ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesMedical slowdown
Will hold a good thought for the two gals and you. Best Wishes. -Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-01-03 12:21:00
PhilippinesBack in the USA..with my fiance now home with me!!
Congratulations!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-01-18 20:49:00
Philippinesvisa in hand
Congrats!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-01-18 20:45:00
Philippinesquestion about certificate to contract marriage from USEM,Manila
QUOTE (Mahalnamin @ Jan 21 2008, 04:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thank you for the information... More power to your family!



but please note, I beleive that there IS a WAITING PERIOD before you can actually use the aquired certificate.
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-01-21 07:02:00
Philippinesmy update
Congratulations and safe travels!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-01-19 06:16:00
PhilippinesBirth Certificate Unreadable
Just to be clear, although we know that the embassy individuals are less than consistant in how/when they enforce the requirements, the actually requirements do state that a NSO Authenticated Life Birth Certificate is required. This is only issued form the NSO offices - both main and provincial ones. There are birth certificates available from the Local Civil Registry Office of the town/baranguy where the birth took place, put these are NOT NSO issued BC's and do not, by themselves, meet the letter of the stated requirements in the Interview Packet.

Of course, there are people who have used these alternates, some have been successful, some have been delayed. I am just pointing out what the written requirements state from the USE at Manila.
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-01-26 12:14:00
PhilippinesBirth Certificate Unreadable
QUOTE (mossycouple @ Jan 26 2008, 05:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When it is Certified True copy it is re-typed and with stamped on it thats certifies its a true copy. yes she has to get it from the local registrar.


I can't comment on local registrar copies, but for NSO, a certified copy is NOT retyped. The issue of ledgability is a persistant one. If the actually original on file with records at NSO Manila is unledgabile, then well - that's just the way it is. ( a 'supporting' bc like that from the civil registrar might be helpful in ADDITION TO the NSO copy. Many times, the problem is that the Original copy on record at NSO Central Records is (barely) legible, but the printers and copy machines they use are so badly maintained that the copy that NSO makes to give you is unlegiable. What I have done is actually go to the manila NSO central records office and have them hand me the copy right off the copier. If it is poor, I ask them to change the tonor, clean the drum and recopy...and I DO NOT LEAVE unitl they do so...regardless of what hour they say they close.

Good Luck
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-01-26 09:50:00
USCIS Service CentersDo the employees have to be so terrible?

There's always other career choices. What frustrates me is when we are treated this way, meanwhile illegals are practically given an open door to abuse our systems.

Please don't compare getting a ear bashing from a USCIS phone operator to the hardships illegal aliens have to endure. Although the press like to portray them as living in the lap of luxury off our tax dollars, that's far from the truth. Sure its their choice, but it was also your choice to come here and deal with USCIS!


Respectfully, I couldn't disagree more with the underlying premise and sentiment here. IMO, US Citizens following processes made by their government that they indirectly funded should be entitled to competence and respect. IMO, Persons here in this country illegally (actually illegal, not simply being unjustly accussed of being illegal) should have no standing and therefore no expecation of anything other than an expectation of being deported.

Warm Regards,
Samby

Edited by Samby, 31 July 2007 - 10:06 PM.

TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-07-31 22:04:00
USCIS Service CentersUSCIS Chief Resigns
Thank Goodness!!!!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-03-14 02:59:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)DUI Arrest

When my fiance was working in the States, he was arrested for DUI. He pleaded guilty, & received deferred adjudication, which I understand is different than a conviction.

I was reading in a Fiance Visa book I bought that "if you've been convicted of a crime involving alcohol, even if the crime doesn't make you inadmissable, that USCIS can argue that it is a sign that you have a mental or physical disorder associated with harmful behavior and therefore inadmissable on health rather than criminal grounds".

Our application is filed, so I'm guessing only time will tell, but I am wondering if anyone out there has experience with a similar situation or any info that will hopefully ease my mind.

Thanks guys & Good Luck!


Back up a sec folks. To the OP, What was the outcome of the "deferred adjudication"? Expunged? Convicted?

For example, if expunged, it never happened. All other outcomes require disclosure.

More detail required from the Original Poster (OP). Please advise.




I know that there are instances when even a sealed and/or expunged criminal record is required to be divulged. I thought I recalled reading that some of those instances are related to Immigration processes. However, I do not have enough knowledge to say which, if any, of these are included. Can some of you VJers with more specific knowledge or legal experience comment on this? Thanks.

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-07-28 01:53:00
United KingdomPOE was piece of cake
Terrific News!!! Congrats!

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-07-28 00:33:00
United KingdomMarried!!!
Congratulations and best wishes for a joyous life together!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-22 04:26:00
United KingdomBest American banks
QUOTE (ladyynara @ Mar 12 2008, 01:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We are with USAA, but unless you have military connections you can't get membership with them. They're apparently one of the highest rated companies in customer service in the US, and so far they have been fantastic. We opened a joint account over the phone with a free number in the UK, had a starting balance transferred from our UK account and have full online access to it. Previously when we were in the US we had credit unions, you have to be really careful though as lots of US banks and credit unions are sneaky with their charges. One we had we got charged $10 a month if our balance was under $500 (which it always was, we were lucky if we had anything left at the end of the month!).


Military affiliation is no longer required to open USAA accounts. They are a pretty good organization, I agree. smile.gif

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-03-12 09:04:00
United KingdomBest American banks
It's just my 2 cents, ut I'll offer it: I too think Chase is one of the worst banks out there in terms of fees and customer focus. My experience (others' may be dfferent) is they are consistantly unfriendly and unhelpful.

Wells Fargo is "ok". But agree with others that their online banking is woefully antiquated - many transaction types still have to go through their call center or branch. They are always very friendly and try to be helpful, however.

My favorite bank is M&I. But they are a regional bank in the Upper Midwest (Wisconsin) and are not available to customers in most states.

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-03-11 02:42:00
United KingdomCan I have a vent....
Well, I too was put off with Sarah's unnecessary 'zinger' to Rocinante. It left a very distateful color to the rest of her post.

-Samby

Edited by TinTin and Samby, 21 February 2008 - 04:48 AM.

TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-02-21 04:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussocial security number for fiancee
Thanks Jasman and Satellite for the info!

Actually, Jasman, I would put myself pretty high on the list of experience dealing with filipino red tape, having lived there for a year and then also helping my gal navigate this process! (hehehe)

Salellite: I liked your Russian example of beaurocracy for reissuing the passport with married name! 2 things come to mind in reading your list and thinking about doing that process in the Philippines:

1. You were able to articulate an actual process to be followed! Therre is no such thing in the phillipines! The process and requirements depend entirely on the person you happen to draw at the office you happen to go to on the day you happen to go there!!!

2. You gotta make sure your budget has enough to cover the "tipping" required!! (wink, wink!!)

Jasman, when you went back to the SSA office the second time with your marriage certificate, what was their rationale for requiring something from USCIS? She already had a SSN, you were just requesting a name change due to marriage, right? Or where you wanting them to ALSO remove the "Not Valid without Work Authorization" language from the card? Was the your removal request why they wanted something from USCIS? I just cant understand why they wouldnt process an existing SSN name change due to marriage as long as the second SSN Card continued to have the "No Valid with out Work Authorization" comment on it also. Could you elaborate a bit more on that? Thanks!!!!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-19 00:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussocial security number for fiancee
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Oct 18 2007, 06:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I took Claudeth to the SSA office two weeks after she arrived in the U.S. It was quick and she received her card a week later.


So, Jasman, Claudeth got her first SS card 2 weeks after arriving in the USA (before your marriage) in her maiden name and then (i assume) she went back again some months later after your marriage to get a second SS card with her new married name? Is that correct? When she went back the second time, had she already received her EAD or was that a "non-issue" since the second was simply a 'name change' to her already existing SSN? Thanks for sharing the additional info.
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-18 20:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRemoval of Conditions Approved
That's great! Congratuations!


Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2009-04-12 07:54:00
Mexico, Latin & South America1099

Do any of you guys know what a 1099 is?

Did any of u send one in for the AOS?

:help: :help:


A 1099 is an official government form that is used to document and report income that a person has received during the previous year. It is prepared by the payer of that income and reported to the person earning the income, as well as local, state and federal governmental taxing agencies. There are many, many different kinds of income that might be reported on a 1099. Maybe the 2 most common are Self Employment Income and Income from Interest generated on investments. For persons who are employees of other companies, their income is reported on a W-2 form, not a 1099 form. For Self Employed people, they (usually) dont have any W-2 reported income, but rather 1099 reported income.

Many self employed petitioners utilize their 1099 forms, along with Income Tax Returns, as part of the package of doumentation to demonstrate their ability to financially support their beneficiaries.

I hope this helps a bit to get you started.

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-07-28 03:01:00
Asia: Southi got it
Yeah!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited by Samby, 02 August 2007 - 09:31 PM.

TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines8/2/2007 21:30
Asia: SouthFiancee's K-1 Visa Approved
Thanks for the detailed post. Congratulations to you both!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines9/12/2007 23:35
Asia: East and PacificNOA2, long time coming..
Congratulations!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-23 17:20:00
Asia: East and PacificRELYN'S ANNULMENT GRANTED
Thanks for sharing your good news. Congratulations and best wishes for your continued journey.
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-25 00:37:00
Asia: East and PacificI129F Filer, Wedding Reception & Pictures Taken Before Interview
QUOTE (Phuong @ Mar 19 2008, 09:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All-

Been asking around and searching on this forum, but no dice. I am an I129F filer, and currently my fiance (or wife) is waiting for the interview date as wel as instructions for medical exam. I have been stressing about this for a while now. Here's a quick timeline of what has occurred:

April '07 - went back to visit her; went Thailand for vacation, and went to Vung Tau for wedding pictures (we hired a shop call Casta to take wedding pictures, basically for our own album safekeep).

June '07 - Filed the I129F, and subsequent NOA followed (the normal stuff)

December '07 and January '08 - Went back again to be in the wedding reception, which was planned out months prior. We did not obtain marriage certificate or license as we knew we have to do that here in the US, and that's what we wanted to do.

Here's my question - will this wedding picture taking, in April, and wedding reception in January have a negative affect at her interview. Will it possibly be a case for them to deny her? We hired an agent in VN to help her with the paperwork, and we have asked him and he said as long as you did not obtain a marriaged certificate you should be OK. Of course you would think it would be OK, but from all of my research it sounds like they do whatever they feel like to. So, if there are any members out there that have done something similar to what I have done, please please please reply back to this post. Your feedback is greatly appreciated, and best of luck to everyone and his/her journey.

Thanks,
Phuong


Hi Phunong,

I agree with the other posters about NOT showing the photos. In addition, I would recommend that you and your fiance stop making any references to "Wife" and "Wedding Pictures" and "Wedding Reception". What you have is a "Fiance" and "Engagement Photos" and "Engagement Party". Repetition of the words is important: The last thing you want to do is make a "slip of the tongue" in front of the embassy and say "Wife" or "Wedding" when you are there for a "Fiance" visa.

Best of luck to you two!

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-03-21 01:27:00
Asia: East and PacificPrenuptial agreement - anyone else do one?
Ay Naku! Way too much political correctness going on in this post..
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-23 17:16:00
Asia: East and Pacifici got 221g documents verification!, why?
True,

You should be posting this in the Philipppines sub forum. Document Verification is a specifici process that is unique to the Philippine Embassy in Manila. As Primie & Ryan have advised you, it is a process that is causing the delay of MANY K1 visas in Manila right now. You will see countless number of posts in the Philippines sub forum about document verification. I would suggest that you read them all. Document Verification can cause a delay - from 1 to 6 weeks, but except in the rare case of fraudulent documents, it , by itself, does not cause denials.

Please post in the PHILIPPINES Sub FORUM. People in other forums will most likely be unfamiliar with the specifics of Document Verification via NSO in the Phiippines.

I hope your delays will end soon and all will be successful.

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-04-04 11:42:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanBoth Petitions Approved
Yeah!!!! Congratulations!!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-08-02 21:21:00
Africa: Sub-SaharanAnyone do a prenuptial?
QUOTE (AishaandMusa @ Mar 22 2008, 09:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I support the idea of a prenup in this type of situation just because of what I have seen. I've been to a few fake weddings (didn't know till I arrived and it was immediately obvious to everyone except the bride) and know an extremely high number of people who got their GCs in that way. Hey even one of the doctors that I met at the hospital when having surgery admitted to that. So, let's just say that it's a well-discussed phenomenon in African circles, both here and abroad. When I'm walking down the streets of Dakar I can spot it immediately. The guys even feel ashamed in my presence when they know I speak Wolof and am hip to the game....so with that said, I absolutely support the idea.

In my particular case, I have been a full-time student since 2001 and have been in school since 1997. I just have about $150,000 in debt, which I felt equally obligated to discuss with my husband. In terms of him wanting any of my few electronics or anything inside my modest apartment, well, hardly, but still...I met my hubby doing research (wanted to interview him - he is famous in his country) and he had been traveling for many years to Europe...had work permit in Europe, so I wasn't as concerned as I would have been if he was just trying to get out (I still meet so many people even here that ask me to help them find their GC wife). He has a great deal of opportunities in his country, so I am not worried about him taking off with any of my very few possessions.

While I do understand that marriage starts with trust, it also must start with a clear head. Old folks always told me that every woman should have a secret bank account with start again cash, just in case. Then she can fully trust. :-) My mom always told me to think love AND business. I know that everyone is different, but I understand both points of view.



Here! Here! good.gif

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-03-25 09:01:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)I 864 , Is employer letter required ?
Optional, not required but recommended.
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-23 16:40:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need three years of tax returns?

Got a question for the VJers here:

If your income is not near the minimum guideline levels - let's say for the sake of argument between 75K and $150K/yr - Is there a need to bring anything other than the last filed ITR and proof that current employment situation hasnt changed?

Warm Regards,
Samby


One tax return is enough but why skimp. Getting transcripts if free. I would also bring a couple recent pay stubs. It may be overkill but you don't want them to ask for something you don't have and end up delayed.



One reason to 'skimp', is that going back 2 or 3 years will show a significantly different income picture and I dont want to spend time and energy to explain that when the previous year and current year show smooth sailing. This is the reason for my question if others have only provided last year ITR and current income verfication (ie w2, paystubs, etc). Thoughts? Thanks!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-08-02 20:15:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need three years of tax returns?
Got a question for the VJers here:

If your income is not near the minimum guideline levels - let's say for the sake of argument between 75K and $150K/yr - Is there a need to bring anything other than the last filed ITR and proof that current employment situation hasnt changed?

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-08-01 22:07:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need three years of tax returns?
The IRS toll free phone number to request copies is 1-800-829-8374.

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-08-01 22:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI am sad.. =(
Hang in there, Gogo. From your last post, it sounds like things might be breaking free a bit. Your patience is paying off. Best Wishes for a speedy rest of your journey. smile.gif
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-23 16:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYAYAYAYAY
Congrats! Congrats!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-23 17:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMispellings on translated documents for I-130
QUOTE (nicadj @ Oct 26 2007, 04:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife and I just received the officially translated (into english) our Marriage Certificate and her Colombian birth certificate. The Marriage Certificate has zero mistakes. Her birth certificate has several mispellings including her last name!!! Spelled Gonzales wih an "s" instead of a "z". Her Mother's first name is wrong, as well as my first name "Anthons" instead of Anthony.

Does anyone feel these are mistakes that will cause these docs to be returned and not approved????

Thanks for you input.

Tony


Wow, Those are pretty egregious and careless mistakes! Did the same person translate both documents? If you have time, I would go back to the translater and have them produce a second translation that is correct...Those examples are not examples of "subjective" choices of vocabulary translations, they are flat out (and sloppy, I would add) mistakes. The person should redo it with appologees..
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-10-26 19:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresStaying in the Phillipines until we can leave together...
Aquilyn, I am doing exactly that, except we are here in the Philippines awaiting the K1 visa approval and then TinTin and I will travel back to the USA together after she has her visa in hand.

As far as working here locally, that would be a virtual impossibility, IMO. Technically, it would be extremely difficult to get legal permission to work in the Phillipines. Practically speaking, you wouldn't want to bother. 4 year degree holding Engineers here make like 20,000 pesos - MAYBE 25,000 pesos. That's about $500 PER MONTH!!!! A High School treacher here might make 10,000 - 13,000 pesos a month. Department store sales people make about 5000 peos per month (125USD) - and because there is so much unemployment here, most "western style" department stores wont give those jobs to anyone without a 4 year degree!!!

As far as working illegally, sure, lots of people do it, but the bribe money you would have to spend to keep the local authorities off your back would easily amount to way more than you could hope to earn.

If you can do work over the internet (ie programming, etc) with clients/companies back home , that is the only real practical possibility. Of course, for that you would need to be in a populated city where you can get a broadband connection. I pay 2000 pesos a month for a 384K broadband connection. (but it's a cable based solution that rarely has download speeds higher than 128K). QC would be no problem to find a broadband connection.

Another possibility would be to get a more decent paying job in Singapore or Hong Kong with a MNC. Your fiance would be able to visit you there (about 2-3 hours by plane) without any hassles. And you could make a reasonable wage.

You mentioned your gal is in Quezon City (which is basically Manila). So living costs there will be higher. Also, it is quite poluted and dirty there (most buildings are black from smog and the noise pollution can be significant). Coming from the fresh air and green space in NC may be a bit of a shock to your system...

You mentioned your gal works in computers as well. I dont know what kind of work she does, but if it is for a company and if she plans to keep working while you are here, you may want to be aware that most filipino employees rarely get days off, most work 6 days per week as a standard work week and the concept of Part Time employment is virtually non existant here.

Anyway, its been a choice that TinTin and I are happy we made. I wish you guys success and happiness in whatever decision you make.

Warm Regards,
Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-11-10 00:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDo I need police clearance in the Philippines
Darryl & Tere,

Could you clarify? Are you Pilipino Citizen? If so, I don't understand how you can process your K! visa in Bangkok.... ? Wouldn't it have to be done via the US Embassy in manila?

Also, regarding Police Certificates. If you are a Pilipino Citizen then you will require 1 police certificate from your home country (the NBI Clearance) and 1 police certificate from each country that you have stayed in for 6 months or more since you were 16 years of age. So , the police certificate you need from Thailand would be requested and issued from the THAI Government, not the Philippines Consultate in Thailand.

Best Wishes!

-Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-03-21 11:56:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApril 10 interview
Congrats!!!! Wonderful news!
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2008-04-05 05:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice Certificates...which ones will I need?
Thank you for the information that different embassies use different time frames.

-Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-07-14 16:00:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice Certificates...which ones will I need?
May I respectfully inquire what your source of information is for the "1 year or more" information. The reason I ask is that according to the "Fiance(e) (K1) Visa Applicants Appointment Packet" for the Embassy of the United States of America, Consular Section - Immigrant Visa Unit, Manila, Philippines sample shown in the Philippines sub forum on this site, item "g" reads:

g. OTHER COUNTRY POLICE CERTIFICATES. Applicants aged 16 years and older must also
present police certificates from other countries where they have lived for six (6) months or more after
reaching the age of 16. Information on police certificate availability by country can be found on the
Embassy’s website or at http://intranet.ca.s...tyweb/index.htm

Is it possible that these timing requirements are different for different embassies? Or is it possible that there has been a recent change in the time requirement?

My appreciation to all for your input and assistance to clarify this seeming inconsitency.

-Samby
TinTin and SambyMalePhilippines2007-07-13 20:58:00