ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresi-134 Help
Seems like everyone answered everything already...


Tho one item didnt seem addressed.. and thats

"Thank You for Your Service to our Country"


Best Wishes to you both ~





ed& loida
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-08-30 20:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 visa problems
Regarding an earlier part of a reply which read:

"Second if she isn't married under her real name why would you need to fake the cenomar. For example if her name real name is XYZ and her fake name is ABC then the cenomar will say XYZ is single while ABC's cenomar will say married. OP either you aren't telling us everything or someone is lying to you."


CENOMAR, means exactly that: "Certificate of No Marriage Record". If she married in the USA, I doubt the CENOMAR would reflect that UNLESS she went back and updated her records status to say she was married.

----(WHICH SHE COULDNT DO ANYWAYS) because when she got married with the previous K1 it was under a different name.

By examining this... The only correct answer is that under her "given" name, she is already married in the Philippines and cannot be divorced and not from the American you speak of, but from someone else.

So:

1. If you move there, you can never marry her. she's already married.
2. You cant bring her here


bottom line... this wont work out anywhere


Im sure all agree that VJ is here as an "aid" to help each other through difficult and lenghty processes. The intent of VJ is to do things legally, not try to find ways or provide suggestions to circumvent the system. Kudo's and commendations to all who have helped in giving you solid and upstanding advice.

We look out for one another. Now its time for us to look out for YOUR best interest. As hard as this may be, and as bad as this may sound, I concur with the others... just cut the ties (and by that i mean totally disassociate with her). Pull the petition, send her a final email explaining why if you want.. But expect that she will plead her case and it will be aimed right at your heart..

best wishes to you our friend

Edited by Loida and Ed, 10 September 2012 - 10:16 AM.

Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-10 10:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-1 visa problems
HeresJohnny

Everyone here is correct...

Biometrics is there for a reason. Technology is in place to prevent people from re-entering under different alias's. Bigomy on her part, Lifetime bans, immigration fraud and a high chance you can be also be prosecuted. Your name will forever be red-flagged in the system.

Sorry to say bro, but "pull the plug" before the next step. it will be hard to pay lawyer fees for both of you at the same time. And she may be the only one walking around freely ( even if she's in the Philippines)

Good Luck..
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-10 09:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresStarting the K-1 Process
Careful of this though... In some countries a ceremony or even a dowry constitutes a "marriage". You can search other posts showing this as a problem. If this occurs, the financials you spend will have to be re-dont with a marriage visa instead :) Food for thought ! :)

and ohhh... Welcome to VJ :)

Edited by Loida and Ed, 11 September 2012 - 10:37 AM.

Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-11 10:36:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhat are the odds of NVC not forwarding our case to USEM in time for interview day?
I called the USEM and verified that they got the paperwork ( tho it was 5 weeks after the NVC released it. They stated they did. You can cell them and get some relief,

Just for you:

Embassy (Manila) Phone Number (and email)
(632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185 (local number: USEM 3012000 loc 5184/5185 call them around 3-4:30pm)

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


Your almost there !!!!!! :thumbs:
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-11 10:08:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow do I know ??
LOL... i agree with most ecveryone, ... especially the remark

That Lawyer is an Idiot!! Call at your Leisure!! :devil:
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-13 20:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTERMS i wanna know
NVC is the National Visa Center.... Once USCIS sends your paperwork on it goes to NVC. They are the ones who initiate the approval letters that say u can go forward with the interview. ( and tracking ) of visa requests. It allows many USCIS centers to send paperworks from all over to "one" location.

Hope this helps :)

Regards

Ed & Loida

date on NVC letter - [#CaseNumber assigned + Case sent to Embassy in Madrid]
07/23/2012 - Embassy received case
08/13/2012 - Packet 3 received
08/20/2012 - Packet 3 sent - [Correo Certificado y Urgente]
08/21/2012 - Packet 3 received at US Embassy in Madrid
09/04/2012 - Packet 4 received

NVC - what does this mean again?

I always see this kind of timeline... I received the NVC letter and I now eager to know what's next (though I have the idea to pay and have an interview schedule then complete the requirements) but i do not understnd the terms like embassy received case?? packet 3 received etc etc...

I just want to know all of those terms and what do i expect in each process....

just to be ready too .thanks guys!


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-21 20:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresScanned affidavit of support? ok? then ill print it,
LOL "we did" :)


Just a friendly tip, if you'll ever use USPS to send Priority Mail to add the recipient's cell # and they'll text them once it arrived at the local Post Office. Of course with valid ID and for at least 40php they'll give it to you. We never lost anything even it took us a week longer than said arrival :)


totally correct info... "especially" #4




1. The tax return can be scanned and emailed.

2. The I-134 needs to be the original.

3. Never send important papers to the Philippines via USPS.

4. Always send important papers to the Philippines via FedEx or DHL.


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-23 23:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresScanned affidavit of support? ok? then ill print it,
this is everything you will bring to the embassy in a folder. I would suggest your folder be layed out in the order of what they ask for in their list ( see link below)

http://photos.state....uction_rtf2.pdf




ohhh and I'd recommend you make 2 folders ( one for them an copies for yourselves ) that way u have everything in back-up :) and easily to find for cfo ( if they ask for anything special)



:)

Ed & Loida
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-21 23:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresScanned affidavit of support? ok? then ill print it,
The paperwork said original... so i sent the originals via the mail. Fed-ex works great, but expect high prices. if you have some weeks to wait, You can send air mail. I did send other documents via US Mail (priority) and after a month or so they still didnt arrive ( when we were told maybe 10 days). Anyways Loida finally went to the mail post office, and they were just sitting on it waiting for someone to enquire. Even then she wasnt allowed to pick it up ( crazy but true), so she wound up letting the man know that if he expedites its delivery she would be sure to give some extra financials as a tip to the carrier. Amazingly, it arrived the next day..We didnt expect that fast a service and she wasnt at home so no one recieved any "gratuity" for doing their job... (strange but true story)

Bottom line... use a company where you have a tracking number...

Regards

Ed & Loida
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-21 20:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134
I did 'exactly
the same :)

great advice Jay-kay


Regards

Ed & Loida

Follow the example form: http://www.visajourn.../Form-I-134.pdf


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-25 01:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUpdating k1 visa
I agree... :)


No, you do not update the I-129F. If your petition is successful and you are approved you may need to provide evidence of an ongoing relationship at the K1 interview. Do not send in anything that is not asked for as it will not reach your file.

Just gather evidence to take with you to the interview. Boarding passes/train tickets/hotel receipts/photos/call logs and photos are all good evidence of this.


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-25 01:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLast Minute Changes
Hi alll...

I talked with the USEM today regarding my fiancees middle child who is getting delayed due to a medical clearance and I need to mkae the paperwork so it shows him as
a follow on.

They are kepeing the scheduled appointment with my fiancee and her other 2 children...

I was told , so as not to get a RFE ( beacuse child #2 isnt cleared thru St Lukes), I need to pull his forms and have him as a follow on

I presume i will pull these from the folder

child #2's DF156
child #2's DS157
child #2's G-1145
child #2's I-134 ( aff of support)


I also see i will have to modify the fiancee's paperwork:

DF156k ( modify to make the one child a follow on)


I dont see much else i will need to do ...

Am I missing something?


Thanks


Ed
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-25 01:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving U.S. Friday and Interview at USEM next week..
looks great ,,,

have you already have completed the:

DS156K
DS156
DS-157
etc...


I used this as a reference on building a folder:

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

:thumbs:

I arrive manila at 10pm on friday..., USEM appt one day before yours... I Dont know if our paths will cross but for sure I will have u in my church prayers tonight that all to go well for you both. :)

best Wishes.. an Safe Flight !! :dance::thumbs::dance:

Ed & Loida
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-26 14:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresLeaving U.S. Friday and Interview at USEM next week..

ok vj friends this is prolly the last post i will make for now. please help me check my checklist so i won't forget anything when i leave.

I-134 Affidavit of Support
Tax Transcripts (2009,2010,2011)
Letter of Employment
Pay stubs
Letter of Intent
Original Divorce Decree
Evidence of on-going relationships (facebook chats, skype logs, yahoo mails, skype pictures)


thank you


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-26 14:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresHow to assemble the packet

Regarding the USEM Interview


jenniferjones101 Posted Image is 100% correct



I used the fasteners, and had it all layed out correctly... Little did i know u have to rip the whole thing apart and hand one person this and another person that...

In hindsight I'd have paper clipped forms separately with little sticky notes... so its easy to find and easy to hand out
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-18 00:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-134
Must be the Original... we used blue ink on all our signatures so they can easily see its not scanned or a copy :)
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-19 14:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduresk1 beyond ...beyond and beyond processing time
Everything said here is sooo sooo true... !!!!!!!

Where is the USC Petioner in this process??? What is the USC telling you?? I find it really amazing the number of Benifactors that come here for help on their own. I applaude them for doing so, however the USC should be here on VJ DAILY!!!. The USC has to be the LEAD DRIVER imho. All the answers are HERE on VJ, emails, phone numbers, escalations processes, Congressman/woman, Case numbers, tracking numbers, Ect...

You should not and do not have to go through this ALONE. Yes some USC are more PROACTIVE than others.

Sunshine and I are on VJ DAILY for HOURS each and every day since March 2012.

This is nearly a Partime job!!! The Amount of effort put into this is equal to the amount of results you get out of this. If you think you just start the process and the GOVT will finish this on Auto-Pilot then you are sadly misinformed. It has to be (YOU & HIM/HER) vs (2 Governments) and VJ is your seceret weapon!

MR Pangga
USC
GOD Bless :)


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-11-03 01:19:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedureshealth insurance requirement
nope :) :)
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-12-15 14:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Proceduressubmit AOS after 90 days.
great info... for inquiring minds ( like mine) :) thanks all :)

There is no requirement to file the adjustment of status within a specified time period.

Also, talk to the priest now to make sure that your marriage occurs before the 90 days are up. Other VJ members have had the process altered to comply with the 90 day requirement. Day 91 marriage = big, big problems.


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2013-01-05 17:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F Denied :(
M J
we all make errors... but we also do good... finding Visa Journey is your "good" ... Theres a wealth of info at your fingertips here. Start reviewing the site, the forums, the Portals, and eventually ( with time spent) you will get that grasp on all u need to do... Lots of people to help you all along... Sorry for your delay... Rule #1... Never figure... Its the government agencies you will be dealing with, they need everyhthing exacting :)

best of Luck to you... will anxiously wait an see how fast u progress on here

Ed of ( Ed & Loida)


PS... when people send u links instead of answers, dont be mad to them... the answers there , and other answers to questions you will have too... ( I speak from experience) >>> :bonk:


Worst part is that I do not know why yet. It's been almost 5 months and I received an email yesterday just telling it has been denied and I should receive a letter explaining why. So needless to say I'm freaking out. At first I had no clue why, but after looking through this site, I think I might know. I pretty much only filled out the I-129F form and mailed that in with the fee, nothing else. I figued once the backgroud checks were done they would ask for more info for the interviews. I called USCIS 3 different times and talked to 3 different people asking them what I needed to do, and they all said the only thing I need to do is fill out the I-129F form and mail it in. They also mentioned the requiremens to be eligable, but that was it. I talked to a couple lawyers also, but they wanted a few thousand dollars to handle it. I did not get the letter yet, but should in the next couple days. I don't know why I did not find this site before when searching online. It came up now in my google searces on what to do about a visa denial.

So what are my options? Should I get a lawyer?

My background... My Fiance is from the Philippines, and I have known her for 5 years now. I have been supporting her for the past 4, I helped her go back and finish highschool, and she is now in her 3rd year of college. Originally we were going to wait for her to finish college, but I figured it would be better for her to finish here (USA) and get used to the culture, language, and build a network through school. I have a lot of (daily) chat logs from Yahoo, Skype, and emails. I also have a lot of Western Union receipts and Xoom online history of me sending her money. I have visited her and met her family 2 times now and gave her an engagement ring. We are both eligieble to marry and have no criminal background. Also neither one of us have been married before, or have any kids.

I thought I might be asked for clarification or more info, but I did not expect to be denied. Would not providing enough info or documentation result in a denial? I guess worst case is that there is something in her background check that came up, but knowing her as long as I have, I would be very surprised. I feel foolish now if it is just because I did not provide enough info. I waited a few months before mailing the form while trying to make sure it was all I needed.

Thanks for any advise.

Sorry I did not introduce myself. My name is Mike... hello everyone.


Edited by Loida and Ed, 31 July 2012 - 10:58 PM.

Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-07-31 22:57:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa to green card
Thanks for the information, I suspected that I had done something wrong when I was reading through the posts. I misread the visa fraud information about coming to the US with intent to marry (and stay etc). I had thought a visa was needed to get married at all. So, yes, I have sent the I129F petition in and NOA1 received (check cashed). Any advise for what to do next? Should I call USCIS to cancel the K1 visa? I know I will likely be out the $$ but I don't want it to look like we have changed our minds about being together.

I guess this is good news for us.... we don't have to wait for the visa. However, when Andreas came to the US in December, the customs officers were questioning him hard about us getting married and even detained him and called me to see if I had intention to marry him while he was here. That combined with the fear of visa fraud, I guess I jumped the gun!

Well, maybe someone will read this and not make the same mistake! Thanks again for the help and support.
Dudes4LifeFemaleSweden2011-03-21 13:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK1 visa to green card
Hello all!
My first post here but just wanted to say thanks to everyone for sharing stories and ideas.... it makes this process seem a little less overwhelming.

Andreas and I have been together for two years, traveling back and forth to eachother's homes. It has worked well for us and we have a secure, strong relationship. Eventually we are planning to live together full-time, but not right away. He will be here for 6 weeks or so in July and if all goes well, he will enter on a K1 visa and we will get married. My question is, if we wait a year after getting married to file for the green card, would we then need to file an I-130 petition to start that process or if you have a K1 visa (it would be expired by the time we started the next step) is that enough to start the I-485 paperwork? After we are married, he will continue to make trips to visit, would a tourist visa be okay to travel on? And no, he wouldn't be working here at all. He has a great, flexible job at home that is enjoyable for him, flexible enough to visit me often. :) Until the economy improves, it doesn't make sense for us to have him quit his job and move here immediately.

The second part to that is if it is necessary for us to start the green card process straight away, will is look suspicious if he isn't living/working here? I understand that there is a review or change of status process after 2 years of being granted residency?

And lastly, anyone know if a the residency status/green card would change his status or ability to work in his own country (Swedish, living and working in Norway)?

Any [accurate] information would be great appreciated! Thank you.
Dudes4LifeFemaleSweden2011-03-21 10:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis today a govt holiday
that means the embassy is most likley closed today too :(
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-08 18:30:00
PhilippinesVISA Released (10-17) 2Go Visa Delivery Time
Hi VJ'ers

It was 2 weeks from our Interview date until we got our text from 2Go.

Info on Windows:

Window's 38 and 39 are Immigration Visa Information windows (you need to get a ticket to go up to these windows)
Window 69 is the "2Go" window.
Window 71 is the "final" window where they just tell you thank you, you will be notified

The purpose for these windows (listed above) dont change....




What we did:

We changed the delivery location (online) to SM Mall in Manila thinking it would possibly be 3 or 4 days for delivery of visas but it didnt happen.

After about 6 days we called 2Go and they knew nothing.

At Day 8 we called the embassy and they said wait... it will come...

At Day 12 (15 Oct ) We went back to Manila and the USEM. While Loida waited outside, I used my passport and went in. The hassle to get into the Immigrant VISA side was minimal. I just told them I have an appointment at window 69 ( I didnt). I walked up to window 69 with my passport and a piece of paper with our MNL #, our UID, her passport # and name on it. The 2Go person was real helpful. We re-verified our phone numbers and she printed off a copy that showed everything was in order (even though she didn't have our package yet). She then told me I can inquire at window 38 on the status of our visa's and if their is any administrative hold up's pending.

I went back outside to get a ticket number for window 38. I didnt go to the back of the line because i was coming in from the opposite side but rather waited until one of the 3 ticket windows became available. I asked for a ticket for window 38 and he then asked me if I had been upstairs yet. Since i knew nothing about what he was referring to, I said yes I did, and he then handed me a ticket.

I was 5th in que and when called to window 38 i gave the 2Go doc, my passport and the piece of paper i had with the MNL#, etc on there. I explained that I have to fly back to the USA in a few days and I wanted to make sure their were no issues or admin holds before I left... The lady here also was real nice. She went and checked and came back and said that everything was in order and the visa package is due to be released to 2Go within the week. It's was a good feeling knowing that the delays are because things are just processing slow.

After that, I left the embassy. I got on my plane this morning ( sooo glad i didnt pre purchase tickets)...

I got home and Loida sms'd me the visas were released today :) 10-17

Regards

ed
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-18 00:33:00
Philippines2go question........
Hi

When you registered and used ths following website

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

you should have chosen a specific place to pick up..

You all can log in here to re-verify where it was to be delivered :)

congrats !!!!!!!!!!!

my fiance got a text from 2go, it says your documents is ready for pick up,,,, she is from tarlac, where can she pick this up?


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-19 11:10:00
Philippines13 hours until takeoff!!
Safe trip Brother !!!

:dance::dance::dance:
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-19 12:07:00
Philippines2go text message & email....??????
I dont have an answer to your question, but if you have a "time constraint" because you bought tickets, if they need the cfo portion, i think they can take whats needed and then just go back an get the passports stamped when they get them back... Might save u $$ if theirs anything else required

My wife's parents passed the interview in Friday Oct 19th so hope we get good news soon.

Us there anyone else that can share info in how long it took for your visa to be picked up after the interview


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-21 23:37:00
Philippines2go text message & email....??????
Congrats !!!!! :thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-19 14:35:00
PhilippinesMy Wifes Parents Just Called And They Are Approved
super good news :)
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-25 17:24:00
PhilippinesMy Wifes Parents Just Called And They Are Approved
2Go wasnt slow but the USEM part was ( i went back and checked before leaving to come back home...

Our interview was 03 Oct,
went to the embassy to personally inquire 15 oct
left to come back home on 17 oct
2go text arrived that evening 17 Oct

ours took 14 days and that was for pickup an SM Mall in Manila

But good news to consider...

It only took no more than 2 days for actual delivery time (15 to 17 oct)
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-19 11:57:00
PhilippinesVisa Approved :)
Congrats to you both !!!!!!!!!:dance::dance::dance::dance:
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-25 01:32:00
PhilippinesAffadavit of Support
Yepppp listen to the above recommendations... Originals on the I-134 ( and make the ink blue LOL )
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-25 01:34:00
Philippinesmy k1 visa fiance is leaving Philippines monday morning..
Congrats !!!!!!:thumbs::thumbs::thumbs:
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-10-28 00:52:00
PhilippinesFree text message from the US to RP?
Yahoo messenger ? it worked great for us :)
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-11-03 01:25:00
PhilippinesMy 3-day Sputum Exam Experience
My fiancee and her son just got home from St Lukes in Manila. They scheduled the appointment to come back today for the results the last time she was there. The results from the 3 day sputum test's taken were negative, but we still have to have him wait the 2 months for the culture. I'm hoping that all works out well for us :) , Now in the back of our minds are, what will the culture say.

From a statistical point of view, if my fiancee and 2 of her children tested negative, and now the 3rd child's sputum tests are negative then it should be good results for us.

Until we know for sure ... we will have this to worry about...

For the fellow VJ'ers out here Has anyone heard of people testing positive from the culture and not the sputums?

Thanks

Ed & Loida
Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-24 06:03:00
PhilippinesMy 3-day Sputum Exam Experience
Hi

when u said : She just told me to wait for the 2 months just to be sure I don't need another treatment and I am really healthy to go to America.


does that mean that even if the tests come back negative, everyone will have to wait an additional 2 months for a x-ray ?


ed



It's going to be hard for me to share about this since I'm still upset with what's going on with my medical examination at St. Luke's. Yes, I had to undergo the horrifying sputum exam. Now all that was left was for me to keep it together and time trial to the end, easy enough right? But I figured, for the sake of my friends and readers,I am writing this post to share my experience. I am not sharing this to anyone who will just criticize what I've been through or judge me based on my history.

"The biggest disease today is not leprosy or tuberculosis, but rather the feeling of being unwanted."
-Mother Teresa


I, too,am a person who had a history of TB way back 2006. I am treated without previous manifestations except for the positive x-ray. After years of keeping my experience with tuberculosis a secret, a few months ago I decided to become open about my condition.I cannot tell you how difficult it was for a person to accept the fact that he or she has tb. Since the time when we were very young we have all been conditioned to accept that if someone is contagious, that person should be avoided.I was more concerned of how others will look at me when they will find out because I am aware healthy people are not comfortable with the thought of living with a seriously ill person in their neighborhood, being in school with them, or being in their workplace. We still frighten them. But life in general is beautiful! My world should not stop because I had it. There are still people that love and accept me, my hubby, my family, and my friends. So there is no need for me to push people away.

After the first day of my medical exam last September 19, 2011 when I blogged about it here, the next day I was going to get my result. The guard at the entrance stamped my receipt with "For Sputum Exam". Those with no problem on the first day will be asked to proceed to the 2nd floor for the immunization. At the 4th floor, I waited for half an hour until called and given instruction. The nurse told me to come back on October 3,4, & 5 for my sputum exam. For others it might be a surprise, but me and my hubby were a bit expecting the worse already that I too will be asked to take the sputum exam since I had the tb before. I even asked the staff nurse if there is a possible way for me to have the sputum exam the next day,so I don't need to go back home and spend another plane fare plus it will be too stressful to be flying home and back again but, she didn't give me my request. She gave me back my receipt, passport,yellow form(to be submitted during the first day of sputum exam), and a small paper containing instructions on how to properly collect the sputum.

FIRST DAY
-I couldn't sleep that night. I woke up around 1 a.m. and stayed awake until it was about time to shower. I arrived at St. Luke's before 5 a.m. although the instruction said the sputum exam will start at 6:30 a.m. I was sure that a lot of people will also come early, and I was right! I was one of the few people to start waiting in line and got no.6 since it was still early but after a couple of minutes there were already several people behind me. The guard at the entrance allowed us to get inside around 5:30 a.m. We were given a mask after presenting the documents. We put on our mask and used the big elevator going to the 4th floor. We were seated and waited for the next instructions. The staff nurse then called numbers from ascending order and collected our documents excluding the receipt. After a few minutes, they called by batches of 20 to proceed to rooftop for the collection of the sputum.

Posted Image

-At the rooftop, we were seated and called one by one and asked to sign somewhat like an attendance sheet, one signature every day for 3 days. The staff nurse checked checked the file at the computer and scan the label at the sterile sputum container which are specifically assigned to each applicant. The nurse then gave me back my passport and a piece of paper then asked me to proceed to the collection area. At the collection area, I rinsed my mouth with the purified water. Another nurse asked me my full name and escorted me to a vacant seat where I will be seated during the sputum collection. She also instructed me what to do and what not to do. I tried to cough but it was hard since I don't have a cough. I tried and tried until I was able to collect enough then she asked me to come back tomorrow early and gave me back my passport and the appointment slip. My throat was beginning to sore from forcing myself to cough several times.

SECOND DAY
-It was the same process except that during that time it rained so we had the sputum collection at the 4th floor Sputum Collection Area between the Female restroom and the Reception. There were sealed cubicles inside. When It was my turn, I was seated inside the cubicle facing the posted instruction. I am not sure why they prefer the fresh air but maybe it cost more to use the cubicles because when I was done and gave her the collected sputum, she pushed a button near the door maybe to disinfect the cubicle for the next user;while at the rooftop they don't need to do that. And so, I was told to come back again early tomorrow.

THIRD DAY
-There were few people that day compared to the first two days. We were back to doing the sputum collection at the rooftop. After giving the nurse the collected sputum, she instructed me to come back tomorrow at 8:30 a.m. for the pulmonary evaluation.

FOURTH DAY
-I was at St. Luke's at 5:00 a.m. although my appointment was still at 8:30 a.m. I was already worried what my initial result would be. I got inside around 7:00 a.m. and the guard stamp my appointment slip "Pulmonary Evaluation (2nd Flr)". I was number 1 but the nurse arranged us so that those who had undergo tb treatment and those who already waited 2 months are called first, my number became no. 13. Oh my! I was scared and thinking. Isn't 13 is an unlucky number. I was praying all the time until it was my turn. When inside the doctor's cubicle, I smiled and greeted her and she did the same. She asked me if I have family/relatives with previous tb and I said "No one doc, only me". She asked me if I have felt any symptoms like backache,cough for 2 weeks, or coughing out blood,I replied, "None doc". She asked me questions such as when I was treated, what medications I took, the dosage and if I have a medical certificate. I showed her my medical but she asked me to go back to my doctor and asked her to add few details that are missing. She also added I can just send them the revised medical certificate through a courier. She explained to me what she saw in the x-ray. Thank God, the result of the sputum smears are all negative. I guess not all no.13 are unlucky. She just told me to wait for the 2 months just to be sure I don't need another treatment and I am really healthy to go to America.

-I gave the papers from the doctor to the staff nurse, then he explained to me what day should I call. He said the sputum culture will end on November 30 but I will have to start calling them on or after December 5. He also told me to give the PDS no. when calling the clinic. Regarding the expiration of my medical exam, he said I should be able to leave the country before March 5,2012 or I will have to do the medical exam plus the 2 months sputum culture again. So I guess I will just have to pray for them not to call me before Nov.30. Please help me God...

Before ending this post, I would like to share some tips regarding the sputum culture.
1. Do not eat your breakfast before the sputum collection. It will be a waste of time and effort for you to be coughing out and if they see food particles in the specimen they will not accept it. They will ask you to come back. Only water is allowed.

2. For those who wants to brush their teeth inside the clinic or those who traveled from afar, they may brush their teeth at the restrooms. Do NOT use any mouthwash before the test, as these contain anti-bacterial substances that can affect the outcome of the test. So too is the case with antibiotics, so if you have taken any recently, inform your doctor about it.

3. Do not wear any lipstick or lip gloss, for females.

4. You should be able to provide 5-10 ml of the sample sputum.

5. Keep the container closed until you are ready to spit into it to avoid contamination from the mouth or saliva of the individual. .

6. Bring a handkerchief or tissue with you during the collection because you will be asked to cover your mouth when coughing.

7. For you to be able to collect sputum fast even if you don't have a cough, I suggest you cough continuously. Do not swallow the sputum,expel it only when you feel like spitting out.

8.If St.Luke's will call you before the two months is over, it means you are positive and will be needing treatment for 6 months.


Let's all hope and pray for the best. God is always has reason for everything. We may not know it yet but I believe we will all be able to reach our destination in His time...

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Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-16 10:33:00
PhilippinesMy 3-day Sputum Exam Experience
of the 4 thatIm bringing over, the middle child is the only one needing a sputum test as everyone else passed. I feel your pain... Keep us updated on things if you can :)

regards

Ed

my wife also is required to do the "sputum culture", Im so worried. she just finish her 3 day testing this past friday and is told to return on aug.24 (fri) for her results. then another 2 months for the "sputum culture" =( her interview suppose to be on Sept 14 2012.

She was a bit coughing (flu) when she went to take her medical, i am thinking this may be the cause for her x-ray results. god help us !!

i hope everything will be okay. :cry:


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-14 09:48:00
Philippinesco sponsor Philippines

False Report  :)

 

Manila Embassy doesnt make that determination.   :) :)    


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2013-05-23 20:27:00
Philippines6 month TB treatment
i forgot to ask...

if treatment is needed,,, what will be the costs for the medicines ?


thanks :)



My Fiancee just completed her DOT. Here are some of my observations/input in addition to Mapletree's...

Its In and Out - Go in, take medication, have card signed. Takes no more than 5 - 10 minutes in the DOT office.

Be Nice and Courteous - DOT time slots are based on progress of your treatment. Initially you will be grouped in the morning schedule. But if you are nice to them and get to know the staff, you can actually go anytime before the DOT closes. SLEC Closes at 5:00 PM. DOT Closes office closes at 4:30 PM.

Take Vitamins eat healthy - TB Medication is indeed hard on a woman's body and she needs to stay healthy indeed.

Hormonal Fluctuations - My Fiancee had flawless facial skin prior to DOT. During her treatment she developed BAD acne on her face. It also affected her menstrual cycle. She once missed her period for over 2 months and had to see a doctor who prescribed her Provera. This may or may not happen to her, but be aware of any changes to her body and get checked if you have a need to.

Sputum Tests - If its a clear day, Sputum tests are almost always conducted on the roof top. If it rains, GO EARLY and count on staying longer as it is conducted in a smaller area inside and the que is longer.

Missing A Day - As mentioned, if you miss a day it will be added on at the end. SLEC/DOT almost never closes. They did have reduced hours of operation in August due to the flood, but they were open briefly. If/When they close for a substantial reason like flooding is always a possibility. You can always call to find out if they are/will close.

Hope this helps



More or less, Yes like hocking a loogie. :lol:


Loida and EdMalePhilippines2012-09-19 09:43:00