ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesDoes past tourist visa denial affect current K1 application? (merged)
Joui, on 27 Jul 2014 - 08:40 AM, said:

I applied for a tourist visa last 2012 to visit my girlfriend and her family back then. I was denied based on not being able to establish "ties". In short was not able to establish that i will come back. Of course that's not true. Now my fiancé (girlfriend back then) applied for K1 visa to finally end this long distance affair.. I was honest and wrote in the ds160 about my denial 2 years ago. Question, will the consul turn back the past denial and use against me not to be approved again?

 

No.

 

Not if it was for your inability to convince the CO during that interview that you would return which is the idea that you state. Your K1 visa will stand on its own merits meaning the documents and your answers to the CO's questions, must prove to them that your relationship is valid. If you can prove that you have a relationship and it has been ongoing then you should not have any problems.


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-07-27 07:50:00
PhilippinesInterview rescheduled by St Lukes for Aug. 25 but it is regular holiday

2062.gif  Hey Hank, I think someone likes us. Don't know why, we have such big 2033.gif.

 

 

Snappy .... your welcome.


Edited by Greenbaum, 27 July 2014 - 10:53 AM.

GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-07-27 10:52:00
PhilippinesInterview rescheduled by St Lukes for Aug. 25 but it is regular holiday
snappy, on 27 Jul 2014 - 10:32 AM, said:snappy, on 27 Jul 2014 - 10:32 AM, said:

I'm a derivative of my husband petitioned by his sister. I was delayed because of my medical and now done with medical last Friday. My interview is rescheduled by St. Lukes on Aug 25 coz that's the earliest date open but later I found out that it is a philippine regular holiday. I wonder if it is ok for me to go back to St. Luke again and ask for a new schedule. I'm from Davao and as much as possible need to have my interview as earliest possible time. Pls advice fellow VJ'rs. Thanks.

 

 

I posted a thread earlier that SLEC will be closed on Tuesday, July 29, 2014, in observance of Eid'l Fitr. Looking at the holiday schedule there is not a holiday listed  for Aug 25 listed. Aug 21 is Ninoy Aquino Day. For more details see: http://manila.usemba...wwholidays.html


Edited by Greenbaum, 27 July 2014 - 10:26 AM.

GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-07-27 10:25:00
Philippinescfo manila
aktraudt, on 15 Jun 2014 - 3:51 PM, said:

Looking for anyone who's been go CFO recently. My question. Is if they are asking for parental consent/advice letter. I understand this is actually for marriages in PH, but not sure if they asking for at CFO. My fiancee is 21

 

She will need a letter from her parents. See the following websites for examples and an explanation:

 

Those at least 18 but below 21 years of age are required to obtain parent's consent to the marriage. http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/consenttomarriage.pdf

 

Those at least 21 but below 25 years of age are required to obtain parent's advice to the marriage. http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/parentadvice.pdf

 

Persons 25 years and above, need not get either of the two abovementioned forms


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-15 19:13:00
PhilippinesCENOMAR Problem

Returning to NSO with your marriage documents, BC, NBI etc. as proof would be in order. I would certainly begin the work on this sooner then later so it doesn't delay your process. May take 30 - 45 days to sort through and then you can get your visa and adios to the Philippines and HELLO USA!


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-07-01 16:21:00
PhilippinesAnswer: Why is it taking so long to get my visa
Seems this issue is affecting many of you in your process. Hope they get caught up soon.
GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-07-30 20:21:00
PhilippinesAnswer: Why is it taking so long to get my visa

I read an article that might shed some light on your questions about the delays that may or may not be contributing to your visa process.

 

From the Washington Post article I quote:

 

The State Department's Consular Consolidated Database, which keeps all the background check records on individuals seeking visas, started having outage issues on July 19. Now, there's a backlog.

 

The system went back online Wednesday but is operating at a ?significantly reduced capacity,? according to the State Department, which could not say when it would be fully operational.

 

The cause of the outage is undetermined, but State Department officials have ruled out foul play. Its impact is global, but officials would not provide an exact number of people held up.

 

Read more: http://triblive.com/...n#ixzz38ficLUY2

 

http://www.theregist...database_crash/

 

http://www.upi.com/T.../1711406300627/

 


Edited by Greenbaum, 27 July 2014 - 07:45 AM.

GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-07-27 07:39:00
PhilippinesWestern Union Money Transfer

I posted this earlier but since the page has grown so much it may have been missed. I'm reposting because it is cheaper than some of the other recommendations and I have used for over 3 years with out ONE problem.
 
TransFast is good also. They have the

  • Highest Exchange Rate
    Online Guarantee!
  • Competitive fees
  • Guaranteed security & privacy
  • 100% Money Back Guarantee

They also have 24/7 service reachable through a 800 number. The service representatives are based in the Philippines so your significant other can speak to someone in their dialect. Of, course they speak great English if that is your preference.
 
Other features are:

  • In your neighborhood & now online. Find an agent location.
  • Cash pickup
  • Direct deposit
  • Home delivery

https://www.transfast.com/


Edited by Greenbaum, 26 December 2013 - 09:10 AM.

GreenbaumMalePhilippines2013-12-26 09:08:00
PhilippinesWestern Union Money Transfer

We have used Trans-Fast for many years. Never once did we have a problem. Can send money for $4.99 to the Philippines and your recipient can have deposited to her account, picked up at a convenient location or have it delivered to her door. You choose. https://www.transfast.com/index.aspx

 

I now use Wells Fargo as my bank and send a transfer for $5.00 to my fiancée's bank account. It's in her account with in no time at all.


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2013-08-14 17:06:00
PhilippinesWestern Union Money Transfer

Wells Fargo has a handy little service called Global Express Send, which, once I signed up and added my fiance as the recipient, I can send money to her account or for cash pickup at BDO anytime I want to, with a mere few clicks. I have sent money over several times in this manner.

 

Leon your right; WF GEXSend is a great way to send money. Once the recipient is signed up, it's just a few clicks away and is in their account within min. I was using TransFast and xoom (there was a time that xoom was kicking many people off their service with no explanation, which happened to me and many others that I know). I then found TransFast and they were great. At the time I was with Wachovia and they did not have a service like WF had. When the two banks merged, Wachovia and Wells Fargo, I then set up a transfer to my fiancé' with Wells Fargo. Now it is easy. $5.00 a transfer and for the convenience well worth it.

 

TransFast is good also. They have the

  • Highest Exchange Rate
    Online Guarantee!
  • Competitive fees
  • Guaranteed security & privacy
  • 100% Money Back Guarantee

They also have 24/7 service reachable through a 800 number. The service representatives are based in the Philippines so your significant other can speak to someone in their dialect. Of, course they speak great English if that is your preference.

 

Other features are:

  • In your neighborhood & now online. Find an agent location.
  • Cash pickup
  • Direct deposit
  • Home delivery

Thanks everyone for sharing their experience with money transfers.


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2013-06-24 10:01:00
PhilippinesMRV Receipt Payment - Wrong Visa Class Scheduling
bruceh312, on 14 Jun 2014 - 01:24 AM, said:

c4c is asking to select text first before I can set a custom menu. Do you select the entire website or all of the blue menu on left?

 

Thanks

 

I'm not the author so I would recommend that if you have questions to follow the link I put in my post earlier and ask that person who first introduced it and is more knowledgeable than me.

 

I have gotten so many questions on this topic that I won't be posting anymore recommendations for c4c. Sorry.  2056.gif


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-14 05:21:00
PhilippinesMRV Receipt Payment - Wrong Visa Class Scheduling
bruceh312, on 13 Jun 2014 - 8:11 PM, said:

Will it show up while you're logged in or do you have to refresh the home page?

 

Thanks,

Bruce

 

You will have to refresh the page, but use F5 otherwise you will refresh and eventually get the error message that too many attempts and the system will lock you out for 24 hours. F5 gives you unlimited refreshes (Thanks Hank for the heads up on this feature)

 

This was posted (I edited it somewhat for ease of reading) by someone else (see the post at the bottom of this page)

 

"I recommend using c4c (check4change at http://www.check4change.com/ ) with a refreshing window every 4 seconds from the dashboard using custom menu of c4c to nab an appointment that comes available.  The software will check for any changes on the website for the time you choose to set. I used 4 seconds. 

 

If you do not have Firefox installed you can get a copy here for free: http://www.mozilla.o...US/firefox/new/  Yes, install Firefox just to use c4c coz the add-on for Chrome and Internet Explore (IE) didn't really work that well. I tried them on a test website before using it grab a new date or for some any date, just to see how the add on works.

 

My laptop was on all night long every night for the last 4 nights, it got me up couple times but the dates didn't fit my scheduling. Soon as there is a change on the scheduling website the music will start and you can book it if you like the date. With this system the booking process is 10 seconds from the time a new date is available. Just push continue, the calendar will appear, select the date you want and click "schedule". And now you have a interview date scheduled."

 

Good luck.

 

From <http://www.visajourn...n-manila/page-2>


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-13 19:32:00
PhilippinesISSUED!!!

Like stated before "no one can really say for sure" when you will receive your visa. Hank has a good idea and I agree with his assessment.

 

Congratulations!!  1948.gif


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-22 06:42:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance with AKA
egirl, on 27 May 2014 - 10:01 AM, said:

hi mfcarrasca congrts to your visa issued.. mine is still on Ap.. submitted nbi with aka via 2go last may 20... i didnt able to call them bec the us em line was really busy.. i will try to call again tomorrow... :(

 

Your process is moving along at the right pace. Your NBI will be adjudicated soon and you will receive your visa. It usually takes 1-2 weeks depending on their workload. It's my recommendation that you wait at least 2 weeks before contacting USEM. If everyone who is going through the process called everyday to see where their visa is, I'm sure you would understand that it will slow the whole process down. This is why they created CEAC, to follow the progress of your visa journey.

 

I'm sure you will be fine. Keep busy, that usually will help. 1943.gif


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-22 06:30:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance with AKA
eulariomalos, on 21 Jun 2014 - 9:22 PM, said:

Hi. Pls help. What is the correct format or arrangement of name on aka? The encoder on nbi put like this, my incorrect firstname, surname, "y" then middle name

 

Your question has been answered please relax and move on with your process. The encoder at NBI used the correct AKA entry. Soon you will be rewarded with a visa!


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-22 06:25:00
Philippinesinterview Appointment in Manila
chardmartin, on 04 Jun 2014 - 10:56 PM, said:chardmartin, on 04 Jun 2014 - 10:56 PM, said:

Getting an interview with at the Embassy in Manila has become a joke. I feel like I am fighting for scraps and getting very tired of this game. I have tried the C4C and still nothing. They really need to give up some info on what the problem is and when they are going to fix it. I paid extra money to use Rapid Visa because they were supposed to know these things and they have been great and I would use them again for all my visa needs but even they have no clue what is going on. My Fiancé and I are on the site day in and day out trying to get a date...I have called the Embassy and they are no help. This is the dumbest process I have ever seen.....ok ....I am done with my rant now. Can ANYONE give me any idea of what's going on or when it will be fixed....SOMETHING!!!!

 

Well it's been said many times but it is really the influx of those who have asked for their cases be expedited because of Yolanda. Some of us here just made it past when Yolanda happened. Our cases took 120 to 140 days to get to USEM for our interview. Those cases that are expedited now are getting approved and sent to USEM in less than 30 days. Then the wait begins for the embassy interview date. Overall, they are getting adjudicated faster then ours did. Seems fair?

 

Believe me when I say the system is not broken as it was never designed to handle this many applicants. But, having said that when your interview comes up and if you attend with your fiancé then you will experience the hundreds of people who pass through the embassy daily. Some of us petitioners joined our fiancé and experienced first hand what the embassy is facing. It makes one have appreciation and a little more patience.

 

The best thing that you can do at this time is make sure you have all your paperwork completed and no missing documents. That your CENOMAR, NBI, BC are all current and correct with no spelling errors for names.

 

BTW, you have learned the hard lesson.... No one can speed their process through USEM to attain a visa earlier than others. It just doesn't happen and I for one am glad that the "line is the line" and there is no butting in.  Also, calling the embassy will not get you anymore answers for appointments then what you can get on the web pages as they are looking at the same schedule as you, so it's a waste of your time.

 

The best tool you have is C4C or Page Monitor for Chrome.  Good luck you will be there soon. 1960.gif

 

http://code.google.com/p/pagemon-chrome-ext/


Edited by Greenbaum, 24 June 2014 - 07:08 AM.

GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-24 07:07:00
Philippinesinterview Appointment in Manila
Hank_, on 05 Jun 2014 - 11:10 PM, said:

You petition was approved in 8 days?!!   You rode the "wave" of expedites through USCIS, other countries are pushed to the back of the line.

 

It took over 140 days for our petition to be approved.  

 

I am sure you will still complete the process very quickly, even with the wait for an interview slot.

 

I couldn't believe what you pointed out that they were able to get an approval in 8 days. So I checked around and saw others who were getting the same processing times.

 

Like you said it took most of us 100 plus days before approval and many on here are complaining coz they can't get an interview after they got approved in 8 days. Jeesh . 2030.gif

 

Maybe the wait time has switch from waiting for approval to getting an interview right away. Now you get approved right away and have to wait for an appointment.


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-09 17:53:00
PhilippinesScheduling an interview for K1 visa at US Embassy Manila
sassyseawitch, on 25 Jun 2014 - 1:44 PM, said:

I have been trying for 3 1/2 weeks.  Nothing.

 

You've been trying to get an appointment for 3 1/2 weeks? And what means are you using? Have you tried chrome monitor or C4C? If no earlier in the thread I listed other experiences by some with those two programs. Each got an appointment. Good luck


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-25 16:49:00
PhilippinesScheduling an interview for K1 visa at US Embassy Manila
luvcjan, on 24 Jun 2014 - 12:12 AM, said:

Hey guys, I am aware that it's so hard to get an appointment date right now at the USEM. I just want to know any ideas to those who were able to grab an appointment, like What time did you see the available schedule popped up? Was it during the day or evening? or Was it during the weekends? Been trying for many days now but no success :( . Your response is greatly appreciated :) Thanks!!!

 

Your asking questions that there are no concrete answers to. No one can predict when a date will open. There was a thread on this topic about a week ago with some good ideas to use to snag a date when one becomes available. Maybe it will work for you. 1943.gif

 

http://www.visajourn...k-1-scheduling/


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-24 06:45:00
PhilippinesWe are filing for CR-1 visa, Do I need another NBI for my maiden name?
KrishMT, on 22 Jun 2014 - 04:10 AM, said:

I'm getting ready to assemble my IV packet for NVC stage while waiting for our case number.

We are filing for CR-1 visa, do I need to get two NBIs? One under married name, and another for my maiden name? I also have read questions about AKAs, how does it work?

Btw, I have never been married before my present marriage.

Thanks guys! :)





 

When you are filling out the NBI request there is a "box" that states "AKA / Other Name" this is where you will put all your names you have ever used; married, single, nicknames or any other names that you have ever been associated with. If do not present all your names in your NBI it could delay your process.
 


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-22 05:24:00
PhilippinesInterview @ USEM - Copy of 2013 Taxes
VOL, on 26 Jun 2014 - 10:10 AM, said:

Yea, I read that.

I wonder if I need to issue a 1099's to myself?

Wouldn't that be a head scratcher



 

If you are self-employed, I think that you would present the valid business license if your local requires one, certificate of incorporation or such, and latest tax return/schedule C's (I would show three years tax returns to show consistent earnings) concerning your business should be sufficient.

 

If you have a CPA that does your books I would have them issue on their letterhead your earnings report.

 

These are suggestions and you should research this topic further before making a decision.

 

Best of luck.  If you get a concrete answer and or after your interview please return back to this thread and post your findings for others. Thanks.


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-26 20:03:00
PhilippinesUS Naturalization and Dual Citizenship
lollicup, on 15 Jun 2014 - 09:21 AM, said:

 

Do you have an audience or are you talking to yourself? LOL. Forums are open to comments, at any time. Unless you want a put an expiration to it. I responded because Hank gave false information and I don't want anyone else to be mislead by someone who doesn't know what he is talking about.

 

"Once a woman is married she has only one legal name, and that is the name she uses on all her official documents; SS card, driver's license, U.S. PASSPORT (!) .   Now to use this name on her Philippine passport she will need to report her marriage in the Philippines, then she can get her new passport issued in her MARRIED name.  My wife did this process just a few months ago."  - WRONG.

 

 

Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and to remove all doubt. 


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-15 19:45:00
PhilippinesUS Naturalization and Dual Citizenship

:oops:   He didn't read the dates. Love when someone answers a thread from a year or more ago makes me 1966.gif.


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-14 20:15:00
PhilippinesINTERVIEW Q's asked at USEM Manila
mumof2, on 27 Jun 2014 - 04:28 AM, said:mumof2, on 27 Jun 2014 - 04:28 AM, said:

anybody here have dependents (children 6yo & below) how was it during the interview? were they asked? my concern is, my children (4&5yo) have developmental delays hence will most likely not be cooperative behaviorally or with answering questions.  any tips?

 

Developmental problems will not prevent your children and you from passing your interview. Children of that age would probably only be asked non-interview questions like "are you excited to go to USA" etc. My stepchildren went through the interview with no problems and were never asked any questions (they are a little older than yours).

 

Go and be relaxed. Look the CO in the eye when answering his/her questions, be truthful and be confident. This is your day to shine so put a smile on your face and have that feeling that you can do this. 1956.gif

 

Good luck. 


Edited by Greenbaum, 27 June 2014 - 05:57 AM.

GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-27 05:56:00
PhilippinesINTERVIEW Q's asked at USEM Manila
jessel, on 26 Jun 2014 - 07:08 AM, said:

Congratulations :), I had my interview this morning as well and everything went well. At the end at window 72, he said you can go home and congratulations :)

 

Congrats!


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-26 20:08:00
PhilippinesINTERVIEW Q's asked at USEM Manila
Thanks for sharing. I'm sure others will see how easy the interview and hopefully relax so they can enjoy the experience. Good luck and congratulations.
GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-25 16:16:00
PhilippinesCFO Peer Counseling Seminar For Minors
Your welcome. With the details you have gathered from your inquiry I think you'll do fine.
GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-27 08:44:00
PhilippinesCFO Peer Counseling Seminar For Minors
blahblahblahblah, on 26 Jun 2014 - 02:56 AM, said:blahblahblahblah, on 26 Jun 2014 - 02:56 AM, said:blahblahblahblah, on 26 Jun 2014 - 02:56 AM, said:blahblahblahblah, on 26 Jun 2014 - 02:56 AM, said:

I just got my visa and I heard that a minor should attend a seminar at cfo and get a sticker before leaving the Philippines. Peer Counseling is a program designed for Filipino emigrants aged 13-19 years old which provides information on international travel requirements, immigration policies of host country, coping mechanisms in different situations, and information on teenage concerns like schooling, social support systems, dating and teen trends, among others. The are required to have a CFO sticker/certificate to travel. If you are older then 19 years old then you will attend the regular counseling program to receive your sticker/certificate.

 

My question is, where is the best office to attend the seminar and get a sticker right away? Both CEBU and MANILA will affix your sticker once you complete the CFO interview usually the same day. Neither office is "faster" than the other so it makes no difference which location you choose.  And can my father come with me? Yes he can come with you but he cannot attend the seminar with you. He will have to wait in the waiting area designated by staff. Will he be with me on the actual seminar too? No

 

 

thanks in advance

 

Good Luck.


Edited by Greenbaum, 26 June 2014 - 05:39 AM.

GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-26 05:35:00
PhilippinesSharon's experience at USEM 6/25
ajvitan, on 26 Jun 2014 - 11:07 AM, said:ajvitan, on 26 Jun 2014 - 11:07 AM, said:

 

That is exactly what I told her to do.  No point in trying to argue.  The CO was very polite.  He asked her about 3 questions about my family and then one about living abroad in Japan.  So she gave an honest answer and CO asked about the police clearance.  She said she was there just about 6 months and the CO wanted the clearance.  He apologized to her but said her interview was good to go and she only needed clearance and she would be issued her Visa.

 

So yesterday Sharon picked up the forms from the Japan embassy.  She needs to go to a PNP office to get fingerprints then submit the form and fingerprints to the Japan Embassy.   Hopefully it doesn't take terribly long so she can finish up this last speedbump.

 

You maybe interesting in a recent and some older threads that discuss this topic. Maybe it will help bring you up to speed if you are not already there.

 

http://www.visajourn...ce-certificate/

 

http://www.visajourn...lice-clearance/

 

http://www.visajourn...nce-from-japan/

 

This is an older thread but contains some "gotcha" items to look out for.

 

http://www.visajourn...ate-from-japan/


Edited by Greenbaum, 26 June 2014 - 07:51 PM.

GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-26 19:50:00
PhilippinesSharon's experience at USEM 6/25

They have the Gold so they can ask anything they want of you. So just go and get it to appease them and get on with the process. They are guarding the Gate....


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-25 17:35:00
PhilippinesStill currently no K1 visa appointments available!
jhammin, on 26 Jun 2014 - 02:22 AM, said:

What happen to the USEM? I've been calling everyday and having sleepless night to check my Online schedule appointment for an interview. Its been 3weeks now still no luck. Calling to the human operator is quite expensive thou like everyday. I have to wait but its really annoying me Ill be like... :girlwerewolf2xn: ! Any K1 waiting for interview dates can share there experienced too? 

 

 

 

Look back through the threads for the past month and you will see your question answered. In a nutshell you cannot find an interview date because there are more  who are chasing a visa because of Yolanda expedites and therefor interview dates are getting swallowed up at a faster pace then previous.

 

Calling the embassy will not get you a interview date any faster as they are looking at the same information you are on the website; so your wasting your time and money. Besides, if everyone were to call the embassy then look at the jam that would be created.

 

Look at some of the other threads on this same topic and you will see some tricks used to snag an appointment on your own. Good luck.

 

http://www.visajourn...ment-in-manila/

 

http://www.visajourn...schedule-dates/

 

http://www.visajourn...k-1-scheduling/


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-26 05:49:00
PhilippinesThe interview was the easiest part of the process
Classicrider, on 29 Jun 2014 - 06:39 AM, said:

 

 

I understand now that the psychological evaluation is SOP as you state and also if someone mentions having experimented with any drug in their past. Bill Clinton & Barack Obama didn't have to get an evaluation! Anyway, my reason for mentioning and posting is because they do not state on the St. Lukes website that this will happen for reasons stated and they DO NOT mention what the fee is. To me, 10,000 + pesos an hour is a pretty good money maker for St. Lukes so why not get as many as they can!?!?

 

Also, the counseling interview... (CFO) does not state anything but "Payment of P400.00 registration fee ". I had no clue it would be 800 more for the kids.

 

Manila cab drivers... one of their tricks is they can't make change so they can keep the large bill and make 20 - 40 extra on the fare. Since I already had planned on tipping, he got a lesser amount than the meter showed because no one had the proper change. One of the white "cabs" tried to get me my first trip, I gave him more than was fair and invited him to get security if he didn't like it. My fiancee got in a cab and noticed the meter wasn't running. The driver had a lame excuse. She paid him what she thought was fair although he wanted more. She told him if he had turned on his meter then he might have gotten more.

 

This process is almost over. It will be a bit easier once here in the US.

 

It's called Kano Dollars. The meter always is not working or I don't have change etc. etc. If at all possible stay in the background and let your fiancé handle the negotiations and what not when it comes to money. She knows all the tricks and understands what is fair. She will not cheat someone what is rightfully their earnings.

 

I have to agree with you that "they" do a poor job of writing their instructions and fees on the websites that are used during the process. I hope word gets back to someone and they see to it that the websites are updated to reflect the true and not hidden fees. But, I am not holding my breath.2005.gif

 

I have to hand it to you as you did a yeoman's job with USEM to point out so that others would understand those fees.

 

Good luck with the rest of your journey and Congrats! 1942.gif


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-29 07:02:00
PhilippinesFlight

 
Thank you :)
 
What about using own debit card? Would that be better?
 
Some airlines doesn't accept it though..





Yes you can use your own debit card, same money wether it's credit or debit.

GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-29 11:54:00
PhilippinesFlight
His&Hers, on 29 Jun 2014 - 02:55 AM, said:

Good day,

Just want to ask if you guys have any experience booking through a third party site for flights (Skyscanner, Expedia, Orbitz etc) and if you can use other people's credit card or your own debit card to book it. I called one airline and told me they don't allow any third party credit card or even your own debit card. But I am thinking if it's not directly on their site, would it matter to them whatever I use to book a flight?

Thanks :)



 

Using a third party for your ticket purchase will not be a problem. To ensure no problems for the traveler, I would follow the instructions to photocopy the front and back of the credit card and the owners' id. The traveler should have it with them and if asked for (don't volunteer this information as it could start something that need not be started which will only delay your flight processing) present the copies, if not just move on.

 

Relax, you're doing fine. 1943.gif


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-29 07:29:00
PhilippinesFriday AP, Monday Issued!
pmsk, on 27 Jun 2014 - 04:50 AM, said:

Thanks! I will try to call them if I don't receive any news before Wednesday next week. The good thing is my daughter's status is already issued as of today :) not sure what's the reason for my delay since the 221g is for my daughter. I'll wait :)

 

That's a good sign that your daughter's status went to issue as it indicates that yours will be following shortly. Hang in there you should see yours change to issue in the next day or so.  Just give a few more days and you will be one happy person. 1943.gif

 

Word to others; this is not a race it's a marathon so adjust your patience accordingly and you will have less stress.


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-27 17:19:00
PhilippinesFriday AP, Monday Issued!
merryme, on 23 Jun 2014 - 02:43 AM, said:

Just last Friday, my CEAC status turned from "Ready" to "AP". This afternoon, status says "Issued". Yay! Thanks to everyone who has been of great help with our journey. I know... I know... There's more to come. ??

 

I hear a deep sigh of relief. 2094.gif Congratulations and welcome to America. 1948.gif


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-24 06:40:00
PhilippinesRecent Medical at SLEC

I agree with Hank. Good rule of thumb is to allow about 3-4 hours between flights at POE. Should be plenty of time to clear customs and immigration.

 

My clan (1-K1 and 2-K2's) used LAX for POE and went through in about 1 hour and then collected their bags and went to the next terminal and checked in for their red eye. No issues. There are no non-stops from MNL to Raleigh, NC so naturally she had to transfer planes in LA. She felt that window of time was good and didn't cause her to be in a hurry especially for being in the USA for the first time.


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-26 19:40:00
PhilippinesRecent Medical at SLEC
Al422, on 25 Jun 2014 - 6:22 PM, said:

 

The whole visa process.  You know since you've been there and done that too.  The airplane tickets, the filing fees, entertaining her family when I was there, the whole ball of wax.

 

Oh, yes. I see what you mean. It does costs thousands through the process and just think, it still not over as there is many things once she arrives that need submitting, updating or supporting.

 

Question. Once you see how much you have spent does the question come to mind "is she worth it"..... You and I would say yes as well as many others but I am sure there are others that say something different.

 

Say, after a few weeks here.... have a discussion with her about what she appreciates now that she is here and what does she see are the differences in her "homeland" and USA. With my wife we are always having compare and contrast sessions and it is very interesting to see her insight.... it's scary most of her observations reflect what I have seen.  Funny how that happens. Makes for a very compatible mate.


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-25 17:33:00
PhilippinesRecent Medical at SLEC
Al422, on 25 Jun 2014 - 12:42 PM, said:

The second day you are assigned a specific time to come back, typically somewhere between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM.  As is the case with the first day, it is mostly waiting.  So be patient and it will get done.  You should get out in early to mid afternoon.

 

If they make you come back weeks later for a shot, you can opt to pay for it in the US instead of waiting.  That is what Candy and I chose to do.  If you go to a public health clinic instead of a private doctor, it will only be about $50 or so, not too bad considering the thousands I already spent to get this done.

 

 

You spent "Thousands" to get your shots done?


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-25 16:45:00
PhilippinesRecent Medical at SLEC

Expect and plan for two day SLEC visit. If your in the front of the line there is a good chance you will only have a one day visit but that's only if everything flows properly and no complications like delays in your process. Plan for two days but if you finish in one.... Hey it's happy days. :joy:


GreenbaumMalePhilippines2014-06-25 05:05:00