ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinesfilipinos in louisiana
Am not heading to LA, but we will be visiting my husband's grandad in Thibodaux in the summertime.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-12-28 11:13:00
PhilippinesI-864 affidavit support
QUOTE (couple @ Dec 28 2008, 04:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ryandgracey @ Dec 27 2008, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (couple @ Dec 28 2008, 01:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, I want to know if I need original signed 1-864 for manila interview or copies will do?

Your response is greatly appreciated.


Notarized copies of a signed affidavit.


Hi, You been very helpful to many vj members... Thanks. btw your picture looks great!


and to all of you many thanks. I cant wait to be with my husband, before very frustrated making me look really pangit laughing.gif now we are getting closer which makes us both excited... but still a long wait sad.gif but ateast we know theres a progress. Hopefully everything goes smoothly. May God guide us and make it all right for us to the rest of the process. Thank you God for all the things youve done for us, Amen.

I miss you honey!


Thank you!

Much as my husband wants to deny it, he has some OCD when it comes to things like these so that he made extra copies of the I-864 and sent me two of them...two each for my daughter and myself...along with 5 years' worth of ITR's, W2's and payslips --- would you believe? I now have a lot of combustible materials in the house biggrin.gif

Good Luck to you all!!! smile.gifsmile.gifsmile.gif

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-12-28 10:59:00
PhilippinesI-864 affidavit support
QUOTE (couple @ Dec 28 2008, 01:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, I want to know if I need original signed 1-864 for manila interview or copies will do?

Your response is greatly appreciated.


Notarized copies of a signed affidavit.

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-12-27 12:25:00
PhilippinesWhat is the trusted Courier in sending Documents
FedEx. But tell him to send it to you ASAP as in right now. I don't know if they will deliver in their usual schedule, considering the long holidays here.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-12-29 12:35:00
PhilippinesWE PASSED!!!
A HUGE Congratulations to the both of you! You'll get your visa soon. Be sure to double-check the info on it, as well as on the visa packet. Then go get your passport affixed with the CFO sticker. And you're good to go smile.gif

Good Luck to your future star_smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-05 10:43:00
Philippineswedding bands
Hubby bought our 14k white-gold comfort-fit wedding bands in the US for a total of about $400. Benchmark quality, came with a lifetime guarantee...can have them resized even when we get old and have them replaced too. He brought it with him when he came for the wedding and we had them engraved here. I did not want one with any gems on it as I already had my engagement ring for that.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-05 10:58:00
Philippinesvisa received
Congratulations!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Good Luck to your upcoming new life star_smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-08 10:43:00
Philippineswhere can i find sample of questions for IR1 interiew in Manila
QUOTE (ishom @ Jan 3 2009, 08:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi to All VJ members.... Im preparing all my docs for the interview in evidence of ongoing relationship what i have are the ffng:
1. emails
2. letters, greeting cards,
3. phone calls
4. pictures together ( but i have no wedding pics coz the film we used then was exposed so we're not able to print it)
5. proof of monthly support (LBC receipt)
Anything you can add... And where can i find sample of interview questions that are asked during interview?
And Im worried i dont have wedding pics.....do u think this will cause problem?????

Pls helpppp me.....Thanks a lot


No wedding pics...hmm...they almost always ask for those. Was all they asked of me, other than phone records, emails, and cards and letters. Any insurance coverage? Joint bank accounts? Joint property ownership? Not even a single picture from the wedding? Any friends or relatives who took pics during the wedding?

Sample questions....go to VJ Wiki. There are a lot on there.

Also don't forget your CENMAR.

Good Luck!

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-03 11:31:00
PhilippinesSLEC medical experience day 2
Best of luck to you for tomorrow. Hope you are able to get some sleep....I didn't.

God bless! good.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-08 10:51:00
Philippinesfor those who will ship things via manila forwarder
Yes, I did see that note that sending stuff from the Philippines to the US is for USC's and permanent residents. I did tell Manila Forwarders (I forgot the name of the lady I spoke to) that I was CR status and that my hubby was a USC. Was not asked for anything, though I guess I would have to send them a photocopy of both our passports and his birth certificates. I have his documents on file.

Manny of Manila forwarders....is there anything thing else I need to prepare? Am going to be sending 2 jumbo boxes to my hubby.

Thing is peeps...is not easy to find a company that can be used to send stuff from here to the US. Forex does not.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-09 08:53:00
PhilippinesApproximate Time between NVC approval and interview date
Our ds230 papers spent just about a month at NVC...only because our case was complted aftr their monthly cut-off. So, unless you are absolutely sure that you will not be gtting any RFE, you should be done by feb and get an interview by march. You might want to ask NVC if they can schdule her interview on a later date.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-10 11:58:00
PhilippinesDays Hotel Tagaytay
Next time, you may want to check out Sonya's Garden. The view is not the volcano nor hte lake but the beautiful serene garden. Is like paradise on earth. Rooms are actually cottages and they are very very cozy and well separated from one another. Hot water? Definitely. Includes all three meals, which are all very very good with fresh dalandan juice. Th veggies they serve are grown in their own garden. Ambiance is very very nice for a quiet romantic getaway. From there, you can ask how to get around Tagaytay. We ventured as far as Talisay, down to Taal lake and took a boat ride to the volcano. Ohh....you can hav your wedding there too.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-10 23:17:00
Philippinescan I attend CFO
Waiting for that much-awaited document/letter from USCIS can be very frustrating....but wait till your papers are at NVC...the wait gets worse and more unnerving. So...you may want to distract yourself a bit from the anxiety and go ahead and attend the CFO. I am admittedly not a patient person when it comes to things like these and would rather go ahead and do what i would have to do later rather than sit and wait. I did my CFO in relation to my passport renewal using my husband's name and I was glad that I did. I was just a walk-in client and back then (Sept) you did not have to have an appointment to attend the seminar. It helped me pass the time, too.

Don't forget to bring pics of the two of you and the two of you with your family. Some counselors ask for that, though I was not asked for even a single piece of paper.

Good LUck to you! star_smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-08 10:32:00
PhilippinesMEDICAL AND INTERVIEW
If your case was complete Jan 7th, your husband should be receiving a letter from them soon...is basically a copy of that same appointmnt letter that you will be receiving. You may want to tell your hubby to make NVC kulit and ask for your sched...is what mine did so that I knew my sched before he got their letter biggrin.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-13 12:37:00
PhilippinesMEDICAL AND INTERVIEW
QUOTE (rheanick @ Jan 13 2009, 12:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You should have your NVC letter by now... Then you could have your medical ASAP

QUOTE (bedirisinghe @ Jan 12 2009, 07:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (couple @ Jan 12 2009, 04:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pretty_wahine09 @ Jan 12 2009, 01:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Waiting for our medical and interview. haay... kailan kya...? whistling.gif


hopefully soon.

let us knwo kung when ha... so may idea kami sa timeline.



ako din wala pa (sigh) 32 days after I received NOA2...wink.gif



Care to post your timeline?

She is CR1/IR1....NVC will schedule your interview when they are done with your case. HUbby will get notice before you do.

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-12 12:40:00
PhilippinesLETTER FROM NVC
QUOTE (pretty_wahine09 @ Jan 13 2009, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Elghazi2008 @ Jan 13 2009, 05:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pretty_wahine09 @ Jan 13 2009, 04:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Case is already complete dated January 7, 2009. Under the IR1 Visa Category. MY husband just received a letter today from the NVC that is addressed to my name. What does it mean? Please simplify this letter to me. I'm so confused and bothered sad.gif Thanks

Dear MY NAME:

Your inquiry has been sent at the NVC. The Immigration and Nationality (INA) does not allow derivative status to family members of immediate relatives. IR1, CR1, CR2, IR2 and IR5 classifications are immediate relative visa categories. This mean that a spouse, unmarried child under age of 21 and a parent os a US Citizen require their own individual petition in oeder to immigrate to the US.


Did you contact NVC about moving a family member to the US with you?

I believe that all it's saying is that IF you decide to try to bring a family member to the US, they have to file for their own visa. They won't be granted entry/immigration into the US just because YOUR visa peition was approved.

That's what I'm getting from the letter anyway...Anybody else seeing something different here?


i did contact the nvc last jan 7, about a week after they received my ds230 and requirements. i just asked them the status of my petition. they told me that my case was complete and just have to wait for the schedule of my interview. thats all. i didnt aksed them about miving a family member to the US with me.


Was there a DS230 filed for your son too? Is the boy just yours or is he your husband's as well?

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-13 12:52:00
Philippinesyasmine side effect
QUOTE (ynatots @ Jan 16 2009, 09:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi! I'm taking yasmine for ilang months now because of my polycystic ovary and endometriosis. Luckily i did not experience those side effects. I wonder if they have the same brand in the US. Kasi i need to take those until lumiit ang mga cysts ko. hehehe. Do you also have the same condition as mine? Sabi ng Ob-gyn ko if i experience anything with the pills, sabihan ko daw siya kagad so if the symptoms/side effects persist, better check with your Ob-gyn para she can change your meds if needed.


Yes, it is available in the US. Unlike here, they advertise it on TV...

One side effect for me.....and I really didn't mind at all......WEIGHTLOSS smile.gif

Am off it now. Been trying for a baby star_smile.gif

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-16 11:48:00
Philippinesis cenmar nd marriage certificate same at NSO??
QUOTE (pie_1211 @ Jan 20 2009, 12:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (sweet_wifey22 @ Jan 19 2009, 10:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CENOMAR is for single. You dont need a copy of CENOMAR on your interview for CR-1
But you do need a copy of CENMAR( Marriage Certificate) on your visa interview.

Good Luck!!!



but if i fill up the form at NSO to get copy of CENMAR what name do i need to use my married family name now or still same when i was a single???


THANKS FOR THE INFORMATION..


I used my maiden name.

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-19 10:41:00
Philippinesis cenmar nd marriage certificate same at NSO??
QUOTE (pie_1211 @ Jan 20 2009, 12:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi everyone i just want to asked if CENMAR nd MARRIAGE CERTICATE are same if i get copy at the NSO ... coz i need to apply soon


hope to hear soon..


Yes it is. You will be using the same form as the CENOMAR. You can also apply for it online....if you live in Manila, will be at your doorstep in 5 days.




QUOTE (pie_1211 @ Jan 20 2009, 12:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi everyone i just want to asked if CENMAR nd MARRIAGE CERTICATE are same if i get copy at the NSO ... coz i need to apply soon


hope to hear soon..


Yes it is. You will be using the same form as the CENOMAR. You can also apply for it online....if you live in Manila, will be at your doorstep in 5 days.


ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-19 10:24:00
PhilippinesConfuse about baggage allowance from northwest....
Am taking Cathay - United to my POE. Since there are two of us traveling, we are allowed two 23kg (50lbs) checked baggages and one each of a 15lb carry-on. Our baggages consist of 2 23kg bags, 1 larger bag, the weight of which I intend to keep below 50lbs if I could, and 1 balikbayan box.

Is what I intend to do with the larger bag ok? I measured the bag and it is the usual largest bag intended for 70lbs. I saw that baggage dimensions are the same throughout all classes of travel, only difference is the weight allowance. So that I can still use this bag and keep the weight at 50lbs?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-19 10:38:00
PhilippinesSUPER BOWL
Hmm...hubby went to school in AZ to I guess I will just lean on the Cards. good.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-19 10:54:00
PhilippinesSUPER BOWL
Hmm...hubby went to school in AZ to I guess I will just lean on the Cards. good.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-19 10:52:00
Philippinesanybody knows a cheap place to stay near SLEC?
QUOTE (cezychic @ Dec 19 2008, 04:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello fellow VJ's..


Can anybody could recommend or suggest a cheap place to stay near SLEC?
Like pension houses or cheapEST hotels? HEHE.. Tipid kasi mare nyo..hehe


pls?

Thanks!


Umm...sasha414 stayed a place a few meters away from SLEC. Send her a PM for the name.

Good Luck!



ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-12-19 06:09:00
Philippinesk1 visa....pls help...
QUOTE (shaqkeys @ Jan 23 2009, 08:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi..does anyone knows if i was granted with the visa isn't it it's only good for 6 months?can i renew my visa here after 6 months??????pls anyone???????/


As far as I know, once your visa expires you will need to reapply again. Nope, can't renew that. Of course, be prepared to explain as to why you weren't able to use your visa within the allowed time.

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-23 06:54:00
PhilippinesFinally I have my interview date!!
QUOTE (ccndyeth @ Jan 23 2009, 12:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello fellow VJers.. I just want to share the Good news.. After almost 9 mos of waiting I finally have my interview sched on Jan 27,
I went thru a TB medical treatment for 6 mos.. felt devasted during that time..

And Now.. Thank God!!! We're almost there.. kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Im so relieved Im done with St. Lukes and I don't have to deal with them anymore... kicking.gif jest.gif it's such a relieve!! content.gif
Also thank you to my friends I met here in VJ. Alecx, shasha, BrianCharisma and others
and to Ate tonet, thank you for sharing all the thoughts, Happy trip soon!!!

And to my CC I LOVE YOU so very much !!!

and of course sa Dios!!!


Wish me luck on tuesday..


anyone the same interview date please can pm me..

energy.gif energy.gif energy.gif


Hey, finally!!!

I am sure you won't have a problem with your interview, but I'm wishing you luck just the same.

Keep calm, ok? Not from being nervous but from jumping up and down when they say you're approved smile.gif

Gracey

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-23 00:27:00
PhilippinesDOOR-TO-DOOR DELIVERY FROM RP TO US
Manila Forwarders offers a ONE-TIME ONLY door-to-door service to legal residents and USC's. What if I need to send again? Is there any other company that can provide this? Forex doesn't.

Thanks!
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-23 06:42:00
PhilippinesKelan kayo nag-umpisang mag-pack ng inyong suitcase?
Well, I intend to start packing soon as I get the jumbo box I ordered from manila forwarders. They sent me a box alright, this afternoon too. Kaya lang, they sent the wrong size!

By packing, I mean segregating which to bring on the flight with me and which to send ahead via courier. I would so love to bring all that I want to (and that applies to my daughter too), but it is virtually impossible. My daughter is taking 2 luggages for herself, whereas I am taking one luggage and one balikbayan box. The thing about balikbayan boxes is that although it is lighter, it would be hard to pack it in such a way na di magugulo gamit mo maski itapon-tapon ng mga baggage handlers and not exceed the 23kg weight limit. My daughter is just 6 years-old so that her clothes are much smaller and lighter....and her Daddy already has clothes waiting for her in her drawers in Ohio. So, whatever space she will have left over, Mommy will take biggrin.gif

I must have my iron kawali and kaldero....! Very good for extra-sauteing good ol' adobo in extra garlic, eh?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-27 10:38:00
PhilippinesHow long will it take for visa to arrive after interview??
Got out visas 2 days after our interview. I guess it depends on where you are. Also, the courier has changed...probably take a week or so.

Good Luck! good.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-31 12:03:00
PhilippinesGUIDANCE AND COUNSELING SEMINAR - USEM Manila
The seminar is given as a pre-requisite for OFW's and fiance's, fiancee's and spouses of foreign nationals before they travel outside the Philippines. I understand the rationale behind this as the gov't just wishes to provide some form of protection to Filipinos by informing them about how and where to find help if something nasty arises. Yes, we here trust our foreign partners/employers but there are still some who trusted and suffered..know what I mean? There are men out there who will appear sweet and loving and will put their best foot forward to get a partner, but once that happens, become abusive. And who will these poor women run to for help?

The seminar also serves as a sort of orientation as to how your life will be in whatever country you go to and gives some travel advice as well as advice on such things like how to apply for SSN, driver's license, etc.

Children 12 and below are not required to attend the seminar. You may, however, have the CFO sticker affixed to your passport once you have your visa. You just need to present your certificate of attendance and a photocopy of your passport and visa and a passport-sized photo, as well as photocopies of your kids' passports and visas and photos..
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-01 00:33:00
PhilippinesYou know you are married to a Filipina if....
QUOTE (pepe N pilar @ Oct 25 2008, 05:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know my bride to be is a Filipina because:

~ She says "open" or "close" the lights. laughing.gif
~ She asks for Colgate instead of toothpaste. yes.gif
~ She does "mano po" to older people in the house she's about to enter. tongue.gif
~ She refers to the refrigerator as "pridyider". tongue.gif
~ She has a rosary on the rear front view mirror of her car. biggrin.gif
~ She buys the karaoke system first before the TV. smile.gif
~ She says "hoy" to get someone's attention. laughing.gif
~ She goes to a department store and try to bargain the price. tongue.gif
~ She has a cartful of corned beef during a sale. biggrin.gif
~ She wears her fancy clothes and jewelry whenever she travels to and fro the Philippines. yes.gif
~ She eats rice for breakfast, lunch and dinner. laughing.gif
~ She points with her lips. tongue.gif
~ She says "kutex" instead of nail polish. biggrin.gif
~ She puts her hands together and point to the direction she is walking to pass between other people. laughing.gif


Please don't forget using the term "rubber shoes" instead of sneakers. laughing.gif My husband has caught me saying that a number of times and he couldn't help but be amused.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-25 00:22:00
PhilippinesYou know you are married to a Filipina if....
QUOTE (PingLocalHostess @ Oct 23 2008, 05:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just find it amusing... biggrin.gif


Likewise. Especially that washing hair with a bucket. My husband read that to me when I had just washed my hair...I actually laughed because it was true, at least for me laughing.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-23 06:34:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Pride at Superbowl XLIII!
QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Feb 3 2009, 12:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Should of had Journey sing at halftime instead of Bruce Springsteen.

Springsteen was a major buzzkill to watch and try to listen to, he is washed up....


Took to the shower after his second song biggrin.gif

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-02 12:11:00
PhilippinesPhilippine Pride at Superbowl XLIII!
Fil-Am Arnel Pineda, frontman of the band Journey performed at the Superbowl pregame show!!! I was not able to watch the Steelers-Cards game live this morning Manila time and only watched it tonight. I felt a profound sense of pride watching the li'l Filipino guy with the incredible vocals reminiscent of Steve Perry, singing his heart out to the crowd. Of course, I am not discounting the other Filipinos who have carved a niche for themselves all over the world as some of them are my own relatives.

Mabuhay and Pinoy!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-02 11:09:00
PhilippinesFilipinos Learning How to Drive
I've been driving here in Manila for the past 13 years (wow! has it been that long?). I acquired my driving thru 3 people: 1. my ever-careful cousin, 2. my uncle's driver, also ever-careful (though he has to speed sometimes with care when my uncle's security is of concern), and last but not least 3. an ex-taxi driver. LOL. My pet peeve is drivers who do not know that they have such a contraption on their vehicles known as a signal light and that it is not a decor, and try to sneak into my right of way.

My husband has witnessed my driving skills and thinks I will do just fine in the US though I may have to adjust to the wider and less congested (thank God!) roads. He was and still is all too happy to have the opportunity to drive here since he can drive the way he would really like to drive....he can acutally pass for a Filipino cab driver laughing.gif

When we move to the US though, I will need to get used to driving his truck. He plans on getting a second-hand car which he would use only in going to work and back and he says he would rather let me use the well-maintained truck for whatever need I would have. He doesn't want me commuting. Besides, I dont think I can stand NOT driving.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-19 10:39:00
Philippineshi guys got my visa today
Your visa expires in approximately 6 months. I had my interview December 9th and my visa expires around the end of May. My daughter's expires about a week later. Go ahead and open the plastic and get your passport. You need to photocopy the Immigrant Data Summary and the passport for getting the CFO sticker. The CFO form will ask for your registration number and visa number which are both in the passport.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-11 11:27:00
PhilippinesVisa number
QUOTE (bluemist @ Feb 11 2009, 08:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ryandgracey @ Feb 11 2009, 05:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys...

Just a quick question as I am filling out a W7 form. Which number on the visa in the passport is the visa number? Is the RED one at the bottom right of the visa page?

Thanks!


Yes.Those red numbers below on the right side.


Phew! Finally...a response smile.gif

Thank you very very much!

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-11 10:48:00
PhilippinesVisa number
Hi guys...

Just a quick question as I am filling out a W7 form. Which number on the visa in the passport is the visa number? Is the RED one at the bottom right of the visa page?

Thanks!
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-11 05:28:00
PhilippinesIs CENMAR different from CENOMAR?
You may want to apply online...will take 5 days and will be delivered to your doorstep (if you are in Manila or nearby province)
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-14 05:52:00
PhilippinesTrying to get Pregnant!
Worrying will adversely affect your chances. If it will happen, it will happen. Just keep trying but just for the heck of it, you know? Pressuring yourselves to produce a child definitely won't help. And you still have plenty of time. But go ahead and check with your OB-GYN. star_smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-01-25 12:10:00
PhilippinesManila Airport Guide
Thank you. Never been out of the country...never saw the need for it till now. This will save me some time. smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-11 21:49:00