ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesSending flowers to Cebu....A tip!
QUOTE (rockhouse @ Aug 7 2009, 10:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey all, Just putting the word out. I payed Kalidades "house of flowers" in Cebu City to deliver flowers to my fiancee. They didnt send them and then apparently lied about trying to email me and ask for better directions, (when the directions i gave are the same ones i give everyone else with no problems). They emailed me to tell me that they take Visa, but then said they emailed me several times after for a better address, but i never got any of those emails.
So if your sending flowers to your sweetheart in Cebu, stay the hell away from Kalidades.
Just thought i'd let yall know.



Go to LOCALstreetsS.COM They have delivered flowers not only on time to Naty in Baguio, they are exactly as shown in the photos and I have used them for 3 years. they deliver anywhere in the Philippines and I highly reccomend them.


QUOTE (Brian&Naty @ Aug 8 2009, 12:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (rockhouse @ Aug 7 2009, 10:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey all, Just putting the word out. I payed Kalidades "house of flowers" in Cebu City to deliver flowers to my fiancee. They didnt send them and then apparently lied about trying to email me and ask for better directions, (when the directions i gave are the same ones i give everyone else with no problems). They emailed me to tell me that they take Visa, but then said they emailed me several times after for a better address, but i never got any of those emails.
So if your sending flowers to your sweetheart in Cebu, stay the hell away from Kalidades.
Just thought i'd let yall know.



Go to LOCALstreetsS.COM They have delivered flowers not only on time to Naty in Baguio, they are exactly as shown in the photos and I have used them for 3 years. they deliver anywhere in the Philippines and I highly reccomend them.



SOrry, the correct address is LOCALSTREETS.COM
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-07 23:06:00
PhilippinesHow can she call me while traveling here?
QUOTE (cEzYcHiC @ Aug 6 2009, 05:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My hubby called me thru YM.
If you put credits on her Yahoo Voice then she can call your cellphone.
It has the lowest rates per minute. She needs to be in a net cafe though.
She can also call you using her unlocked cellphone which is on international roaming.


I use Yahoo voice, if she goes to the net cafe in the airport, she can also sign onto Yahoo and just IM me. I am just not sure if the net cafes are readily accessible in the airport, and if they are, she will be able to use it. unsure.gif Thanks for your suggestion.

QUOTE (damulag @ Aug 6 2009, 06:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Buy prepaid sim card from a US provider, activate it and send it to her. When she receives it add $20 to it online and when she get to the US she can put it in her unlocked phone and call you.


Too Late, it will not get to her in time for her to use.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-06 17:42:00
PhilippinesHow can she call me while traveling here?
Thanks everyone for the great suggestions. Hard to think straight with only 5 days left blink.gif
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-06 05:14:00
PhilippinesHow can she call me while traveling here?
QUOTE (Kevinandsomeone @ Aug 5 2009, 08:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just bought a global sim from Telestial for my upcoming trip. I wanted to make sure I could keep in touch should anything happen. The rates were pretty good as well. As long as she had an unlocked phone you could just buy one from their website and have it sent to her. You can buy the entire unlocked international phone from them for that matter. I bought the Passport card. It will work in 150+ countries.


Hmmmm, She does have an unlocked cell cause she uses 2 different SIMS in it. I think Global and Smart. OK, I will look into that, Thanks so much.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-05 19:51:00
PhilippinesHow can she call me while traveling here?
QUOTE (Anh map @ Aug 5 2009, 08:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Why not fly to Houston and do the last leg of the trip together? She may appreciate the gesture after traveling so far.


Yea, I thought about that too. I think its like 214.00 to jump over and back. The money is kind of tight. We have another flight to Syracuse coming up fast for my niece's wedding. I just may do that anyway. Thanks.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-05 19:44:00
PhilippinesHow can she call me while traveling here?
Naty is flying from Manila to Fort Lauderdale via Guam, Honolulu, Texas, then here. She has a layover in Houston. Do they have calling cards there in the terminal? I do not have a land line so she cannot call me collect. Those cards can be a real pain to use. Any Ideas?
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-05 19:26:00
PhilippinesSt. Lukes pulling the "Dark Spot on the X-ray" result
QUOTE (EricN @ May 5 2009, 09:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ever went to her exam Monday and shots Tuesday. Tuesday they told her the xray showed a spot and that she had to return for the next 3 consectutive days (Wed - Fri) for sputum examintation. SHE WILL NOW MISS HER 5-11-09 and we don't know what they will say as a result of this exam. I do not understand this as it seems to be a very subjective exam to me. Please send your prayers our way.

Thanks,
Eric


On Naty's exam it was a "white spot" Your SO will go back for 3 days and do the Sputum Tests. Even though Naty was negative all 3 days, we were delayed 2 months while the cultures developed with a call back date. Sorry to tell you that. St Luke's will simply re-schedule her interview date.


Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-12 05:38:00
PhilippinesUsing a Law Firm for Philippines K-1 Visa
QUOTE (Joseph & Ana @ Aug 13 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Because I'm a stupid dumbass who doesn't deserve to live I guess.


Many people do the K-1 process themselves. I did with no problems. VisaJourney members are more than happy to help you when you need it. follow the guides posted here and this is not as difficult as it appears. Why pay an attorney who is only going to have you fill out a questionnaire which will be the same information you provide for k-1 anyway?

Save your money. They do not have any more access to the Embassy staff then you do. They will only take your money and hope you never discover the process is just some paperwork that requires no special skills.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-13 12:41:00
PhilippinesSt. Lukes Chest X-Ray
QUOTE (tngirl21809 @ Jul 30 2009, 01:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brian&Naty @ Jul 30 2009, 01:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (RyaNRiza @ Jul 29 2009, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just want to share my opinion regarding the chest X-ray and TB skin test.

I think the chest X-ray that every applicant should undergo in St. Lukes is useless and hazardous after the USCIS change policies on medical issues, specifically the TST (TB skin test).

A friend of mine who is in the US now just had her chest X-ray 3 months ago back in the Philippines. They just filed her AOS where one of the requirements is the TST. As expected, she was positive (most Filipinas get a positive TST). The bad news is, she had to undergo another chest X-ray to make sure she is not a TB carrier (doctors here don't honor the X-ray result from the Philippines). She's worried because of the radiation exposure since she just had X-ray a few months ago.

I hope that the USCIS will be able to look into this matter. It would have been better if TST be conducted in the Philippines before X-ray. That way, the expenses are lesser and most importantly, the applicant's health is safely guarded from radiation exposure.

What's your opinion about this?


As a government employee myself. I will say that the TB BS test is nothing more then RED TAPE that is outdated, inaccurate at best, and serves only to create busy work for some government employees who are ensconced into nice comfy positions. Naty's chest X Ray "revealed" a small white spot on her left lung. This was enough to trigger the Sputum test and put us into a holding pattern for 2 months and add stress to an already stressful process ( Can I have an AMEN?) innocent.gif Of course it came back "negative" but others have been put into the 6 month treatment program. I am willing to bet that there is a quota that has to be filled with X number of "positive" applicants each cycle to keep the program full.



I don't know about the quota, but TB spreads, I'd rather have a goverment that keeps their citizen safe but doing routine testings than a lax one that just lets people get sick. If I got a spot on my xray, I'd rather go through the test too, I wanna know if I'm sick or not. But then again, that's just me. I'd rather take care of health issues head on than pretend it does not exist and make it worse.

I am not a med student, I don't know if the test is outdated, but I do know that the SLEC have caught quite a few cases of TB with this routine medical exam. Imagine how many people would've been infected by TB if not for the routine test. But again, that's just my opinion. Health is wealth!


Yes, but, I was in the Philippines, I did not have to be tested coming out to be sure I did not contract a strain of TB. How many Americans are in the Philippines or other countries for extended periods of time? In addition. There are cases of TB here in the US. While I agree with your point of view to an extent, there are far better tests with much faster (and more accurate) results that simply have not been implemented.

Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-30 00:13:00
PhilippinesSt. Lukes Chest X-Ray
QUOTE (RyaNRiza @ Jul 29 2009, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just want to share my opinion regarding the chest X-ray and TB skin test.

I think the chest X-ray that every applicant should undergo in St. Lukes is useless and hazardous after the USCIS change policies on medical issues, specifically the TST (TB skin test).

A friend of mine who is in the US now just had her chest X-ray 3 months ago back in the Philippines. They just filed her AOS where one of the requirements is the TST. As expected, she was positive (most Filipinas get a positive TST). The bad news is, she had to undergo another chest X-ray to make sure she is not a TB carrier (doctors here don't honor the X-ray result from the Philippines). She's worried because of the radiation exposure since she just had X-ray a few months ago.

I hope that the USCIS will be able to look into this matter. It would have been better if TST be conducted in the Philippines before X-ray. That way, the expenses are lesser and most importantly, the applicant's health is safely guarded from radiation exposure.

What's your opinion about this?


As a government employee myself. I will say that the TB BS test is nothing more then RED TAPE that is outdated, inaccurate at best, and serves only to create busy work for some government employees who are ensconced into nice comfy positions. Naty's chest X Ray "revealed" a small white spot on her left lung. This was enough to trigger the Sputum test and put us into a holding pattern for 2 months and add stress to an already stressful process ( Can I have an AMEN?) innocent.gif Of course it came back "negative" but others have been put into the 6 month treatment program. I am willing to bet that there is a quota that has to be filled with X number of "positive" applicants each cycle to keep the program full.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-30 00:00:00
PhilippinesApproved! :)
QUOTE (f1_gurl @ Aug 19 2009, 11:53 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i had my interview earlier and i got approved!!! i got the pink slip.

the consul only asked me 3 questions

How many times has he visited you?
have you been out of the country?
how long are the duration of those trips?

then he said your visa is approved!

im soooo happy.. thanks so much to everyone here in vj!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif



Congratulations. Have a safe journey and Welcome to the USA kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-20 05:20:00
Philippinesmeeting her family for the first TIME!!!
QUOTE (charlie&pam @ Aug 18 2009, 04:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (bulaklak @ Aug 18 2009, 01:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
ok thank you ......she said that her father is a councilman for something like that? what is that ????? Is that why they want it to be a big thing?



Probably because they want to invite the whole barrio, they're going to invite plenty of people; and that is including the father friends and co-workers etc. Her father is a COUNCELOR work in the barangay,a job something related for the goverment. helpsmilie.gif


SO THAT MEANS I AM GOING TO BE UNDER THE MICROSCOPE!!!! GREAT LIKE I AM NOT NERVOUS ENOUGH!!!!! LOL


Bro, relax, these are a simple, kind and special people. Its the reason we marry their daughters. You will be very surprised to find you will be treated like a rock star!!!!. You will be called SIR, you will have doors opened for you. The girls will giggle and sneak looks at you. The men will shake your hand gladly and smile. Be yourself. The fact he is a Counselor should not make a difference.
The only hard hard thing about this whole trip? ...............Will be leaving. ENJOY and quit worrying so much.

Let me suggest to you two tings to bring with you to give to her as a gift.
1. A Laptop. if she is chatting to you from a cafe, this will be the best gift anyone can bring.
2. a Digital camera. Let her collect photos of her family and friends and familiar places before she leaves her home.
Both gifts I brought to Naty and she was grateful and thanks me even now. Oh, make sure the camera uses AA batteries which they have plenty of. Also the Laptop will work as the adapter is rated for both 110 and 220.

Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-18 15:32:00
Philippinesmeeting her family for the first TIME!!!
QUOTE (charlie&pam @ Aug 18 2009, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brian&Naty @ Aug 18 2009, 12:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charlie&pam @ Aug 18 2009, 02:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all, I love this sight so I finally set up an account. Well I am meeting my girls family next week for the first time and have some questions that I am hoping you fellow vjr's to help me with. her and her parents will pick me up at the airport do I do mano po when i meet them or is that old school? also I am paying for a party the next day for all her family to meet me ....i don't mind but is there a limit on how much i should spend or get? .....also what about the gift giving process she is telling me soaps & perfumes for the girls and toys and candy for the kids but what i don't understand she told me to bring my old clothes for the men????? is that really ok? ......and my last question is when would me a good time to formally ask her dad for his daughters hand? Do I do it at the party? Thank you all!!!!!


Hi,
Naty is just in from the Philippines and she said this:
Mano Po - Shake the hand or touch the hand to the head is fine. I shook hands and this was fine. NO HUGGING

if you wish to ask for the blessing, it is fine to say like this
Sir, I love your daughter very much and I would like to ask you and your wife for your blessing if you will accept me as your son in law.

As far as toys and gifts. Man, don't kill yourself with trying to buy everyone everything. That can be counter-productive. You can buy some things for the family there much cheaper then here.

Naty is saying 4 or 5 pigs is fine, depending on the nuimber of people. They will prepare the food ahead for you, believe me, with no problem. I guess you can get fish and other things. soda, san miguel beer, etc.

Do not try to impress everyone by throwing money down. Come across as a conservative American, generous, but show wisdom in your spending.

if you have old clothes, sure you can bring them, thats your call.

Good Luck on your journey there.

Brian & Naty


thank you that is very very helpful.....4 or 5 pigs?????


HAHAHA, ok, she said 1 pig is for 70 people. A large pig is about 150 US. JUST buy the pigs, no other main courses. Rice 2 50Kilo sacks. The drinks can be coke and San Miguel.

Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-18 15:12:00
Philippinesmeeting her family for the first TIME!!!
QUOTE (charlie&pam @ Aug 18 2009, 02:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello all, I love this sight so I finally set up an account. Well I am meeting my girls family next week for the first time and have some questions that I am hoping you fellow vjr's to help me with. her and her parents will pick me up at the airport do I do mano po when i meet them or is that old school? also I am paying for a party the next day for all her family to meet me ....i don't mind but is there a limit on how much i should spend or get? .....also what about the gift giving process she is telling me soaps & perfumes for the girls and toys and candy for the kids but what i don't understand she told me to bring my old clothes for the men????? is that really ok? ......and my last question is when would me a good time to formally ask her dad for his daughters hand? Do I do it at the party? Thank you all!!!!!


Hi,
Naty is just in from the Philippines and she said this:
Mano Po - Shake the hand or touch the hand to the head is fine. I shook hands and this was fine. NO HUGGING

if you wish to ask for the blessing, it is fine to say like this
Sir, I love your daughter very much and I would like to ask you and your wife for your blessing if you will accept me as your son in law.

As far as toys and gifts. Man, don't kill yourself with trying to buy everyone everything. That can be counter-productive. You can buy some things for the family there much cheaper then here.

Naty is saying 4 or 5 pigs is fine, depending on the nuimber of people. They will prepare the food ahead for you, believe me, with no problem. I guess you can get fish and other things. soda, san miguel beer, etc.

Do not try to impress everyone by throwing money down. Come across as a conservative American, generous, but show wisdom in your spending.

if you have old clothes, sure you can bring them, thats your call.

Good Luck on your journey there.

Brian & Naty
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-18 14:55:00
PhilippinesXOOM SUCKS!!!
QUOTE (qp24113 @ Aug 22 2009, 06:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
i just want to share my experience with XOOM... their commercial is very convincing that the beneficiary will receive the money in minutes with the lowest fee... what happened was, i decided to use XOOM for the very first time... send $200 using my bank account but after I made the transaction it says that the status is still pending and will take about 4 business days to get approval (by the way, my bank account have funds)... then and there i decided to call customer service to cancel and a representative assured me that the transaction will be CANCEL (received a confirmation #) and amount will not be withdrawn from my bank... two days later, i did my random online banking and found out that they have withdrawn the amount and checked XOOM website and found out that they just on the process of canceling the transaction after 2 days from my request... is this what you call GOOD SERVICE??? even their representative are so unreliable. this is not a good business... yes they may claim that they have the lowest fee but they DEFINITELY have the POOREST SERVICE in the money transfer business...


Global Money Card from Philippine National bank. I used them for years research PNB-RCI and rapid remit. 5.00 fee up to 500.00 and excellent service.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-23 11:42:00
PhilippinesXOOM coupon code for the month of August...
QUOTE (babyrog @ Aug 8 2009, 05:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
hi vj family, pls share Xoom coupon codes for this month of august. I really need it now coz we're gonna send money to my sister in the Philippines. pls help me. thanks in advance.

babyrog



I have used the Global Money Card issued by THE PNB for the past 3 years for Naty. She went to the bank and they opened the account for her.

I used to be able to stop at Rapid Remit in Fort Lauderdale and pay them there. Within 10 minutes the money was on her Global money card. This branch closed. There is a branch of the Rapid Remit in Miami. I was sending them Money Orders and they applied it to the card usually within 24 hours. The Fee is 6 Dollars US up to 500.00.

I have never had money delayed and the payout was at par for the exchange rate. I have used them at least 50 times.

This is a lot less then WU. I had an issue with XOOM that hung up 400 dollars during Christmas of 2007. I am sure it is a good service but it did not work for me.

This is the main link to their website, always use the PNB website to locate them. there are spin-offs and troll companies that are out there. this link will provide everyone with the branches closest to them

PS. YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A PNB ACCOUNT TO USE THIS:

http://www.pnbrci.com/
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-08 07:59:00
PhilippinesWestern Union Receipt?
QUOTE (pweettyy @ Aug 1 2009, 12:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is it proper to include your western union receipts for the additional evedinces to bring along with your docs for the USEM interview?

Any advice is highly appreciated. Thank you!



HELL YES!!!!! Its all about showing a relationship and that includes demonstrated ability AND desire to contribute to the relationship. Unless you are financially secure, then its a toss up. But, better to have them with you.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-01 13:01:00
PhilippinesWestern Union Sucks
QUOTE (Hoot @ Aug 20 2009, 12:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Western Union and the US Governemt just screwed me over.

I sent my wife $ 1,100 cash via Western Union - and they have put a government hold on it and won't release it till tomorrow which has caused my wife to miss her dentist appointment. She is in the middle of having major dental work done (multiple crowns). Apparently they need to interview me or something. What a crock of ####### !!! I am really steamed over this. I work hard as hell and pay my taxes - What a load of BS !!!

Has anybody else had this happen ???

Is there another method of money transfer that I can use for the future ??? I think once this is fixed I will quit using Western Union - it is expensive - and now very inconvenient.

Also, my wife will arrive here in the USA in October and we will need to send money to her family in Mindanao. Can anybody suggest a better way to send her family money ???

Thank you.

Hoot


You will send your SO to the Philippines National Bank, there she will apply and receive the GLOBAL MONEY CARD. the service is called Rapid Remit. You can Google PNB-RCI and find a branch here. While its an extra step as you need to send them a money order, I have never had a problem with them. You send the money order to the branch that is closest to you and they will put on her Global Money Card. The fee is 6.00 up to 500.00. They will send you the receipt and a new envelope for the next remit.
The branch for me is in Miami. Again, its one extra step but the service is beyond compare. Other people like XOOM however my online transaction one time with them did not go through. They canceled the transaction but it took my bank 30 days to release the funds back to my debit card. This sucked because it was Christmas money I was sending her. I just did not want to take a chance with them again if the debit card failed to process.
So she sets the account up at PNB, you send PNB RCI the money order. (I never ever send more then 500 at a time. and more often it was 200 to 250.00) You include the 6.00 fee and within 36 hours it is on the card. There is a hidden benefit. She does not have to withdraw the money all at one time. It works exactly like a debit card. The one thing that always frightened me with WU and XOOM, they have to take all the money at once. Good Luck

Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-20 05:15:00
PhilippinesUS consulate interview
QUOTE (annaliza36 @ Aug 10 2009, 04:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi everybody,
I found this site very helpfull to my K1 visa application. All of you guys are very resourcefull. I have a question regarding the interview in Manila. Is it strickly English speaking or are they going to provide a translator upon request?? My fiancee can speak little English but he has trouble engaging English conversation. We are both Filipino so we have no problem with our communication. My I-129F application was approved but I am worried he wont be able to get through the interview because of communication barrier. Is anybody have any idea?? crying.gif crying.gif


We went through the same worries. Naty had no problems with the interview without the translator. Remember, Nowhere in the process do they state that speaking English is a requirement for a K-1. Good Luck to you.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-12 05:46:00
PhilippinesStarting the K-1 visa

Any evidence of financial contributions, sent flowers, etc. You should show a vested financial interest in your fiance. Western Union, Flowers, gifts, etc that you have sent her. Those reflect direct involvement. My wife is Filipino. We submitted in August of 2008 and NOA 1 came quick and it was I think about 5 months to get NOA2. Once we had that, she went to Manila for the Embassy interview and medical. We got stopped up for 2 months due to her not passing the TB screening (white spot on the x-ray). When that period was over,she finished the process and she arrived in August of 2009. So all told for me from the time we sent in the K1 until she set foot on US soil was just over a year.  BUT Listen to me and ETCH THIS IN STONE. DO NOT GET HER SS number UNTIL  you are married and have her married last name. Additionally, as soon as you can GET HER A STATE ISSUED ID. This has been a misstep on my part and we received an RFE wanting additional eveidence of a bonafide marriage. Document EVERYTHING. Every card, letter, etc. it is ALL IMPORTANT. And Hank? The receipt for the engagement ring, etc. IS useful in making your case. 


Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2014-05-29 10:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 - Stress Relief
QUOTE (Johan & Anne @ Feb 15 2009, 08:27 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations to you!! star_smile.gif

Oh My GOD!!!! you poor girl. I hope they fix this for you soon. Good Luck, may your wait be over soon.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-02-15 09:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 - Stress Relief
I arrived home from work and retrived the groceries from my trunk as I do everyday whistling.gif I approched my mailbox and with my one free hand opened it. I see the letter from Vermont, unsure.gif I became kind of stunned like a deer caught in the headlights blink.gif Regaining composure, I opened the letter apparantly with grocercies stiill in hand. I read good.gif Then I saw the the box with the Notice Type: APPROVAL NOTICE Then it took a moment to register wacko.gif Then kicking.gif Groceries went flying. Eggs broke everywhere. This was indeed a moment forever etched into my memory even though I know soon it wil be superseded when I see my sweetheart coming through that arrival gate.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-02-15 07:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress Reportsi am goin INSANE
QUOTE (TBoneTX @ Jul 16 2009, 01:08 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thankfully, I'll never have to worry personally about giving birth... but I hear that it's much like passing a watermelon through your nostril.

Waiting on the K-1 petition IS difficult, si man, and it nearly drove me cuckoo. Do whatever it takes to distract yourself in a positive way (violent exercise, cheating at cards, pulling the legs off ants & putting them in water & watching them sink, or other productive societal avenues), and the wait will end. Study the next steps in the process (consular interview, first) and prepare yourself. You can do it, si man.



For proof I used 3 or 4 reciepts for flower deliveries, a few emails, copies of IM chats. (You can turn the Archive function on in Yahoo Messenger to save them). I also printed out call histories from my computer to her cell phone. The rest is obvious. plane tickets, photos, passport stamps, and finanacial reciepts. )

OH.......She was approved yesterday @ Manila. We will marry on August 21st. exactly 4 years to the date we first met online.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-17 19:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsTHANK YOU VISAJOURNEY
A very big THANK YOU to all the members of VJ whom have helped Naty and myself through our long and sometimes frustrating K-1 process. Naty was approved on July 16th, 2009 in Manila.
I am pretty certain without the assistance I found on here, I do not know what I would have done. Visajourney is a tremendous community with so many good and decent people. I cannot say thank you enough.
LOOKING BACK.
In retrospect, the bumps in the road were more based on emotions rather than the actual process itself. Like anything else, its the "not knowing" that rattles the nerves.
In comparison to others on here, it seems that my journey along this path with Naty was rather tame. My heart goes out to those whom have run into missing documentation, failed medicals, mis-understandings, and the collapse of relationships when the burdens becomes too hard. There are reasons for everything in life and even a loss is still a gain in what we can learn about who we are when the going gets tough.
As petitioners, the majority of us are where we are going to be when our significint others join us. For our spouses, girlfriends, boyfriends, and their children, they are leaving the life they know behind, their friends, family, neighbors, the surroundings, good or bad, it takes a lot of courage no matter the circumstances. I told Naty to go out and take pictures of everything she sees everyday. The house and the neighbors, the salon she worked in for so many years. Anything and everything. This will be her history to reflect on and to remind her of home. Funny how even a photo of a doorway can tell a story years later.
Having said that; is what I am bringing to the table, is it better?, is it worse?, is it worth the sacrifice on Naty's part? There is just no way to tell. Prayer and faith has taken us this far, It will have to take us the rest of the way.
It has been 4 long years and during the last 2, we have been fortunate in that I was able to provide Naty with a laptop and webcam so we could chat anytime. There is just no way to oversell the importance of having daily contact. If you can do it, make it so.
For Naty and myself, This part of the journey is coming to an end and a new and ever more challenging journey begins. We will marry on August 21st, 2009, exactly 4 years to the day when I first met Naty in an Internet cafe.
For those of you still waiting. Keep your hopes high and you prayers loud and often. Believe in each other and more importantly, believe in yourself. Every storm ends, every mountain has a summit. For every setback there is a victory just in the offing. You will wake up one day with your sweetheart by your side sooner than you think. Gods speed.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-19 15:17:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsTravel Agency for the K1 Visa
QUOTE (mfalv @ Jul 30 2009, 08:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hello everyone! Please share your thoughts to my concern.


My fiance (he resides in Santa Monica, CA) submitted the I-129F on May 29, 2009 and received the NOA1 on the 1st of June. Since then, we have been waiting for the NOA2. Apparently, we are under California Service Center. We have taken the services of a travel agency here in Cebu since April beginning with my passport.


Just today, I spoke with the manager of the travel agency. Her words were more or less like these:
"I am only worried because those fiancees who were in the similiar batch as yours are now about to leave the country. Do you remember me telling you before that once you have the receipt number which starts with WAC, you must give it to me? I could have begun making a constant follow up at the INS and helped you move faster."


Now, I am wondering. Do you think she's bluffing because she wants money or she is actually credible? Could she possibly make a follow up at the INS for the NOA2 to arrive sooner than usual? We have paid 25% of the required package fee for the K1 visa assistance two months ago and my fiance seems reluctant about paying more unless the NOA2 arrives.


Perhaps some of you here may help to enlighten me. I'll appreciate your responses.

WHOA!!!. I did the entire process myself with the the great guides and support I found here on VJ. Everyone has their hand out with claims they can move mountains for you. Fact is, the process is the process and it moves along under the direction of the Consulate, not a travel agent. be wary of these people looking to make a quick buck.


ARIADNE


Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-30 08:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThe supplement to question 18
QUOTE (bubi @ Jul 30 2009, 07:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I also need to ask...
Since i dont know how are things at the US embassy in Macedonia, i wrote a detailed description of how my fiance and I met. How we started talking and where it went from there. I dont know if it is ok to be detailed, but i read that this supplement will be sent to the embassy when they call in for an interview and that sometimes its best to be detailed.

I would appreciate any advice you may have concerning this matter.

thank you once again


you should keep it short and to the point. "I met so and so online in an Internet chat room on or about MM DD YYYY. We met by chance and we began chatting often. We made the decision to meet and I traveled to her (his) country on MMDD YYYY. We spent xx wonderful days together as I learned about her (him). I look forward to (name) to join me here in the USA as soon as possible.

It does not have to be exactly like that and you can go longer. Just remember, they see these dozens of times every day so I would imagine they notate how you met and the other basic information for their records. As long as you met and can provide the documents to support that, your good to go. - I agonized over this for WEEKS and had this long drawn out 4 page letter, I discovered VisaJourney and was able to whittle that down to what you see here. Keep it simple.
The more information you put in that letter, the more information the CO has to draw questions from. They get their questions from whatever information is provided to them. Obviously they cannot very well ask a question they do not know the answer too themselves. So be careful and stick the basics.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-30 07:26:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsRe: Us fiance's income
QUOTE (Old Dominion @ Jul 31 2009, 05:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You are asking about getting a visa to enter Algeria? Then the U.S. poverty guidelines don't apply. Just state your income and let it go at that.


She gets food stamps...................I think we are the only country in the world that does that unsure.gif
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-01 05:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsChat Logs
QUOTE (pweettyy @ Jul 31 2009, 02:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi!


How many chatlogs needed per month for me to print out for the additional evidences needed for the USEM interview?


Thank you.



I used "snippets" that consisted of 4 or 5 lines of chats from various dates over the past year. The recent activity is really important. I copied and pasted the samples so they fit onto 3 pages. In addition I put:
  • 3 pages of Emails
  • 10 PNB bank receipts that are current and in addition to the 10 I sent in with the original app
  • a printout of the last years history of Yahoo to cellphone calls from the Yahoo voice account
  • 2 pages of text messages - copied and pasted also from Yahoo SMS to cell in Messenger.
  • 3 reciepts for valentines day flowers ordered through local streets for each of the last 3 years


I mixed the selections to show different dates over the past 2 years. Some older email receipts from Western Union were thrown in to reflecting the past 4 years that we have known each other.

Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-01 04:55:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsGot I-129F Approved! right??
QUOTE (JoshP @ Aug 1 2009, 11:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everyone! I just got an email last night from the uscis which read:


"*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***

The last processing action taken on your case

Receipt Number: EAC0911******

Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On July 31, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F
PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you
move before you receive the notice, call customer service.

If you have questions or concerns about your application or the case status
results listed above, or if you have not received a decision from USCIS within
the current processing time listed*, please contact USCIS Customer Service at
(800) 375-5283.

*Current processing times can be found on the USCIS website at www.uscis.gov
under Case Status and Processing Dates.
*** Please do not respond to this e-mail message.


Sincerely,


The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)"

For everyone who has gotten approved, is this what you all recieved?? i am just soo excited and pesimistic that this finally happened kicking.gif Thanks!


CONGRATES , Yes you have it kicking.gif
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-01 11:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-129F Petition for Fiance approved in 16 days!
QUOTE (Beinha e Patrick @ Aug 3 2009, 05:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
It is simply an observation. I apologize as I did not read the part about receiving the NOA1. My bad. No harm and if you got NOA2 in 16 days thats great!!!!!. And, I am not the "lady" (well, ok, sometimes, but thats for the off-topic). star_smile.gif


I accept your apologize. I just felt you offended us saying "the OP is getting one over on us" and trying to find something wrong while you forgot to check the information first. Trust me, I had to read the email at least 20 times to believe on it!
But It's ok... let's have a new start wink.gif And I'm sorry for the "lady".
star_smile.gif



OK, Lets start over. That is really really cool that you received it so fast. No need to apologize for the Lady comment. I roll with it.
Brian
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-03 16:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-129F Petition for Fiance approved in 16 days!
QUOTE (Beinha e Patrick @ Aug 3 2009, 11:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Brian&Naty @ Aug 3 2009, 09:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Beinha @ Aug 1 2009, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance and I, we work on our Petition Fiance together without a lawyer, but we have an amazing friend Lisa helping us as she got married same way and her first advice was "go check Visa Journey website". To make it short, we have sent the I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance to USCIS on 2009/07/11 and we got their response on 2009/07/15 and last night 2009/07/31 we received their email saying:

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***
The last processing action taken on your case
Receipt Number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
Current Status: Approval notice sent.
On July 31, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

I have to thanks Lisa so much and all of you that share here all information we need to make it happens!
Now we are ready to keep doing what it needs to get married innocent.gif

good.gif Really? I find that very interesting to receive a NOA2 in 16 days and no mention is made of the NOA1? I do not mean to sound skeptical. 16 days to receive the NOA1 would be about right. If it was me and considering the problems other people have had when the service center runs amok; If you do not have NOA1 and received NOA2, I smell a problem coming. Does anyone realize that between NOA1 and NOA2 there is a general background check done on the US Petitioner? This has to be one of 3 things:1. A big mistake on the service center's part, 2. Incredible luck. 3 the OP is getting one over on us. Don't really see why someone would do that, but this almost defies logic.



Lady,
With all respect in the world, for God's, go smell a problem coming anywhere but here. If you could, at least, let your envy behind and READ, you would keep your suggestions and frustration behind and avoid all of us to read your mean post with your lack of happiness for anyone but you. I really suggest you to calm down and pray more, God forbid you for your words.
I hope you reach all goals that you have and that you receive whatever you wish in your life.
Beinha


It is simply an observation. I apologize as I did not read the part about receiving the NOA1. My bad. No harm and if you got NOA2 in 16 days thats great!!!!!. And, I am not the "lady" (well, ok, sometimes, but thats for the off-topic). star_smile.gif

Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-03 16:31:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsI-129F Petition for Fiance approved in 16 days!
QUOTE (Beinha @ Aug 1 2009, 04:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiance and I, we work on our Petition Fiance together without a lawyer, but we have an amazing friend Lisa helping us as she got married same way and her first advice was "go check Visa Journey website". To make it short, we have sent the I-129F Petition for Alien Fiance to USCIS on 2009/07/11 and we got their response on 2009/07/15 and last night 2009/07/31 we received their email saying:

*** DO NOT RESPOND TO THIS E-MAIL ***
The last processing action taken on your case
Receipt Number: XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Application Type: I129F , PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)
Current Status: Approval notice sent.
On July 31, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

I have to thanks Lisa so much and all of you that share here all information we need to make it happens!
Now we are ready to keep doing what it needs to get married innocent.gif

good.gif Really? I find that very interesting to receive a NOA2 in 16 days and no mention is made of the NOA1? I do not mean to sound skeptical. 16 days to receive the NOA1 would be about right. If it was me and considering the problems other people have had when the service center runs amok; If you do not have NOA1 and received NOA2, I smell a problem coming. Does anyone realize that between NOA1 and NOA2 there is a general background check done on the US Petitioner? This has to be one of 3 things:1. A big mistake on the service center's part, 2. Incredible luck. 3 the OP is getting one over on us. Don't really see why someone would do that, but this almost defies logic.

Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-03 07:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsShe boards the plane in a few hours
QUOTE (John_Anna Marie @ Aug 2 2009, 12:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In a few hours Anna Marie will board plane to come here. After working for this for over five years, it still hasn't sunk in yet that this is it. That won't happen until we are back together.
Wanted to thank everyone very there well wishes and support through this process.

kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif FINALLY

The bottom line is patience does pay off. Whatever situation you are in with your visa and process. know that it's only a matter of time.

Thanks again everyone for your support..


John and Anna Marie


For Naty and myself its been 4 years. She arrives next Tuesday @ Fort Lauderdale. I share in your excitement and Congratulations.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-06 05:29:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsNOA2 after 4 months of waiting
QUOTE (Saska+Tim @ Jul 25 2009, 02:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Tim just got our NOA2 in e-mail!!!! WE ARE SOOO HAPPY!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif


QUOTE
Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On July 23, 2009, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E).



Congrats. I know that feeling!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now the process will move right along. Good Luck on the rest of your journey.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-25 18:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsLife is really good today!!! After 7 months and 2 days :)
QUOTE (Mr Twister @ Jul 31 2009, 08:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It finally happened!!!! NAO 2 Baby.....what a beautiful high!!! Had my loving son and daughter next to me when I found out, Life is good today smile.gif


P.S.
I did not get an email and the website has not yet updated but my Lawyer did get the notice.

Hey Bro, I am next door in Fort Lauderdale. CONGRATESS!!!!!! kicking.gif My sweetheart is arriving in 10 days so your not far behind me. Good Luck
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-31 19:35:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSHE IS IN THE UNITED STATES AND IN THE AIR HERE
Naty's roaming did not work for us. blush.gif The other K-1 traveling with her was nowhere to be found upon arrival in Texas. helpsmilie.gif She was kind of lost and probably on the verge of tears crying.gif when a Continental Gate Attendant noticed Naty was looking around. He immediately took her to the service desk and put her on an earlier flight. In addition, he called me so Naty could talk to me FROM HIS PERSONAL cellphone. Now thats customer service!!!!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
Thank You Jerome. Your one of the good guys.

I am off to get NATY kicking.gif kicking.gif
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-11 11:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAdvice on proof of travel - Save E-ticket as PDF
Yes, the PDF format is the best for keeping the document intact. Confirmations should always be complimented with visa\passport stamps showing the same time and dates. Remember, an e-ticket itself does not actually prove the person traveled. it just says you bought a ticket.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-08-13 11:49:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresif i was deported from USA before,and is gonna be big deal for IR-1 visa
QUOTE (tngirl21809 @ May 29 2009, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (hotrock18 @ May 28 2009, 11:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (redglasses @ May 27 2009, 04:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (HelloWorld08 @ May 27 2009, 05:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
how long ago did this happen?

what was the reason for the deportation?


And how long are you banned?


well,,they arrest and detain in immigration detention on,,10/2006 and deported on08/22/2007
i was banned 10,,i missed court date and deportation order enter to me,,,i didn't know all that,cause i didn't got mail that i have court coming,,,so simply i missed,,,and i went for I-864 green card interview,,that was denied,cause i enter USA as crew(seaman),,no green card for me,,i can't adjust my status,,,denied,,,and arrested and detain because i have deportation order on me,,,,so that what happen to me guys,,,they deported me on 08/22/2007,,,here i am in Myanmar and now,stuck with DS-230 and civil document,,,,and i used to be crew(seaman) for 20 months,, now NVC is asking for police certificate for that time,,,from SINGAPORE,,,i was like what the hell?,,how i can?,,i was in the international water,,nothing to do with Singapore government,,now i have hell of explanation to do ,,,,anyway,,step by step,,,and it will come to the point where it will be black or white,right?,,thank for ur reply,,,,,, good.gif



What flag/country was the vessel registered in? If it was a Singaporean ship, technically.. that's an extension of the Singapore Government so you should be able to get police certificate. You might have to show proof that you were on board. Something like that. Hopefully, everything works out for you.


A Singaporean ship? Is Singaporean even a legit word? blink.gif If so then there are Cubaneaon Ships, Japanoean ships.



Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-17 19:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI don't know about you guys
QUOTE (Malrothien @ Jul 17 2009, 01:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But reading and reading and reading more about the process is driving me looney! ClockWatch2.gif


This process can drive you nuts. But, take comfort that VisaJourney is the "goto" place to post questions and look at other people's experiences in the journey. If not for VJ, I am not sure we would have been able to succeed without an attorney. my fiance passed her interview on July 16th and we are awaiting the visa now.
In retrospect. The many things I worried about turned out to be unfounded. Just go through the guide, step by step, gather the needed docs, and go for it. Good Luck on your journey, the end result is soooooo worth it.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-18 23:35:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUSPS...Notice left?
QUOTE (payxibka @ Jul 25 2009, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
on Saturday when no one is working? seems pretty commonsensical to me



LOL< commensensical. I like it, right up there with discombobulated.
Brian&NatyMalePhilippines2009-07-25 19:28:00