ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Asia: East and PacificMy wife had her interview at 10 AM on Friday, 02 February 2007 in Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam

Congrats! May your life together be happy and blessed! (F)






:dance: Congratulations (L) (F)


BB


Congrats and bring her home now.
LurkerMale02007-02-02 15:16:00
Asia: East and PacificTrash it?

STOP!!!!!!DROP!!!!!!!!!!!AND ROLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You're on fire!!!!

Ridejewel,

Keep everything, orgainze them, box them up. YES, you will need some of those evidence and more accumulative ones for the next BIG interview, the 2-Yrs Conditional GreenCard. I don't throw out anything that related to Kim's immigration matter, not until she gets her Citizenship and that's just me! Just how I wouldn't change her last name to mine until she gets her Citizenship and go through with the whole immigration process either, to avoid naming confusion and mixed up with the SSA, USCIS, and DMV at the early stage. And that's also just me. Ask your wife to order extra certified birth certificate in Vietnamese and English ones from Vietnam, you will need a few of them when you apply for GC. Also, if she has her college or other government issued document which are important to her continuing education, get them translated into English also. It's cheaper to get it done overthere than here in the States, and it's somewhat officially looking with the red seal/stamp :D

Good luck and again, do not throw those precious evidence and document away!!!


I pratically spit out my coffee on this response...thanks again to the people named CHUCK!!!
LurkerMale02007-02-16 08:21:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview Rally For icqworld
Are you trying to escape us man? Give it up...Tells us what happened.
LurkerMale02007-02-08 20:53:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview Rally For icqworld
Alright...Quit holding out on us. Give the spill. :blush:
LurkerMale02007-02-08 08:23:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview Rally For icqworld
PINK!!!

Here is hoping for you and yours. Good Luck!!!
LurkerMale02007-02-02 10:21:00
Asia: East and PacificManila International Airport
Just make sure you agree on a price before you step into the taxi. Also, usually the taxi that isn't so eager to get you a ride is the one's that are cheaper than others and more reliable.
LurkerMale02007-01-12 20:47:00
Asia: East and PacificTelephone Bills

i used www.vietnam84.com and they have a print out of the dates and time when the calls were made.
i also have VONAGE and just highlight.

i also echo what LURKER said.


good luck


Vonage? Sounds like a STD man. Go directly to your free clinic (yes doctor, my girlfriend gave me "Vonage")...do not pass go, do not collect $200 dollars.
LurkerMale02007-02-16 08:24:00
Asia: East and PacificTelephone Bills
First off relax. Life is too short to be serious. Relax and have a laugh.

I have clients myself and didn't redact any of the numbers in there. My wife just highlighted all that are regarding her. They don't care about the other numbers. They only care about how you are communicating with your SO, and if you are.
LurkerMale02007-02-15 08:27:00
Asia: East and PacificI got the pink, thank all of your wishes
Congrats man. Glad to hear the good news. Now if we can get the others to respond as to how their interviews went.
LurkerMale02007-02-13 12:44:00
Asia: East and PacificSHE GOT IT!!!
PLEASE GIVE ME TIME WHILE I GO THROW UP NOW. THANK YOU ALL FOR EVERYTHING.
LurkerMale02007-02-13 23:22:00
Asia: East and PacificThe Petition Process for bring someone from Viet Nam to Unites States of America
Good post Gregory! :thumbs:
LurkerMale02007-02-04 09:04:00
Asia: East and PacificLurker's review

I was speaking with a close friend this week in Sai Gon who knows the Consulate first-hand:

Fact:

The COs are over worked and have a tight schedule to maximize interviews (only 1 hour lunch break)
The COs definitely prefer to pass the applicants vs. having a person (usually female) crying in front of them.
The COs must receive 100% of required paperwork, or the applicant must return with all correct forms.
The COs interpeters, who are provided as a convenience, do make mistakes (Unfortunately) so it's best to speak English.
Finally,
The Applicant needs to answer the CO's questions correctly, The VNs people (inc. my former students) seem to change the subject, provide a very very general answer, reply is too confusing or they are too "long winded" and don't get to the point.

Feedback from a credible source :)


Hard to imagine that American work ethics (Which is the norm here) would be considered "Over worked". I find this very interesting.
LurkerMale02007-02-18 09:11:00
Asia: East and PacificLurker's review

e. The consulate knows Vietnamese cultures and traditions. We got married without registering our marriage. We did this because it is traditional. I cannot take her away from her father without doing so. I referred to her as my wife, and her as her husband. She wore a wedding ring. We had 300+ people at our wedding with signs galore "Happy Wedding" in the tieng Viet in the background of our pictures. We presented our guest list. They expect this. They know Vietnamese culture and traditions. I sometimes think we look too far into this ####### that we actually alter what is traditional for the sake of thinking they are ignorant to it. If for some reason you are not traditional and/or you have lost your traditions you may have a more difficult time convincing them of your relationship as I think they would question about this.


We are going to do this. I think it'll be great, can't wait. Her mom sounds great and I want to meet her anyway, but we have to travel 13 hours to the country to their farm. There is a money show that is very strange to my western mind, but I can accept the traditional ways for her family. I never thought to have a guest book to present at interview. Thanks!

We won't register it either, just a religious ceremony for tradition/family/face.



"There is a money show "? Please explain.
LurkerMale02007-02-17 08:57:00
Asia: East and PacificLurker's review
First, I would like to think everybody here for helping me through the first step in our Visa Journey (Is that a trademark? Sorry if so.)

Second, I am not going to go through the details most have (i.e. went to the consulate blah…left consulate blah). What I am going to do is focus on the generalization of what we have learned.

Third, what I am about to say is only my opinions and in no way dictate what you should do for your entire case. Everybody's situation is different. Hence the term coined "Different strokes for different folks" if you will.

1) We swore not to believe in every damn rumor, gossip queen talk that circulated around the forums or VN about the visa process, all the while carefully observing everything around us on the process to get to the heart of the matter.

a. There are a LOT of crazy loon rumors and just plain flat out misinformation that we ran across. Fortunately my wife has a strong head and thick skin to deflect this #######.

b. You give them traditional Vietnamese respect, they will respond in return. If you are rude, they will respond in return. Simple as that. If you don't know what I am talking about then go about your time blindly and see for yourself.

c. Cho Ray hospital was probably one of the nicest hospitals my wife has been to. Especially considering the fact that she is not poor and has great health care in Hanoi (If there is such a thing as great health care in Vietnam.)

d. My wife's estimation was that the majority of the people in the consulate are not there for a K Visa period!!! She estimated that only 10% are there for a K type Visa. So the folks that say "I saw so many greens/blues but they gave me the pink" is accurate, but not of the same type of filing. The others are there for either:

i. Student

ii. Family

iii. Travel

e. The consulate knows Vietnamese cultures and traditions. We got married without registering our marriage. We did this because it is traditional. I cannot take her away from her father without doing so. I referred to her as my wife, and her as her husband. She wore a wedding ring. We had 300+ people at our wedding with signs galore "Happy Wedding" in the tieng Viet in the background of our pictures. We presented our guest list. They expect this. They know Vietnamese culture and traditions. I sometimes think we look too far into this ####### that we actually alter what is traditional for the sake of thinking they are ignorant to it. If for some reason you are not traditional and/or you have lost your traditions you may have a more difficult time convincing them of your relationship as I think they would question about this.

f. Since day 1, we looked at everything with a fine toothed comb. If it weren't for VJ, this wouldn't have happened. Look at your specific situation. Only you know who you are and what you have done or not. Be critical of yourself when providing evidence. Leave no questions, no stones unturned, and then after you are done, DO IT AGAIN AND AGAIN REPEAT OVER AND OVER UNTIL THE INTERVIEW IS COMPLETE.

g. It is hard, but tries not to be a "Downer-Dave". Keep your head up and listen to another VJer's advice "THINK BIG PICTURE". Calm your SO down. She will feel anxiety if you feel anxiety. KEEP YOUR SO CALM. If your SO is not one to have a strong mind to deflect garbage talk, then it is your job to do damage control.

I hope you all can read this and get something out of our experiences to help you in your Visa Journey. Keep your head up, stay strong and take every step one at a time.

Edited by Lurker, 14 February 2007 - 08:47 AM.

LurkerMale02007-02-14 08:46:00
Asia: East and PacificI-134 notarizations?

I'm in the process of submitting packet 3 and need some help from you experienced VJs.

I had the I-134 notarized with originals of my supporting documents.
-bank letter
-pay stubs
-employer letter
-tax returns for last 3 years
-stock statements
-etc.

I've read over a few other posts on this topic that were helpful but still
have these concerns:

Do I mail in a ceritified copy of my I-134 and supporting documents with pack 3 or the original?
If I make copies, do I have certify each supporting document? or just the I-134?

Can your 401k count under stocks, bonds on the I-134?

Any other tips or help is appreciated.
I'll be heading over to VN in a couple days.
THANKS...



These are the documents you send back to the consulate. I would send Fedex or DHL back to the consulate so you know it actually got there by signature.

DS-230 Part I
Interview checklist

Yes, use the 401k.

I sent my Vo yeu 2 certified copies of my I-134 just in case she needed it. Actually I sent her certified double copies of everything that I could.
LurkerMale02007-02-06 18:24:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview Rally For tway22
Ok man, what happened!?!?!?!
LurkerMale02007-02-12 08:07:00
Asia: East and PacificInterview Rally For tway22
PINK!!!

Here is hoping for you and yours. Keep the trend alive!!!
LurkerMale02007-02-05 12:54:00
Asia: East and PacificBest way to get wedding money in/out of Thailand
Can they not accept your tax transcripts? Not trying to be funny here....but if you laugh...well..then let it out.
LurkerMale02007-02-18 00:35:00
Asia: East and PacificBest way to communicate with your love one in VietNam

13.7 cents/minute is a very good rate. I think I pay $0.19/minute using a land line.

Yahoo and Skype is free for PC to PC calls (with webcam).

Make sure you have a provider that will send you a monthly history of your calls - you'll need them for the interview.



Skype, Cell phone txt messages, Yahoo. The occasional phone call. All the solutions have logs or ways of showing that particular communication.
LurkerMale02006-11-26 22:55:00
Asia: East and PacificShopping for a vietnamese in the US

We had the pleasure of meeting with Chuck and Kim, and we had a wonderful time. They really helped us out with getting some things that would help Huong settle in a little easier. Thanks so much!!! We have gained 2 friends that have gone thru the same struggles that we went thru, and it is so great to see what a wonderful relationship they have.

My lovely Huong will post her thoughts about the trip later tonight. I am sorry we have just been so busy. I don't know how someone that just arrived to the US could be bored.

Thanks Chuck and Kim, we love you guys!!!
Mike n Huong


Sounds like your wife's experience was very good. I think it is good for you to have shown her the bad side of the cities as she indicated. I also cannot imagine what she must and will go through being without her child. Do you think that is what held up the Visa process? Meaning, her having a child and not bringing the child with you....maybe the consulate found that strange?

Also, if it not too much to ask...we always get the Visa experience from the side of the petitioner...Mike, can you have your wife give her experience of the Visa process from start to finish, if you think it will benefit us all.

How soon after you guys got the visa that you were able to get a plane ticket for her? How much did it cost?
LurkerMale02006-12-06 11:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUrgent - Forgot the Interview Letter

Hi,

I'm the stupid fiance that left her letter at home. I have received an email from the Consulate to inform me of the interview date. Do you think this is sufficient if I present this?? It does have my case number on.

Thank you
Sacha


I would have it scanned...emailed and/or faxed if you can. And no you are not stupid...with all the things you have to remember.
LurkerMale02006-12-06 19:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresK-2 VISA holder wants to return home

Hi,
I didn't know if anyone else had ever had this situation, but a week and a half ago my fiancee arrived in the U.S. with her K-1 Visa and her son, who had a K-2 Visa.
We live in Champaign, IL and we registered him for classes in the 8th grade yesterday. During our registration process, we saw students disrespecting office personnel, the Policeman assigned to the school walking in and out trying to solve a bussing situation, office personnel using walkie-talkies to try and keep track of kids causing problems, and then when we left, a fight had broken out amongst some students and a Police car was there.
I couldn't believe it. And my fiancee said she was worried about her son(who doesn't speak English). After a long discussion we decided he's not going back to the school, and in fact, we've agreed that he should finish his high school career in Lima, Peru (his hometown).
So I was wondering if anyone knew: Can the boy receive a change of status(and become a naturalized citizen) and return to Lima now or does he have to stay in the United States until he receives his change of status?.....a process that I believe takes 7 to 9 months after we're married. We believe it's the later, but wanted to check.
Thanks, craig



How about having your wife home school him? Just a thought.
LurkerMale02006-11-09 21:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPLEASE UPDATE YOUR TIMELINES!!!
I have notice several people that have received their visas but have not updated their timelines since packet 3 or even earlier.

Please update your timelines as to give an accurate portral of how long the process takes for other members.
LurkerMale02006-11-30 18:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresWhy should a visa be denied?

Wow I got a big let down today. Got a letter with denied but an appeal letter attached. I called the USCIS for answers because it was unclear as to why. Looked like a RFE paragraph. We provided the information + in our first RFE. The guy at the office asked me to read him the letter and said it was realy unclear. Both my Fiancee and i are upset by this. Is this a common thing to happen???? Have others had to deal with this issue. I am going to appeal and include more information but need help in finding what i need to provide for them. Thanks for any help



Seems very clear to me that you didn't answer the IMBRA question on the form. I would go back to your original RFE that they sent you and send them another form completely filled out.
LurkerMale02006-12-06 00:15:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Could pregnancy be a problem for a visa?
You don't have to worry about being pregnant when you have you're medical exam just inform them about you're situation and i'm sure that they have an options for the applicants who have the same situation like yours.It says in SLEMEC Medical Instruction chest x-ray for pregnant women are not dangerous if taken with the proper shielding.US.Public Health Service/Centers for Disease Control(USPHS/CDC)has approved an exception to the chest X-ray requirement for pregnant women if they do not want to take it,which means you have a choice not to take the X-ray yes.gif ,how ever pregnant women visa applicants are advice to obtain a tuberculin skin test and any necessary follow up at the local health department after arriving in the United States.If you have previous chest X-ray you must bring the results with them to SLMEC for comparative analysis.I hope this helps you to be calm and not to worry about you're pregnancy when i have read your post i immediately remember the info i have learned about the medical exams for pregnant women that i have read before when i was still preparing for my medical exam sched in the Philippines. So relax ok! good.gif Congratulations to you up coming baby! wink.gif
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2009-06-01 15:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDocument Verification
It says the DV is required here as well: http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3217.html

I was really hoping rockbabyrock27 was correct about no more DV but I think we will be waiting along with the rest. mad.gif
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-10-09 17:25:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDocument Verification
QUOTE (jetty @ Oct 8 2008, 07:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
prepare cenomar... as of oct 2008, there are revisions to requirements and document verification was removed, instead, they now require CENOMAR (for single) and MARRIAGE INDEX (for married)... just browse the website and see for yourself


Please let us know the web site you are referring to. I looked under the Manila Embassy web site and it says:

"K-1, K-3, CR-1, IR-1, F-1 and F2-B applicants will normally have their documents verified at the National Statistics Office (NSO) before the U.S. Embassy Manila can issue the visa. The cost of the document verification is PhP 650 per applicant."

The link is here: http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3219.html

Look towards the bottom of the page.
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-10-08 10:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionschedule for interview
The packet that you are referring to is simply a one page letter with your case number and instructions on how to proceed.

I tried to schedule Izel's interview before she received the letter and I was unable to because the paperwork had not arrived and be processed by the Manila Embassy. I highly recommend that you wait for the letter otherwise you will be spending money needlessly to call the embassy only to have them tell you they can't do anything. If you have waited 4 or 5 weeks after your NOA2 and still have not received the letter, then it is time to start calling and find out what has happened.
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-11-04 09:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHandwritten DS 157 and DS 156k
QUOTE (Eric & Althea @ Nov 6 2008, 05:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi guys! I will soon to have my interview and I don't know if it is okay to do handwriting on DS 157 and DS 156K forms. I have a problem filling them up online. I can't type any letters on the fields even I have my cursor on it. I have no idea what's the problem. So, I might just write on it than wasting my time figuring out how can I type. I was able to fill-up DS 156 form online and printed it with barcode. I had no problem with that except for DS 157 and DS 156K. Thanks for the help!


Be sure you have the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. I spent over an hour working with Izel on these forms only to find out that the computer she was working on didn't have Adobe Reader installed. Here is the link:


http://www.adobe.com.../readstep2.html
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-11-06 22:46:00
Philippinesmonth of cheapest flights TO the Philippines?
QUOTE (iya @ Jun 27 2008, 06:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does anyone have an idea as to when tickets to the Philippines are cheapest? I know Christmas-time is out.. so what months are in? Someone mentioned to me that Feb ticket prices are lower, but when I check online, it doesn't seem to be any different.. I'd really appreciate input.

Thanks!! smile.gif


With the fuel prices being what they are, it is hard to predict. I have flown from Portland, OR to PI 12 times in the last 2 years and have found April/May and end of September/October to be the cheapest times. You should try www.lessno.com for cheap airfares and Philippine airlines as they are not on the lessno web site. Good luck and have a safe trip.
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-06-27 20:47:00
PhilippinesHow difficult could it possibly be?
Even more specifically, he has an "Immigration Privacy Release Form" for dealing specifically with your case:
http://cornyn.senate...65-961df004cc9c

It makes me wonder, if everyone filled out this form and sent it in regarding the DV, if things might change.

Fitzee, thanks for the information either way.

Al

Edited by IzelNAl, 12 July 2008 - 11:03 PM.

IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-07-12 23:02:00
PhilippinesHelp!!!need ur experties regarding limit in luggage!!!
Hi Irene,
Here are the baggage requirements for Japan Airlines from PI to Japan:

D)
Unchecked Baggage
(1)
Except articles specifically permitted by JAL to be carried into the cabin, Baggage which a Passenger may carry into the cabin shall be, besides one pack of a Passenger’s personal belongings, as permitted by JAL’s Regulations, which the Passenger carries and retains, one piece of article provided in JAL's Regulations which can be stowed in an enclosed storage compartment in the cabin or under the seat in front of the Passenger, the sum of the three dimensions of which shall not exceed 115 centimeters (45 inches); provided that the total weight of such articles shall not exceed 10 kilograms(22 pounds). A Passenger shall not carry into the cabin any Baggage which JAL deems cannot be stowed in safety in the cabin.
(2)
JAL will permit a Passenger to carry into the cabin articles not suitable for Carriage in a cargo compartment (such as fragile musical instruments) only if a prior due notice of such article is given to, and a prior permission to such Carriage is granted by, JAL. Carriage of such Baggage shall be subject to a charge provided in JAL's Regulations.
(E)
Free Baggage Allowance
(1)
The total free Baggage allowance of Checked and Unchecked Baggage of each Passenger shall be as follows:
(a)
(a) a Passenger paying a first class fare shall, unless otherwise provided in JAL's Regulations, receive a free Checked Baggage allowance of 40 kilograms (88 pounds);
(cool.gif
a Passenger paying an intermediate class fare shall, unless otherwise provided in JAL's Regulations, receive a free Checked Baggage allowance of 30 kilograms (66 pounds);
©
a Passenger paying an economy class fare shall, unless otherwise provided in JAL's Regulations, receive a free Checked Baggage allowance of 20 kilograms (44 pounds); and
(d)
in addition to the preceding (a), (cool.gif and ©, a Passenger shall, unless otherwise provided in JAL’s Regulations, receive a free Baggage allowance of Unchecked Baggage as described in sub-paragraph (1) of paragraph (D) of this Article.
(e)
Notwithstanding the preceding (a),(cool.gif, © and (d), an Infant paying an Infant fare shall receive a free Baggage allowance of 10 kilograms (22 pounds) for Checked Baggage plus either one fully collapsible stroller/ pushchair or Infant's carrying basket or Infant's car seat.


As for the perfume, pack each bottle with a cap in a sealed plastic bag and wrap securely with paper and tape. Then, place all of the bottles in one box and pack with paper or bubble wrap, tight so they will not move. Then, place them in the middle of you big luggage and be sure that they are well cushioned with your clothes. Remember, you luggage could end up on the bottom of a pile of 10 bags so you need to be very careful to pack things that are liquid or can break carefully.

Depending where you are traveling to, your Continental flight will probably be a Northwest Airlines flight that is subcontracted by Continental.

If you still have questions, let PM me with more detail on your flights and I will get the information you need.

Good luck on your packing and your trip!
Al
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-08-30 11:49:00
PhilippinesPHP 1,620 TAX
First go here:

http://www.philtouri...ov.ph/ttax.html

Then go here:

http://www.philtouri...html#t_tax_full

There is an area set aside by the Northwest Airlines ticketing area to pay the travel tax.

The 750 pesos is paid at NAIA after check in and before customs and is a departure tax.

BTW, $35 for dinner. Must be nice to be rich! My average meal is less then $6.00.

Edited by IzelNAl, 04 September 2008 - 01:56 AM.

IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-09-04 01:51:00
Philippineswhere to book a flight
QUOTE (richo @ Sep 4 2008, 07:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My hubby just go directly to Philippine airlines online(here in US) and paid it thru his credit card but if you do that, you will need to fill out like an authorization form and send it to you fiancee, together with copies of your driver's license and credit card that you used to pay it. THen she will have to go to PAL in the phiippines and need to show those for them to give her ticket. Its alot of work ,having experience that I think its better that she bought it there at the philippines by herself so she wont have to present these stuff, like i did rolleyes.gif Congrats and good luck


The Philippine airlines (airlines with corporate offices in PI) will require you to present the credit card that paid for the trip. Kind of a hassle in my book.

I use http://www.mobissimo...rch_airfare.php .

Your fiance can pay for the ticket with his credit card and just send you (email) the eticket. Then, all you have to present is the eticket and your passport at the airport and it will be simple.

PS, don't forget your taxes, 1650PHP plus 750PHP. They will not be included in your ticket price but can be paid at the airport on the day of departure.
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-09-04 22:04:00
PhilippinesAnyone fr SFO?
MA, If you go to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair.


SF
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-09-27 22:42:00
PhilippinesSo no more Documentation Verification???
QUOTE (PingLocalHostess @ Oct 15 2008, 06:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Call USEM and confirm it yourself to be sure.



I just talked with Lizet at the US Embassy and she confirmed that the DV was still required.

There are also places on the US Embassy website that indicate the DV is required.

I am very confused and will be paying the DV for Izel. It is not worth the $14 to take a gamble on this craziness. I just hope Angel is right and I will be wasting my money. I am more concerned about time than money. I am still hoping Izel will be here for Christmas and the DV will mess that up for sure.
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-10-16 19:35:00
PhilippinesPassed medical but might have ruined my interview results :(
Hunnybaby,

Izel is in the same situation as you. Her brother left his daughter with Izel at a very young age and has not been seen since. Crystal is now 5 years old. Izel also has a son that is 2 years old and the 2 kids are very close like brother and sister.

Izel wanted to do the same thing you did and register Crystals birth showing Izel as the mother and no father but I told her that was dishonest and she could get caught for kidnapping and many other crimes. We decided to wait until we are married and then we (I) will adopt Crystal and bring her to the US.

There is a full procedure for this on the USCIS web site. I did a little home work on it but am so swamped at work now that I do not have more time.

What ever you decide to do, just be sure to always be honest. There could be many consequences to your actions that could ruin your life.

BTW, if you do find out any more about the US Immigration and adoption procedure or about the informal adoption procedure that someone else mentioned, please let us know.

Good luck. I am sure that it will all work out in the end.

Al
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-11-12 19:42:00
PhilippinesI need your help
QUOTE (ronjie @ Dec 2 2008, 04:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
sounds to me, like your over thinking this. go to your accountant show him the checks you wrote to yourself as pay or income. have him (or her) work the numbers backwards showing the taxes that was or will be taken from your income (deductions) and print you paystubs for the last 3-6 months. the more, the better. that is what I did, along with a notorized letter from employer (me). and other required documents.


ronjie,
I am an engineer and inventor so over thinking things is my way of life. blush.gif To that end, this is the solution I have been looking for. I called my accounting peeps and they said they could print out the whole batch for the year and give me the stubs so I can submit them to the interviewer. It will cost me $80 but will be well worth it to get Izel over here faster.

Also, can you PM me the wording you used in your notarized letter so I can be sure I say the right thing?

Thanks for the help and suggestions from you and everyone else.

Al
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-12-02 19:53:00
PhilippinesI need your help
QUOTE (SenoritaTeresita @ Dec 2 2008, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It appears that the American Consulate casts doubts on your single proprietorship's income and also on the probability of constantly earning $40,000 annually in succeeding years.

If I were you, Al, in addition to all the solicited and unsolicited financial information that your fiancée has so far presented, and to those you plan on to additionally present to the Consulate, I would have the following papers ready at hand for submission:

1. Copy of business' latest financial statements, i.e. Statement of Assets and Liabilities as of Nov. 30, 2008 and Profit and Loss Statement for 11 months ending Nov. 30, 2008.
2. Copy of Cash Flow Statement for 11 months ending Nov. 30, 2008.
3. Copy of the business' projected Earnings Statements for the next 3 years. (I suppose the Consulate needs proof of sustained income of some sort).

Your accountant, if any, can prepare and attest to the veracity of the statements. If you do not have an accountant, you can prepare them yourself and you certify to their correctness, but these reports must present fairly the financial condition of your business and not prompt you into committing perjury.

You know what? That 1099 that you got from Olympia might have fueled this hullabaloo .... Good luck, anyhow!


ST,
In the theoretical world, you would be 100 percent correct. In fact, if I were submitting this information to you, I would already have sent the forms you asked for. The problem is we are dealing with reality here. The reality that this woman didn't read and try to understand the doc's I sent her. She didn't look at the bank statements. She didn't read the contract from my customer. She probably skimmed over my 15 page tax report and saw one thing that sent up a red flag that she has been trained to look for and to reject on the spot. It may have been the 1099, it may have been an entry on line XX or it may have been the shear volume of paper, probably 50 pages, that was handed to her that put her into "defense" mode.

Izel went with another VJer for the interview and the other person had a tenth of the information that I had. She was in and out in just a few minutes while Izel was grilled for 30 minutes and then given a blue slip to boot. How may people on this site have submitted a ITR and a couple of paycheck stubs and been accepted without question? I think most. While I, on the other hand submitted my life story and was rejected.

You give this counselor way to much credit for being able to read and understand any sort of financial information. I imagine she would look at a P&L and go into shock. I have submitted financial information to others before in like situations and I always get the "deer in the headlites" look from them, and then the rejection. I need to keep it very simple.

At this point, I am going to submit my P&L YTD (just in case you are right and I am wrong) for 2008 and substantiate with the bank statements I sent in already. I am going to send copies of all of my paychecks, printed on the bank stationary and substantiated with the bank statements. I am also going to print a receivables and payables sheet, including copies of the invoices, and make it something simple that would be understood by any layman.

I want you to know that I do not take your information in this post lightly. I just feel the need to stay simple and easy. If you have any other thoughts or ideas, let me know.
IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-12-02 16:46:00
PhilippinesI need your help
QUOTE (tedjen @ Dec 2 2008, 02:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do you have tax return for your business? I think you should provide your fiancee' a copy of that too (to prove that you do have the business)...

During my interview I brought also the tax return of my husband's business, though the pre-screener didn't ask that from me, I gave it to him--I said my husband owns the business (my husband's own income is more than enough but I still gave him that)...


I assume your husband has a corporation. He would have a separate income tax for his business and personal. I am a sole proprietor and my business and personal taxes are combined.

I am quite certain that the counselor was having a bad day and took it out on Izel and me.Nothing I can do about that but play the game the best I can.

Edited by IzelNAl, 02 December 2008 - 05:38 AM.

IzelNAlMalePhilippines2008-12-02 05:36:00