ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesNearest hotel, pension house or tourist inn to SLEC???? Please help!
We always stay at Lotus Garden Hotel, which is very near to SLEC and the USEM: also convenient if you like o exercise on the boulevard


QUOTE (RickieAndEva @ Sep 20 2008, 07:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (angel0482 @ Sep 19 2008, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi Everyone!

My interview will be on October 14th. A week before that will be my Medical Exam. I would like to get any suggestion from my fellow VJers to suggest any place either hotel, pension house or tourist inn that I can stay nearest to SLEC. Also affordable at the same time. I don't want to take taxi just to get to SLEC. I would like to have get a place that is just a walking distance to SLEC or much more nicer if it will be infront or beside SLEC. I don't want to be late and don't want to get into traffic.

It would be highly appreciated if I could get any suggestions. I'm a little bit freaking out already since I only have 3 weeks to to make a final preparation. Thank you in advance.

Yours Truly,

Angel helpsmilie.gif helpsmilie.gif helpsmilie.gif helpsmilie.gif


Hi there.
have you heard of Celestine Citadel? that's the inn i can suggest to you. it's walking distance from St. Luke's and it's cheaper there.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-27 09:52:00
Philippineswe don't hear from nvc
The important point is whether NVC got the I-129F forwarded from USCIS. Did they receive them yet? They can't forward them to the embassy until they have received them from USCIS.


QUOTE (marybeth @ Oct 8 2008, 04:42 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everybody, i just want to ask about the info of the processing of the k1 visa...


my fiancee file :

may 09,2008-sent the 129f petition
may15,2008 -receipt receive from ucis
september 12,2008- petition was approved


until this time we don't hear anything our papers...my fiancee called the nvc ,they said they don't process yet our papers...how long we need to wait the papers going to sent in the US EMBASSY...? It is almost 1 month from now our since our petition was approved and we don't receive any news from nvc...ohh my gosh....

guys !!!give me more info about our problem and how long we need to wait....


tanks and more power to all the member here....

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-08 07:42:00
PhilippinesAny Filipinos moving to the New Mexico area?????????
cool, that's where I live.... hope it doesn't take you too long to be approved!
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-06 21:41:00
PhilippinesAny Filipinos moving to the New Mexico area?????????
luv.gif
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-06 21:15:00
Philippinesmagic delbros text received!
Finally shipment released by embassy at noon today!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone out there who has first time POE experience for a CR visa? Does my spouse with a conditional residence go through the same immigration lane as permanent residents and citizens and will they detain and interview her when she has a CR visa?

dancin5hr.gif

story:
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=153810
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-02 05:19:00
Philippinesreunited in US finally!
she was less than satisfied with the condition I left the house in and went on a major cleaning spree the minute she arrived..... smile.gif I was envisaging giving her a tour of the city or something like that, hehe
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-19 14:10:00
Philippinesreunited in US finally!
QUOTE (nova71 @ Oct 18 2008, 02:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ninjarocket @ Oct 18 2008, 03:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just arrived home in Santa Fe with my wife after being reunited in LA yesterday evening!!!!!!

The POE was uneventful... only queuing for 30 minutes. The officer wondered what the CFO stickers and stamps were about in her passport and was surprised that she was already married at a young age.

Congratulations to both of you! She really looks young, how old is she?


19
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-18 15:52:00
Philippinesreunited in US finally!
Just arrived home in Santa Fe with my wife after being reunited in LA yesterday evening!!!!!!

The POE was uneventful... only queuing for 30 minutes. The officer wondered what the CFO stickers and stamps were about in her passport and was surprised that she was already married at a young age.
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-18 15:00:00
PhilippinesInterview reservations help
unfortunately you have to pay the $10

but it's a small payment compared to all the other costs


QUOTE (jaggededge @ Oct 19 2008, 12:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the quick reply..................

I understand ....... but what is the Visa Point site for .......if you sign up there they are asking for $10 fee to issue a pin number

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-19 14:12:00
PhilippinesDS-230 Question
I guess you're referring to the NBI clearance specific to the Philippines. You can obtain one of those from any city; even one where you haven't lived because it's the "National Bureau of Investigations." That was the case with my wife who obtained one in Manila even thought she lives on Mindanao.

Police clearances are required from other countries in which you have lived for more than 6 months I believe. The requested information is on the USEM website.


QUOTE (Loving Neneng @ Oct 20 2008, 06:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Regarding the Police Clearance needed for the DS-230 if we just got her Police clearance for the area she has lived in since Jan 2008 will she need one from where she lived from birth to 2008? She has one but it was gotten in the year 2003? Please advise

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-20 07:50:00
PhilippinesLAX as POE
We were recently reunited at LAX. It's just a very busy POE, that is all.

see my posts in:

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=157232
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=157441


QUOTE (iamincognito @ Oct 20 2008, 10:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
so it is confirmed, my POE will be LAX and i am getting my ticket tomorrow! good.gif

what do i have to expect at LAX? please share your experiences..

thanks so much everybody!



We were recently reunited at LAX. It's just a very busy POE, that is all.

see my posts in:

http://www.visajourn...howtopic=157232
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=157441


QUOTE (iamincognito @ Oct 20 2008, 10:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
so it is confirmed, my POE will be LAX and i am getting my ticket tomorrow! good.gif

what do i have to expect at LAX? please share your experiences..

thanks so much everybody!

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-20 12:04:00
PhilippinesI GOT MY VISA HALLELUYAH!!!!
congrats!!!

only CFO and POE left to go
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-19 20:52:00
PhilippinesReccomeded best US POE
Not sure anyone will be able to compare PsOE.

Applicants typically only ever get to experience one POE: the one they pass through.

My guess is that the experience is more likely to depend on the friendliness of immigration officer than anything else.



QUOTE (jaggededge @ Oct 20 2008, 09:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Looking for the experienced to give some insight as to the best U.S point of entrry with a K1

Since I wont be able to fly to Manila myself and travel with my Honey, I want to make it as easy as possible for entry for her.

I'm in Florida, so she will have at least 1 connection. But what's best LAX, Chicago, San Francisco, Kennedy ?????

Thanks in advance .........

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-20 22:47:00
Philippinesplane ticket from CEB to LAS
OK, here's the receipt for my wife's one way ticket from MNL to LAX paid for in cash. As I said $600. Watch out for unscrupulous travel agents on VJ posting stories about greatly inflated $2400 one way tickets (unless your flying first class!). This was purchased through a walk in travel agency in the Philippines and not through PAL. The agent told her she could have had a cheaper ticket on a different day, but we wanted to meet in LAX on that Friday.

PHILIPPINE AIRLINES
PASSENGER ITINERARY/RECEIPT PRINT:09OCT08/1629H/LM/CGYTO
ELECTRONIC TICKET:0792430146908 MABUHAY MILES NO:
NAME OF PASSENGER:*******/**** MS
BOOKING REFERENCE:C83CPS DATE OF ISSUE:09OCT2008
IATA CODE: ISSUING OFC/AGENT:CGYTO/AV
TOUR CODE: ADDRESS:TIRSO NERI ST
ORIGINAL ISSUE: CAGAYANDEORO
ISSUED IN EXCHANGE FOR: TIN:000-597-645-026-VAT

X/O FROM/TO FLT CLS DATE TIME ST FAREBASIS NVB NVA FBA STAT
MANILA PR102 E 17OCT 2200 OK XOXP 17OCT 2PC OK
LOSANGELES

ENDORSEMENTS/RESTRICTIONS:*NONEND/PENALTIES APPLY*RTS C ODE*UNCA/FIRST T
IME IMMIG/ZENTRVL CGY
FARE CALC:MNL PR LAX608.00NUC608.00END ROE1.000000 XT PHP 735US PHP 239X
A PHP 334XY PHP 263YC PHP 8109YQ RATE USED 1USD 47.700000PHP

FARE :USD00608.00 EQUIV.FARE PD. :PHP 29002
TAX/FEE/CHARGE :0001620PH TAX/FEE/CHARGE :0009680XT
TOTAL :PHP00040302
FORM OF PAYMENT:CHECK




QUOTE (MJ3lasvegas @ Oct 20 2008, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ninjarocket @ Oct 21 2008, 03:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You can always buy them directly from PAL also, but PAL aren't going to inform you whether another airline has cheaper tickets! There are many connecting flights between Cebu and Manila if that turns out to be the cheaper option.


PAL have high fare rates, i already called them last week and they quoted one-way ticket to LAS for almost 1000 USD (998 USD to be exact). they said it was their cheapest and i was like, the cheapest? this is almost the same price i paid when i went to LA last year for a round trip ticket! crying.gif

QUOTE (ninjarocket @ Oct 21 2008, 03:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Most US banks will not charge for wire transfers if they are done online. However, some Philippine banks will charge for receiving wire transfers even if they do nothing to receive that! Western Union is always an option, but their rates are pretty awful. I only use them in case of emergency, like money needed at very short notice.


he doesn't have to wire me anything, the money is in the bank..just the visa missing. crying.gif

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-20 17:23:00
Philippinesplane ticket from CEB to LAS
Although most people buy tickets online these days, it's still possible in the Philippines to buy them through a walk in travel agency using cash. Yes they do still exist!

My wife bought a one way ticket from MNL to LAX in a travel agency in Cagayan de Oro for the equivalent of $600 or thereabouts. Using online agents like travelocity or orbitz I was quoted $800 for essentially the same ticket. We were looking for a ticket without flexible options. Perhaps you can find a better deal if your travel options and dates are more flexible than ours was.

You can always buy them directly from PAL also, but PAL aren't going to inform you whether another airline has cheaper tickets! There are many connecting flights between Cebu and Manila if that turns out to be the cheaper option.

Most US banks will not charge for wire transfers if they are done online. However, some Philippine banks will charge for receiving wire transfers even if they do nothing to receive that! Western Union is always an option, but their rates are pretty awful. I only use them in case of emergency, like money needed at very short notice.


QUOTE (MJ3lasvegas @ Oct 17 2008, 02:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hey guys..i'm left with the burden to purchase my ticket to the US..well of course using HIS money..lol tongue.gif
we don't intend to use any credit card in doing so..he prefers to pay it in cash instead, for reasons i really am not sure of..but right now i care less about it. well i looked through online: NWA, HA, PAL and some other sites. i have compared prices and i found great deals from a few airlines. i just don't know how to go about buying the ticket and paying it in cash since i'm used to paying through card.

can anyone guide me through this? i'm from cebu and there isn't much of a choice in airlines out here..i'm really interested on the CEB-LAS flight deal from hawaiian airlines. it's really cheap compared to PAL which is almost 1000 USD one way!!! wacko.gif can anyone help me? ..or maybe at least give me hawaiian airlines number in manila? sad.gif
i remember, there was once a thread on this and there was one member who i guess owns or works in a travel agency that offers great deals..i tried to look for the thread but to no avail, i failed..

so can somebody please guide me through? sad.gif
i'm thinking of buying the ticket this october 24th and i'm looking at a flight set this november, maybe 2nd or 3rd week.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-20 14:50:00
Philippinescover letter for the applying Aos
I didn't use one and it was accepted. Why would you want to have the officers read through more stuff attached to your AOS which could cause delays?

The only thing you might want to consider is to itemize the list of evidences, if your AOS has many attached documents. However, I didn't do this either, and it was accepted.


QUOTE (carmay @ Oct 26 2008, 05:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello vjs please give me a sample cover letter for your applicaton for the AOS your help is highly appreciated thank you.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-26 20:02:00
PhilippinesDo I still have to pay DV?
DV has probably only been temporarily suspended. Who knows when it might be reintroduced.
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-21 14:17:00
PhilippinesMedical appointment
I've stayed at Lotus Garden Hotel many times before, which is very close to USEM and SLEC and also the boulevard and Robinson's Mall. Rooms go for between 2000 and 4000 pesos per night.


QUOTE (Hunnybaby @ Oct 24 2008, 08:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>


Anyone here who will have the same date of Medical Appointment???

I will go with ManilaIdaho and Uday( set up by Debbie kicking.gif ofcse good.gif ) (pray for us innocent.gif )

Guys, help me find a good hotel to stay during my two days medical appointment.

If possible near SLEC with Internet connections and ofcse clean and comfortable.

Every suggestions will be highly appreciated star_smile.gif


ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-24 10:41:00
PhilippinesNEEDS SOME INFO WHERE TO GET A GOOD DEAL FARE FROM MLA TO L.A.
She can probably find a reasonable deal shopping around for a local travel agency in the nearest big city to where she lives. My wife recently had a 1 way ticket from such an agency with PAL for $800 in CDO. It's likely you can find a better deal if you have flexible travel dates, although the prices are likely to climb steeply as xmas approaches. PAL offer a special discount for immigrants I believe.

Watch out for sharks on VJ posing as travel agents saying that you have to buy a ticket from them in order to avoid exaggerated $3000 ticket prices that they quote!


QUOTE (cherryred_04 @ Oct 30 2008, 06:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hello my fellow vj here,just want to ask u all where can we find a cheap fare from manila to LA direct,i have a friend who will soon get a ticket after the release of her visa, as a first timer she wanted to ask anybody here who have already the idea where to get a best deal of fare,she is in cebu this time hope someone can reffer a ticketing office who can offer discount...thanks u so much and hope for all your instant replies..

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-30 08:22:00
PhilippinesCFO requirements
My wife wasn't asked either.

QUOTE (blukiss24 @ Oct 19 2008, 06:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well I wasn't asked for a divorce paper either. Hopefully they are not going to ask on you too.





Vida Taylor

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-19 10:03:00
PhilippinesCan we go to ST. Luke before getting appointment letter?
ideally you need the USEM notice sent to the beneficiary or the interview appointment email

I don't know whether anyone has succeeded with their NOA2 only, but that's what you're asking?


QUOTE (Freddy007 @ Oct 2 2008, 05:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Can we go to ST. Luke before getting appointment letter?

Our papers are at USE Manila. We have MNL case number. They say our papers are there and being reviewed.

We called manytimes to see if we can get an e-mail to print out so we can go St. Luke with no luck.
They say you must wait for the letter.

Anyone knows a way to bug them to expedite and get interview date?

Anyone knows another way around this?

Anyone done it?

Please help.

My fiancee wants to go with her friends next week together to St. Luke.


Thanks.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-02 06:33:00
PhilippinesBribes in the NBI
It just occurred to me that since she already had her interview, fixing the NBI clearance by changing the text with a bribe will not solve the problem. It will expose an inconsistency in the NBI clearances which the USEM will spot and cause AR or an investigation. Ultimately this will cause NBI clearances to be considered unreliable by USEM, leading to AR and extra DV for everyone. This is already the case with other civil documents, as most of us have found out with long DV delays!

Best just to get the proper legally required explanation.


QUOTE (RobSisk @ Apr 30 2008, 02:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just spoke to my Philippine Fiance. She went through the interview process. She was told her NBI needed more of an explanation as too why it says she has no criminal record. She went to the NBI and offered the man money to fix it so he can add an explanation. She says she has to pay the person 20000 pesos to fix the NBI. Any advice as to what I should do since this is a bribe. I do not want to pay the fee, but I am told that this is the way it is in the philippines.

Robert

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-30 07:30:00
PhilippinesBribes in the NBI
"No record on file" is indeed what it says for most applicants. This was the case with my wife and the NBI documents were accepted at both NVC and the USEm with no questions.


QUOTE (hoosier @ Apr 30 2008, 11:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm a bit confused by the responses here. I had Joy look at her NBI and it says "No record on File" is this what it is supposed to say?
Is she going to need some sort of letter of explanation? Her interview is May 20 so I just want to be clear on this.

In direct reference to the OP 20k Php is a bit on the high side for a *cough* "expedite fee" generally 3 or 4 thousand will get what you need done.
Personally I would call directly to Manila or go talk to the director at that location. I would not even mention about the bribe unless pushed.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-30 06:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa "APPROVED"
hope you get your visa soon!

my wife also got only a pink slip at her interview September 16, but her visa has not been approved
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-22 23:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLISTS of people waiting for interview in the PHILIPPINES
UPDATED LISTS:

I. CR1/IR1 VISA---------CASE COMPLETED------------INTERVIEW
1. John & Jean---------------June 13, 2008---------------------August 06, 2008
2. Chrisepic------------------June 13, 2008---------------------August 14, 2008
3. Honeyleen----------------June 13, 2008
4. DavidnMay----------------June 19, 2008---------------------August 22, 2008
6. boyceedith----------------July 01, 2008
7. onizuka--------------------July-02, 2008
8. Filiricans-------------------July 03, 2008
9. tzeksman------------------July 09, 2008
10.RickieandEva-------------July 11, 2008
11.shaman_goddess-------July 14, 2008
12.Marieford_20-------------July 19, 2008


II. K3 VISA----------NOA2/APPROVED----------------INTERVIEW DATE
1. onizuka---------------- May 19, 2008-------------------------July 28, 2008
2. o0pink0o---------------July 02, 2008-------------------------August 27, 2008
3. Irene & David---------June 13, 2008------------------------August 19, 2008
4. Val Sandra-------------June 24, 2008
5. Abspears---------------July 08, 2008
6. Nova&Neil--------------July 14, 2008



III. K1 VISA---------NOA2/APPROVED----------------INTERVIEW DATE
1. gabrielle08---------------June 10, 2008---------------------August 05, 2008
2. Rubchett-----------------June 18, 2008----------------------July 29, 2008
3. higantetingting---------June 20, 2008----------------------August 04, 2008
4. marizzacdo--------------June 30, 2008----------------------August 05, 2008
5. KandI_usa---------------July 02, 2008
6. yuki_lyka-----------------July 03, 2008
7. RussellandMarie---------July 09, 2008
8. shes-----------------------July 10, 2008----------------------August 28, 2008



NOTE: To the new members kindly fill in the applicable type of visa according to dates of approval to the above-stated. Likewise, I suggests/recommends to the existing member/s to give us interview updates &/or the status developments of your case/visa if any. Thanks.


Filiricans rose.gif
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-07-18 18:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresswitching from k3 to CR after the interview
I really want to be sure there won't be another interview because I won't be with my wife this time around. After we were already out of the woods with a pink slip ready to get a k3 visa any minute (which they will still deliver now if we choose to go that route), I really don't want to go through the interview again (at least with the AOS we would be together in the US even if she can't work for months). I already lost enough sleep. I'm surprised that nobody else at VJ has been in this same situation.
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-23 15:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresswitching from k3 to CR after the interview
Unfortunately the people that answer the phone at the USEM don't seem to understand the process so I wasn't able to get a clear answer.

You are exactly right. If the visa is changed to CR without an interview then the choice is obvious. However, if they do decide to hold an interview then we are exposing ourselves to an element of risk and it would be safer to stick with the k3.


QUOTE (STEPHnRIA @ Sep 23 2008, 07:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok ninjarocket, I am sure it is not a window for interview. Window X was the window my fiancee and I went at to inquire about the development of our visa. Are you sure there will be another interview for the CR1? It seems to me that you really want the CR but I know you don't want another interview. Why don't you call USEM again and clarify? CR1 is the best choice if there won't be a second interview. Good luck! And whatever you choose, my Congratulations to you and your wife!

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-23 09:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresswitching from k3 to CR after the interview
I'm hoping that there might be someone out there who has experienced this matter before. These are the facts.

I had requested NVC to expedite the CR paperwork at NVC so that it could catch up with the k3 interview date with the hope of my wife having a CR visa instead of a k3 visa.

The paperwork had not yet arrived on the morning of the k3 interview. However, the prescreener lady did say that it could still be changed if the CR paperwork arrived before the k3 visa had been processed. This actually happened because the CR paperwork arrived that same afternoon. However, at the time of the interview it had not yet arrived so my wife went ahead with the k3 interview. It was approved with pink slip only.

Then later that week the USEM tried to contact my wife (unsuccessfully) to return to the USEM to complete the CR process if she still wanted to do that. They told me today that she only has to go back there on any day at 10am and go to window "X".

Does anyone out there know what is window X? Will she be asked to take the interview again or will she just have to sign the DS-230 and have fingerprints taken? I'm only worried that something bad might happen which could cause the previously approved visa to be derailed so that she ends up with nothing. Any experience on this matter?

Please see thread below:


http://www.visajourn...p;#entry2241415
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-23 08:45:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-230 part II
For those who have had a CR/IR interview. At what point did you sign part II of the DS-230?

Was it during the actual interview with the consul or after the interview at window 37?

Or was it before the interview with the consul during the prescreening?

I'm also trying to figure out if there is a distinction between consul and consulate officer or do they mean the same?
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-24 00:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 and I-129F approved but want to follow CR1, but K3 already forwaded to ISL Consulate yesterday!!
You can pursue either one or both in parallel. Ignore correspondence from whichever visa you don't want to pursue.


QUOTE (choochoo @ Sep 30 2008, 11:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All,

Really confused on how to go about this. Both our petitions were approved on the 19th and sent to NVC. NVC forwaded the I-129F to Islamabad consulate yesterday! We want to just follow the CR1 route now since it was approved. What should we be doing? What are the options?

Can I ignore any coressponence that we receive for the k3? like the packet 3 which we are supposed to be receiving? If i ignore this for the CR1 route will it just cancel everything all together?

Or, do i need to just follow the k3 too and hope that the CR1 interview is before the k3 interview?

please help!!

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-30 12:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfinally CR visa authorized for release by CO!
many thanks everyone at VJ

QUOTE (KC?MP @ Sep 30 2008, 08:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-30 22:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfinally CR visa authorized for release by CO!
hope the delivery doesn't take too long!

connected links:
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=153809
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-30 12:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThe Ultimate IR1/CR1 Guide
By the way, it's faster by about a week to send the DS3032 by express mail. They take a long time to scan through emails as they are given a lower priority. I tested both. I was able to get both the AOS and IV paid and submitted before the email DS3032 was finally accepted. As proof of this, my case was complete in less than a month: please see my timeline below. Recommending email is therefore not the best advice. I recall others have had a similar experience.


timeline

July 14: I-130 and I29F approved
July 26: NVC acknowledges receipt of both I-130 and I-129F
July 28: DS-3032 and AOS fee bill generated (although dated 2 days earlier when I received the snail mail)
July 29: mailed off $70 AOS fee
July 29: email forwarded DS-3032 from wife (snail mail got there first!)
July 30: spouse mailed off DS-3032 by express mail (UPS) from Philippines
August 4: DS-3032 hard copy received at NVC from Philippines
August 4: AOS fee bill received by NVC (although wrong date was on James' short cut generated bill!)
August 6: AOS generated
August 6: IV bill generated
August 6: send off AOS (I-864EZ) lets hope they accept a non-notarized version with IRS tax transcripts for last 3 years rather than actual tax returns! (there's not even any space to notarize an I-864EZ, so it makes no sense to me)
August 6: paid IV bill online with invoice # obtained from NVC operator (who also told me the online system doesn't work, so I'll just have to see what happens)
August 7: IV bill status is now "paid" and deducted from my bank account
August 7: mail off DS-230 + pile of documents + IV payment receipt + bank statement showing deduction
August 8: AVR says IV bill generated? (online status changed to "unpaid" although paid receipt is right there online. duh!)
August 11: finally they accepted email DS-3032 (hard copy got there one week earlier)
August 13: IV received at NVC (they need to be informed again to reconcile online payment with visa application, grrrrrr)
August 13: online payment system status changed back to "paid" yippee!!!
August 13: receive snail mail IV bill
August 14: AVR says IV payment received August 6
August 14: AOS instructions received by email
August 19: medical appointment (using k3-visa # already at consulate)
August 22: case complete according to operator several days later
August 27: k3-visa interview scheduled for September 16
August 27: expedite request emailed to send I-130 docs to k3-visa interview so that it can be changed to a CR-visa interview
August 27: also mail in expedite request
September 3: still no news on expedite request so ask to speak to supervisor who then has email tracked down and worked on within a couple of hours
September 3: request sent from NVC to embassy to find whether k3 interview can be changed to CR
September 9: MNL accepts expedite request and I-130 package mailed to embassy
September 16: k3/CR interview date: pink slip
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-01 06:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs NVC's AVR updated
Ask to speak to an operator.
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-01 15:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130 (Petition for Alien Wife) Upgrade Question
Here are my answers having done this last year:

1. You can upgrade this via the USCIS help line. A "touch" should result within a few days. You might need to check back later to see that the upgrade went through, using the RFE trick at the service center if necessary.

2. The official priority date used at NVC and at the embassy is that one you filed the I-130 on. However, USCIS may likely consider the priority date to be the date of the upgrade request, meaning that the 3 months of waiting have amounted to nothing except to make your case more complicated.

3. There are advantages for simultaneous k3 filing, but it takes some effort.


QUOTE (Neostar08 @ Sep 22 2008, 09:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello Friends,

My apologies if this has been discussed previously...

I filed I-130 immigration petition for my wife in Feb 2008 while I was still a Legal Permanent Resident. I became a US Citizen in August 08 and have the following questions regarding upgrading the petition:

1. Does the Service Center (VSC) issues a new NOA (Notice of Action) indicating the upgraded status after receiving my request for Upgrade? How can I confirm that the Service Center has in fact complied with my request?

2. After the upgrade does the Priority Date remain the same as of the original application (I-130 filed based on green card) or it now becomes the date on which the Upgrade went into affect?

3. Any advantages in filing for K3 Visa simultaneously while the I-130 is being processed?

Any experiences that folks can share would be much appreciated.

Thanks in Advance.





Feb. 14, 2008 -- I-130 Sent to USCIA-Chicago Lockbox - filed for spouse based on greencard
Feb. 22, 2008 -- NOA 1 Received from VSC
Aug. 22, 2008 – Become US citizen, called USCIS to upgrade I-130 from F2A to CR1-IR-1 category
Aug. 23, 2008 – send a letter with copy of certificate of naturalization to upgrade the petition.
Sept. 22, 2008 – No status of Upgrade and cast is pending.

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-01 16:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFalse RFE or Real RFE???
If he sent it in July and they still don't have it, it must be genuinely lost. It should only take a few days for it to be entered into their system. It's a good time to send in another one. Make sure the bar codes and other details on the cover form are correct.


QUOTE (xylide @ Sep 30 2008, 07:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i just called NVC right now and the operator said that they are reviewing my paper and that they sent a letter to my husband i think its a checklist letter coz they dont have my AOS and that theyre just waiting for it... but my hubby already sent it in July and i know myself that they have it... do u think guys they really dont have it or theyre just doing this to delay the process? is t really an RFE or just a false RFE? pls help me guys... its killing me now.. arrgggggrrr... mad.gif

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-30 11:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1/CR-1
QUOTE (RajGM @ Oct 2 2008, 02:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for your reply.
Can Infopass appointment be tried any time? when I tried to book online it is saying I have to take appoinment only if I don't here the response from my enquiry within 45 days, is it true?


Yes, I believe so, unless you have some other issue you wish to bring up. Incidentally, the infopass appointment probably won't help all that much for learning what has happened with the service requests (at least that was the case with me), but it helps to try everything in case you one day have to sue USCIS.
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-02 17:53:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1/CR-1
I was in the same situation as you until about two and a half months ago. I tried service requests on three different occasions and was told the same as you although I never heard anything back from any of them.

I did manage to get a response via my congressman, but it was far from comforting at the time.

You should definitely try the latter, even if just to find whether your case is still alive. You can also try an infopass appointment.

The only positive thing about my case taking so long at USCIS was that I had visited my wife so many times while waiting that we had an exceptionally strong case at the embassy. They never asked to see any of the evidence and everything went very smoothly. Some get processed through USCIS very fast only to get denied at the embassy. Hope you're hanging in there with your wife and supporting each other during these frustrating times.

There is often little in the way of consistency. I once filed an I-140 based I-485 for myself some years ago and it was approved in about a month. Two years before others that filed at the same time as me!


QUOTE (RajGM @ Sep 30 2008, 08:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all,

I have sent I-130 application to VSC, Recevied date (Sept 12th 2007) and NOA1 is received Jan 23rd 2008. Last time my file was touched on Feb 7th 2008, I called USCIS and put an enquiry. Looks like they take about 45 days to respond but so far it has been 4 weeks but my file has not been touched and I didn't received any mail.

I am kind of worried about the situation, is there anyone in the same situation? Please share your views.

Thanks in advance
Raj

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-09-30 22:02:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresshipment of visa released by embassy today!!!
many thanks for the info.

QUOTE (Ling Ling @ Oct 3 2008, 06:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just returned to Chicago from France on Oct. 1st, before the Immigration Officer could ask me any questions,
I asked if my wife could come in the resident's line when she comes with her CR-1 visa next month.
I was told that it would be fine.

I'm guessing that whichever line she gets in, whenever she gets to the front, she'll be pulled out by the interviewing personnel anyway.
In theory, her having the visa in her passport, she is a legal resident and not a visitor.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-03 07:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresshipment of visa released by embassy today!!!
Finally shipment released by embassy at noon today!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone out there who has first time POE experience for a CR visa? Does my spouse with a conditional residence go through the same immigration lane as permanent residents and citizens and will they detain and interview her when she has a CR visa?

dancin5hr.gif

story:
http://www.visajourn...howtopic=153810
ninjarocketMalePhilippines2008-10-02 05:22:00