ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Philippinesdoes anyone here sending western union online????
I have used both (online and in person) with no problems.. Online is much more expensive with Western Union though.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-06-18 09:00:00
PhilippinesConnecting flight
Harsh_77 is absolutely correct... ]

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-10 12:10:00
PhilippinesG325 Photo
Better to send the JPG... that way you don't lose the quality... I think most of the places could email you the jpg instead of printing the PIC.

Note: If the quality it deemed insufficient it will generate an RFE.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-22 08:20:00
PhilippinesStarting to file for I-129F help and advice needed
You just need to prove you met during the last two years. That is it. So a picture together,,, and tickets proving you were in the same city
at the same tie would be enough. I would file as soon as possible if you are sure he is the one. It does take 6 to 9 months for processing,
the sooner you file,,, the quicker you will have a visa in hand.

As far as a divorce pending,,, divorces sometimes take a long time,,, and it is common for people to separate for a long time before divorce is
filed for, let along processing completed. This should not pose a red flag. just be prepared to explain it if asked.

Good luck... The journey is long, but, worth it.
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-23 17:28:00
PhilippinesBuilding and Extension on house in Philippines
My only poor advise,,, is don't let the contractor know it is being financed by American Dollars,,,
or you could see more of them vanish then you would like.

Seriously,,, get an architect to design and validate the structure. You want to make sure that the
existing structure can handle the weight.

Good Luck,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-23 17:33:00
PhilippinesWhy was her answer considered a 'gaffe'?

I just dont get how she made it to the top 5, there were many better looking contestants then her.


I am thinking Ms Universe for the past years is more about making a political statement,,, then a contest about
beauty and poise. You think Ms Mexico,,, had the best answer?

Just my two jaded centavos,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-24 11:05:00
PhilippinesI-130 and rural addresses in the Philippines
Same here,,, she just had the Barangay post office listed,,, No problems...

regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-29 20:38:00
PhilippinesI am wondering why the exchange is so bad?
All perspective,,, whether you earn dollars or pesos...

Thank our out of control unfunded federal spending...

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-09-03 11:24:00
PhilippinesFiancee may have a different purpose! - Pls. advise
If it walks like a duck... Enough, said...

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-13 21:21:00
PhilippinesDoes your wife think the US is too cold ?

My wife handles the cold here VERY well. I bought her Cuddle Duds to wear under her clothes and she loves them. They are insulated underwear for women. She doesn't like the cold wind blowing in her face and always wears a scarf when it's bitterly cold like it is today. It was 4 below zero when we left for work this morning at 5am. Here are a couple pics she took herself the first winter she was here.


Bet it wasn't 4 below and windy when she took those PICs.... My wife and In-Laws thought the PICs were cute.

I got my wife out in the first snow last December,,, she won't let me post the PIC though as she was almost 9 months
preggy.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-01-06 09:40:00
PhilippinesCalling all PINAY ( who just arrive this YEAR here in USA)
h

Edited by DouglasFiel, 18 March 2010 - 06:25 PM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-03-18 18:22:00
PhilippinesCalling all PINAY ( who just arrive this YEAR here in USA)

Hi din sa'yo! :D Nakakamiss nga ang 'Pinas... Sinu-sino pa ba ang taga-Austin dito bukod sa inyo ni ChuckandRhean? :unsure:


Hello again,,thanx sa reply...Hindi ko alam kung meron pa bang iba aside from you two guys...
Nagbakasakali lang me dito kung may magreply kasi ala akung kilala na pinoy,,,
Hoping to find new friends here....

Saan ka pala sa Austin banda???


Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-03-18 18:12:00
PhilippinesCalling all PINAY ( who just arrive this YEAR here in USA)
[quote name='dan.and.audrey' date='Dec 18 2009, 02:59 PM' post='3575053']
MY LOCATION: Texas

Hello! Congrats on your baby! :) Magkalapit lang tayo ng date of arrival. Nov. 20 ako dumating dito, so malapit na akong mag-1 month! :dance: Ang pinakamalaking adjustment sa akin e ung cold weather kasi madali akong lamigin! (BRRRRRR!!!) Dapat palagi akong nakatapat sa heater namin sa apartment. Hehehe! :P

Hindi naman ako nalulungkot dito. Paminsan-minsan sinasama ako ng fiance ko sa work niya. (Ok lang naman un sa mga kasamahan niya. ;) ) Tsaka, madalas kaming lumabas ng mga friends niya kaya masaya rin! :D May mga Pinay friends (from high school) ako, kaya lang sa ibang states sila nakatira, so hanggang text at tawagan lang kami.

Masaya ang thanksgiving experience ko, pero mamimiss ko ang Pasko at Bagong Taon sa P'nas! :(

Next month, ikakasal na kami! YAY!!! :dance:

Sa lahat ng mga Pinay dito, INGAT & GOD BLESS!!! :thumbs:
[/quot

just droppin by to say hi,,,,Im here in Austin too and just lookin for pinays here,,
Nakakamis na kasi ang Pinas...

regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-03-03 16:10:00
K-3 Spousal Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFiled I-130. About to send I-129F
QUOTE (ETP @ Jul 20 2009, 01:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you for the prompt response. I am already married to her, and did not do enough research on this issue prior to filing the I-130. I have seen many arguments that by now filing the I-129F, it may hender the process. I guess my specific question is what the time line is in California for stand alone I-130/K3 as opposed to doing it as a finance visa or K1. That everyone for their input and suggestions.


Take a look at our timeline... It can be relatively fast (134 days I130 to Interview date). I would suggest filing the K3,,, You can decide later which one to pursue.
I have seen cases where the CR1 was lost and in my case,,, the K3 was lost between the CSC and NVC.... 8 weeks and counting.

Good luck,



DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-20 18:30:00
K-3 Spousal Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPLS HELP is it okay to arrive at LA airport but my fiancee was from TEXAS
Sure,,, it is safe,,, I assume you are just transferring in Los Angeles to another flight. Inside the airport it is a security area,,, only those people with airline tickets or authorized personnel are permitted in the security area. Once you leave the airport,,, It is like Manila,,, safe in some areas,, not so safe in other areas.

Regards,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-09-15 11:29:00
IMBRA Special TopicsWhat are the chances...met on Filipina Heart and have 2 convictions?
You just never know what the government paperwork processor will do,,,
They are after all,,, government workers. You will probably be fine
in the end,,, but, be prepared to explain and possibly answer an RFE.

Good Luck,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-08-01 22:10:00
IMBRA Special TopicsWhat are the chances...met on Filipina Heart and have 2 convictions?
I recommend that you be honest while,,, only giving the information required...
You never know how the paperwork processor will handle the additional information.
You could get an unwarranted denial,, just because of a mis-interpretation.

As far as Filipina Heart,, met my wife there,,, it was mentioned in the interview
as a response to the question, "How did you meet?" So,,, as far as the Consulate
was concerned it did not fall into the "Marriage Broker" label.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-07-29 12:27:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Does it really help to contact the congressman?
Use a Senator,, there is only 2 per state and they have more pull. But, be aware,,, they have staff that know
the process well. And, will most likely not intervene unless there is a denial or the process is not working
correctly. However, they will talk to you about your situation and offer to help if applicable,,, or at a minimum
offer advice.

From what I understand if the Senators office sends an inquiry to the consultate they have like 24-48 hours to
respond.

I used a the senators office once,,, for an emergency travel need. We called from the INS office because they
could not accomodate a request to for a same day walk in advance parole. The Senators office told us to wait.

They called a private number at the INS location and within an hour we had travel authorization.

So,,, sometimes the government works... But, sadly not most of the time.

Good Luck,

dc
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2012-04-17 10:58:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Could pregnancy be a problem for a visa?
QUOTE (Chris and Ani @ May 31 2009, 06:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi all,

I'm the beneficiary, I just found out last week I'm pregnant. My husband is not very happy for few reasons.

He thinks if we get stuck at NVC stage as it has happened to other people, then pregnancy would not be good for our situation. He does not want to be away from the baby, he wants to share first emotions with me, too.
Another reason is the medical test for the interview. They will find out I'm pregnant. Could the medical prevent me getting a visa somehow?
I just wanna hear different opinions here and personal experience.

Thank you all, much love, Ani


We have almost the same timeline at the NVC as you do. And my wife is about 12 weeks pregnant. So I understand your feelings,,, However, what a better sign
of a committed relationship then a baby. As far as you husband not being happy,, might be the same as me, A bit worried about being apert during the pregnancy,
concerned about you not being able to travel,, if the visa is not approved in a timely manner,, and for me and my wife, it was not in the plan. We wanted to spend
a bit more time for her, to get here and her career established (she is a nurse). Life is that way sometimes. I take the pregnancy as a lucky (although unplanned)
event in our lives, maybe, the luck will continue with a speedy visa. Good luck!!!

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-14 19:57:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Sending my I-864, check list
QUOTE (Justin143Wendy @ Jul 5 2009, 01:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Document cover sheet of IV bill w/t Barcode
signed I-864EZ
letter stating why i didnt send my income tax of 08, (have a extension)
Returns for 06, 07, and 08
Employment letter
6 months of pay stubs
6 months of bank statements

Anything that i am missing?


If you are sending Tax Returns don't forget the W-2s.... If you are sending the IRS Transcipts then
you are good to go.

Regards,


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-08 07:30:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DS-230 completion
Use a seperate piece of paper... And, make sure you specify the page # and question from the DS-230. That is what I did for all immigration forms and did not have an RFE on anything.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-09-07 21:19:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)When to send I-864?
Personally I would send it in.... If there is an RFE then you can respond to that,,, does not take so long. If there is no RFE,,, then you can obtain additional supporting documentation before the interview at the consulate.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-09-24 09:50:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)IS THIS A PROBLEM???
Check with DHL,,, perhaps the signature is "Austin" I think most are signed for by him... And also, you can call NVC to see if they logged a receipt of something. In our case they logged receipt of a package in the system,,, but, took a few days to say exactly what was received.

Regards,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-10-08 08:24:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)DS-230 questions

I did do some searching, but I am still a little unclear about some stuff on the DS-230. I know we are a little ways away from this part of the process, but I am getting the paperwork together now...at least filled out.

On the DS-230 block 32...that isnt enough room to put all my wife's employment for the past 10 years. I was reading here before that if it isnt enough room to just attach a sheet on the back with the case # and question number it was relating to. I would assume this is the same type of thing I would do for this? Just format it the same as the block for employment? Also, For the past year and a half, she has had no work....I have been supporting her in the philippines. Do I at least have to list this period of unemployment? Or is all unemployment not needed? My wife has had a few short term jobs since steady work in the philippines is hard to find.

thanks for the help. this forum has been great.....now if only we can get the NOA2 from CSC soon!

Also, what other documents are needed other than the normal to send to the NVC?


That is what we did for every document that "we could not fit the information"... We had no RFEs. Also, for the unemployed timeframe. That is no problem, same here. It is not a requirement that she work or if you support her. The process is concerned more about the validity of the relationship.

Just answer the questions honestly and all should be fine.

regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-01-03 09:32:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)questions about lingche's NVC guide
The NVC needs the ORIGINAL COPY and one photo copy of all documents,,, with exception of the passport,, just a copy of the
bio-page. These Docs will be forwarded to the US consulate in Manila. I strongly advise that you have an additional official version when you go in for the interview,,, Just in case the NVC loses a document or two. Also, as far as B/C, Marriage Certificate etc,,, you will not get back the copies submitted to the NVC so,, you will want additional Official NSO versions of those docs for use once she arrives in the USA for various needs.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2010-03-02 10:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried In The Philippines
QUOTE (john & jean @ Jun 7 2009, 04:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
IGNORANCE OF THE LAW DOES NOT PRECLUDE YOU FROM ENFORCEMENT!!!!!


Ok... Someone in the Philippine LCR made a mistake letting you apply for and receive a marriage certificate. That may come back to haunt you. Good news is you can apply for the I-130 and I-129f k3... With the LCR copy of the marriage certificate

In my case I had to wait 15 days after the local LCR forwarded theit copy of the marriage certificate to the regional office before I could get the NSO copy.

You will need the NSO copy once the NVC requests the DS-230 and supporting documentation or the Embassy requests it processing the I-129f k3.

My thoughts are if you get the NSO copy... You will probably never have a problem. If you have the opportunity to return to Manila. I would suggest you get the Legal Capacity to Contract Marriage Certificate in case anyone asks for it.


That is my two cents... Maybe only worth only one though... GOOD LUCK!!!

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-07 17:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBoth I-129F and I-130 approved - can we take K3 route?
QUOTE (icon007 @ Jul 6 2009, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
thanks and Can you please point me to something that says "I can definitely take K3 route" ? Please I want something I can print and give to my wife.


Check the NVC Phone System (603-334-0700),,, to make sure the I-130 CR1 and the I-129f K3 shows up at the NVC... And then make sure the I-129f K3 gets forwarded to your local US Embassy.

In my case it has been 7 weeks since the California Service Center sent the NOA#2 for the I-129f K3 (same approval date for both petitions).
The I-130 arrived at the NVC in a few days,,, So we are going the I-130 CR1 route and should have the interview scheduled any day now.

As far as K3 or CR1. Either is viable. I have been in contact with another VJ'r that is pursuing the K3 option and has an interview scheduled on 7/17.

As for me,,, the K3 is lost,,, I have no choice. (CSC says call them in 8 weeks if it does not show up).

If you have all of your paperwork in order. The CR1 is maybe, an additional 30 days longer then the K3.

Regards,




DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-06 11:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbout to file I-130. Where or when do I let them know I am filing for K3?
QUOTE (THX1138 @ Jul 6 2009, 05:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Dear friends,

I have been reading the forums and the guides and for the life of me can't figure out where I should let the government know I am after a K3 visa for my wife. I am about to mail in my completed I-130 packet but want to know if my intention needs to be mentioned somewhere.

Perhaps they will ask me later down the road? Thank you!


Review the guides: http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k3guide

When you get the I-797 also called NOA#1 from submitting the I-130. About 2 weeks after mailing the I-130.
You submit the I-129F with the NOA#1... Follow the K3 instructions for the I-129f.

Regards,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-06 18:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresk3 or cr1
QUOTE (MR&MRSWILDTXS @ Jul 6 2009, 10:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
HELLO... IM MARY FROM COLOMBIA. MY HUSBAND IS FROM TEXAS AND HE WILL BE STARTING THE PROCESS SOON CR1.. WHEN HE GETS THERE.. HE IS WITH ME IN COLOMBIA NOW.. AND WE WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT PAPERS OR DOCUMENTS NEED TO GIVE HIM FOR START ALL IN GOOD WAY ... I WISH TO BE WITH HIM SOON AND START OUR LIFE THERE.
THANKS YOU AND GOD BLESS U, ALL. good.gif


As always READ the CR1/K3 guides. And validate all information you get.

This is from the cover letter I sent. I would recommend downloading the I-130 and fill out the information
and download and fill out the G-235a (Especially for MARY) as it needs her signature.

? Check
? I-130 petition filed by USC, petitioner on behalf of ALIEN, beneficiary
? I-130 addendum (additional information in support of I-130)
? Copy of Birth Certificate of USC
? Copy of Birth Certificate of ALIEN
? Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy from church – much clearer)
? Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy of the registered marriage license from the local register)
? G-325a Completed by USC - United States Citizen
? G-325a Completed by USC - Addendum
? Passport type picture of USC
? G-325a Completed by ALIEN
? G-325a Completed by ALIEN - Addendum
? Passport type Picture of ALIEN
? Proof of Bona Fide Marriage (Note: Married on xx/xx/09)
? Selection of Pictures that document relationship, wedding and marriage

Good Luck,


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-06 12:13:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Approved!!!
Congrats!!!

Nice write up... Thanks!


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-17 07:58:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWondering if I made a mistake marrying in US
QUOTE (medoraman @ Jun 24 2009, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi, I am new to here and just got married Monday. She is from Thailand and is here on visitor visa, (she has a 10 year visa). She is going back to Thailand in a month to stay until we get her K3. Did we make a mistake getting married? She did not come here on this trip to immigrate, we did not plan to marry but just wanted to. Should we wait until she leaves the US before filing the 130? Did we slow down the process? Any information or suggestions would be appreciated.

Btw, she will probably come here again in Dec for a few weeks, but then go back and plan our Buddhist wedding in Thailand.


I might be wrong here,,, But, I seem the remember something to the effect. If you apply for a Immigrant Visa while
she is out of the country. Her current current visa will become invalid. You might want to double check that one. She
could end up in Thailand and not be able to return in Decemeber.

Regards,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-06-26 10:58:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCalifornia Service Center
I agree,, I got a great timeline... 134 days from date I mailed the I-130 till the interview date...

So, you just never know,,, CSC or NVC will always tell you maximum timelines. My only
recommendation is make your documentation easy to process. Clean and organized.

Good Luck,

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-25 16:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-864 Total income
QUOTE (BRB @ Jul 25 2009, 04:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I recently received my tax transcripts and I also have my tax returns. I noticed for total income per the I-864 you can not show any deferred amounts like 401K contributions. I thought it was strange that the gov is looking at your ability to support someone else but does not take into account money you could use for this purpose. It does not effect me but I was wondering if there was a way to include this?

Thanks


I would think you could include it as any other asset,, Ie, Stocks, bonds, property, cash. etc.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-25 16:14:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp with Medical and CFO in Manila.
QUOTE (MikenKyhen @ Jul 29 2009, 08:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Have you received your Noa2 yet? Help us out and update your timeline.


We do need a bit more information to answer you questions. Please create and update your timeline.

Tnanks!
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-29 11:41:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes my wife need to get a passport with my last name?
QUOTE (nyankee @ Jul 28 2009, 03:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, im going to start the k3 process soon. My wife doesn't have a passport yet, i told her to get one asap. BUt she asked me if she should get one with her original last name, or get one with my last name since we're married. Which way should she go to cause the less confussion or trouble???


Use her current last name. The name on the marriage certificate. If you submit the I-130 with the maiden name,, And, the passport bio page is submitted to the NVC with the married name. Immigration with change the name on the paperwork to match the passport.

I submitted all I-130 paperwork married name, The NVC passport bio page was maiden name, NVC changed her paperwork to match the passport. Now she has a passport with her married name (same as mine). When she gets her visa, The embassy will make sure it matches the passport, As the green card, visa and passport name will need to match for traveling. And, that does make sense for the Immgration Folks keeping the passport and immgrant names in sync.

Good Luck,


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-08-02 23:49:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPassport questions
I renewed mine in January,,, You don't even need to ask,,, they will cancel and sent the old passport back. But,,, since you may need information from the passport, Make a good photcopy or scan of the passport, Just in case,, it gets lost.

Good Luck,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-08-02 23:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 visa vs. CR-1
I agree mostly with the others,,, With the rare exception that one of the petitions gets lost between the Service Center and the NVC...
Which happened to my K3, and I have read another case where the CR1 got lost... So I had no choice in the matter. The K3 has been
lost for 58 days and counting. But, the CR1 arrived at the NVC in a few days (i pursued that option) and now the interview has been
scheduled. The entire process was 132 days from I-130 submission to the scheduled Interview date.

In short, I filed for both, cause the I-129F for the K3 costs nothing other then a bit of time.

This is from the cover letter I sent for the K3 Visa petition...

Contents of I-129F package:

? Copy of I-797C, Notice of Action (From submission of I130)
? Filing Fee – Note: No Fee Required for I129F/K3 where the underlying I-130 petition is currently pending.
? I-I29F petition filed by USC, petitioner on behalf of ALIEN, beneficiary
? I-129F addendum (additional information in support of I-129F)
? Copy of Birth Certificate of USC
? Copy of Birth Certificate of ALIEN
? G-325a Completed by USC
? G-325a Completed by USC - Addendum
? Passport type picture of USC
? G-325a Completed by ALIEN
? G-325a Completed by ALIEN - Addendum
? Passport type Picture of ALIEN
? Copy of Marriage Certificate (copy of the registered marriage license from the local register)

Good Luck,

Edited by DouglasFiel, 17 July 2009 - 01:55 PM.

DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-07-17 13:53:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 Visa
Start by reviewing: http://www.visajourn...amp;page=guides

I would seriously consider pursuing the I-130 CR1 is they are approved at the same time. Only 3 or 4 weeks longer.
But, alot less headache after immigrating to the USA. (SSN Sent, Can work and Muli

Took us 134 days from I-130 submission till interview date. Ours was through CSC and really fast.

Get NSO Birt Cert, MSO Marriage Cert, NBI Clearance and any police clearance if you lived somewhere for more then
6 months.

Once, you get NSO#2,,, If pursueing the CR1. Download sign and mail to USC.... The DS3032 and DS230 (Part one Signed) with
all of the original Docs. If pursuing K3,, wait for packet from Embassy and proceed accordingly (Still need the NSO Stuff).

Good Luck,




DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-08-10 19:46:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfused of what else to send for K3
I just sent in a few pics maybe 10.. few of the wedding and a few before the wedding and an affidavit from a relative that stated they knew of the relationship and subsequent marriage. I think with the I130 submission you more need to prove you met and got married,,, for the interview you need more substantial documentation as to the continued bonafide relationship.

My two centavos,


DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-09-08 10:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS-3032. What exactly is an agent?
You can Email the choice of agent the moment you are able to get the NVC Case numner from NVC... Keep checking the NVC number once you receive the NOA2.

Regards,
DouglasFielMalePhilippines2009-09-19 17:51:00