on one of the CFO registration forms?? Hmm.. Just wondering coz i never once answered the quesion of my religion on any forms submitted for the k1 Visa.

oh not on the registration form but on the form that your fiancee's going to fill up on the 9th floor given by the old lady there.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 17:42:00

-iluvmy-hubbybunny thanks for ur review sis, big help toh! mas okay pala pickup, un NA lang din gawin ko
Planning to attend CFO w/o a visa yet but I changed my mind, para isang punta NA lang.hehe

glad its a big help for you sis good luck:)

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 10:00:00

sis i dont know if you'll remember but ako yung "Ms. Nurse" according to Ms. Aileen (our counselor). I was seated across you & ka-group ko si kuyang police lol!

oh ikaw un i rem u na:) hhahah ms. nurse tapos ms. virginia kaloka si ma'am

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 09:20:00

yes original copy of personal copy.. thank u so much.. this review is very helpful.. ;-)

yw sis..

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 08:56:00

hi! sis sabi ko na nga you looked so familiar sa akin kanina. i'm also there kanina sa seminar. Great review sis! & what happened kaya dun sa girl na kasabay natin w/ 6x divorce fiance nya?! i felt bad for her but i dont think they'll hold her cfo cert 'coz of that...i guess they just need a thorough counciling for her. God bless! bon voyage sis!

yeah .. i hope she get it soon .. sino ka dun ?? hahaha

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 08:44:00

Thanks for this info, So meaning,I can attend the CFO aready eventhough I'm still on NVC stage? And can you tell me the requirements to bring on the day of the seminar. Thanks!

http://www.cfo.gov.p...onals&catid=140 there sis i guess sis can someone correct me if im wrong .. thnx in advance ..

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 08:29:00

Congratulations!!!! You said they get your NBI Clearance. just want to know if its the original or photocopy...?? thank you and good luck ;-)

original you have your personal copy right ?? it's exchange for the pink i.d. they gave it back to you once you turn over the pink i.d in front desk after u finish the process..

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 08:16:00

Thank you for the great review and congratulations. Welcome to the USA

thank you wilfon

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 08:13:00

You'll get your son in no time! Where can I attend the CFO seminar? I'm on my NVC stage already. Seems like you have fast visa process. I hope mine too,hoe to be with my hubby before Christmas.

here sis

CFO Manila

Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue
corner Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway)
Manila, Philippines 1007
Tel. No.: (02) 552-4700
Fax No.: (02) 561-8332
E-mail: info@cfo.gov.ph
Website: www.cfo.gov.ph

i just take cab to go there since i'm not really familiar with the place

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 08:01:00

Great review,sis! Just want to ask.l Is it really required to get/attend CFO seminar after your approval? Thanks!

oh you can do it in advance (even without visa and just go back to cfo for sticker) or after you received you ur visa..I just need to do it early so less stressed for me and for the reason that I'm going home in my dad's province to spend time with my son .. (he is not going with me sad sad

() and I'm not going back to manila until Oct. 25 ..another reason i did that after my approval and got my visa so i can do it once (certificate and sticker), it really depends on you but you are really required to have that before going to U.S.

-cath

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 07:47:00

Grabe sis...kinakabahan na ako...hehehe sana maka pasa din ako sa interview ko para makag cfo din... anyways congrats! ang bilis mo nakuha ung passport mo so kung makapasa ako pick up ko na lang din sa moa noh? Parang mas madali eh.. At natawa ako dun sa matandang babae sa pila maka crab mentality eh..... von boyage sis!

hahaha uu .. daming matataray dun ...

( na applicant din haha anyways kaya mo yan .. heheh for sure naman as i always said GOOD LUCK SIS .. and break a leg hahaha

yes sis pick up at mall of asia, i choose that 2go branch 'coz of the location pretty near to embassy so if the embassy release my visa example today I can pick it up today too.. Embassy release it last Oct 10 7:30 a.m. then called 2go and said it will be in their office around 3 in the afternoon.. and i asked how long they will be open and the guy said until 9 in the evening so i go there around 8 to pick it up

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 11 October 2012 - 07:51 AM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 07:41:00

ur review is pretty amazing sissy..best of luck to ur trip and upon seeing the love of your life:)blessed be:0)

aw thank you appreciate that sis:)

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 07:21:00

A very helpful review .. Thank you for sharing your experience in this journey. And also thank you for giving advice everytime i asked you. Sis, Best wishes to both of you!

thank you sis ..

and you're welcome hehehe

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 07:13:00

So I did my PDOS this morning ..arrived at CFO Quirino around 5:30 in the morning .. few people are there already.. (for immigrants, spouse, fiance visa from different country) 7 a.m they open the main glass door and put the metal stands with board message (PDOS - lines for spouse and fiance/e visa and IMMIGRANTS with country listed) this is where I got confused 'coz the guy who give flyers there and told you which line to go said that I should go to IMMIGRANTS line instead of PDOS lines even I said I'm K-1, after couple of hours I saw people who's under K-1 go to PDOS lines instead of IMMIGRANTS which where I am haha, for peace of mind I did ask the guy again who's I asked before and said I should go to PDOS line.. arggg.. shocking 'coz they are a lot in the line already.. hahaha to be pair (blame to confusion and maybe being dumb hahhaa..) I go at the end of line and we are more than 30 persons already I'm not worried tho 'coz the visa that they trying to apply/have are from different country (Japan, Korea, Australia, U.S etc.) the old lady in front of me was being mean tho haha

saying I wont be able to be in 15 slot .. (tho as far as I know it's thursday and they do 30 slots for today) so I just said ok .. end of convo haha.., line move.. first was the PDOS (per-departure orientation seminar) It move slow why..? 'coz they are not aware that they can fill up the registration from online or most of them are not aware that there is a form that need to fill up, so what happen is persons on the desk give them the form and xerox it and go back to front desk and fill it up and wait them to finish ofc (took more of you time) So I really really really (said it trice haha) advice to fill up the registration from online and print it to save time and make a 3 to 4 photocopy of your visa page and two valid i.d. to avoid delays. It's my turn in front desk, girl ask me what visa you are applying or if you have your visa already?, did you fill up the form? if you photocopy your I.d's ( I have it all ready) so she get my papers, staple it together, get my NBI clearance (personal copy) and give me PINK I.D with F letter on it. I go inside then after a while all persons who have pink i.d's called and told to go to 9th floor ( there is no 9th floor in the elevator only 8th floor and just take stairs to go to 9th floor) then we sit, called one by one.., My turn.. the lady just ask my name, birthday, fiance's mother's maiden name, fiance's name and middle name., then take you a picture (using webcam so you don't really need to bring 2x2 pictures, i did do haha) and once your picture is ok she will show it to you on computer screen and ask if its ok for you, i just said yes, then she gave me this form again that i need to fill-up and give it back to her once I'm finish (in the form make sure you know your fiance's/husband educational attainment, what his/her major) they ask that on the form and really need to answer it.. I got confused again on that part tho 'coz i keep rem. the wrong major course of my fiance haha tho my counselor is really nice she let me correct it., then I'm finished and submitted it to the guy outside, next to the girl who asked me question before I go inside the U.S room. Counseling start around 9 a.m, pretty random counseling (about airport taxes, kilo gram limit for check-in luggage, hand carry weight, what you should call when you're abused by ur fiance/husband etc etc, I take note of few important informations.) Next was a group activity I'm surprised 'coz I didn't expect group activity..and choose one leader per group and talk about the group activity in front of all the applicants, pretty random questions like what is your ideal marriage and what you need to do to have that ideal marriage you want.. so on and so on .. I did talk about it and just apply what's my 4 years relationship taught me, after that one on one counseling (no close door) and my form is gone I dunno where it goes hahaha

) it took an hour to find it then to my surprised counselor never asked me anything .. just comment on "wow he is young u are lucky ( we just have 4 years gap) and oh never been married.. you are so lucky" i laugh.. then said oh he don't have religion so i was like yeah but never been an issue to us since the first day and said ok.. then I'm finished .. go back to ground floor to pay the seminar.. wait for my name to be called at counter 5, the guy will give u receipt and collect your 400 pesos that's it.. 400 pesos.. then wait again for your name to be called in window 4 for claiming you certification once you claim it next is sticker (the precious sticker haha, if you have your visa already) the girl in window 4 will give you form to fill up again and give it together with ur photocopy visa and passport and cfo certificate in window 2.. but window 3 accept it even the message board said its for canada, australia and new zealand windows.. she told me to wait my name to be called again .. after 15 minutes or so my name called and I have my cfo sticker and certification attached to my passport. I finished around 2 in the afternoon hahaha.. (pretty exhausted and sleepy). Overall my CFO experience was so great, they are not strict (surprising) tho they are more strict on your fiance's marriage background.. someone is hold there 'coz her fiance have 6 divorce and they are alarmed to that info. and just worried for the girl (i feel bad tho 'coz she looks so sad

) they never ask my parental consents .. but i still have it just in case they change their mind haha

. Ok this is so long review already, I hope it helps .. and VISAJOURNEY'S MEMBERS who share's their experience and knowledge I thank you guys BIG TIME.. super big help to me ..

have a great day guys

-cath

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 06:57:00

Proofs for K1 Interview

it's ok u can just show it page by page thru the glass window.. Good luck

for ur upcoming interview

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-19 02:30:00

Thank you guys... and one more question

thank you guys..

i guess im gonna bring some extra.. it don't hurt hehehe .. thank you for the effort answering my questions.. i keep you guys updated once im inside the airport, will be leaving around 7:30

-cath

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-25 05:27:00

Thank you guys... and one more question

Best Of Luck..Im so happy for u.. and for the tax i can`t tell u anything becoz Im also new

thank you I appreciate it

p.s. sorry for the error its I'm not I'll heehehe i can't edit my post anymore

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 25 October 2012 - 03:58 AM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-25 03:57:00

Thank you guys... and one more question

hi.. I just wanna say thank you to everyone who takes time posting experience here and information about K-1 its a big help for me .. I'll flying to U.S. tonight .. (midnight) thru Qatar Airlines.. I got question tho about travel tax.. there is a tax included to my ticket bought my fiance online, so means i don't have to pay the travel tax at the airport ?? just wanna be sure ..

Thank you in advance..

-cath

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-25 03:43:00

FINALLY FINALLY got our passport / Visa!

2go just delivered the passport. Its been 14 days! The 2go website tracer is useless. Up to now I entered the passport# or MNL# its still invalid. Go figure?

So the USEM number I called was quite accurate. She told me it was released last friday Oct. 5 and expect it this week.

Hope you guys waiting for the VISA will have it soon.

track your visa using UID available at the last page of your appointment letter that you printed ..my passport no. didn't so my manila case no. too .. but my UID works.. anyways congrats you have you visa..

-cath

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 11 October 2012 - 04:17 AM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-11 04:16:00

1-800-oh too bad

Anyways paying it is not a big deal .. yeah as a mentioned above .. about we are not USC i think that is the reason .. since i did pay the travel tax still oh well .. its phils .. we should really get use to that kind of thing ..

)

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-30 12:21:00

really?? Wow! I think I have to clarify this with KAL, they gave me net price eh.
congrats sis hehe

yeah i guess.. well just bring some extra just in case .. if they said tht u dont have to pay the travel tax.. spend it to pasalubong hehe thee is a store there with lots of great pasalubong hahah i spend all my left money to but polvoron from goldilocks.. and they really like it ..

good luck sis..

thank you guys for all the greetings I appreciate it BIG TIME..

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 29 October 2012 - 06:48 PM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-29 18:48:00

WELCOME TO THE USA!!!

Say, where in the US are you now? I'm up on Montana, it's cooold here already, are you in Alaska or something? haha

VA hhehe its raining here now ..

Welcome. My fiancee arrived October 5.

cool mr and mrs. smiley..

ur wedding day is pretty soon .. i wish u all the best and happiness ..

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-29 18:45:00

saan POE mo sis ? congrats ulit sau

dulles sis ..

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-29 11:29:00

WOW Cath! congratulations! so happy to hear that you are now in the US very safe. Finally you are now with your babe.hehehe Keep in touch here on VJ.

I will, thank you so much ..

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-27 09:36:00

Welcome to US and enjoy the fall weather! If Fall is cold, wait for the winter. Bundle up and cuddle much

yeah i guess hahaha .. funny how cold last night after the dinner outside wearing my jacket, jeans and t-shirt and i still feel so cold and shaking while walking hahaha hubby was hugging me a lot to stop me from shaking..

Edited by iluvmy_hubbybunny, 27 October 2012 - 09:34 AM.

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-27 09:33:00

I recently traveled to the US. My ticket was purchased online (in the US) via the delta site (although i do have an account with delta with previous purchases made in the philippines). The tix covered my travel tax and was never asked by any of the delta personnel to pay an extra p1.6k. The only thing I had to pay was p550. Did you inform them that your tix covers the travel tax? Showed them the printed receipt?

Oh and congratulations, and good luck with the new phase of your life! Be strong and keep praying and believing that dreams always come true!

yeah I did .. and the guy said i still need to pay the travel tax and thank you

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-27 09:25:00

Yay so I'm in U.S. now and it's cold hahaha and my babe said its normal for them .. I'll be freezing to death when it's cold for him I guess hahaa ..

) so btw about the travel tax that a posted about before I go here .. I did paid it like P 1,625.00 even if it said on my ticket that it's included .. well I did bring some extra.. POE was nice .. just the line was too long hahaha.. you need more patient.. the immigration guy was nice .. (even got serious face) laugh when I said the date of my wedding .. hahaha I dunno what's funny with the date.. and I was like "what? its a unique number haha" then in the customs the guy there that asked me if i bring foods.. meat .. vegie .. was funny he asked me if I did bring some balut .. hahah and said that I should let my hubby try it.. I was like nah .. he don't like it hahha.. So i love it here .. I just need to adjust with the weather and food (mostly) and ofc I love being with my babe he makes all the stuff easy for me .. Love you so muchies my babe..

P.S.
Thank you again to all the members posting all the k-1 info. here.

-cath

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-27 09:09:00

Tied the knot

congratsss ..

and more happiness to come ..

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-10-29 19:01:00

Laws for gifting electronics

hmm i'm not really sure but my fiance did same experience he just bring different item .. he bought me a new laptop (lenovo) and bring his laptop too when he go to philippines last year .. so he is kinda worried that he may be questioned of bringing two laptop and pay tax (for the new laptopa).. but he never pay tax and never got questioned I don't know if it will be same with the phones that you will bring .. I hope it helps a lil tho,

good luck, safe trip and enjoy time in phils.

-cath

iluvmy_hubbybunny

Female

Philippines

2012-11-02 10:41:00