ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
Philippinesbringing dried fish, canned meats back to US
QUOTE (Mister_Bill @ Feb 15 2009, 12:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ryandgracey @ Feb 14 2009, 03:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But dried mango is ok? How about Eng Bee Tin's hopia (these are in foil packets), Curly tops chocolate, and maggi Ginataang mais? Also, I am bringing 2 original PC games...how will they know if these are true or not? These are in their original containers and one game has the instruction booklets in it. DVD's....all original also in original containers...I am packing 10 of them in a door-to-door box. Will Customs open it when they see it in the custom's declaration?


Probable not, because they know, because of regional coding, they probably won't play here in the US. I brought two PS2 games that looked real, but would not work in the US. I even declared them, but customs didn't even look. There are anti-piracy laws that might apply here.


These games and Dvd's came from there.

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-15 12:09:00
Philippinesbringing dried fish, canned meats back to US
But dried mango is ok? How about Eng Bee Tin's hopia (these are in foil packets), Curly tops chocolate, and maggi Ginataang mais? Also, I am bringing 2 original PC games...how will they know if these are true or not? These are in their original containers and one game has the instruction booklets in it. DVD's....all original also in original containers...I am packing 10 of them in a door-to-door box. Will Customs open it when they see it in the custom's declaration?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2009-02-14 06:03:00
PhilippinesClass A or B (TB)...requires attn of USPHS at POE
QUOTE (pangga @ Dec 22 2008, 12:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Maribob...Better to be truthful on your medical. Anyway, you are negative on your xray. I assume that SLEC will require additional test such as sputum exam/culture if your xray is positive.

Some members here have explained to you already why it is very common for Filipinos to have positive skin test.

How long will you take your prescribed TB meds?


Post-exposure prophylaxis is usually 6 months.

The medication Rifampicin will show up in your urine by giving it an orange color....think orange juice.

Again, with the visa process, it is better NOT to lie.

ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-12-22 10:38:00
PhilippinesClass A or B (TB)...requires attn of USPHS at POE
QUOTE (Maribob @ Dec 17 2008, 07:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello fellow vj,

I Have concern... i have a friend that file her k1 visa...but she is not register here in vj jouney and she have question that i cant answer..so i am hoping some people can answer her question.she was exposed to a person that carrier and positive to tuberculosis. and wen she went to the doctor for check -up,and she got a skin test and x-ray...she was positive to the skin test and negative to her chest x-ray..is this can affect or detect on her medical ? knowing that she is negative and not contagious?

Now she take one pill today..but she really dont want to take it for 9 months bcoz she is so afraid for the side effects.. what
is the best thing to do? she is worried that mayb st.lukes medical hopital can detect that on her urine and blood test that she is taking a medications??
.i
she is now 4th month for her k1-visa,and she will approve soon, and that is her big problem..the doctor said its optional..but she is really confused now...hope someone can give me a advice on this problem


Thing is, SLEC will do their own CXR. It will be prudent for her to tell the examiner at the Immunization history room as her urine will turn out orange when she goes for the urine exam. And tell her to bring her Xray.

Rule of thumg: when it comes to the visa process...do not lie.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-12-17 08:24:00
PhilippinesMarriage Certificate question
QUOTE (CaNdiD wiTcH @ Sep 3 2008, 07:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (simpson_121919 @ Sep 3 2008, 06:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everybody, I just got married in the Philippines in Tacloban City on August 19,2008. I now have to start the paper processes and have alot of questions. Any help will be appreciated.

I had a question about my marriage certificate that I got from the local civil registery in Tacloban City. I know that the one that we get from NSO that is sent to US embassy in Manila is the one you want. My question is that for filing the I-130, will the local civil registery marriage certificate be enough or will the want to see the NSO verion. Has anybody done it this way and if so I would really like to hear how it went. When I was down there I went to the NSO and was told it could take anywhere from a month to 4 months so I am hoping I dont have to wait for all that. My wife will be checking up on it to speed up the process.

We submitted NSO certified marriage certificate together with our application just to be sure. I guess 4 months is way too long. If your wife knows somebody in the municipality maybe she could ask help to do this for her (connection sometimes could be a big help). We got our NSO certified copy a month after our wedding date.


You could request for a NSO certified copy of your marriage certificate (they call it SECPA, i believe). It's on blue security paper. There really is no way you can expedite your registration with NSO...unless you know somebody.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-03 10:54:00
PhilippinesSo worried about my husband in Louisiana about the hurricane Gustav
QUOTE (my_panacea = Greg @ Sep 1 2008, 11:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HI Vj family,

I've been so worried since the first time I heard about the hurricane Gustav and it is pointing directly to Louisiana. My husband is in Louisiana and so near in the eye of the depression. crying.gif ,and I know power will be knock down for nearly a week of probbly more.We wont talk until the power is back.
And also, I know we have fellow members from LA. Let's pray for them to be safe always.





Hi!!! Hope he is okay? My hubby's grandfather lives in Thibodaux which was in the eye of the storm and he is 80+ years old and very stubborn. He had refused to leave when Katrina hit and he had refused again this time around. And he lives beside a bayou at that. He remained in his home with his brother and his son and his nephew while all the others went up to my mother-in-laws. Ryan said that if it went bad, he would bo to Papa's and that got me worried. Thankfully, they have been in touch throughout the entire ordeal and have not been harmed. Hope your hubby is okay too.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-03 11:23:00
PhilippinesI GOT MY VISA!!! WOOHOOOOO!
Congratulations!!!! I am so happy for you. Now I am more anxious and impatient huh.gif

Good luck to you both good.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-03 11:02:00
PhilippinesEvaluation of Phils' Educational Background
Geez....good for you all. I have to take the usmle then apply to God knows how many hospitals for residency again. Is not easy to have to pass a national board exam again after 15 years wacko.gif Hopefully my hubby's connections at the LTC facility he works in can help... star_smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-04 06:53:00
PhilippinesTransitioning from Filipina to Filipino-American
Very interesting. My hubby has told me several times about how different a culture I would be immersed in and I look forward to it all. He has told me that I may feel isolated and bored, but well, he and my daughter will be there for me. Plus, he came upon a nice Filipino community in his area.

I did tell him to be patient with my cooking though biggrin.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-03 11:13:00
PhilippinesDisappointment to Phil.Post
Philpost...pffffst!!! Used to take a week for a simple packet from the US and 2 weeks for a simple envelope to the US. It now takes at the least, 3 weeks. An entire month before my husband got the g325a's for our 129F. I had express-mailed a second packet and he got the two on the same day. DUH? And it was a waste of money as our 130 had been sent on to NVC already. So I asked him if NVC was going to use USPS to send me the DS3032 and the other docs. He said that he didn't know. We had both agreed that henceforth, we send docs thru courier, despite the higher costs...should be money well spent in the end, I would think.

He sent a little care package with docs in it which is supposed to take just 6-10 days to arrive...will probably get it by mid-october blink.gif I have yet to have to pay any duties on anything he has sent me. I guess there are some post offices that are that corrupt. devil.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-05 12:45:00
PhilippinesCAN I EMAIL DS 3032 FOR MY DAUGHTER TOO?
James' shortcut says we could just email the DS 3032 instead of waiting for it to arrive in the mail. Can i do the same for my daugther's?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-05 12:57:00
Philippineswedding gown!
QUOTE (tedjen @ Sep 4 2008, 11:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (phil and nanz @ Sep 4 2008, 06:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello my vj family biggrin.gif
pwede nyo ba ako matulungan kung saan ako pwede makapag-pagawa ng wedding gown na medyo okay lang sa price pero maganda pagkakagawa? blush.gif
baka meron kayo alam na boutique na gumagawa ng gown? or designer na hindi naman ganun kataas ang price? biggrin.gif sensya na po medyo nagkukuripot lang ng konti biggrin.gif thanks in advance and god bless you all blush.gif

nanz


Hi, may contact ako sa Divisoria, gumagawa sila ng mga gowns... I bought mine, package na sya for less than 10k, actually yung 10k mo entourage na nga yun eh... basta marunong ka lang pumili ng tindahan ang negotiate with them nicely... In fairness, ang ganda nung gown ko lahat nga ng mga employees ng husband ko sa US hindi makapaniwala na ganun yung price eh biggrin.gif


I agree....I chose a gown from a catalogue (metro weddings), showed it to my cousin's sister-in-law who took us to Divisoria to get the materials...my gown, plus my mom's and my daughter's cost me less than 10T smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-05 13:03:00
PhilippinesREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
John, I understand your impatience. We had originally wanted a K3 but when we learned that our case had gone on to NVC without the 129F, we decided that the CR1 was still the best. I would be able to work sooner and drive around sooner. I do not take to well to just sitting at home ever since I finished med school and being able to find work while I get my license to practice will do me a lot of good. I was glad to have our petition approved in record time but things have come to a standstill at the moment. We both would like to have the process at NVC go smoothly, even preparing all the needed paperwork way in advance. Nothing has moved at NVC for the past week and the idleness is increasing our impatience. We wish to have this all done in time for the holidays. My husband will not be with me on our first wedding anniversary and I guess having that visa in hand would lessen the loneliness much. If i had it my way, i'd have a interview even in the next hour. My husband and I long for our little family to be complete and it is all we think about.

At least you are at the embassy stage and your waiting time is near its end. Count yourself fortunate as others are waiting still.

Good luck to all of us.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-15 07:48:00
PhilippinesNBI AND POLICE CLEARANCE...DO I NEED BOTH?
Got NBI clearances in both my maiden and married names. Do I do the same with police clearances? Do I need a police clearance to start with even if I have not been to any other country?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-19 03:07:00
Philippinesir1 preparing documents for up coming interview
QUOTE (RyaNRiza @ Sep 18 2008, 09:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How about the DS forms? smile.gif


DS forms? It was my understanding that ir1/cr1 filers already have their DS forms with the packet sent by NVC to USEM?

Also, do we, the beneficiaries also need to get a police clearance in addition to the NBI clearance? and regarding the NBI clearance, we are given 2 copies of that right? One of which goes to NVC and the other (the personal copy) to us. At the embassy, do we give our personal copy or can we give a photocopy of that but show the original?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-18 11:37:00
PhilippinesNEED HELP WITH MY CHILD'S CR2 APPLICATION
I took the issue to my uncle who is a lawyer and a retired judge and he says that legally, my daughter has no father and hence his name should not appear. My husband called NVC 4 times, i think and they gave him 4 different answers. wacko.gif We are more confused now.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-19 23:39:00
PhilippinesNEED HELP WITH MY CHILD'S CR2 APPLICATION
QUOTE (boyceedith @ Sep 19 2008, 05:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello! i am on CR1 and Cr2 route with my 5yr old daughter. The same thing with me her father's name was not on any of her paper because we're not married .i had my interview just this 4rth of sept and we passed dont worry they will not gonna ask any consent from her father because he was not on any of his document you will be fine and about NBI and police clearance , my question is have you been in abroad before? because if you been in abroad and stayed there for like 6mos then you need both but if not you need only NBI ...i hope this will help you if you need more question about CR2 just pm ,oh by the way how old is your daughter?

Thank you very much. 16 views and only 1 reply so far.

she is 5, too. Did you put his name on her form?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-19 04:34:00
PhilippinesNEED HELP WITH MY CHILD'S CR2 APPLICATION
Hi guys...

We need some advice regarding my child's CR2 visa application. Her biological father's name does not appear in ANY of her documents...her birth cert, baptismal cert, even her passport application. Question #15 asks for her father's name and 16, his birthdate, birthplace and current address. My concern is, what am I supposed to put there? My husband called NVC and they said that I should put his name there and all the other info that i am unsure of as "unknown", but if they see that and they do not see his name on her documents, my fear is that they tell me that I should get a consent to travel from him first. I do not honestly know where he is right now. On the other hand, if I do not put his name, would they question that too and say that it is impossible that i do not know who her father is, and eventually say that I committed some kind of fraud? A friend put her child's father's name on the child's form and they did not allow trhe child to go with her until she got the father's consent...and she did not know where he was. Until now, she still cannot bring him with her.

We really need help on this. I have till next week when my NBI will be released and I send our applications to NVC. Please advise us on this. We would be extremely grateful.

Thank you in advance.

helpsmilie.gif helpsmilie.gif helpsmilie.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-19 02:54:00
PhilippinesInterview checklist.......
You're good to go, girl. Best of luck to you. Hmm...I might as well just bring a trolley bag full of evidence and stuff.....

Pink slip...pink slip...pink slip.... kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-20 22:36:00
PhilippinesHay...
Patience is a virtue, Ria (though I seem to have some lack of it right now). It'll come. Is Steph still around? If he is, then just enjoy each other's company. If not, well, you have your wonderful little boy to hover around you. So sit tight and chin up...it'll all come together innocent.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-12 11:03:00
PhilippinesMY DS-230 CHECKLIST
QUOTE (my_panacea = Greg @ Sep 29 2008, 10:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Go GO Gracey... I'm really so happy for you. You have a wonderful visa journey.!
Godbless!


Thank you very much. You better get a move on yours smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-29 10:53:00
PhilippinesMY DS-230 CHECKLIST
Here is my DS-230 checklist:

1. NSO birth certificate plus photocopy
2. NSO marriage certificate plus photocopy
3. Photocopy of biographic page of passport
4. NBI clearances in married and maiden name and photocopies
5. Police clearances in married and maiden name (is this really needed) and photocopies
6. 2pcs 2x2 visa photos
7. DS-230 form, Part I signed

My 5-year-old daughter's checklist:

1. NSO birth certificate plus photocopy
2. Our marriage certificate plus photocopy (to show that we were married before her 18th bday)
3. Photocopy of biographic page of passport
4. 2 pcs 2x2 visa photos
5. DS-230 form, Part I signed by me
6. Optional (?) Affidavit of Illegitimacy

Did I miss anything? Also, on my daughter's form #20 states to list all places lived in since age 16. Do I need to fill this up for her?

I also read on a wiki page that I should not leave any gap in my employment history. I was in between work for 8 months from 2003 to 2004 and i filled it with "mainly relieving other doctors at their clinics when they could not come in". Is this ok?

Will be sending all the form out in the next two days. would LOVE to know your responses. star_smile.gif

Thanks in advance!
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-29 03:25:00
PhilippinesVISA delayed is VISA denied?
QUOTE (STEPHnRIA @ Sep 29 2008, 04:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ryandgracey @ Sep 29 2008, 04:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Ria....

It saddens me that you seem to want to give up on this. I would say that you are still fortunate and would encourage to keep your chin up. I know how it is to wait....and wait....and wait....and wait....but in the end, thing will go your way. You need to be strong not only for yourself but for your son and Steph as well. It has only been 4 week....others have taken longer, as I think you know. It will come...I know it will. good.gif

God Bless you always! star_smile.gif



Sorry Gracey.... this is just one of those days wherein you just want to cry and let it all out...


You know, it isn't wrong to cry either. You are frustrated, I understand, but cry, if it helps release that.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-29 03:49:00
PhilippinesVISA delayed is VISA denied?
Hi Ria....

It saddens me that you seem to want to give up on this. I would say that you are still fortunate and would encourage to keep your chin up. I know how it is to wait....and wait....and wait....and wait....but in the end, thing will go your way. You need to be strong not only for yourself but for your son and Steph as well. It has only been 4 week....others have taken longer, as I think you know. It will come...I know it will. good.gif

God Bless you always! star_smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-29 03:35:00
Philippinesworried about NBI
QUOTE (ninjarocket @ Oct 1 2008, 09:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"No record on file" is the best thing the NBI clearance can state. It stated that each time my wife obtained an NBI clearance before her interview.

If the NBI clearance says "No derogatory record," it could raise a red flag at the embassy and they will request more information as to exactly what the records show, which will cause delays.

In order to get a very detailed NBI clearance, you need to go and commit some crimes and wait for them to be entered into the system.


QUOTE (HappyDancer @ Sep 30 2008, 10:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Dear, no records on file simply means you are a first timer in getting the NBI Clearance. Don't worry, try to get another one for Travel Abroad and that should reflect "NO DEROGATORY RECORD"

Hope this helps

QUOTE (chiezzy @ Sep 30 2008, 11:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello to all VJers,

Good day to all of you, i'm new here actually only 5 minutes old. This site is a very good and big help to me cause i can have an idea regarding my k1 visa, actually i have a problem its about my NBI clearance is it ok if my remarks to my NBI is NO RECORD ON FILE? somebody told me it should be NO DEROGATORY RECORD, is it true cause i'm confuse, I know no record on file and no derogatory record are thesame. correct me if my wrong, is there somebody here that have thesame remarks on NBI? should i need to go back to nbi to change this remarks? thank you so much and i hope somebody will help me on this, i need advice thanks again!




"no record on file" is there simply because you are a first time filer which is okay. They will only ask for an explanation if they see an "With derogatory record", "no criminal record" and the like. My old NBI in my maiden name had "no derogatory record" because it was a renewal already.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-01 10:16:00
PhilippinesIts October time... Christmas is coming.."ber" is in the air
My hubby and I spent our first Christmas together here last year and it was very magical, being just 4 days before the day we were married. Add to that our little girl's 5th birthday which we celebrated during christmas dinner. Then the revelry of New Year's Eve that he really enjoyed whilst lighting a box of "piccolo". It has been the best Christmas I had so far. Of course, he could not bring a lot of stuff, save for those reserved for his precious little girl. He had me get presents here before he arrived.

This year will be different. He will be spending Christmas alone in OH, which saddens me. He works Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. I don't know really if I like to look forward to that. On the other hand, it will be our princess' 6th birthday, and will probably be the last she would ever celebrate here in the Philippines, along with Christmas, of course. An approved Immigrant Visa for both myself and for her would be the best present we could ever receive smile.gif.

Meanwhile, I am busying myself with work, preparing for the medical and interview, and keeping my eyes open for good bargains for the big kids. My husband has a box en route filled with goodies for the little kids and some of the adults....and surprises for his lovely ladies, of course. Oh...and a box of Halloween goodies for our little girl is on its way too!
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-02 09:45:00
PhilippinesI hate NSO (in Ph)
Can you imagine how it will be at NSO during the pre-christmas season??? Christmas parties abound in every department...would definitely slow things down a lot. Tsk, tsk, tsk...and I am looking at a Dec interview...hope I just get pink.... whistling.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-02 10:04:00
PhilippinesAirlines gone crazy!!!
Ryan paid $2100 for his Dec flight last year...and he had booked mid-July at that. So now, whether he is working on the holidays or not, we had decided on an off-season trip for him. Fares are high around the holidays everywhere.
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-06 11:43:00
PhilippinesAny MD's here? Or anyone in the know?
This idea just entered my mind while I was browing a site of jobs for physicians. When I registered on the site, I was asked my visa status. Does being on an IR/CR visa have any bearing on the chances of getting into any residency program?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-12 13:06:00
PhilippinesThe Truth of the Matter,at the NVC,USEM,DELBROS,NSO
Guess what....we are about to file the ds230's and the AVR still says we don't have a case number huh.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-26 22:35:00
PhilippinesDOCUMENT VERIFICATION
QUOTE (meljesca @ Sep 27 2008, 11:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You will be notified by nVC thru snail mail.we got 2 snail mails from them where they will give you your manila case number. as soon as you got the snail mail from them you can pay your dv right away so that you will not have problem during your interview date on getting white slip. The earlier you pay the better i suggest you pay your DV 1 month or more than a month before your interview.. They won't email you. instead you/fiance can call NVC hotline and ask them if theya lready processed you packet if yes ask for your case number then u can start paying your DV.They won't tell you when your interview date is. there are 2 options, wait for the US embassy appointment letter or you call the embassy hotline and get your appointment letter where they will send on ur e-email add.Before calling embassy hotline you should call the embassy telephone to clarrify if they got your packet coz calling embassy hotline will cost you much. Once the embassy will tell u they got your packet. then u call thier hotline and get ur interview appointment. there's no need to wait for your appointment letter from the embassy.One u got your MNL case number you can have your medical right away, medical expiration will be 6 months from the first day u had your medical exams.be sure to go there healthy, no cough,no colds. gudluck and God bless you.
PS there's no need to wait for the embassy to get your papers..pay your dv right away after you got your MNL case number. NVC will send it to your husband.


We got our case number via phone call shortly after our I-130 was approved. NVC schedules the interview at the embassy for IR/CR visas, right? So once NVC tells us they have sent the packet to USEM, we can do the medical already and start paying for the DV?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-27 11:35:00
PhilippinesDOCUMENT VERIFICATION
Is it correct to say that once case is completed at NVC, we will be notified by them? And via what method? Email? Snail mail? If we get it thru email, will we be told in that email as to when our interview will be? We could go for the medical already, can we? And can we pay for Delbros verification already or do we need to wait till USEM gets our papers?

We want to be prepared for this eventuality. Your input will be of big help, as it has always been smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-09-26 22:46:00
PhilippinesAny MD's here? Or anyone in the know?
This idea just entered my mind while I was browing a site of jobs for physicians. When I registered on the site, I was asked my visa status. Does being on an IR/CR visa have any bearing on the chances of getting into any residency program?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-12 13:09:00
PhilippinesAny MD's here? Or anyone in the know?
QUOTE (vsmtghdy @ Oct 15 2008, 04:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sorry, I must have pasted a different link:

IMED Search Instructions:
http://imed.ecfmg.org/search.asp

You can click on Philippines and the 38 accredited medical schools will be listed.


Thanks. How about doing research work in the mean time. Possible?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-15 05:10:00
PhilippinesAny MD's here? Or anyone in the know?
QUOTE (vsmtghdy @ Oct 14 2008, 02:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rmncm @ Oct 13 2008, 07:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well maybe Idaho has higher standards then California...who knows. All I know is when I talked to the Idaho state Medical board, they told me none of the schools in the Philippines were on the list of accredited Universities.


Medical Education Credentials:
http://www.ecfmg.org/creds/index.html

International Medical Education Directory (IMED):
http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

To Search IMED (IMED have 74 Countries on their lists (including USA) with Accredited Medical Schools):
http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

For the Philippines there are 38 Medical Schools Accredited in the USA:
http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD


Umm...the last three took me to the USCIS Immigration forms page.... unsure.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-13 22:05:00
PhilippinesAny MD's here? Or anyone in the know?
QUOTE (vsmtghdy @ Oct 13 2008, 10:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You need to take USMLE Step 1, Step 2CS, Step 2 CK (in any particular order)-- then apply for a residency training while taking or planning to take your Step 3 or you can also take your Step 3 after your residency training. You cannot work as Doctor here in the US unless you have the ECFMG Certification (requirement of which is to pass step 1, 2CS and 2CK). Your visa category has no bearing in applying for a job, one thing for sure is that you don't need a J-1 visa as what other IMG's do to get here in the U.S. since you will be receiving your GC soon. And one more advantage is, you don't need to take the English exam.

I have already applied and scheduled for my Step 1 (3 more steps to go)... I'm doing it one step at a time since I have really no time to study and prepare since I am also working 12 -hours shift.

And to rmncm---> I beg to disagree that the medical practice in the Philippines is below the standards as I know foreigners (USC and from other countries) that have taken their Medical degree in the Philippines then go back to their own country to practice their profession. I have 2 USC classmates, 4 Thais and one of that USC classmate of mine is already a Pulmonologist here in the US (CA) and one is a Surgeon. And there's 3 Pinay Doctors that are working as Pediatrician and 2 Internal Medicine Specialists in the Hospital that I am working now here in California. After they graduated from medical school, they took up the USMLE then had their residency training here in the US and if the medicine we practice in the Philippines were below standards then they would have not passed the USMLE and their residency training program. There are point tandards needed to be able to qualify to a residency program--- at least 220 for specialization like Pediatrician and Internal Medicine.

Gracey---> just try to take the exam if you haven't taken it yet and don't quit with your goals. It may take time but someday we will still be able to practice our profession here in the U.S.


Good Luck and God Bless.


Thank you for your input. Am relieved somewhat that i cna go into residency with Steps 1 and 2. And the TOEFL too. I had begun to study for Step 1 but got caught up in the visa prep in addition to clinic hours. Is quite hard to concentrate on it right now. Will get back on track once all the hulabaloo is over. I can't quit my goals...being a Doc is the only thing I know how to do. My husband respects that and he is being very supportive.

And yes, I agree with you regarding the standards of the Philippine medical schools. There are a lot of MD's in that small Fil-Am community in my husband's area and the majority had graduated from here and are having a good practice in the US. My best friend, based in NJ, likewise got her MD here and passed the USMLE and was a department head at Schering-Plough and is now working in the Oncology section of Astra-Zeneca. A lot of my co-residents here have also made their way into the US and are now concentrated on their respective practices. My then juniors are making their marks in Aussieland too. And our predecessors....their are highly respected by the international medical community as well. Oh...and add my uncle too, recently retired from Familiy Medicine after 45 years. You can google him too. My brother, a spine surgeon, graduated a year before I did at the same Philippine medical school and he has been all over Europe and Asia, presenting paper after paper. He is currently in Toronto and is scheduled to give a lecture at a medical convention. And yes, he has passed both the USMLE and the British exams. So....substandard? I don't think so.

Good Luck to us all smile.gif
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-13 07:55:00
PhilippinesAny MD's here? Or anyone in the know?
QUOTE (Karin und Otto @ Oct 13 2008, 02:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
protest6wz.gif Did ya need to repeat this Topic 9 times? protest6wz.gif


sorry...thought it wouldn't get sent. my browser seemed to stop working..kept refreshing the page...
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-12 13:33:00
PhilippinesAny MD's here? Or anyone in the know?
This idea just entered my mind while I was browing a site of jobs for physicians. When I registered on the site, I was asked my visa status. Does being on an IR/CR visa have any bearing on the chances of getting into any residency program?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-12 13:06:00
PhilippinesNo DV process not retroactive
I went to the USEM site, downloaded the instruction packet for IR/CR and, lo and behold, DV wasn't anwhere on it. I did look at the date on the packet and it was October 2008, just as MJ3LV said. I had downloaded the previous packet earlier and the DV requirement was there. Now, it isn't. And this is on the official USEM site. The marriage index is mentioned though, as well as anything and everything that you can provide to prove the you are who you are, your spouse is who he/she is, and that you do have an existing relationship which is authentic in every way.

BTW, requested a marriage index (though I have the one I got before we were married)...said it'll take 5 days minimum? Is this about accurate?
ryandgraceyFemalePhilippines2008-10-15 11:35:00