ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesNBI - last name
My wife just got back from getting her NBI papers. She noticed that they put my last name as her last name, but on all of her other ID and paperwork so far (including passport, marriage license, I-130) we used her maiden name. Will this be a problem? Do I need to contact anyone or should she go back and get a new NBI?

Also...they put the wrong birthday! What do we need to do about that?

(sorry if this is the wrong forum)

Any help is greatly appreciated :)
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-02 22:00:00
PhilippinesBringing stepchildren here from PI
Thank you all so much!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-04 16:23:00
PhilippinesBringing stepchildren here from PI
My wife has two young sons from a previous relationship (they weren't married). We're in the process of getting her CR-1 visa right now (still in the NVC stage). She wanted to come here first, have some time to adjust, then we'd bring the boys over later on. I've read the guides about how to file for them but there are still some things I don't understand:

Since I am not their biological father (my name doesn't show up on their birth certificates of course), can I be the one that files for them or does my wife have to do it? If either of us can, is it better for her or I to do it?

Since their biological father has nothing to do with them, never paid support, never visits them, etc. do we need to get his permission for them to leave the Philippines?

Is it too late to file their I-130's and have them come with her now? Can we delay her CR-1 and wait for their visas to "catch-up" or would we have to start everything over again (if we want them to travel together)?

How long does it take to get children's visas...about the same as our CR-1? quicker? longer?

(sorry if this is posted in the wrong forum...I wasn't sure if I should ask this in the "Bringing Family Members" section or here since it's Philippines related)

Any help is greatly appreciated! :)
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-04 14:00:00
Philippinesair fare
You might wanna take a look at this site too, they have some good fares (PAL, American Air, Korean, Cathay Pacific, etc) with 1st time immigrant rates. Hope it helps! :)
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-09 12:16:00
PhilippinesCfo Problem

Happy sunday everyone=)anyway my problem is regarding with my Cfo sticket,i enter k1 before in the states and im back going home and apply for ir1 since we not apply residence there yet,my question is do i need to do it another CFO?even i enter in the states two times for my second visa?help pls..who have the same experience..


Based on what others have said here on VJ (and other sites), you do not need another CFO. Once you've done it, that's it, it does not expire.

My link

My link

My link
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-08 17:20:00
PhilippinesMarriage is breaking apart
I'm so sorry to hear about what you've been going through. I don't think you can even call it a marriage at this point. You're sleeping in separate rooms, you've only been intimate a few times over the last few years, and he's lied about his promises of giving you children. You've done your best to make it work but, as in any relationship, it won't work unless both partners are willing to try. It's time for you to move on and get on with your life. Before you know it, you'll be happy again and this will all be behind you.

rlogan gives great advice. Also, I know it seems overwhelming when looking for a lawyer and you have little or no money. Look in your phone book, online, or ask friends (or even ask here, but we'd need to know what city you live in) to find a low-income/non-profit lawyer. They work on a sliding scale fee based on your income. They won't ask you to pay up front, but instead will have you pay after the divorce is done (and you've got some money from the settlement/spousal support).

Good luck to you

Edited by Mark&Fatima, 28 March 2012 - 09:43 PM.

Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-03-28 21:39:00
PhilippinesFilipina

That didn't bother me too much. I was used to that from being in the public arena a good part of my life. The wife, then fiancee, though, was listening to every comment made as we walked by, and that made her mad and a little self-conscious:

"Why is he with her?"

"Oh mother! She caught herself a big fish!"



A couple of months ago, my wife and I were walking through Ermita one night holding hands. A young woman we were walking past looked at me said "Honey...I can do it better than she can". I wish I knew more Tagalog because for the next minute, I can only guess what my wife was yelling back at her. :lol:

Edited by Mark&Fatima, 17 April 2012 - 09:40 AM.

Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-17 09:39:00
PhilippinesHELP!!!!!

Mark & Fatima...good post. :thumbs:

If Ning thinks the U.S. Embassy Manila is difficult, I wonder how he/she would rate the MENA countries. :o



Thanks, and yeah, you're not kidding! I'm thankful to be going through Manila instead of some of the other embassies I've read about. Of course now that I said that, I've probably doomed Fatima to a lengthy, difficult, interview! :lol:
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-18 13:43:00
PhilippinesHELP!!!!!

You have a different view than I do. We see from the responces there are different opinions about the O Ps question. You didnt offer info on the subject. What do you think they should do?
I have seen many questions here on V J about being granted a K 1 in the P I. Few are easy. Many have problems. All of them post questions here on VJ or we wouldnt know they needed help. From what I have seen it can be difficult.



Looking at the other Regional Discussion forums, it seems that all the same questions that are asked here, are asked there as well (how long for noa2?, how to fill out the I-129 forms?, what do I do in NVC stage?, how to schedule med exam?, what to expect at interview?, etc.). The reason it may appear that more people from the Philippines are needing help might have something to do with the large numbers of filers from PI. Looking at the Visa Immigration Timelines here on VJ, the Philippines has, by far, the most petition filers:

K1 Visas (for the last 360 days):

Philippines 576
U.K. 236
Canada 186
Columbia 98
Russia 95

So really, it's not that getting a K1 Visa is more difficult in the Philippines, it's just that there are more people here on VJ from the Philippines seeking those Visas (and naturally, asking more questions/having problems).

To the OP - most likely it will be quite difficult without having met in person. They like to know that a real relationship exists, and spending time together, meeting family, etc. plays a big part of that. I haven't been here on VJ for years like many others have, but I can't recall reading about a fiancee/marriage Visa being approved without the couple having met first. If it has happened, it's got to be quite rare indeed!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-18 13:12:00
PhilippinesPassed Interview
Congrats! That's really great to hear! :D
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-20 23:50:00
PhilippinesIf you have doubt I suggest going to the interview with your fiancee
Congrats on your approval! :)

I'm still trying to decide when I'd rather go... during her interview or when she's ready to fly so she doesn't have to do it alone (she'll be about 6-7 months pregnant by that time). She wants me to be there when she travels, so that's what we're leaning towards. I wish I could go for her interview and stay until she's ready to travel but I only have a two week window. As optimistic as I am, I doubt we could get it all done within two weeks (interview, CFO, visa delivery, and travel).
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-05-02 14:47:00
PhilippinesBig surprise for my wife and I

None of the above, there few things that keeping it pvt is cuter!

Congratz again. I am sure it was a cute surprise. :thumbs:


Thanks!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-05-07 18:34:00
PhilippinesBig surprise for my wife and I

Congrats to both of you. Here's to hoping the process goes smooth and she's here before the airlines want to keep her on the ground.



Thanks, I've already researched that online a bit. Delta allows pregnant women to fly without any limits. While most other airlines have 7 month or 8 month limits, Delta has none. Just to be sure, I called Delta and the lady I spoke with confirmed that, and said they advise women to check with their doctor before flying, that's it! Even with all of that said, we're REALLY hoping she's not that far along when she flies!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-05-07 15:03:00
PhilippinesBig surprise for my wife and I

Congrats.... hope the baby has more hair then you.... Like I said.... there IS something in the water over there.... or maybe it is the mangoes, rice, pineapples, and bananas....


Considering that I shave my head, the baby should have more hair! As far as something in the water...I'm guessing it has more to do with us acting like crazy teenagers and rarely leaving our hotel room for two weeks :lol:

@DC - yes, she'll be sure to tell St. Lukes before her xray and I've already added her to my health insurance :thumbs: Thanks for the advice! Good to know we don't need to do anything else.

Thanks to everyone for the congrats, we appreciate it!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-05-07 14:27:00
PhilippinesBig surprise for my wife and I

Congratulations ..

I would never post pictures of pregnancy test result in public. But that is just me.

Enjoy it.


Why is that? superstitious? paranoia about privacy? I'm curious...
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-05-07 12:01:00
PhilippinesBig surprise for my wife and I
It looks like my trip to see my wife in the Philippines back in February was more eventful than we thought!

Posted Image

We expect that she'll be about 6-7 months along when she gets her visa and flies here. Do we need to do anything else, as far as the Visa paperwork goes, for the upcoming addition to our family?

Thanks in advance
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-05-07 11:22:00
PhilippinesThe Good Daughter
I watched it with my wife on my last trip in February, and yep, I hate to admit I liked it too. My wife said the last episode was last Friday. I'm looking forward to getting those channels on my dish when she arrives.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-06-04 08:11:00
PhilippinesDoes your wife know how to swim?
Funny you brought this up. Just two months ago I was visiting my wife in Manila and our hotel had a pool. I was surprised to learn that she couldn't swim. Lucky for her the water wasn't very deep so she could play around and still have fun (in fact one of our pics in our profile shows us in the pool together). Good times!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-04-05 15:19:00
PhilippinesCan someone suggest a good US cellphone plan to call and text to Philippines?
I've used Americacalls.us for over a year and a half now. It's $40 a month. They sent my wife a sim that she put in her phone and I call a local number. It's then forwarded to that sim. It's unlimited calling so it's saved us a lot of money. If we were always at our computers then I would go with what others have mentioned (skype, google talk, etc). For texting, I added unlimited international texting through Cricket for an extra $5 a month to my plan.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-07-09 08:12:00
PhilippinesDelta airlines?
I've done the PDX (Portland, OR) to NIA (Tokyo) to MNL and back 3 times with Delta and never had a problem. They always seem to be the cheapest when I search for tickets, with 18-19 hours total travel time. If everything goes well with my wife's med exam/interview we'll use Delta again in September since they're one of the few airlines that will let her fly at 8 months pregnant.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-01 16:04:00
PhilippinesLike to offer a prayer

Ema went in this morning and finished her vaccinations, and yes was told also no docs on hand to sign her paperwork. I'm glad she isn't too far and on the 4th floor. I told her to sit tight and see how the conditions progress. Cebu Pacific is going to work with people who had flights out, but were stuck due to flooding. She is going to have to come back next weds for her interview on thursday. Be good if in a day or so if they can get it done. Long as she is safe, that's all I care about. She has food and water. She said they were getting the backup generators ready earlier.

I feel bad because I'm not there. Don't like the feeling of not being able to do something.



I know, that's really the worst...not being able to do anything. I've been trying to call and text my wife but not getting through for the last couple of hours. She said she wanted to go back home (about an hour outside of Manila) to check on everything and I told her NO stay where you are and be safe! Let's hope this all ends soon.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-07 08:24:00
PhilippinesLike to offer a prayer
My wife too is in Ermita right now with her friend and children. She went in for her medical exam at St. Lukes today (the 7th), and was about 1/2 way done before they told everyone that they were short doctors and the rest of the exams were cancelled. She's supposed to go back on Thursday to finish but with the flooding, who knows? I'm glad she and the kids are safe and high up in a hotel too.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-07 07:15:00
PhilippinesAny successful Interviews lately?
My wife made a friend at her St. Luke's exam last week and she just texted saying that she passed her K1 interview. Our turn is this coming Friday the 17th!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-13 07:46:00
PhilippinesYour First Movie Together?
Walking around one of the malls in Manila, we saw a DVD store and went in to look. Looking through the DVDs I picked one I knew she'd like...Ghost. A couple of hours later we were back in our rented condo watching it. At the end of the movie, she slapped me on the shoulder as tears rolled down her face and said (lovingly) "I hate you!" hahaha. She loved the movie and has shown it to some of her friends.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-02-14 11:40:00
PhilippinesBooking A Flight
I've read that a few people have used St. Raphael Travel to get a first time immigrant discount (be sure to read the small print about taxes because they're not added to the advertised prices). I've looked at Delta for my wife's upcoming flight, and found around $700 for her one-way ticket from Manila to Portland, Oregon.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-08-21 12:17:00
PhilippinesJust Sharing Our Bundle of Joy- Amanda
That's great, congats to the both of you, she's a cutie!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-12 13:18:00
PhilippinesOriginal documents returned after interview?
We do have copies of everything, but we sent in originals during the NVC stage (for the DS-230). Since it takes 7-10 days to get a response, I guess we'll just go ahead and order a new Marriage License (My wife was told she could get a new one sometime next week). We were just hoping to avoid the hassles.

Thanks for the responses!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-13 14:14:00
PhilippinesOriginal documents returned after interview?
My wife went in for her CR-1 interview on Tuesday the 11th (and was approved). The embassy kept her original Marriage License and Birth Certificate. They asked if the could keep them, and my wife being cautious (and maybe a little nervous), said yes. Since she still needs to go through CFO, she needs those originals. Will they return them along with her Visa when it is delivered? If not, can she pick them up at the embassy or does she need to order new ones?

I've sent an email to the embassy, asking these questions but so far no answer. All I got over the phone was scripted answers, with no real help, except telling me to email them.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-13 13:26:00
Philippines100 pages of proof/evidence of communication....is this enough

my fiance interview will be in few more days...and trying to get things ready for him.

is 100 pages of proof/evidence of genuine relationship is enough? (we had plenty. but we don't want to over load the interviewer :bonk: )

thanks guys :thumbs:


My wife brought about 40 pages of text-chat, another 10 pages of phone records, receipts, boarding passes, hotel reservation printouts, and our wedding photo album. The only thing they asked to see was the wedding pics. I'm sure 100 pages is plenty :thumbs:

Good luck on the interview!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-13 14:18:00
Philippinesmarriage vs k1 visa
Once again, you've completely missed the point. Nice try though!

Edited by Mark&Fatima, 07 September 2012 - 02:03 PM.

Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-07 14:03:00
Philippinesmarriage vs k1 visa

" Sure you can click around on that site and search for it" So what your saying is you can find the answer. I.E. USCIS Processing Time Information, I just didn't give a random answer like many have given or the way you think I should have.


"or you could have simply answered the question for him like many of the rest of us have done" http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/387455-marriage-vs-k1-visa/page__view__findpost__p__5665873 sounds just like many of the rest have done, including your own.

.

Face it, your comment has contributed absolutely no help to the OP. Your just up set. Hope you have a better day.


I'm not upset at all. I answered the question that he asked the first time. When I merely pointed out that your first response wasn't pertaining to what he asked, you got mad and made the little "fu" comment...doing your best to sneak it past the moderators but still getting your insult in. Like I said, you're all class.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-07 09:44:00
Philippinesmarriage vs k1 visa

Had both you and the OP bothered to look, this link does offer as of Aug 17, 2012 USCIS Processing Time Information .
fu



Actually, I did bother to click your link and read the page (which I've read before when I filed my wife's CR-1 last year). You're the one that couldn't answer a simple question for the OP, which was how long would it take to get a visa after marriage in Phils. Instead you posted a link that only shows the necessary steps one has to go through to get married there. The link you provided does not show processing times. Sure you can click around on that site and search for it...or you could have simply answered the question for him like many of the rest of us have done. Face it, you contributed absolutely no help to the OP.

Nice "fu" by the way...you're all class. :thumbs:
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-06 15:25:00
Philippinesmarriage vs k1 visa

http://manila.usembassy.gov/marriage.html

?

Google is your friend



The info on that link doesn't answer his question (about how long it takes), it only describes the steps to get married in the Philippines.

To the OP - the K1 is a fiancee visa only. Since you've already filed the K1, you would have to cancel it, and file for a CR-1 Visa if you decide to get married before getting her K1. The CR-1 generally takes longer than K1 (by a couple months on average), but has other benefits that may make it a better choice. Read here for more info -My link
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-06 12:42:00
PhilippinesHow long to get your visa?
It's been very quick lately it seems. My wife's CR-1 interview was Tuesday the 11th, and the 2G0 website says that the Visa is there now (2 days later!), ready to be picked up. :dance:
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-13 13:17:00
PhilippinesCFO Limited Slots
My wife did hers about 2 weeks ago. She got there around 5am and she was #17 in line (#13 for the USA slots). One of the ladies there said she had arrived at midnight! Luckily for my wife, they offered a 2nd class later in the day (2:30pm)...I'm not sure if they do this everyday or not. Anyway, get there early and good luck!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-09-24 12:31:00
PhilippinesPhilipines -- Lodging near Embassy
Lots of ideas in this link: :thumbs:

My link
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-10-24 15:31:00
Philippinesfeedback on St. Raphael Travel Agency and Reliable Intl. Travel Agency
I thought about using them too when my wife was about to travel. Be sure to click on the "Details" link next to the listed prices on their site. This will show you the additional tax that will be added to that advertised price (for example, the $440 PAL flight - Manila to Los Angeles becomes $740 after taxes). In the end it was the same or only a little cheaper so we just went with Delta. Good luck!
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-11-08 13:32:00
PhilippinesValidating Credit Card for Plane Tickets

After my fiancee's visa arrives, I plan to buy her plane tickets through the Delta website. Hopefully for May 1st if everything happens according to plan. I am nervous about using my credit card to purchase the tickets because the credit card needs validated. I have read stories about fiancee's from Philippines not being able to use the tickets because of not having the credit card and picture id for it, especially with Delta Airlines. I believe I have also read about being able to validate it another way here in the US. Does anyone know how to do this? Do I need to go to the airport in Portland to do this at the Delta ticket counter? If I can't find a full proof way to do this, I may purchase them with cash at the airport or send the cash to my fiancee. Using a credit card would just be easier. Thanks.

-James


I also live in Portland and I bought my wife's ticket through Delta back in September. I bought it online and had to go to PDX (to the Delta counter) to prove my purchase. I simply showed them my ID, credit card, reservation number (that I printed out after purchasing her ticket) and everything was fine. My wife didn't need to do anything on her side, other than show her passport and Visa.

Edited by Mark&Fatima, 04 January 2013 - 02:28 PM.

Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2013-01-04 14:28:00
PhilippinesAge difference of fiance to fiancee?

it was his first post on VJ. he was just trying to make a good first impression...


Yep, I noticed that too. It was a nice try.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-01-13 12:32:00
PhilippinesAge difference of fiance to fiancee?

My personal observation is that old (divorced) American men, who cannot find women in the States, go after young filipinas who need to get a US visa. The women "love" the men (who are old enough to be their dads), but both parties are basically using each other. The man uses the woman for sex and a for a loyal wife, and the filipina uses the man to get into the US and support her family back home. Why are people so afraid to admit this? I've been to the Philippines 3 times and it is soooo obvious that this is the case. If not, then why don't you ever see young filipinas with older filipino men?

So the age difference is pretty shameful in most cases. I'm marrying a filipina and filed the I-129F back in October. I'm 25 and my fiance is 26. Whenever I'm walking around with my fiance in the Philippines, all the girls stop and stare because they are so shocked that a young white guy is down there with a filipina girl. Again, this is my observation, and everyone knows it's true!


So why is it different in your case? You also want a wife for sex and her loyalty too. Simply because your fiance is not marrying an older guy, why does that mean she's not interested in getting into the U.S. and supporting her family back home as well? Just because a couple are similar in age, doesn't take away the fact that they are using each other...whether it's for love, money, happiness, security, etc. They want something and the relationship they are in hopefully gives them that. I also know of several American men that live in PI with their wives, so assuming that the wife is only doing it to get into USA isn't always the case. Even my wife tried to convince me to live with her instead of her coming here. So all the older white guys can't find a woman back home in your opinion....what's your excuse then? You're a young white guy and you're not finding a woman back home either. Don't bash others for doing the same exact thing you're doing. You'll only make yourself out to be an idiot in the process.

As far as not seeing younger Filipinas with older Filipinos, I saw it plenty of times. Even my father-in-law was with a lady the same age as his daughter. The girls stop and stare simply because you're white, not because you're with a girl your age. Walking through Montalban I had entire groups of people turn around and look at me. Every time I was in a mall I got plenty of looks. As white guys, we stand out in a crowd of non-whites, it's as simple as that.
Mark&FatimaNot TellingPhilippines2012-01-13 12:14:00