ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesITS A PINK!!!:)
:star: Finally! :star:

Congratz Cathy! :thumbs:

And thanks for sharing our interview experience. :)
fil01MalePhilippines2010-07-12 11:44:00
PhilippinesFilipinos Against Arizona Immigration Law SB1070

"a disaster" isn't the only phrase you used - a major issue, it is.

i will have to agree with tahoma on this one because i read it and i didnt see where it said it was a major issue. maybe you can quote the part that says its a major issue or a disaster? thanks.
fil01MalePhilippines2010-07-31 10:33:00
PhilippinesHeartbroken and deceived---need help/advice

...you will really know when a Filipina loves you.

:thumbs: :yes: :luv:
fil01MalePhilippines2010-11-16 14:23:00
PhilippinesHelping your filipina adjust to life in the US/not get too homesick
set her up a place outdoors for when she wants to fry up some tuyo :dead:

Edited by fil01, 21 November 2010 - 07:48 PM.

fil01MalePhilippines2010-11-21 19:46:00
Philippineshypothetically speaking
** chirp ** chirp ** chirp **

** chirp ** chirp ** chirp **

Hellooo...is anyone home?

Angelforever07...may we speak with Jr?

Angel7404...is Jr in there?

:pop:
fil01MalePhilippines2011-05-18 15:10:00
PhilippinesI'm Looking Forward to Shop @ WALMART

Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image Posted Image


Need any more?


that's funny :rofl: i think he earned them.
fil01MalePhilippines2011-06-13 15:03:00
PhilippinesPassport Photos

Philippine officials tend to be ####### retentive when it comes to such requirements. However, luckily for us, the USCIS or the DOS doesn't seem to worry that much. We bought passport photos for both of us in the Philippines, quite a bit smaller than the ones listed in the requirement, and used those for the I-129F and later on for the DS-230, with no problem.

Did the Philippines Consulate have a problem with your photos when you reported your marriage?
fil01MalePhilippines2011-10-01 11:53:00
Philippineshelp with mama

I think the thing people are missing here. Is HOW to deal with Filipinos and in-laws. That was the question. And I gave information to help. I do not know everything. And dealing with Filipino in-laws and family is something very new to me. The trip cost me a lot. Then to come back home, and have to hire a lawyer to deal with my ex again for child support and parenting time. Plus I am transitioning to management from technical. Gretchen knows and is with me. We are working out things together.

I could tell you the conversation, but who really cares?? all I can tell you is I am taking care of the fmaily here in the USA first. then the family in the philippines second. Everyone wants to say how little experience she has. The problem is the teaching in the schools. the teaching of finanaces. those are not taught in the school or at home there. Have it, spend it. Not a way to live well. Need money, or have no money, get a loan or credit to make it through until you again. Be in debt. You have to focus on how to get ahead. Saving money is something most americans do naturally. We learn at a yoong age. It is a difference in culture. I am dealing with curtural issues. the american idea and the filipino idea. All I have to do is work through it.

I see that you are still in denial about your control issue. The only information you gave everyone was a clinic on how not to deal with inlaws. You've been trying to micromanage everything and then wondering why it doesn't work. Also, you've completely ignored some excellent advice from Filipinos and from others who commented on this issue.

You're also still acting the hypocrite by criticizing your inlaws about money matters when you yourself are the biggest offender. However, when this was previously pointed out to you, you simply ignored it. I'm sure you'll do the same thing this time.

And, once again, you are stereotyping Filipinos with your comment about their spending habits. To make matters worse, you're trying to come across as an expert on why it happens. How do you know what is taught in Filipino schools or what is taught at home in the Philippines? Of course, the answer is *you don't*.

Edited by fil01, 06 October 2011 - 12:17 PM.

fil01MalePhilippines2011-10-06 12:13:00
Philippineshelp with mama

America is the only country which chooses to call the mentality "old fashioned".

pure bs!! :wacko:
fil01MalePhilippines2011-09-20 11:21:00
PhilippinesVisa Approved!!!
Congratz on your approval. :thumbs:

Edited by fil01, 05 May 2012 - 01:11 PM.

fil01MalePhilippines2012-05-05 13:09:00
PhilippinesNeed filipina Advice


her not telling me she had these problems before

her not saying anything about "past" severe mental or medical problems would be big problem for me. that's not honest.
fil01MalePhilippines2012-05-03 14:03:00
Philippinesst lukes discussion

Something cold to drink and a burger may have garnered a seat inside. :yes:

any puti researcher should have known that :yes:

just ask any Pinoy. :lol:

Edited by fil01, 05 September 2011 - 02:56 PM.

fil01MalePhilippines2011-09-05 14:54:00
PhilippinesSchedule Appointment
finishing your medical in one day depends on how busy st. lukes is on that day. arrive early. plan on two days. hope for one day. good luck to you.
fil01MalePhilippines2014-03-05 11:30:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsWaiting on NOA2; Headed to Philippines; What Next?

...I am headed to the Philippines 11/30 to be with LadyFriend...

Won't your fiancée be jealous?...:)
fil01MalePhilippines2012-10-23 20:14:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDiscouraged. Will it ever end...

You'll be okay Missy, my wife feels the same way. although I haven't had all the medical issues I have gone to see her a couple of times and I am about to do so again. This process takes a long time, longer than it should, but if you both stick it out and rejoice in every small victory you will make it through to the end as an incredibly strong couple. This process tries our very souls and exposes each others character right to its very core. If you have the conviction and the commitment there is no way they can deny your application, I wholeheartedly believe this. Stay strong everyone here is rooting for you. It might not hurt if you say a little prayer for the rest of us too while you're at it. ;-)


My husband definitely thinks like you. He knows that if we keep our faith and are committed to the process it will end and we will be together. It's easy to get wrapped up in the emotions of it all. I'm grateful my husband not only emotionally supports me but can also help me see things in a better way. I will definitely be praying for everyone. All of us can use as many prayers and good vibes sent our way as possible.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-06 22:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDiscouraged. Will it ever end...

I feel for you and understand exactly how u must feel. I'm doing the K1 but I'm also worried they won't believe our relationship is genuine.
I also was sick for an entire week after returning from my last visit with headaches and exhaustion. Traveling so far, flight delays, and time differences not to mention the pure heartbreak of leaving is enough to break you. I admire your strength and pray God will bring ur husband home to you! Best of luck for health and happiness!


I have flown home from Egypt twice with a kidney infection. It's so hard on my body. Like you said, add the heartbreak and it really is enough to break a person. I really hope your case goes smoothly and you will be reunited with your fiancé soon. We are all string for going through this crazy process. Someday it will end and we will be reunited.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-06 22:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDiscouraged. Will it ever end...
Thank you to everyone who has commented. I really appreciate all the words of support. My husband is the one to be able to balance me out but even his words have fallen to deaf ears at times over this past week. Sometimes you just need someone else's insight.

When he tells me he still feels like everything will be ok, I know he means that 100% from his heart. It's just really hard for me to be able to truly believe that right now.


DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-06 18:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDiscouraged. Will it ever end...
Excuse my novel, I need to vent.

My husband and I started this process a year and a half ago. His interview was September 1st and the CO told my husband he was lying and gave him a paper to submit more evidence of our relationship, specifically Facebook messages, since that is usually the most convenient way for us to speak. He really had an issue with there being a language barrier, something we both knew might be a problem.

We had red flags like most. Met through mutual friends and had a short courtship before we got married. There's definitely a language barrier, which has actually strengthened our communication considerably. We really take the time to listen to each other and talk things through.

Right now, I just feel numb. We submitted the extra evidence same day as the interview but I can't get ahold of the embassy to confirm if they recieved it. I've got a terrible cold which is not helping me physically or emotionally, nor is the fact I suffer from clinical depression and anxiety. I feel so exhausted with this process. Not having my husband here is taking its toll day by day. Cairo is known for lengthy AP and thinking about it just makes me sick to my stomach. I really thought things would be fine. I've made 3, month long trips to see him and we had plenty of photos with family and friends. We showed proof of ongoing communication and cards from special occasions. Receipts from two hotels booked in both our names. It all went the opposite of what we were praying for.

All I am doing now is retracing the steps, wondering what we could have done better. I know not having an actual wedding probably worked against us, but we really didn't have the money for one and I didn't want anything.

Going to Egypt wreaks havoc on my body. Not once did I come home and not end up in the hospital. My last trip I went to 2 different Egyptian hospitals and the ended up in the ER in Chicago on my way back home. Our backup plan is for me to move there and I just don't know how I will handle it physically. I don't even know how I will manage another trip there if I have to.

I'm not looking for tough love. I've been harassed one too many times on this site. I really am just looking for people who understand this feeling. We're all in this together.












DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-06 06:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsProblems with ceac.state.gov
I know quite a few people who have been having issues with the CEAC site lately. It's a buggy system. Heck sometimes the whole thing goes down and you can't even look at anything. If you're really concerned, give the NVC a call. But I'm confident in the next few days the issue should resolve itself for you. ??
DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-08 22:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDid the Center Receive my RFE?

Thanks Sofi, I got approved today. 226 days following my priority date!


Congrats!!! Now on to the NVC. Hopefully they will start speeding up since you have already waited this long for the i-130. Best of luck :)

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-12 05:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDid the Center Receive my RFE?

 
Thanks Elizabeth, its been over 30 days since my attorney sent in my RFE, but we have still not seen a status update. I will attempt calling USCIS tomorrow and see if they can give me a better answer. Havent had much luck with those guys as of yet. 


I would definitely recommend just asking to speak to a tier 2 rep right off the bat. The reps who answer the phone can't see enough about your case usually to be able to answer specific questions.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-09 01:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDid the Center Receive my RFE?

Can anyone provide any feedback? It appears that its customary to get an RFE received letter from the Service Center. 

Hello! My husband and I got an RFE at the USCIS stage which was now a year and a half ago, but we did receive an email confirming they recieved our response and to wait 30 days for processing. It also updated on our online status. But, that online status system for USCIS can be really crappy. So don't always rely on that.

Definitely give USCIS a call and if a tier 1 rep can't help you, ask to speak to a tier 2. Although, if it's anything like it used to be, you could wait 4 hours on hold to speak to a tier 2. I hope you can find out easily.

Edited by ElizabethDarwish, 08 September 2014 - 11:05 PM.



DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-08 23:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsservice Center expedite request

I thought that the director of the service center the one who makes the decision.


No. USCIS has people specifically who process expedite requests. It's a case by case basis. On what grounds did you request an expedite?

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-13 04:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsservice Center expedite request

Hello everybody, I requested my case to be expedited a week ago and i didn't receive an official respond yet. however, I called this morning USIS customer service and I was told that my case is assigned to an officer. is that a good thing or bad?


Often your case will be assigned to an officer on the expedite team for review. You should plan to wait at least 30 days for a response.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-13 01:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRequested my husband's passport

Yay!!! I think it's a good sign!


I sure hope so! I'm like c'mon we've waited a year and a half!!! We are so ready to get our life started in the states!

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-14 00:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRequested my husband's passport
Today, 10 days into AP the Cairo embassy called my husband and told him to send his passport so they could complete the processing. We are praying it's a good sign and will not be in lengthy AP!!

Edited by ElizabethDarwish, 10 September 2014 - 02:40 PM.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-10 14:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsUpdate on Spousal Visa...F**K*** Furious
Oh and my husband and I have been in this a year and a half. I understand being pissed but it won't speed anything up.

Edited by DarwishAE, 12 September 2014 - 05:40 AM.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-12 05:38:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsUpdate on Spousal Visa...F**K*** Furious

Spousal visa's are "no good anywhere"...,.,..,.if possible should have waited, got married in the USA, and filed the K-1 visa.,.,..,.,I do not understand these spousal visas if they can be avoided.,.,..,..,.,.and again I say ""IF they can be avoided!!!""

You can't file a K1 visa if you're married... So that is an incorrect suggestion? Unless you are saying they should have waited to get married? Spousal visas actually have advantages over the K1 even though they generally take longer.

To the OP. Just be patient. You're not the only one waiting this long. My husband and mine's NVC process took over two months and that was without the NVC being slow. So far we are a year and a half into this. It will happen and you will move forward.

Edited by DarwishAE, 12 September 2014 - 04:55 AM.



DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-12 04:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAP after an IV interview

Thank you Everyone for the information.
 
My wife and i have been in this process for over a year (Filed 1-130 in May 2013) and it's just been really frustrating that it takes THIS long. I understand security and background checks, also the sheer volume of visas that are applied for to go to the US. I guess i just assumed for a IR1 or even a K1 visa that the process would be much faster due to my wife being a citizen. 
 
agbcha, Can you tell me more about the how to get your congressman involved? My wife is from Colorado, so obviously we need to contact her Senator, but just the general steps you took, so IF we take longer than 60 days (yes, I plan to contact them again after 60 days, too) we can use this as our next step? Any information is useful. Thank you. 
 





I completely understand your frustration. Me and my husband filed in April 2013 and are stuck in AP now since September 1st. They say we get priority as citizens but it still takes way longer than it should.

To contact your senator or congressman have your wife find the represtantive for the District she lives in in Colorado. On their websites you can usually find a link for citizen services/help. You have to fill out an authorization form for them to be able to inquire about your case. Send that and a letter or email describing what you need and they should get back to you fairly quickly.



DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-09 13:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAP after an IV interview
AP is unfortunately an open ended process. It can be a few weeks, months or be a year or more. Although, if it has been an unreasonable amount of time a Writ of Mandamus can be filed, to in a sense force the embassy to make a decision. Try to relax. My husband is in AP too.
DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-08 12:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAfter interview, administrating process???
Not from the Pakistan embassy, but Egypt, we got AP after my husband's interview on 9/1. They requested more evidence of bona fide marriage. It's only been a week and they already requested his passport to complete the processing.

Hopefully since it was only for a birth certificate you will only wait a few weeks.


DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-11 22:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsIs this a 221g?

So, the only thing possibly keeping your husband from a visa or not....is Facebook?
 
I knew Facebook was huge, but wow, that tops the cake.
 
Good luck!



The CO who interviewed my husband was extremely rude and harassed him the whole time. He just said "I want more" and gave him the paper at the end. My husband spoke with some other guys who had interviews and most of them got the exact same treatment.

Edited by ElizabethDarwish, 01 September 2014 - 02:31 PM.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-01 14:29:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsIs this a 221g?

They wanted facebook as your proof of relationship?
 
good luck

They already had Skype screenshots, photos, evidence of trips, etc. He wanted to see more messages than my husband had with him.

Edited by ElizabethDarwish, 01 September 2014 - 01:45 PM.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-01 13:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsIs this a 221g?
My husband received the attached paper at the end of his interview today. We responded same day and the embassy in Cairo will get our 50 pages of Facebook chat logs tomorrow as the CO requested. Are we in AP?

Attached Files


Edited by ElizabethDarwish, 01 September 2014 - 01:39 PM.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-01 13:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsExpedite request time between ask and response?

I placed a medical request for expedite in a week ago and was wondering how long it takes on average to here back whether it was approved or not. Uscis says 30 days. Is that what others have experienced?

Trying to figure another flight to visit before he's approved to return to the US.

Thank you!




When my husband and I filed an expedite it took about 45 days to get approved. I hope yours will get approved, expedites can be tough to get.

DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2014-09-08 13:11:00
Middle East and North AfricaAddressing possible red flags in i-130 -- EGYPT

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/415229-is-there-any-hope-for-221-g/page__gopid__5986429#entry5986429
Here's a thread of someone from a MENA country that just got denied. One of the main reasons was the USC lady married him on their first visit.


Thanks for the link. Definitely reconsidering how we are going to go about this process since our case has some red flags. It's better to be as prepared as possible the first time than to rush and get denied.
DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2013-02-17 21:27:00
Middle East and North AfricaAddressing possible red flags in i-130 -- EGYPT

I have everything in my signature--

We met March 8th, married the 9th and didn't have but 2 weeks together, and then we filed the I130 in late April. I really don't think I would have done to well at an interview with only that visit. We had a 2 month summer visit and then another 3 weeks over the winter holiday. I just filed our NVC stuff in January, but our I130 was approved at the end of July. So yes, its possible to draw this out and give you two some more time to really build the relationship and evidence.

Separation sucks but its good to think long term goals. For me, I know I'd have a lot more stress trying to knock out my last bit of nursing school if he arrived too soon anyways (though I'd be so happy to deal with that stress :P ) Are you in nursing school? If so, I feel your pain.

Edited with the quote I was responding to:


I'm really glad to know you can draw out the process a little longer. So I'm thinking we will do the i-130 but know that even once that is approved we will wait to build our relationship more and gather more evidence.

I really want to do a summer language study in Cairo. Then we could get an apartment together for a month, then spend a week or two in 6 October together. Maybe get two months in if it is possible for him with work and everything.

I'm not in nursing school but have decided that's what I want to go into. I won't really start my focus in nursing until next fall. I just want to get my CNA certification so I can at least get a feel for some of what nursing is and have a job that isn't flipping burgers :)
DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2013-02-17 03:29:00
Middle East and North AfricaAddressing possible red flags in i-130 -- EGYPT

This part I can't give the best advice on because I am still somewhat new in the process., so I prefer someone back me up. The way I understand, and what I did: We filed the I130 which seems to be taking less than 6 months to process if everything is in order. The NVC stage can move more at your pace. There are several tasks to complete and you can draw those out a bit.

On my NVC papers it says:
"If a period of one year passes without contacting the NVC (by email, telephone, or mail), all submitted fees and documents will expire. Upon expiration, the fees and documents would need to be resubmitted in order to continue the immigration process."

Based on that quote and a bit of reading on here, I figure there is plenty of time, and we just need to stay in contact or process some paperwork if we are getting near the 1 year.

Since I had little evidence when I sent my I130, I have been gathering more evidences for the last 9 months, and I sent in a fair amount during when I filed the NVC packets. We now have a lot more to present with our file and at the interview. I am all about faith, but we still have to do the leg work and use our brains. I'd rather take my time then have a denial and do it all over again.


So, we could submit an I-130 and hopefully get that approved but wait on the NVC stage for a little while? That's kind of brilliant. That would work so well in our case. What I want to try and do is go stay in Egypt for about 2 months over the summer. We could get an apartment together and then have a lease with our names and have a lot more face to face time. Would add a lot to
the evidence.

I guess it's time to start a discussion with my husband. I really feel like we should wait. Then we can be better prepared and hopefully outweigh the odds against us.
DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2013-02-17 00:52:00
Middle East and North AfricaAddressing possible red flags in i-130 -- EGYPT

Everyone here answers the way they do because they all a "remember so and so???" story. I doubt there is a person that comes here thinking there is something wrong with their relationship. It would be absurd.

My advice and thoughts comes not from this forum, just because I have a group of friends who are intercultural marriages, and a number of them re/con-verts. If you already covered all the bases that I mentioned then you are off to a great start. These are all things that I know have been concerns and sometimes problems for them.

You really don't want to run off from this forum. It is a really invaluable resource. Take the good. Leave the bad, and assume most of us have the best of intentions.


Do you think it would be wise for us to wait to file? We are trying to plan a trip for me to come to Egypt in the summerm. By next school year I should be able to get a job as a nursing assistant as long as next quarter goes fine and I will be better prepared financially. It would also give him more time to save up some of his own money. He is a man of faith and I'm more of a realist which will make discussing this a tad difficult. There are times where turning it all over to god isn't the best option, you also have to put in some work before relying on faith. I think the best point from this post is that waiting wouldn't hurt. Except for even more time apart, which won't kill us.
DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2013-02-17 00:01:00
Middle East and North AfricaAddressing possible red flags in i-130 -- EGYPT

Elizabeth, I hope you won't leave the forum. This is an excellent place to learn information that will be important as you go on this journey. I totally see why you are not happy. Sometimes people on this board can seem a bit harsh and make assumptions based on the limited information they get from posts. I don't think anyone has bad intentions and I am sure everyone's heart is in the right place. But just like I don't know you - they don't know you either. And you are the one who knows your husband and knows your marriage and knows your situation.

I personally have had a few times when I asked some specific questions about getting married in Morocco. And I got great useful answers. It has been very valuable for me. I also had people cautioning me against getting married. I don't think they meant any harm and I just assume they want to give the wisdom of their experiences. Now since I don't have any doubts or any intention of calling off my marriage - I simply say thank you and then I read the answers that help me with my questions. And I am grateful to get those answers. So I do hope you will stay. The people on this forum have a wealth of information to share. So when sometimes hurtful things are said I just assume it is said in the spirit of wanting to help and give good advice. I try not to take offense. It can be a little hurtful but the benefits of the information you get usually outweighs the downside of having your relationship publicly questioned and picked apart.

Hope you stay here and continue to be a part of this forum. I wish you and everyone here only the very best.


I'm not saying I will leave the forum but this post really hurt me. There were some helpful things and I understand people don't want someone to get used but I felt personally attacked even if it wasn't meant in that way. I have appreciated all the help I have gotten so far with other topics and the people I have continued to speak with. I guess I wasn't expecting all the negative views. But I see why the concerns were raised. Ahmed and I will just have to work extra hard to prove our sincerity.
DarwishAEFemaleEgypt2013-02-16 23:33:00