biggish data

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

We are back from the Biometric. All went well and the one staff person we met was friendly and helpful.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-12-22 23:39:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

To Maddycruise & Mikeinwyoming: I went to USCIS office in Boston this morning at 10:20 & got everything done before my appointment time (11am!) I've asked them about my son, the Supervisor said that if he hasn't had the letter then he doesn't have to do anything. I got out of the office & I called USCIS ,just wanna make sure. They told me that since my son is under 14,he is 6 now. He doesn't need to do the biometrics. Unless there is the special letter from them then he might have to do it. Otherwise,I just do mine & don't worry about his. So, I hope you guys don't need to worry too much. I was so stressful. But now I feel much better after the biometrics done! :-). Good luck.

Thanks for the explanation. However my step-daughter will be 14 years old 12 days after the current 2-year card expires! The choice to not take her biometrics seems even less rational now! :-)

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-12-20 16:32:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

I haven't got my bio letter either... Hummm... should I call uscis? Wish that anyone here can tell if one is from Oregon, just want to know about their experience how long to get their bio letter...

We are not from Oregon, but we are as far from the CSC in Wyoming as you are and from your time sequence, I'd say yourBiometric letter should have arrived by now. However I think you should wait to call until this coming Friday as that will be a month from your NOA.

Best of luck.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-12-18 12:24:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Hi, I am having the same problem. We haven't received the biometrics letter for my 6 year-old son yet since I already got mine, 12/20 in Boston at 11AM. But I didn't call USCIS, probably I might get the same answer. We decided to take him with me anyway. Please kindly let me know if you have some new info. And for sure I will post mine. Thanks in advance.

I will be sure to let you know what we learn as we go forward.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-12-13 10:04:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Odd thing happened. We got the Biometric letter for my wife, but none for my 13yo step-daughter. I called in because of that, thinking the letter might have gone missing. I was told that USCIS hadn't decided yet whether to take her biometrics yet. That stunned me as they will need a new photo for the replacement card.

Oh well, so it goes.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-12-12 19:24:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

We have our NOA and Biometric appointment

California Service Center (17 applicants)

VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved....

MIKEINWYOMING.........11/26/11........11/29/11.......12/22/11........--/--/--....

Edited by MikeInWyoming, 12 December 2011 - 03:54 PM.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-12-12 15:52:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

I know it looks like a tracking number, but it is not. My husband just read me the NOA1 we received today and it specifically said that the actual tracking number will appear on the biometrics appointment form. Does yours not say that? Could be a differently worded notice since it is for a dependent child.

The letter we received on plain copy paper without watermark, or any official seals or color, just black ink on plain paper, was from the Lincoln Nebraska USCIS office of Homeland Security. It listed a Ref: number, a date and then a title: VERIFICATION OF INCLUSION OF A DEPENDENT IN FILING OF FORM I - 751

It listed
- the Principal Alien
- the Principal's Receipt Number: WACxxxxxxxxxx
- the Principal's A-NO: xxx-xxx-xxx

It then said that the dependent was included in the ROC request and that the letter was sufficient to (along with her 'alien registration receipt card') to work and travel for a year or until a decision was made, which ever was sooner.

It says nothing about the NOA for my wife and nothing about the biometrics.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-12-02 18:19:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

The letter should tell you that your case tracking number will appear on your Biometrics Appointment letter. It's a different number altogether.

So you are saying that the 13 character "WAC" number on my daughter's is not a tracking number? It meets the tracking number criteria.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-12-02 17:23:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

Well we got an interesting notice. When we files the I-751 it included our dependent daughter. She is 13 YoA and as she came in under her mother's Visa as a K2 she simply got added to her mothers I-751.

OK, so what we got was a form letter addressed to her. Her mom has NOT gotten her NOA. However her mom's Receipt Number was listed on the letter and a date that I perceive to probably to be the NOA date. Our child's letter gives her an extra year for the processing. So it is nice to have it... but we are still awaiting my wife's official NOA and form letter with the year's extension.

Additionally, I logged into the USCIS "My Case Status" website and tried to register the receipt number... just like the last time with the AoS, it told me that the number was not in the system. We never saw our number appear in the system until after our green card had been approved last time!

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-12-02 15:35:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

California Service Center (15 applicants)

VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved....
HEATDEATH.............11/01/11........11/03/11.......11/30/11........--/--/--....
MARIE09...............11/07/11........11/08/11.......12/01/11........--/--/--....
EVILMONKEE............11/07/11........11/09/11.......12/14/11........--/--/--....(Early Bio 11/22)
FAERY.................11/08/11........11/14/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
MIKE&SACHIE...........11/09/11........11/14/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
AMBEROCTOBER..........11/11/11........11/16/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
KM24..................11/11/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
GERMANIMMIGRANT.......11/12/11........11/14/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
MESTIS................11/12/11........11/14/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
WIFETOBE..............11/12/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
ELLSINLOVE............11/15/11........11/17/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
MADDYCRUISE...........11/21/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
CUTEDOLPHINN..........11/21/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
N M...................11/21/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
LISA AND IAN..........11/22/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
MikeInWyoming.........11/26/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
YOUR NAME HERE........--/--/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....

Vermont Service Center (14 applicants)

VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved....
M_RU..................11/01/11........11/04/11.......12/12/11........--/--/--....
BABYLONFARI_K1........11/01/11........11/03/11.......11/30/11........--/--/--....
ALEX&CLAUDIA..........11/01/11........11/07/11.......12/12/11........--/--/--....
MAGICFN1..............11/02/11........11/07/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
SHACH.................11/03/11........11/07/11.......12/05/11........--/--/--....
MOKSHA................11/04/11........11/??/11.......11/24/11........--/--/--....
RBAL_TN...............11/07/11........11/09/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
KEVIN&LEILEI..........11/07/11........11/10/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
NIKKI-1980............11/07/11........11/10/11.......12/07/11........--/--/--....
BEANS.................11/07/11........11/10/11.......11/30/11........--/--/--....
JEFFANDDONA...........11/09/11........11/14/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
JAY & KEN.............11/14/11........11/17/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
ANYANCHARLES..........11/15/11........11/16/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
IGG...................11/26/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....
YOUR NAME HERE........--/--/11........--/--/11.......--/--/11........--/--/--....

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-11-26 12:30:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

It's Express Mailed to the Cailfornia Service Center... Wahoo!

VJName.............Date of I-751.....NOA1 Date......Biometrics......Approved....
MikeInWyoning........11/26/11............--/--/--...............--/--/--................--/--/--....

Edited by MikeInWyoming, 26 November 2011 - 12:23 PM.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-11-26 12:22:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

So... When is the Receipt Date on your NOA letter? You need that date for the list (Me and HeatDeath wanted to know that date)

There is no NOA yet as I do not send the packet in untll November 25 or 26th

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-11-13 20:49:00

Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion

OK I'm confused. Our 90 days before the two year anniversary date isn't until the day after thanksgiving. But we have already received SIX letters from USCIS (three for my wife and three for my stepdaughter over the last two weeks) advising them to file. The anniversary date on the letters is the date I have been working with... so what gives? Has the 90 day rule been removed?

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-11-13 16:07:00

Hi all,
Beth and I will not be able to send our form in until close to the end of the month. But as we got the friendly reminder from the USCIS (in double duplicate*) today reminding us of the approaching date, I figure it's time to start compiling the packet and seeing what all of you are up to.

*Two identical letters to Beth and two identical letters to our daughter. Go figure.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2011-11-04 15:44:00

USEM NOA2 to NVC to Interview date

QUOTE (Ann Marie and Leo @ Oct 26 2009, 10:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So we are very happy to have received our NOA2. I know I read some different stories on how to proceed with fastest possible mode. So the NOA2 goes to NVC, then some time goes by, average seems to be 1 to 2 week I think. Then it goes to the USEM for processing, and they send the letter out. Then you can call to set up the Interview. So for any that have been through this recently, can you help me with my questions:

1. At what point do you get the MNL number, as I think it is needed to get appointment. Will they tell you that # if you call the NVC like the two week window they recommend, does the NVC send a letter when the receive, and or send the paperwork to the Embassy, if so does it contain the MNL #.

2. Has anyone called and made a appointment before the Manila embassy sent their letter out, is it possible to call the pay number once you believe they have received the documents, doing the DHL type tracking and set up the apointment then.

3. For some that called asking for the earliest open date, how long was the first available date they have available.

Sorry for all the questions, I am just hoping to be there for the whole process, and bring her back with me, and trying to figure out my timing. I already got a answer that we maybe be able to pick up the Visa, if I tell them I want to bring her back with me instead of waiting for the delivery.

1. It is on the NVC letter
2. No. The Embassy has to have your file first - you can't rush this.
3. The Interview date was offered NINE days from the date of the call and that meant a trip to St. Luke's the next day without the need for a return visit. We pushed the Interview off an extra week just in case of a problem with the medical! The Interview must be 7 days after the final Medical visit. They are processing quickly once the letter goes out. Expect about 20-30 days from the sending on the NVC letter until the receipt of the USEM letter in the PI.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-27 10:27:00

I-134 Question

QUOTE (Zen Den @ Oct 28 2009, 10:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

copy the example.

Hi Zen Den - I think that is what I said above - never the less I had problems with exactly that response at the Embassy!

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-28 11:45:00

I-134 Question

QUOTE (James & Erma @ Oct 28 2009, 07:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi everyone,

I have seen many discussions about question number 11 on the I-134 form in the embassy and consulate forum. I am still debating to use the example listed here on visa journey (N/A K1 visa process for permanent residence) or if I should just check I intend. So I wanted to see what others who have already been through the process in Manila, how did you answer that question and did you have any problems?

Thanks for any replies, I just want to make sure my fiancee won't have any problems once at the interview.

Thanks again,

James

I was with my fiancee for the interview and even though I wrote that the question was not Appropriate as this was a K-1 Visa application the pre-screener in Manila gave ME grief on the subject. The CO never brought it up. The Pre-screener wanted to know why I did not check Yes. BUT if you check yes you must list the budget which is N/A! It's a no win question.

All in all - my recommendation is to leave it unchecked with the N/A - K-1 Visa Applicant comment.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-28 09:41:00

For those who had recent Interview

QUOTE (Mr.&Mrs.A @ Oct 28 2009, 07:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I know most interviews only last about 5+ minutes. When the pre-screener & CO look at IRS returns did they carefully examine each page or do they just look at line 22 of your 1040 form. My reason for asking is my tax returns are at least 15 pages long and don't want to unnessarily drag out the interview. Anyone who has been through the interview recently, your input would be appreciated.

As a general rule - better to send too much than too little.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-28 22:44:00

Need help and advice

QUOTE (calico1 @ Oct 28 2009, 09:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Dakine @ Oct 28 2009, 08:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (calico1 @ Oct 28 2009, 04:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi guys, really need your help or advice on this one. My wife had her interview on Oct.23 and did pretty well except at the last minute the american CO asked her to get a NBI aka paper cleared up, so they gave her the white sheet..she complied with the mnl-1v-22 and after running around manila all day found the NBI and got the aka letter she needed..they accept the aka letter in window 17 or 20 or by air21 courier..so she sent by air21 as it was friday and she had to fly home. The correction letter was recieved monday by the USEM. My question is does anyone know how long it will take to credit our case or when we night get our visa? The aka NBI thing was the very smallest issue, decades ago the doctor who delivered her put 2 r's in her name instead of one..and she already had the birth certif certified corrected when we got her annulment started back in 2006..it was a heart breaker to see them pick out something so small..and now after complying.. for the first time in a year we dont know what to do..if anyone has ever had experience with having to submit a NBI aka sheet..I could really use the info, and I greatfully thank in advance any replies. ... J & Mabing

Be prepared to wait at least a month. Minimum would be 2 weeks which is rare.

Thanks Dakine..I was hoping you would answer..it helps some..we are understandly nervous

I gather you are not in the PI yourself. This is an example of how being there helps. Even though your fiancee can't get back in, you can, with a US passport. And you could have walked up to Window "X" (truly) and asked that the matter be expedited. It would have been. Otherwise - it takes as long as it takes. CO's can take a while to pick up a file again. However you can check the status yourself via the call center - with her MNL number.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-28 22:41:00

Terminal fees

QUOTE (LÜvtechwifey @ Oct 27 2009, 07:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Philippine travel tax is Php 1600+
and terminal fee is Php 750

The Travel Tax may be less. It actually depends on whether the ticket was bought on-line or from a travel agent in the PI. Assume the worst 1,700php and hope for the best 500php. The terminal fee at NAIA is as was listed: 750php.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-28 10:08:00

NBI Certificate with alias (A.K.A)

QUOTE (George and Movi @ Oct 30 2009, 03:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

After my experience with the NSO and now with the NBI, i just wanted to make sure that the NBI has provided me with the correct one which i will present to the embassy soon. May i know for those who had an annulment and secured an NBI certificate, how does the a.k.a appear ? please refer to the choices:

1. A.K.A ( ex husband's surname ) (my first name ) y (my mother's surname name prior to her marriage to
to my dad)

or

2. A.K.A ( ex husband's surname ) ( my First name ) y ( my father's surname)

Your comment and help will be very much appreciated.

Hi,

If done correctly it should be #2. In our case the Consular Officer wrote out that she wanted to see it as #1! probably because she was confused. I think if the original one we handed in had an AKA as #2 she would not have rejected it. Either way - I suspect the Embassy will accept it. It is a game - korek ka dyan - the NBI does not pick up the name on the background check - so that value of the listing is meaningless.

Good luck!

Edited by MikeInWyoming, 30 October 2009 - 11:24 AM.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-30 11:23:00

Good Cell Phone for Low Signal areas ?

I'm not sure changing phones will help you. Most folks I know in the PI are not on a monthly plan. They buy loads and they might have two or three SIMs. One for Globe, one for Smart and one for SUN. If one is down, or weak, another maybe up. Some folks carry two phones - one Globe and one Smart. None of the services are truly stable.

New phones are the least of the resolution!

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-02 11:36:00

VISA DELIVER

QUOTE (anna L @ Nov 5 2009, 09:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

to those who are stayin in manila,how many days after your interview did you get your visa?

NOTE: i want to know,coz just in case. If it could save a few days then id rather stay in manila.

tnx

Interviewed on September 9th
Picked up Visa September 18th

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-05 14:55:00

CR1 - AFTER THE INYTERVIEW

QUOTE (Shiela-Todd @ Oct 29 2009, 10:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

VJ,

I would like to asked this in advance, Is that possible i can request pick up VISA at USEM?
It's because my interview is on NOVEMBER 06, 2009, then if ever they will sent my VISA it will
go to MINDANAO ( DAVAO CITY ) and my plan is i will not go back to DAVAO city.

My flight will be in MANILA to USA once i get my visa on HAND.
And I am 6 months pregnant .

The USEM allowed this?? who ever try to REQUEST pick up VISA?
and how long that it will takes?

THANK you so much..

SHIELA

You MUST submit the request in WRITING and SIGNED at the Interview with the CO. The letter should explain why - the Davao issue. If you are successful you will be given a pickup tag and they will write down your cell phone number on the part of the tage they retain with your file!

Good luck!

Edited by MikeInWyoming, 30 October 2009 - 11:33 AM.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-30 11:33:00

tourist visa extension in the Philippines

QUOTE (scotlyn @ Nov 7 2009, 06:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

hello,
you guys go to the immigration office you will pay 3,300 just wear proper dress code because if your fiance wear shorts they wont let you go inside the office it happen to me and my hubby . we go there but we both wear shorts so the guard doesnt allow us to go inside but we got lucky because there is a office that closer to the imigration office that they are assisting also for visa and extension but of course a little higher we pay 4,500 there is no hassle we just wait to the office for about 45 minutes then my hubby already get the extension.. by the way the best time you guys go early as posible for no hassle like this month that will be ok.... hope it helps

take care guys

I extended my stay at the Immigration office in Manila this September and was wearling shorts. No problem. A good fast and professional process. No fixers and no hassles.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-07 14:49:00

K2 requirements

QUOTE (Dakine @ Nov 7 2009, 11:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (MikeInWyoming @ Nov 7 2009, 07:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (MayaLar @ Nov 7 2009, 08:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi everyone!

What's the process of K2 follow to join the applicant?Are there any requirements needed aside from daughter's birth certificate?Please help....

Thanks in advance!

In your I-129F

You fill out a separate G-325A (set) for each child. You submit birth certs for each child as you know. Two Passport photos of each child. Photocopy of passport for each child. There an no extra fees at this point.

Later once the I-129F has been approved there are additional such as a DS-156 and a DS-157 for each child. There are extra fees here. The K1 filing fee is $131 in peso's at Banco de Oro. Each K2 is an additional $131. When you go to St. Luke's there are fees for each K2 as well. (Remember four Passport photos for each for St. Luke's and two more each for the Interview!)

Good luck. We brought my wife's 11 yo daughter with us and that part of the process was without any problems.

You fill out a separate G-325A (set) for each child.
Where did you get that information?

Don't remember the original - but you have to do the same for the AOS later. Remember the G325A for the K2 provides information about the kids that USCIS does not get otherwise. AND later each child files a DS-156. General rule is a G325A for every DS-156.

There is a paucity of information about filing for K2 children on any site - including the USCIS site. However as guideline I found useful - when in doubt - add rather than leave out. We have spoken to people who were told that they did not need a police clearance - only an NBI - but they then later were sent a RFE for a police clearance. Nowhere is there any doc that says you must have an old married name listed as an AKA on the NBI even though there was an annulment - but it must be there. The USEM web site says St. Luke's requires one photo, (and this site said three) but in fact they required FOUR for each applicant.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-07 14:27:00

K2 requirements

QUOTE (MayaLar @ Nov 7 2009, 08:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Hi everyone!

What's the process of K2 follow to join the applicant?Are there any requirements needed aside from daughter's birth certificate?Please help....

Thanks in advance!

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-07 12:28:00

Mail Service to the Philippines

QUOTE (Scott and Mhay @ Nov 7 2009, 04:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

have you tried fedex, DHL? I think LBC is a courier in the PI, but i dont think you can send directly to them. I dont think there is much to speed it up when the delivery is in remote places.

Mail service from the US to anywhere in the PI is slow - even to Quezon City (Greater Manila). If I needed to get something to my fiancee right away I always used Fed Ex. It worked perfectly.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-07 14:42:00

stressful situation Fiancee's interview

QUOTE (Brooke1 @ Oct 28 2009, 08:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How about the issue with my last years taxt return? its joint with my ex wife.has any one had a similar situation?
my fiancee is at a hotel near st lukes right now,she and her daughter will have there exam tommorrow.shes so nervous..also i will be going to manila on the 25 of november.can i accompany her to her interview? thanks for all your input

She may need to go back in two days. A second appointment is not unusual. She needs 4 FOUR photos. The Embassy Website is wrong and the one here was also one off. Good luck. ...

And thank you for serving our Country. I agree - you should be given special consideration with lower fees, special handling - at least for those on active duty and those who have been recently rotated in or out of an active theater.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-28 09:58:00

Missing CRBA Forms on USEM?!

QUOTE (Bob 4 Anna @ Nov 18 2009, 08:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Just remain calm and bring the missing documents with you.

Remember they have to open the packet you sent and it is possible that someone misplaced the forms.

It could be worse, what if they didn't say anything about the missing documents until you were already there and without copies?

They do in fact lose things - keeping multiple sets is recommended. Good luck!

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-19 17:00:00

In regards to plane tickets

QUOTE (The_Sage1 @ Nov 19 2009, 04:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

From what I've read, the Filipino fiancee has to purchase the tickets in the Philippines because it's illegal for an outsider to purchase their tickets to leave the country. So what is the best way to go about finding the cheapest tickets/route? I figured Philippine Airlines would be the cheapest and I flew with them to the Philippines and was impressed. What does the usual one-way flight cost to get to the USA booked locally?

Well I don't know where you read that - but I used a Colorado based Agent to handle our tickets. (I flew back to the PI to be with my fiancee for the interview.) We left the PI together and while I had to pay the full tax at the airport - which might have been partially collected by an agent if the tickets were purchased locally - there were no issues with where I bought the tickets for my fiancee and her daughter.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-19 11:39:00

how to fill up ds156,157,156k

QUOTE (charlie&pam @ Nov 22 2009, 09:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

hello guys,is there anybody help me how to fill up the form ds156,156k,157?and also how to put all the documents in order in files,i am preparing it but i dont know how it is..thank u so much for your help...godbless all

First: You have plenty of time before you will need to submit it. You might as well wait until you get the letter from the NVC saying they are sending the file to Manila.

Second: All three forms are on-line and with a current abode reader can be filled out on-line. Fill them out somewhere where you can also print. They are easy to fill out - see the sample forms here.

Third: Two of the forms - the DS-156 and the DS-157 must be done in Duplicate. (If there are children you need to fill out forms for them as well.)

Fourth: Once you get the notice from Manila, take one of the DS-157's you filled out to the Banco de Oro when you make your payment. They use that form as part of the receipt. So if you do not bring them a filled in form, you will get a third copy you will need to fill in by hand.

Bring ALL forms to the Interview.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-23 10:44:00

calls to philippines

QUOTE (mrsean @ Oct 29 2009, 09:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

just want to say if your in america and want to call your family,fiance,etc in the philippines , there is a company called [pinoy tawag] i used for 5 months now and it is 44$a month and you can call there unlimited all day and nite long.they send your filipino family etc a chip for there phone and it has an american local number and a philippine number in it,when you call from usa you dial the usa local number and your filipina recipients phone rings and you talk all you want.there is no contract either very good to have

That sounds like a great product.

We are using MagicJack in the PI. Of course is requires a Laptop to use. But it costs under $20/yr and all calls into the US are free. At $44/mo, ($528.00/yr,) for your solution, you could buy a laptop the first year and from then on the extra $528 nicely pays for DSL for the person's home all year! :-) On the US side we put the US phone number from the MagicJack phone into our Friends and Family cell phone list. All calls are free all the time in both directions.

It's not mobile like your solution, but it allows both phone and IM over the same line at the same time. It is used heavily here and the results have been great.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-29 12:41:00

Married Filipinos who send money to family back in Philippines

QUOTE (jsnearline @ Nov 17 2009, 11:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Does the issue of sending money home (or how much you send) cause tension between you and your spouse? If so, how have you tried to resolve it?

What rules do you and your spouse follow regarding remittances (e.g. money only comes from Filipino spouse's pay)?

How do you determine the amount of money you send back to family in Philippines?

How do you distinguish legitimate needs vs. "nice to have"s?

How do you handle emergencies (real and imagined) that come up?

Have you ever cut any family members off financially? If so, why and for how long?

It's a great question and it depends on so many factors - each of us clearly has a different story. My wife would rather die than ask me to support her elderly parents. I, on the other hand, was convinced that for long term purposes - it would be smart to do so. So without her asking I told me wife that I intended to send money. The money goes directly to her mother's bank account once a month and covers the DSL I ordered for their house with about 12,000php/mo left over. A MagicJack phone sits on the laptop I provided. My wife can now talk to her family any and every day at no cost. Her family are not worried about finances. There is no homesickness and my wife's parents have pride. The $300US I spend each month to do this means that there are no other communication fees. The result has been happiness all around. Other's may have rules about "is the wife working." It's an OK question especially if the home budget is limited. But the cost of isolation, resentment, penny-pinching can be significant.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-11-19 17:18:00

List of US Banks affiliated to the Philippines

QUOTE (frostysoftyeaton @ Dec 31 2009, 04:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Is there Bank/s here in the United States that is/are affiliated in the Philippines. Like you can transfer money from here going to your account in the Philippines. If so what are those banks?

Any response is very much appreciated.

We actually found it hard to get it done that way. Western Union was also too expensive.

I finally settled on using RemitHome which costs me only $8 per transaction and takes the money from my bank account and puts into just about any bank in the PI. I am not affiliated with them other than a user... but here's a link to them if you want it.

(https://www.remithome.com/remithome/common/referralHome.do?referralByCode=30624)

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-12-31 20:04:00

IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures

PHILIPPINES EMBASSY

Be patient.

A letter will come via Air 21 delivery to your residence in the PI. It will instruct you to call for an appointment. You will probably get it within the next 20 days. If you still do not have it, you or your spouse/fiancee can call the call center. (You must have a PLDT phone service in the PI to use this or be in the US to call the 888 number.) At that point you give them the MNL number and ask for the status of the file. Good luck.

Edited by MikeInWyoming, 27 October 2009 - 09:37 AM.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-27 09:36:00

total $ expense to complete K-1 -

QUOTE (pushbrk @ Oct 16 2009, 06:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (MikeInWyoming @ Oct 16 2009, 03:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (pushbrk @ Oct 16 2009, 10:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (MikeInWyoming @ Oct 16 2009, 09:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yes the last fee is $1010 to file for the AOS once you are married. But you also travel to the Biometrics and possible the interview... maybe a long way with lodging.

Bottom line is that the 445+170+335+1010=1960 is just the tip of the iceberg. Good luck.

Correction. The last fee, filing to permanent resident status is the removal of conditions fee.

You are right... but that comes 21 months after the initial green card. Sort of a separate event. :-)

Sure, but AOS is a separate event too. Neither is "optional". Citizenship is optional.

Good point - but I assume that at the end of the ten years there is more to file... so where to we put the stake in the ground?

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-16 19:42:00

total $ expense to complete K-1 -

QUOTE (pushbrk @ Oct 16 2009, 10:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (MikeInWyoming @ Oct 16 2009, 09:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Correction. The last fee, filing to permanent resident status is the removal of conditions fee.

You are right... but that comes 21 months after the initial green card. Sort of a separate event. :-)

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-16 17:51:00

total $ expense to complete K-1 -

QUOTE (familyguy @ Oct 16 2009, 09:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (TCC @ Oct 16 2009, 11:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

i need to know total amount of dollars i will need {minus airfare} to complete K1 visa to my girl from the Philippines who will come to the states. I know all the forms i need to fill out for me and her but get confused on the amount i need to complete these forms including the medical she must take. Please help!!

With no lawyer around $2,000 will not be far from the total.

Hummm... that is deceptive and fundamentally flawed. First let's look at the direct and related costs. I will use my experience in the Philippines only as hopefully representative.
The I-129F filing does cost $445.00 plus shipping costs. But there is the cost of collecting the documents and proofs required in the I-129F. So let's start there. The original post says "his girl from the Philippines" and asks for all minus airfare. Has he met her in the last two years? He needs documentation. Are we to deduct airfare from this... OK. but there are the hotel or related bills for the trips. Plus the proof that he has been providing her support. And then there is the cost of gathering all the PI based documents. Does she still live on the Island she was born on? If not some travel me be required! Has she been married in the past? You will need copies of the annotated marriage contract for the annulment. If she has never been married she needs a form saying so from the NSO. She needs multiple copies of the NBI (with aka's if she has been married - and getting the aka's listed is not easy to get). She will need a police clearance, her birth certificate, proof of correspondence (postal mail the embassy is fussy about that) and all the other things... how must did it cost you to connect that? How fast did you need it. Pay fixer's and it is fast - know the ropes and act as your own fixer and it is still expensive but fast. Go through the standard channels and it takes months and still is not free. If there is an annulment and related paperwork... you may find that all necessary papers have never been filed. That can take many thousands of pesos and months still. :-) And remember she has to get all this from the PI to you in the US - so there are shipping costs.

And of course you need your paperwork. That is cheaper and easier - but not free,

So saying $445 to file the I-129F is accurate and not true.

Then there is the $131 for the GF. (Does she have a child? Because each child will cost an additional $131.) But the $131 can only be paid in Philippine Pesos. How are you going to get your GF the money? Western Union? LBC? RemitHome? All will charge you a service fee. All have exchange rates unfavorable to you (between 45 to 47.5. And your GF must pay at the Banco de Oro (BDO) where they convert back at an exchange rate of 50 to 1. Your $131 will probably cost you about $170 or more.

Then there is the payment at St. Luke's - same deal as to exchange rate and it must be paid in Pesos even thogh the cost is stated in US dollars. So $285.35 becomes $335 in a heartbeat and that is only if she does not need another appointment. Remember children add more. Oh and the one passport photo you need of her at St. Luke's (according to the Embassy website?) That's BS. You will need four (4) and and what do you know - there is a photo place accross the street - at a higher price - come prepared and save your money.

Unless she lives in Makati - she has travel expenses which can be great.

I will not list the cost of airfare - but assuming two or three trips by you and one for her (and her child?) - that's not insignificant.

Yes the last fee is $1010 to file for the AOS once you are married. But you also travel to the Biometrics and possible the interview... maybe a long way with lodging.

Bottom line is that the 445+170+335+1010=1960 is just the tip of the iceberg. Good luck.

MikeInWyoming

Male

Philippines

2009-10-16 11:27:00