ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesPhilippine food banned by US Customs
As I went through US customs at SFO, the Filipino woman checking food in the luggage asked if I was bringing any Magic Sarap additive or chicharon (pork skin cracklings). I said no. She then said those are banned food products. Any other foodstuff from the Philippines that's banned? Is bagoong banned too?
sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-17 10:17:00
PhilippinesK-1 Finally READY Status, how long to be ISSUED?

...Administrative processing normally takes 60 dys based on d website but it stil depends on d volume of cases being processed, wid regards to ur concern abt d READY status..well i just wana congratulate you coz ur abt to receive ur visa in a abt a week..it will stay on READY status for 2 dys then it wil turn to AP again for 1 day and after another day it wil be on ISSUED status so just relax by now coz ul be receiving ur visa soon...hav a happy journey:))
 
..anywayz just wanna inform evryone that i just picked up my visa today at our local courier and be going to US on Fri..Tnx much to evryone for sharing their own experiences and helping out:)


My visa status on the CEAC website today shows ISSUED! Woot-woot! You are right about the sequence. After the USEM interview, my visa status went into AP from Feb 18 until Feb 26 when it changed to READY. It was in READY status until Mar 4 when it changed into AP then today, Mar 5, it finally said ISSUED!

Such a relief! Looking forward to getting the text from 2Go for the visa, passport and packet pick-up then a side trip for the CFO sticker and then a mad dash to the line for the actual flight.

Keeping my fingers and toes crossed for those still waiting for their visa approval.





sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-05 05:06:00
PhilippinesK-1 Finally READY Status, how long to be ISSUED?

 
For all others, never, never book and pay for flights till you have your visa in your hands. That warning comes on every correspondence from USEM and CEAC.
 
I hope you get your visa before your flight.



I hope so too! Trying to stay positive and trying to relax about this whole process.

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-04 21:30:00
PhilippinesK-1 Finally READY Status, how long to be ISSUED?

...Administrative processing normally takes 60 dys based on d website but it stil depends on d volume of cases being processed, wid regards to ur concern abt d READY status..well i just wana congratulate you coz ur abt to receive ur visa in a abt a week..it will stay on READY status for 2 dys then it wil turn to AP again for 1 day and after another day it wil be on ISSUED status so just relax by now coz ul be receiving ur visa soon...hav a happy journey:))
 
..anywayz just wanna inform evryone that i just picked up my visa today at our local courier and be going to US on Fri..Tnx much to evryone for sharing their own experiences and helping out:)


OMG! I hope you're right! This is exactly my situation. 'Ready' since Feb 26 then it turned to AP today, Mar 4. Passed embassy interview on Feb 18 though American consul told me they didn't have my medical yet on Feb 18. Got my medical with immunizations finished evening of Feb 17, and the St. Luke's staff promised me they would submit my medical to the embassy 9 AM of Feb 18. I guess they lied? LOL

I need my visa soon! I have a flight booked for Mar 15 and it will cost us thousands if dollars to rebook or change the flight this late!



sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-04 04:26:00
PhilippinesCFO BRIBERY COMPLAIN
I didn't have any issues at the CFO when I did mine. Out of the 16 or 17 applicants that were there, I heard of only one who didn't get the certificate and sticker, and that was because the divorce decree of the USC indicated mental instability as the reason for the divorce.
sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-25 10:05:00
PhilippinesST LUKES MEDICAL EXAM

Why are you pretending that St. Lukes doesn't ask about illegal drug use?


The SLEC doctor also asks about suicidal thoughts by the applicant and whether applicant has ever seen a therapist/psychiatrist and related to this, whether the applicant has taken drugs - illegal or prescription. Answering yes to these questions triggers a referral to a secondary opinion and evaluation by SLEC's own psychiatrist. This costs an extra PhP 1000.

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-04-05 09:45:00
PhilippinesCFO seminar for K1 immigrants - Philippines

Thank you both so very much!  Since Michael is very eager to get here, as I am sure all the K 1 fiancees are, he will probably want to do the CFO interview early if he can possibly do so.  He lives in Dasmarinas so it is relatively close to Manila if you don't mind a full day in traffic :) But the wonderful Philippino people are very patient and never seem to complain about how long it takes to get everything.  I am so humbled by his patience, his belief in a higher power, and his ability to always look on the bright side of things.  I am a teacher and recently one of our teachers was complaining about her new classroom in our new 117 million dollar school because her window will not show Mt Rainier, and I just couldn't control myself!  I said my fiancée family still needs a roof on their house after Yolanda, the typhoon season regularly hits with at least 25 storms, and you are complaining because you cant see a mountain?!!!  She wont probably talk to me much anymore lol.


First world problems versus third world problems!

On a related note, I think it's more convenient to do the CFO seminar AFTER your fiancé gets his visa. That way, if everything turns out right, he gets both the CFO certificate and CFO stamp on the passport all on the same day. No need to come back just to get the CFO stamp another day.

Once the visa packet is received, it is possible to open the plastic package, get the passport with visa on it, and take that to CFO without destroying the yellow packet envelope that is to be surrendered to the immigration officer at the port of entry.





sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-06-24 17:06:00
PhilippinesMY US EMBASSY INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE: OCT. 23, 2013 (K1 FIANCEE VISA)
To the OP (original poster): did your USC fiancé go with you to the interview or not? I'm just curious whether it's better to go to the K-1 visa consular interview with the USC fiancé. Thanks for your reply.
sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-11-01 01:29:00
PhilippinesSpecial treatment for celebrities for the interview at USEM?

 
Exactly my thoughts. Have you seen the IG post? http://instagram.com...22c/?modal=true
 
That's why I find it strange that she captioned it as "Finally, got an interview date for my immigrant visa" [in Tagalog]. The context of "It's still different if one is a resident" is in comparison to being a 10-year multiple entry B visa holder [in one of her response to the comments]. 
 
Never a fangirl, but I am soooooo close to asking her what type of visa she is aiming for. :D





Has AiAi posted anything on Instagram or Twitter regarding her US visa interview? Plus I am curious what will happen from now on, considering her cougarness (LOL) is in full bloom after admitting that she has a new, 20 year old boyfriend from De La Salle University?

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-09-19 20:55:00
PhilippinesSpecial treatment for celebrities for the interview at USEM?

 
Exactly my thoughts. Have you seen the IG post? http://instagram.com...22c/?modal=true
 
That's why I find it strange that she captioned it as "Finally, got an interview date for my immigrant visa" [in Tagalog]. The context of "It's still different if one is a resident" is in comparison to being a 10-year multiple entry B visa holder [in one of her response to the comments]. 
 
Never a fangirl, but I am soooooo close to asking her what type of visa she is aiming for. :D





Yes, I saw the IG post. But was it Ai Ai or her IG follower who wrote that it's still different if one is a resident?

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-08-26 19:38:00
PhilippinesSpecial treatment for celebrities for the interview at USEM?

 
Out of curiosity, I checked it too. :D I was initially thinking it was for a NIV like E-2, but she captioned it "immigrant visa", and later on mention that "it's still different if one is a resident". Could it be EB-5?
 
I wonder if Aiai knows that she has to be in US more than 6 months in a year to maintain residency.



I think it's not an immigrant visa she is interviewing for but an O-1 extraordinary ability non-immigrant visa. Otherwise, why would she now write, 'it's still different if one is a resident'? Plus the article I posted earlier claims she is being represented by Ms. Nettles for the same visa as her ex Miguel Vera. That would be O-1.

Ai Ai might also have difficulty getting a green card via EB-1 or EB-2 because she's a movie and TV star. To get her self petition for green card approved, she has to continue being a movie and TV star in the US. And even if she is successful getting a green card, will she be willing to sacrifice her career in the Philippines to prove to USCIS that she will be establishing domicile in the US as a permanent resident? Tough choices for her, to be sure.



sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-08-25 21:03:00
PhilippinesSpecial treatment for celebrities for the interview at USEM?

Exactly, that's what I wanna ask her too since she's a type of celebrity that likes to reply to her IG friends but I didn't ask because I figured I would get flamed for being too personal.

I also wondered if she has done her medical yet?

I told my hubby not her parents lived in US but her kids, so maybe the kids petitioned her but their not citizens yet I think so that's the greatest question, who is her petitioner?




The kids are below 21 years old and not US citizens, so her children won't be able to petition her. I think she's applying for O visa, which is a non-immigrant visa. However, she will be able to self petition for a green card after getting the O visa. Self petitioning might not be easy though.

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-08-25 14:42:00
PhilippinesSpecial treatment for celebrities for the interview at USEM?
I did some 'googling'. From an article in May 15, 2012:

It was Jemela Nettles who processed the extraordinary-ability visa of Miguel (including his family; Miguel now has a green card) and its also Jemela who is processing Ai-Ais application for the same visa and those of Sophia and Niccolo who are being petitioned by Miguel.

Link: http://www.newsflash...sb/sb007704.htm




sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-08-23 14:15:00
PhilippinesSpecial treatment for celebrities for the interview at USEM?

Wife said something about her parents being in the US I think. Got me.


The Instagram posting was a screenshot of a message on her phone from the immigration lawyer, Ms. Nettles. And AiAi states she's happy that she's finally having her immigrant visa interview. I wonder if she will leave her career in the Philippines for anonymity in the US (except for her being recognized and famous to other Filipinos)?

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-08-23 14:01:00
PhilippinesSpecial treatment for celebrities for the interview at USEM?

Aiai delas Alas.


I wonder who petitioned for her since she doesn't have a spouse who will sponsor her. I saw the Instagram message. It was from that Nettles Filipino lawyer. Could it be due to 'extraordinary ability'?

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-08-23 12:09:00
PhilippinesPhilippines terminal fees part of airline ticket cost starting October 1, 2014
I'm posting the article here about the folks complaining about the new policy on terminal fees, including English translations of Tagalog text:

OFWs urged to protest inclusion of NAIA terminal fee in airline tickets

ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 09/24/2014 4:38 PM | Updated as of 09/24/2014 4:38 PM
MANILA, Philippines - Migrante International is urging overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to protest the inclusion of the P550 terminal fee in international airline tickets.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) had earlier said it will implement the new policy for passengers of all international flights starting October 1.

OFWs are currently exempted from the payment of terminal fees under Republic Act 10022, or the amended Migrant Workers Act, exempts OFWs. OFWs have to just present their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) to validate their OFW status.

With the new policy, Migrante International said OFWs will have to pay the terminal fee when they buy their airline tickets, then get a refund later.

"This blanket scheme is another vehicle for state exaction and kotong (translation: asking for a bribe) from our OFWs. It is illegal and should not be implemented. Instead of saying that OFWs can refund the fees paid, what the government should do is spare our OFWs from all that hassle. Theyve already gone through all the trouble of fulfilling requirements for the OEC, tapos ngayon ito pa? Ang siste ay tila iniisahan na naman ang mga OFW (translation: and now this? The scheme looks like OFWs are again being taken advantage of)," said Garry Martinez, Migrante International chairperson.

He noted the "refund or reimbursement" process is an unnecessary step which will be a hassle to OFWs leaving the country.

"Kikita sila sa pag-asang, para huwag na lang maperwisyo, hindi na lang magre-refund ang mga OFW natin (translation: They will make money by hoping that OFWs will not ask for a refund so as not to be inconvenienced)," Martinez said.

Some OFWs have started a petition on Change.org, seeking the exemption of all OFWs from the P550 terminal fee imposed under the MIAA.

On Tuesday, the MIAA clarified that if the airline ticket is purchased online or abroad, these exempted passengers would have to pay terminal fee. Also, the exempted passengers should also pay the fee, if they cannot present the proper certification when tickets are purchased over the counter.

However, the MIAA said the terminal fee could be refunded at NAIA if the passenger can present the overseas employment certificate, electronic ticket, boarding pass, and MIAA exemption certificate.

The "terminal fee" collected by the MIAA is used for the airport operations. Of the P550, the MIAA gets P390 for maintenance and upkeep, the national government gets P100 and aviation security gets P60.


























sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-09-24 16:50:00
PhilippinesPhilippines terminal fees part of airline ticket cost starting October 1, 2014

No clue, I guess we will be finding out soon as Oct is just around the counter.

  

Let's see what they come up with.  Everyone was bracing for a disaster when they started online appointments for CFO classes, but the system came online quite smoothly.  Maybe they are better at rolling these things out than we give them credit for.


Already, some sectors in the Philippines are up in arms about this new plan, to wit:

http://www.abs-cbnne...airline-tickets





sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-09-24 16:12:00
PhilippinesPhilippines terminal fees part of airline ticket cost starting October 1, 2014

 
That will only happen with tickets purchased within the Philippines, tickets purchased online or aboard will not have that fee collected so still need to be ready to pay it.


But the article says the Philippine authorities will be getting rid of terminal fee counters. Where is an online ticket purchaser supposed to go to pay the fees?

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-09-23 14:50:00
PhilippinesPhilippines terminal fees part of airline ticket cost starting October 1, 2014
Looks like no more lining up at those terminal fee counters at Philippines airports?

http://www.rappler.c...ine-ticket-cost


sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-09-23 13:55:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila

You must be at least 21 years old to petition a fiancé or spouse.

Also, you need to have enough financial capability (at least $20,000 income per year for mainland US, more for Hawaii and Alaska) as demonstrated on your IRS tax return.


I want to correct myself. You must be at least 21 years old and a USC to petition a parent.

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-09-26 15:20:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila

Hello! Same Sex K-1 filers as well. Currently waiting for the case number from NVC. We called NVC the other day and they said they do not have the case yet even though the papers were already forwarded by USCIS to NVC last September 10, 2014. I know, we should just wait. Hope everything goes well. We still got a long way to go.  :clock:  ^_^


20 days from NOA1 to NOA2?! You're very lucky! It took us more than 3 months (including RFE) for our I-129F application to go from NOA1 to NOA2 last year.

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-09-19 14:02:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila

Hello, Im a little lost and stumbled upon this great website. I am 19 almost 20 yrs old, I know its very young, US citizen but I have a fiancee back home in the Philippines she is 21 almost 22 yrs old. I am desperate to petition her I just dont know if i could in regards to my age. Anyone help? Also we are same sex. Thank you and Have a nice day! :)


You must be at least 21 years old to petition a fiancé or spouse.

Also, you need to have enough financial capability (at least $20,000 income per year for mainland US, more for Hawaii and Alaska) as demonstrated on your IRS tax return.



sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-09-08 21:07:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila

Oh ok..well, i was really so frustrated right now that it is taking so long. Thinking that hiring an immigration lawyer will fast track everything but unfortunately it was not what I expected....
 


We got an RFE with a lawyer for the K-1 visa application, which delayed us by at least 1 month.

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-08-26 19:33:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila

Is there anyone right here who seek an assitance with an immigration lawyer?
I wonder of how long does it take for you guys to receive the NOA1.
We had our lawyer but it is taking so long for us to receive the first notice.
It is so frustrating....I even wonder what if we just did it our own...
 




You don't really need a lawyer but in some cases, hiring a lawyer can provide security and assistance when answering specific questions that need elaboration on forms.

And no, a lawyer won't speed up your application.



sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-08-20 11:08:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila
Any latest approvals? Tips on passing the interview at USEM appreciated.
sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-02-13 20:41:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila
Cool! Congratulations.
sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-01-30 08:02:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila
Just got my certified NSO copies of my birth certificate and CENOMAR (I got 5 of each, in case I have future need for those documents!) from SM mall.

Almost done discussing with my lawyer the details of how to fill in the online DS-160. Next stop : medical.


sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-01-30 01:37:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila

 
I just had my interview last November.
 
Yes, I answered the DS-160 online and printed the confirmation page. You will show this to the guard at the entrance, along with your interview appointment. 
 
Effective October 7, 2013, ONLY the DS-160 confirmation page is required by the embassy during the interview + I-134 together with the other documents/evidences listed on the interview instructions I linked earlier. DS-160 has replaced the other DS Forms.
 
Source: http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3023.html







OK, thanks! I've emailed the lawyer my DS-160 and I'm still waiting for his reply. Once I get his reply (as to how I should answer certain questions) only then will I submit my DS-160 online.

So I should bring only the DS-160 confirmation page and not a copy of the DS-160 itself plus all other supporting documents.



sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-12-25 19:17:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila

 
interview instructions for k1:
http://photos.state....tober 2013_.pdf
 
It's only DS160 now.




Iammrsregi, did you do DS-160 too? And isn't it submitted online? What DS form did you take to the interview at USEM? Sorry for the many questions!

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-12-25 00:19:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila

Thanks to all who have responded.  We have passed the medical and have been to the CFO.  We are on pins and needles as the 7th approaches.  I believe we are super organized.  I sent the final documentation package to Raffy by DHL two days ago.
 
Merry Christmas


Hi! Please update your timeline. It will help others by showing how long processing times are taking. Thanks!

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-12-24 20:33:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila

The slip handed to us as my partner entered the consulate door reads as follows:
 
Requirements for K1/K3 Applicants
DS-156 and DS-157 (2 Copies each), DS-156k
     Submit to window 39
 
Submit the following during interview:
Original Documents
-valid passport
-NSO Birth Certificate
-NSO CENOMAR or Marriage Certificate
-Updated NBI Clearance (for Travel ABroad)
-Affidavit of Support from petitioner (Form i-134)
-Proof of relationship with petitioner
 
Photocopies:
-Latest Income TAx Returns (Form 1040)
-Latest Withholding TAx STatement (W-2)
 
 
peace.




















Are you sure about the DS 156 and 157 forms? Our lawyer told us to fill out DS 160?

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-12-24 20:31:00
PhilippinesSame Sex K1 US Embassy Maila
First US visa for same-sex couples issued in Philippines

http://www.abs-cbnne...uples-issued-ph


sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-12-07 08:56:00
PhilippinesH0TELS in Manila
Stayed at the Hyatt on Pedro Gil corner M.H. Del Pilar day before the interview. A brisk 10-15 minute walk to USEM.
sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-02-18 20:50:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThe first Gay K-1 Fiance Visa Progress with DOMA repeal on the Horizon (Tim & Keno)
I wonder what happened to the application of the OP?
sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-11-08 01:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI129F Visa Petition Approved - Same sex
To the original poster, please update your timeline so that information can be used by visajourney to determine estimates of processing times which may in turn help others estimate their own timelines. Thanks!
sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-10-31 17:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSame Sex, Peru, Interview = APPROVED!!!!

Thank you everyone, very exciting. :) 


I was just looking at your signature. It seems your wedding date is more than 90 days after your fiancé enters the USA?

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-12-25 02:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWhen Can I Start Geting Police Report and Proof of Eligiblity to Marry?

she needs the NBI clearance and cenomar (certificate of no marriage)
since your petition is being sent to the Philippines you should get the required documents asap
nbi took me 3 weeks to get, cenomar took me 1 day. she only needs the police certificate if she lived/worked in another country for more than 6 mos after the age of 16.

btw, here is the interview instructions for k1 manila:
http://photos.state....tober 2013_.pdf





Where did you apply for CENOMAR? I applied at SM mall and was told to come back in 15 business days. One day for CENOMAR? Wow!

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2013-12-26 23:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsCeac status updated everyday is it good news

Hi Hank and Tahoma!!!
 
    So its been two weeks now that my status on CEAC is "READY" (open case). So i tried calling USEM this morning and i was informed that my case is on its "FINAL PROCESSING". i have read threads here at VJ that when its final processing it has to be issued status on their CEAC. My CEAC Status READY never changed until now. i Don't understand what does their final processing mean? please let me understand.... Should i get worried? Is there a possibility that they would not issue my visa and deny it after the final processing?


May I know what number did you call for the US Embassy that got you connected to a person? So this embassy staff told you your case in 'final processing'? Thanks for the info you provide.

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-04 01:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSame Sex K-1 I-129F Filed

Hi guys, great news, my visa was approved yesterday!  Thanks ^fulanodetal^ and Visa Journey for answering all my question. 


Congratulations! Now is the time to prepare for your trip to the USA.

sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-03-19 12:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSame Sex K-1 I-129F Filed

just received my visa yesterday, Feb 14... yay! thanks Visa Journey for answering all my question... POE next!!!


Interview at the embassy Feb 18. Was told at the releasing window I was approved, except they were waiting for the medical result from St. Luke's, which the clinic promised to me they would transmit to the embassy on the 18th around 9 AM.

The American consular officer took my passports (my current one and the old one with a previous US visa). That should be a good sign, right?

Except when I check the CEAC website, it's still in AP and my case was updated or touched on Feb 19, 20, 21, but nothing since then.

Others who got interviewed on or after my interview date have been posting that their status indicates visa ISSUED. This is like waiting for NOA2 all over again, in the sense that others who applied or got interviewed after me get approved before me! Arrggghhh!







sjk&cjjNot TellingPhilippines2014-02-26 02:31:00