Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Philippines	Jovit Baldivno	I wish all the best for this kid, sana nga lang mapansin ang talent nya at hindi puro mukha ang nakikita sa harap nang TV, dapat may talent rin.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2010-04-07 21:30:00
Philippines	What is happening???	If you already get your Case Number, you don't have to worry about. Perhaps the representative that you talked to didn't had the information of your case. It happens sometimes. It also happen with the automated voice response, the response from live operator and the machine has almost a week differences.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2010-04-20 00:54:00
Philippines	Married Filipinos who send money to family back in Philippines	QUOTE (Tito Jorge @ Nov 18 2009, 06:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Great question and topic for discussion ... It is not much of an issue for Belinda and me ... We send a Balikbayan box once a year or so ... and several times a year Belinda will send some money to her mom but its not a large figure and I dont have any problem with sending it at all ... after all ... it is MY family too ... Belinda has 3 siblings working abroad who also send money home ... so the burden is split 4 ways and not too much problem for any of the 4 children who help Nanay ... -- George I admire this one , I like this way of thinking.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-11-21 23:47:00
Philippines	Soooooo	Received NAO-1 on August 28,2009. I hope everything will be just fine.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-09-13 09:05:00
Philippines	NBI and Police Clearance	QUOTE (griffin @ Aug 3 2009, 06:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> PASTED FROM NBI FAQ: I AM PRESENTLY WORKING/LIVING ABROAD. HOW CAN I GET A NBI CLEARANCE WITHOUT GOING HOME TO THE PHILIPPINES? You can visit the nearest Philippine Consulate Office and ask for a Fingerprint Card Form. a.) Fingerprint Card Form – fill up the personal data called for on both sides of this card truthfully and legibly. b.) Request the assistance/endorsement of the nearest Philippines Consulate Office or the police agency in your locality to have your fingerprints impressed (ROLLED IMPRESSION) on the appropriate spaces. The officer/person who fingerprinted you should sign his name, state his official designation on the space provided for the purpose on the card. c.) In case you are a married woman, the order of writing your name is as follows: c.1) Your maiden surname (father's surname). c.2) Your husband's surname. c.3) Your first name or given name. c.4) Your maternal surname (family name of your mother) d.) Attach a latest copy of your 2"x2" photograph with white background (taken within three (3) months prior to your application). e.) Enclose Money Order in the sum of Php 200.00 Philippine currency or bank draft which is negotiable in the Philippines payable to the Director, National Bureau of Investigation, Taft Avenue, Ermita 1000 Manila, Philippines. The following accredited banks are: 1. Philippine National Bank (PNB) 2. Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Co. (HSBC) 3. ANZ – A New Zealand Bank 4. METROBANK 5. Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) Upon completion of this requirement, send your accomplished form to: Ms. Julie Macalit IRD - Mailed Clearance Section National Bureau of Investigation Taft Ave., Ermita 1000 Manila Philippines We will mail to you the corresponding clearance certificate after we have processed your application papers. Processing of application normally takes a maximum of three (3) days excluding days of transit. You may also send your accomplished form to your relative/representative here in the Philippines together with your authorization letter authorizing him/her to transact business on your behalf. Your relative may visit the office of the Electronic Data Processing Division (EDPD) in NBI Taft Avenue, Manila for further assistance. Upon receipt of your clearance certificate, please examine it for the presence of the embossed NBI DRY SEAL at its lower left portion, the clearance is invalid without it. You must also affix your clear and properly taken THUMBPRINT on the space provided for on the clearance certificate with the assistance of any local police in your area before submitting it to your end-user. I HAVE BEEN WORKING/LIVING ABROAD AND WOULD LIKE TO RENEW MY NBI CLEARANCE. HOW WOULD I GO ABOUT THAT WITHOUT LEAVING ABROAD? Just send the original Personal Copy of your old NBI clearance certificate issued not earlier than 1998 if you still have it. Otherwise, follow instructions on item #8. Prior to sending your old NBI clearance, you must attach latest copy of your 2"x2" photograph with white background (taken within three (3) months prior to your application) and photocopy of your passport with date stamped proving your presence abroad. Update any information that needs to be updated on your old clearance certificate, else write Same Data if there are no changes. Renewal only allows changes in address and purpose of clearance. If there would be changes in your NAME, DATE OF BIRTH and PLACE OF BIRTH, you are advised to fill-up a new application form (refer to instruction on item #8) and attach a photocopy of your Birth Certificate or Marriage Certificate as proof on changes applied. Enclose Money Order in the sum of Php 200.00 Philippine currency or bank draft which is negotiable in the Philippines payable to the Director, National Bureau of Investigation, Taft Avenue, Ermita 1000 Manila, Philippines. The following accredited banks are: 1. Philippine National Bank (PNB) 2. Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank Co. (HSBC) 3. ANZ – A New Zealand Bank 4. METROBANK 5. Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) Upon completion of this requirement, send your documents to: Ms. Julie Macalit IRD - Mailed Clearance Section National Bureau of Investigation Taft Ave., Ermita 1000 Manila Philippines We will mail to you the corresponding clearance certificate after we have processed your application papers. Processing of application normally takes a maximum of three (3) days excluding days of transit. You may also send your documents to your relative/representative here in the Philippines together with your authorization letter authorizing him/her to transact business on your behalf. Your relative may visit the office of the Electronic Data Processing Division (EDPD) at NBI Taft Avenue, Manila for further assistance. Upon receipt of your clearance certificate, please examine it for the presence of the embossed NBI DRY SEAL at its lower left portion, the clearance is invalid without it. Also, you must affix your clear and properly taken THUMBPRINT on the space provided for it on the clearance certificate with the assistance of any local police in your area before submitting it to your end-user. ***NBI Kiosks do not accept renewal of clearance handed by your representative. ***Alien or Filipinos w/ dual citizenship should send photocopy of passport. Great!! Thank you so much buddy!!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-08-02 23:52:00
Philippines	NBI and Police Clearance	QUOTE (JSVP08 @ Aug 2 2009, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Lancelotte25 @ Aug 2 2009, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hi guys, please help, I am working in Saudi Arabia and my petition will be process in US Embassy Riyadh, I would like to know if it's possible to ask my relatives to get these certificates on my behalf, because if I will go home just to take these cetificates it will cost me a huge amount just for the plane ticket. in my understanding, since u are in SA, u must have had an NBI before....if it has expired and u have a copy with you (there in SA),renew it by going to the Ph consulate and have your fingerprints done plus your 2x2 picture (of cors)...then send to your relatives to be submitted to NBI office.Enclose authorization who files and claims it in your behalf. I am here in UAE and this is what i have done. All ok. For the police clearance, i didn't request for any even if i have moved around in ph before. NBI for me is suffice. Check your USE if you have to produce police certificate besides the NBI (remember, NBI covers the whole ph) hope it helps and goodluck Thank you so much, exactly i'm about to go to the Philippine Embassy-Riyadh to renew my passport on August 09.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-08-02 09:24:00
Philippines	NBI and Police Clearance	Hi guys, please help, I am working in Saudi Arabia and my petition will be process in US Embassy Riyadh, I would like to know if it's possible to ask my relatives to get these certificates on my behalf, because if I will go home just to take these cetificates it will cost me a huge amount just for the plane ticket.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-08-02 04:11:00
Philippines	Administrative Processing/Review	Reading this thread gave me so many ideas and things that might occur, even though you think or feel everything was ok, then suddenly something is gonna come up and surprise you in many ways. This is very helpful..	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-09-30 05:10:00
Philippines	Open Interview dates	Mostly, it's case to case basis and no one can predict . I was CR-1 back then and it took for 6 months before the interview.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2012-06-13 21:19:00
Philippines	St. Lukes Medical	I hope everything will be okay.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2010-01-06 00:26:00
Philippines	How did u meet your fiancee/fiance/wife/husband?	QUOTE (tallcoolone @ Sep 13 2009, 02:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Mine is a simple story. I was on Vacation in PI a couple years ago, I took my clothes to a local family to get them washed and cleaned. I came back the next day and some one had stolen my clothes, Since I felt like something was not on the up and up, I secured thier youngest daughter as payment for the clothes that were missing. LOL..Nice one	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-09-13 07:47:00
Philippines	How did u meet your fiancee/fiance/wife/husband?	QUOTE (muñequita linda @ Sep 8 2009, 08:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I did not fall in love with a "foreign" man as I never pimped myself in the Internet. My husband and I were sweethearts in the Philippines and the relationship started more than 10 years ago before he moved to the USA. Besides, I'll never be attracted to American men! Using this word is derogatorily. In order not to arise tensions, refrain your self from using such harsh word. You may say, you didn't PIMPED on the internet, how can you be so sure that others did?	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-09-13 05:38:00
Philippines	St. Luke’s Medical Exam Walkthrough	QUOTE (NinJones @ Oct 6 2009, 01:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hello all! I want to share this walkthrough I made regarding the medical exam I just took at St. Lukes. I hope this will help anybody in anyway. I thought of creating this during my 2-day medical appointment, taking notes every step of the way and sketching floor plans in between waiting time. I know that there had been a few written about one's medical experience at SLMCEC and as much as it helped me prepare and be aware of the whole scenario, I wanted to share something more comprehensive. But please be reminded that everything here is based on my own experience and someone else's procedures may vary. All went well on my medical so I assume this is within the typical flow of the whole process. Ok, to start with: The Fees: US$213.35 for 15 y.o. and older US$185.35 for 14 y.o. and below Hotels Near SLMCEC http://www.visajourn...h...=48111&st=0 http://www.visajourn...hp/t130131.html What to Bring: - If you don't have your appointment letter yet, you may bring a photocopy of your NOA2 letter and NVC letter showing your MNL case no. - Valid Passport (have it photocopied as well) - Appointment letter – Bring original and have the first 2 pages photo copied. - 4 pcs. 2x2 photos – white background, with both ears uncovered and without earrings. - Black ballpen - jacket (it's cold inside) Misc: - Bottled water. Foods are not allowed, but you can slip through hiding your crackers somewhere in your bag. - Play Station Portable, Nintendo DS, Ipod Touch, books/pocket books – well, I mean, something you can play/read while waiting in between check-ups and procedures. The 1st Day :: Arriving at St. Lukes :: W/ appointment letter: I handed over my appointment letter but then the security guard told me to have the 1st two pages photocopied, so I did (just right across the street) and then went back to hand him both the original and the duplicate, he stamped it both with "SLMCEC---something" .. and handed me a queue number. I arrived at 4:45am and got no. 32. He gave me a form - the Patient Data Sheet (PDS) and the guard will check specific boxes you should fill in. Upon filling out your PDS, you'll see an 'Alien Case No.' – that would be you MNL Case no. He also handed me an Evaluation sheet to be returned upon release of your medical result – well, it's just a Rate-Our-Clinic thing, with Excellent-Good-Poor check boxes and questions on how to improve their service blah-blah. Without appointment letter – well I guess, it'll be the same as above as long as you have your NOA2 letter and NVC letter with MNL Case no. - After you completed filling out your PDS, there's really nothing more to do but sit down and wait for your number to be called. - When the guard started to call in the numbers, he called batch by batch, 10 nos. in a batch. - He guided us to fall in line in front of 'Digital Photo Room' to have our --- well, digital photo taken - Have your PDS, Passport and photos ready. I handed those to the guy who takes the photos, everything was returned to me shortly after that. - I went straight ahead in front of the releasing counters and fell in line. - When it's my turn, the screener asked me a few questions about my medical history … basically, you just have to answer everything he/she asks.. She stapled two(2) 2x2 photos on the PDS and inserted the other two(2) on a resealable plastic and stapled it once again on the lower part of the PDS. - After it, the screener told me to pay the medical fees at the cashier located at the 5th floor. - I then took the elevators to 5th floor and found the cashier at the corner, right beside the elevator. Paid the fees and told me to go to 4th floor. :: 4th Floor :: - I gave my PDS, Receipt, Passport and the photocopied appointment letter (keep the original, I believe that will be the one you'll show at the interview) to the nurse at the reception. She gave me an "HIV Consent form" to fill out – I returned it to her afterwards and she then told me to sit down and wait for my name to be called. - When my name was called, the nurse asked me of the last day of my last period (always remember your 1st and last day of period, they will keep on asking it till you bleed again … kidding) - After she jotted down some notes on my papers, she gave it back to me and pointed me to go at the blood extraction room. - Before the nurse started to collect blood sample from my arm, she asked me my name, my age and again, my first and last day of period… This procedure is to assess you of any drug use and of course, HIV. - After the blood extraction, the nurse told me to go straight to the urine collection area, just right across the other side of the reception, a nurse is assigned there at the ladies C.R. – she'll give you a plastic container to put your urine sample in. Hand it back to her when you're done. This procedure is for pregnancy test and probably for other kidney-related illnesses. She told me to sit back down and wait for my name to be called. - My name was called and they gave me back my papers and passport and told me to proceed to 3rd floor for the X-Ray. :: 3rd Floor :: - I gave my set of papers to the nurse at the reception. If you have previous x-rays, be sure to bring the film (if it's still available) so they can compare (and God knows if that would actually help alter their decision against their own x-ray results at any rate ~_~) - Anyhoo, since I don't have an x-ray film with me, they simply gave me a paper to fill out, stating the reason why I don't have one – I checked the box that reads "No X-ray has ever been taken". Gave it back to them. - Somewhere on my PDS, they made me write my first day of my last menstrual period. - Told me to sit down and wait for my name to be called (well, isn't it always?) - So my name is called and another nurse wrote down additional notes on my papers before he allowed me to enter the X-ray room. He returned to me my set of papers. - Inside the X-ray room (a little room before the actual X-ray room) is a little area with some chairs so we can sit as we wait for our turn. Another small area is a changing room with hospital gowns provided where we should disrobe our upper garments (bra and shirt) .. any necklace should be removed as well. I sat down and waited for my name to be called. - Upon calling my name, I then gave my set of papers to the nurse inside…. and it's X-ray time! (I've been very anxious about this part ever since coz this is where they would find out if you have something strange in your lungs – hence, they'll have you undergo the dreadful Sputum test) .. the nurse inside would assist you on how to properly execute the X-ray procedure. - After I finished the X-ray, the nurse gave me back my papers and told me to proceed to 5th floor. :: 5th Floor :: - I walked towards the U.S. counter and handed over my set of papers to the personnel assigned there .. he wrote something on my papers and then a different nurse picked up my papers, he assisted me to follow him to have my body weight and height measured. - Right after the nurse wrote down the weight record on my PDS, another nurse told me to proceed to the 'Visual Exam Room'. - Inside the Visual Exam Room, the nurse conducted a visual activity test where you would have to read a Snellen Chart opposite a mirror. (more like a 'give me a headache' test) The nurse will ask if you're using contact lens or eye glasses prior to the exam. - After the eye test, he told me to go sit and wait for my name to be called. (I'm starting to have the feeling of omitting all these sit-and-wait-for-my-name-to-be-called in this entire entry) - The next thing done is they measured my Vital Signs - Blood Pressure and pulse rate. - I handed over to the U.S. Counter my set of PDS after completing the Vital Signs procedure. - Guess what happens here ………………… Correct!! Sit down and wait for my name to be called. - My name is called, went to the U.S. counter and they handed me a number. That would be my number for the physical exam. - It's been the most agonizing 15 minutes of my whole medical process … waiting while thinking of getting all naked – NOT in front of your fiancé/husband … LOL! - My turn for the physical exam .. the doctor/physician will ask you all sorts of questions starting from your name to all your past operations/hospitalizations to inhaling mosquito coils to having contact with an alien from the outer space positive with HIV…… - After all the seemingly non-stop questioning, the doctor ordered me to sign papers (kinda like a contract) attesting that I am telling nothing but the truth. She made me sign twice – one for saying that I gave birth 2 times, and the other one for stating that I've never had TB nor had contact with people who are infected of Tuberculosis. - Then she made me disrobe completely, but thank goodness, I still had to wear a hospital gown – at least. I laid down on the bed and she checks certain parts of my body. Doctors will specifically check slash marks for suicidal attempts, needle marks for drug use, tattoos for positive contamination from use of needles… …. and then the private parts … She'll make you spread your legs (or make you lie on your left side and bend your knees towards your chest). The physician checked the ####### and the ####### .. I believe they check it for possible signs of Sexually Transmitted Diseases or any abnormalities whatsoever. Don't worry, if you're a female, you'll also have a female physician that will attend to you. - She told me to go straight to U.S. Counter. I handed my PDS and they attached a slip where it reads, "You must personally claim your results....dah dah dah" in 3 different languages .. what the! … The nurse handed back my papers shortly right after that and told me to go to 2nd floor for immunization interview. :: 2nd Floor :: - I gave my set of PDS to the guy on the reception right in front of the Immunization rooms. - loooooooong wait here .. - Called for Immunization interview (doctors area). The physician simply asked me a few questions like previous vaccines (don't worry if you don't have a record or can't remember any, just tell the physician about it), sexual contact, pregnancies, if you've had chicken pox before, if it left any visible scars, etc … She told me of the available vaccines that I would take if all goes well with my medical results. - It's a wrap! The day is done! … and the last thing to do is to check out on the 2nd floor check out counter. There they will tell you to return the next day for the results. They will tell you what time. The only things left in your hands now would be your passport, the receipt, the evaluation letter and your original appointment letter/NOA2/NVC letter. - Robinson's place is not far from SLMCEC .. You'll be as hungry as **** so I suggest you go there and treat yourself The 2nd Day - Upon arriving at SLMCEC, the guard pointed me to another guard inside, standing behind some kind of podium, I handed him my receipt and he entered the control no. on a computer database, so this guy sort of has the 'master's list' for all results of med exams. -------------------------------- There are two things I know by far regarding the results: If the guard stamped your receipt with "IMMUNIZATION" – then congratulations! You passed the medical exam and if you have anything scheduled after that, like for example - your visa interview in two days (like me), then there should be no worries. If the guard stamped your receipt with "SPUTUM --- something" then unfortunately, you have to have a Sputum Collection and a 2-month long delay. -------------------------------- …….. Okay, so I have mine stamped with "Immunization" and this made me proceed to 2nd floor for my vaccines. - I gave my receipt to the guy at the reception (just the receipt, keep your passport) … and like always, I sat down and waited for my name to be called. - ZZZZzzzzzzZzZzzz - The intercom may sound vague most of the times, so you must listen attentively all the time. - My name was called and they made us fall in line in front of the check out counter on the same floor (2nd floor). The guy behind the counter collected our passports. - Go back to sleep. I mean, get back to your seat. - My name is called and it's time for my immunization. The attending nurse first asked me some few questions about allergies I might have, date of first and last day of my last menstrual period, my name, age and birth. Vaccines may vary for every applicant, I had 4 shots, 2 on each arm (TDAP, MMR, Anti-Cervical and HPV). - *phew* .. thanks goodness, everything's done … I was told to wait at the ground floor for the results. :: GROUND FLOOR :: - Zzz - Waited like 3 hours - My name is finally called but it's not for the result yet … I went to window 1, the personnel made me sign my PDS and then I surrendered my passport .. told to me waaaaaiiiiiiiiiiiiit until I die … kidding … waited for another 2 hours or so. (You made me laugh in this part) - RESULTS!! Oh the Wonderful Result!! … I was called to window 6 with a female staff – she asked a lot of questions like a pre-screener at the interview, she seems to ask a lot about what you've written on your PDS and a few from the physician comments written on it .. she's kind of like verifying. - She finally handed down a CD containing the X-ray details and a Vaccine sheet (these 2 are the only things they'll give you). She also told me that they would be the one to forward the results of my Medical Exam to the U.S. Embassy. They would keep everything including your passport. - I went out. Took a pedicab to Taft Avenue and bought myself a Baconator (what is that?) for all my day's worth. Albeit these applies for women I had the urge to read it, thanks for sharing and the effort, Wow!!!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-10-07 09:53:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	We Are Approved!!!!!!!	Congratulations and Good luck !!!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-09-16 03:34:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	VSC is moving quickly and decisively	QUOTE (Skip @ Sep 25 2009, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I sent my K-1 visa package on August 1, 2009 and yesterday on September 24th I received my NAO2. (51 days) I am now preparing for the next step for my fiance - her physical and interview. Good luck to others in VSC they are working hard to assist us. I agree, even the California Service Center is very fast too, we got approved within 32 days. Good luck to all of us!!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-09-25 23:24:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	NOA2 approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!	Congratulations!! now you are almost there, NVC processing is a bit faster if you got all your documents required ready.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-10-09 07:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Oct 15 2009	CONGRATULATIONS!!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-10-14 05:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reports	Change of Consulate	Call the NVC and talk to the operator.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-10-14 08:42:00
Middle East and North Africa	Introduction	Wow...I'm shocked at all the fast replies:) Thanks for being nice to the new kid! I pretty much have no life outside of waiting for this thing to go thru, so I'm sure you'll hear lots from me:) Thanks for the welcome everyone!	ksa2usa	Female	Saudi Arabia	2008-10-23 01:26:00
Middle East and North Africa	Introduction	Salam everyone. I've posted a few general questions on other boards, but I recently found this one and have been lurking for a few days:) I just wanted to take a minute to formally introduce myself and hopefully get to know some of you better. My name is Mandi and my husband is from Saudi Arabia. We have been together just over 5 years and we have one daughter together. We have been living here in KSA for almost one year now, and we are currently going thru DCF for CR1 visa. Originally, we hired an attorney and started the application process for K3 in the USA, but when we found out about DCF we realized it was much, much quicker and the better option for us. We have gotten thru the bulk of our journey very quickly, and now we are just waiting it out for his interview. This is by far the worst part of our jorney...waiting!!! Here is a quick timeline of what we've been thru so far... Aug 2008-Filed I-130 in USA Sept 2008-Discovered DCF and requested our I-130 to be withdrawn Sept 15, 2008-Filed I-130 at US Embassy, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Oct. 8th, 2008-Checked at Embassy to see if I-130 was ready...they told us to come back Oct 15, 2008-I-130 APPROVED, given packet 3 info with DS230 Oct 18th 2008-Hubby applied for Police cert Oct 22nd 2008-Recieved Police cert, went to Embassy to turn in DS230 and interview readiness form So...now we wait! The CO told us it would be about a month and a half until our interview, so hubby is obsessively checking the mail every day, mulitple times a day! I look forward to getting to know you all better. Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers, and Inshallah I will do the same for you:)	ksa2usa	Female	Saudi Arabia	2008-10-22 14:09:00
Middle East and North Africa	Need clarification on something, regarding...PORK!	Pork is indeed haram, or forbidden in Islam. I can understand your hubby not wanting you to cook it in the home because it may contaminate his food, but I don't understand why he cares if you eat it. If you are not a Muslim, then you are not required (islamicly) to follow the same rules as he is. But to each his own I guess. On a side note...many people who come to the USA don't realize that there are pork by-products in many, many things that you wouldn't assume. Since becoming a Muslim a few years back, I've become an avid label reader at the supermarket. Keep you eye out, for hubby's sake, for anything containing gelatin in particular. Also, it is true that pig meat is very high in fat, and can contain dangerous parasites, even if it's cooked all the way thru. I've never heard of it contributing to "man boobies" but at least that's hillarious.	ksa2usa	Female	Saudi Arabia	2008-10-24 02:50:00
Middle East and North Africa	Does Age really matter????	wow, i think im one of the few who are younger than my husband (by 4 years). i actually ready somewhere that older women and younger men are well suited for each other because men and women reach their sexual peaks at different times in life	ksa2usa	Female	Saudi Arabia	2008-10-30 01:08:00
Middle East and North Africa	obama the new president	I think what people here are most excited about is the possibility of an end, or at least a change in the way things are going in Iraq. People don't understand why the USA decided to make itself the "world police" as my sister in law put it, and invade other countries. People here think that if McCain, or any other Republican for that matter, were elected, it would be same-old same-old. I didn't know Ralph nader as Arab American...very interesting, indeed. I don't think I've seen a single news story on him here, or heard a single person talk about him. It's been all Obama all the time.	ksa2usa	Female	Saudi Arabia	2008-11-06 02:18:00
Middle East and North Africa	obama the new president	Just wanted to say WOOO HOOO and to let you all know that this is big news here in Saudi Arabia. Everyone is very happy and my inlaws were all congratulating me today. Even my mother in law slapped me a high five. I think that now more than ever, this election meant something to the whole world, not just the USA. People of all nationalities here are interested, informed, and very happy about the outcome. Now let's just hope he doesn't turn out to be some kinda whack job lol. Edited by ksa2usa, 05 November 2008 - 03:08 PM.	ksa2usa	Female	Saudi Arabia	2008-11-05 15:07:00
Middle East and North Africa	Freaking out	QUOTE (Nutty @ Nov 6 2008, 10:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (ksa2usa @ Nov 6 2008, 01:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I'm sort of new here, so I'm sure that most of you are not too familiar with my situation. I have been living in Saudi Arabia for the last year and my husband and I are filing for an immigrant visa thru DCF. Our process has gone smoothly and quickly so far, and we are only awaiting my husband's interview. The closer we get to his interview, the more I am beginning to think that maybe immigration isn't in our best interest at this time. Our reasons for immigrating are really not that strong. We don't intend to live in the USA permanently, but only as a temporary thing. My own reasons for wanting to go are purely selfish..I miss my family. The reasons for staying here are overwhelming...job security, great salary, owning a home, free schooling, great health care and insurance, etc. If we move to the USA, we are going into something that we are not prepared for. We will have to live with my parents and depend on them a great deal, not sure about the job market or if my husband will be able to make as much money in the usa as he does here, we'll have to pay for any more college that my husband and I want to complete, childcare for our daughter, NO health insurance (and we want another baby), and depending on where my husband finds work, there is no gurantee that I will live close to my family or get to see them anymore than I do living overseas. In the end, everything we earn and work for in the USA will be a loss...we don't ever intend to live there permanently. All the money we spend on housing, cars, school, and just living will be a big fat waste. We could just stay here, keep making great money and start growing our family. I'm so confused and stressed out about this situation. I want to go, and I don't want to turn down a green card, and possible citizenship for my husband, but there are so many reasons why it's NOT a good idea, and a good time to immigrate. What would you girls do if you were in my situation? My family keeps telling me that I have to decide what I want to sacrifice...my family or my financial security. I've been broke most of my life and I know what it is to scrape together change to pay for gas or stress out about making rent...and I've also lived the last year in a place where I haven't worried about money for a SINGLE DAY, NOT ONCE, and I'm just not sure if I'm ready to go back to being broke..and for what?? HELP PLEASE!! Now that you have a baby and husband, you have a family of your own. And wanting another baby, you will be a family unit. Your children and your husbands ability to provide for them and you, comes first. I find it rather harsh, selfish even, your family in USA is making ultimatums "them or your financial security." If they truely loved you, they would want the best for you, your husband and your children. Could it be that your family is frightened by the prospect of you becoming a muslim or your children being raised in Saudi Arabia? Listen, I spent some time in Iran and I lived away from my mom for years at a time. BUT, I knew I could come home for visits! That counted for something. My mother said, "wherever is best for you and your husband is where you should be." IT IS A MAJOR STRUGGLE HERE IN USA! Not an easy life! Given the economy, my husband was very lucky to find a job after 3 months. But now he is a slave to being on call 24 hours a day/7 days a week. I work 50 hours a week. We barely make enough money to get by. I am seriously reconsidering moving back overseas. Iran, India.... I just can't keep up the pace here in USA. Think about it! I agree that it may be a bit selfish of my family to want me to move back regardless of financial security. maybe it was stupid of me to ask their oppinion and expect them to be unbiased. My family has no issue with me being a Muslim, since I made that decision a long time ago. They are very comfortable with it now. Also, I've lived in Saudi for a while and some of my family has visited and once they learned that we're not living in tents and riding camels, they were comfortable with me living here, so I don't think they are trying to convince me to move home for these reasons. In the end, if living in the USA doesn't work out, we always have the option to move back here. We will always have a place to live here, easy jobs, etc. So we have a back up plan. Still...I'm torn.	ksa2usa	Female	Saudi Arabia	2008-11-08 12:45:00
Middle East and North Africa	Freaking out	Thanks again to you all..exept Tspu2. That was dumb. I have lived in KSA for a year and I'm well aware of all the positives and negatives associated with living in this country. If I thought I was depriving my self or my children of any of life's sweetness I wouldn't hesitate coming back to the USA. Let's remember this is a big world, with lots of people, who have lot's of preferences. Like my mother always said, If you can't say something nice (or helpful in this case) then don't say anything at all. The end. I have asked my hubby about this a few more times and his answer of corse is always Inshallah:) What ever God wants for us is what will happen, so we are just gonna go with the flow. Crazy Arabs, not needing any detailed plans. Just please, keep my family in your prayers and Inshallah, everything will work out for the best. Yes Jessica is living here in Saudi and is married to a Lebanese man...they did live in Lebanon for a while too. QUOTE (Rajaa_Reda @ Nov 8 2008, 01:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Wait we have a sister somewhere that has lived in Saudi and is married to a lebanese don't we??? or maybe she is in Lebanon now and he is in UAE ??? AFter all you said I think perhaps my hsuband should find work in Saudi??? wow... I hear you about family we are supposed to make our family proud not to fall under their rules even after married and moved on just proud right??? this is your decsion like someone said earlier. I like the extended vacation idea why not??? I am serious about living in Saudi, i heard they have women only beaches and women only shopping malls SWEEET! so there!!! QUOTE (bridget @ Nov 7 2008, 09:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> QUOTE (Tsup2 @ Nov 7 2008, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The choice is obvious if you want your daughter to grow up in a free country where she can drive a car and not be treated like a piece of property. Are you really that ignorant? was this a serious question???? Look at my former post...	ksa2usa	Female	Saudi Arabia	2008-11-08 12:40:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 May 2014 Filers	Thanks for the info.   My spouse lives in foreign country, how do I change "Country" on foreign address? the form wont allow me to change the country, do i have to print and write it down?     You have to print the application!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2014-06-05 18:42:00
US Citizenship General Discussion	N-400 May 2014 Filers	Hi guys, i need some kind on enlightenment. My 5th yr anniversary is August 10. Can I submit the application now? What are the requirements because i got married last year in the Philippines and my wife and child are still there, waiting for my citizenship the file petition for them. I have the following: Green card W2's Id Marriage contract When will i pay the form? Is it during the application? How do i pay for it? How much they charge? - ?It's $680 check or money order, write down your case number behind the check. You'll have to send together with the application and the rest of the documents. Good luck!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2014-06-05 18:40:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Interview Experience at Newark, NJ	Thank you for this post, at least I got the ideas on how the officer will ask questions. QUOTE (Mohsin @ Jun 25 2009, 09:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> I wanted to share my interview experience since not a lot of people have the honor of going to an interview for removing conditions. I was scheduled to go to the Newark, NJ office of USCIS on Broad Street June 25th at 10:30pm. My wife was with me and as always in my case I was a little late but luckily by only 5 minutes. The lady just took our interview notice and asked us to sit down. The area where the removing conditions interviews take place is different than the one that I went to before for an Info Pass appointment. It is much smaller and a little depressing. Luckily we only waited for around 20 minutes before my name was called by a USCIS Officer and we were escorted through Door 1 towards his cubicle. I have to say the views of Manhattan from his desk were stunning and a little distracting during the interview. In any case before we sat down he asked us to raise our right hand and to swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth, which obviously we did. He then asked us to sit down and wanted to see both our passports and drivers license and my green card. I informed him my green card was taken by this very same office the day I went for an I-551 stamp. He then started asking a bunch of questions: How long have you been in the USA? (Almost 8 years) When did you come to the USA? (August 2001) Have you ever been in trouble with immigration? (No, ***It's bad enough not being in trouble***) Have you ever been arrested? (No) When did you guys meet? (Mothers Day 2005) Have you ever traveled anywhere together? (Yes) Where? (Multiple trips to Chicago, Multiple trips to Canada, Pakistan, UK, France) To me – Have you ever traveled alone (Yes for work) Where do you work? (Gave my company name) What do you do? (In IT) Describe your work? (Gave him all the technical details which I'm sure he didn't understand) Have you ever been married before? (No for me, Yes for my wife) To my wife – When did your previous marriage end? (April 2003) To my wife – How did it end? (Husband Passed Away) To my wife – How did he die? (Reason Given) How many children do you have together? (One) How many children do you have in total? (Two) Do you have the birth certificate of the child you have together? (Yes – submitted birth certificate original) Do you have a copy of this? (Yes – submitted copy) Where do you live? (Gave address) Do you have any other documents to give me for this petition? (I was a little confused….Basically wanted to ask like what? But I gave him a thick pile of statements from our joint accounts, IRS transcripts and account history of last 3 years of my tax returns. Lease papers, Auto Insurance Copies. He kept everything but the bank statements, saying he already has them. I informed him I also have photographs. He wanted to see them, took a look and returned them.) He then told us that everything is good and that my application is approved and that I should be receiving my green card in 3 to 6 months but probably earlier (HA!). He escorted us back to the exit and that was that. Whole thing took probably 30 minutes. I should be saying I'm really overjoyed, but honestly I've moved on after one year lurching in the dark with this petition. I have already filed for Citizenship and that's what interests me now. However, thank you everyone for the invaluable advice you guys give. This forum is the best. To all those still waiting, good luck and there's no need to worry.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2009-06-26 07:26:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Cannot Provide Primary Evidences	Thank you!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2010-04-19 17:12:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Cannot Provide Primary Evidences	Thank you guys! I guess you are all right but I will keep on trying to look for a job.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2010-04-17 12:32:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Cannot Provide Primary Evidences	Hello everyone, I just got here last month, my Green Card and Social Security Card arrived last week and my CA ID arrived today. After a couple of weeks since I got here, I started looking for a job but until now I haven't get one. I took the test for 2010 Census jobs and I passed, but I don't know if I get the job. Until now we don't have yet a joint bank account or credit card. Even her family name haven't change yet except for the SSN card and Passport. Until now my wife is the one who is providing with everything that we need in the house. Sometimes it makes me feel really useless. I am trying my best to get a job as soon as possible but I guess my luck is really not this time. Will it affect the removal of condition if we can't provide enough evidence that will run through the time frame since the day we got married or since we became together here in the states?	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2010-04-16 22:23:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Payment for ROC	Payment must be submitted with the petition. Refer to the form instructions. Thanks a lot! I really appreciate your quick response. By the way, one more question, some of our utility bills are only under the name of my wife using my family name, do you think it's okay to send those statements? ( I am the beneficiary)	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2011-12-10 02:06:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Payment for ROC	Hello guys, just wanna ask if we have to send the check together with the ROC package or later. Thanks a lot!!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2011-12-10 01:56:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	List of Evidence	Thanks guys!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2011-12-10 23:35:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	List of Evidence	Is it really necessary to send affidavit from friends or the list below is enough, thanks for the output in advance. 1.) 2010 Joint Tax Return 2.) Car ownership under our names 3.) Auto Insurance under our names. 4.) Health Insurance 5.) Fidelity Investment showing my name and my daughter's name as beneficiaries. 6.) Apartment rental contract under our names. 7.) Installment agreement for Cypress Lawn cemetery under our names ( We purchased 2 lots and the whole service for the future) 8.) Our daughter's baptismal certificate and her birth certificate. 9.) Airline tickets and boarding passes from our past travels 10.) Bank letters showing our joint accounts. 11.) Utility bills 12.) Pictures Any inputs are greatly appreciated. Thank you!	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2011-12-10 19:23:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Sending Packet	You can send it anytime beginning 90 days before your green card expires. No need to sent it exaclty 90 days before. Some people do things last minute; shouldn't surprise you. Thanks! I will be sending ours today through FedEx	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2011-12-16 17:14:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Sending Packet	if you send it in to early it will be sent back to you. can not be sent before the 90 days. your green card expires on march 3 2012 count backwards on your 2012 celendar 90 days from that date.your 90 days was nov,5 you can file your roc, did you receive a reminder notice. Seems like there is a confusion, I think my 90 day period starts on December 4.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2011-12-13 15:43:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Sending Packet	Hello guys! I've been reading posts here for quite some time now, since we are already in 90 day frame of time to start processing ROC ( GC expires on March 3, 2012). I just wonder why a lot of people are sending their paper works last minute, some of are just week apart before their GC expires. Is it too early to send our packet now?	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2011-12-13 10:53:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	How Will I know	Thanks guys, just checked our checking account and they already did cashed the check.	Lancelotte25	Male	Philippines	2011-12-23 15:51:00