Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Philippines	Interview Complete. What Next?	My stepdaughter just got her visa package, and I paid the USCIS Immigration Visa Processing Fee http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD The fee was $165.00. Is this the correct amount? When I was looking into the fee about a month ago, I thought it was about $300.00. Was the fee amount changed recently? For the A-number, I used the registration number on the visa. Is this the correct number to use? Thanks Congratulations to your stepdaughter for receiving her visa package! Yes. Apparently, the new immigrant fee starting February 1, 2013 is $165. Regarding the A-number, we placed None in that field. I am not sure if the registration number should be used. You will know eventually. Hope this helps you some.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-02-28 13:55:00
Philippines	Interview Complete. What Next?	So my stepdaughter does not need to interview with USCIS and do medical exam and biometrics for them once she gets here? I'm assuming your stepdaughter will be issued an immigrant visa (CR-2/IR-2). If so, she will not need any additional interview, medical or biometrics. Hope this helps. Good luck!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-02-08 11:33:00
Philippines	Interview Complete. What Next?	My stepdaughter recently completed her interview in the US Embassy in the Philippines. The Embassy kept her passport, and gave her a letter to take to the NSO to request the NSO to send them a copy of her dad's death certificate. The Embassy said the passport with the visa will be mailed to her within 3 weeks. I know we need to pay the new USCIS Immigrant Fee after the immigrant visa package is received and before my stepdaughter boards the airplane. http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD http://manila.usemba...igrant-fee.html What do we need to do to get my stepdaughter's social security card and a green card once she gets here? We requested that she be issued a social security card in the visa application. When/where/how will she get it? When/where/how will she get her green card? Will a new affidavit of support be needed to be filed with USCIS, or will they use the affidavit of support we filed with NVC? Did you check the box on the DS-230, indicating that you want to apply for a social security card? In either case, it is highly recommended to follow-up at your local Social Security office. IMHO, I would bring her and her biologic parent (mother) to the Social Security office. She would need to bring her Philippine passport, which has the I-551 stamp (temporary proof of permanent residency). It would also be a good idea to bring her NSO birth certificate as well as your marriage certificate. But her passport should be sufficient. Social Security applications can be downloaded and completed in advance. Once you submit the application, the SSA agent will inform you if an existing application was submitted (in the DS-230). However, if no application was submitted...then they can apply there. She should receive her card in the mail in about 2-3 weeks. Her green card will be mailed to her in roughly a month. Until then, her passport with the I-551 stamp will serve as proof of permanent residency. No, no new affidavit of support needs to be submitted. NVC already screens the applicants before the interview. I hope this helps you some! Good luck and safe travels! Edited by Markieboy, 06 February 2013 - 11:47 AM.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-02-06 11:46:00
Philippines	Passport for Minor Child	How hard is it to obtain a passport for a minor child? Where do we start? Im in the process of petitioning my stepson to join me and wife here in the U.S. He is currently in th phils staying with my wife's sister and father. What documents to we need to send them? Thanks for your time. Here is some info that may be useful. Good luck!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-03-06 16:03:00
Philippines	POE Seattle	Hi Everyone, My wife and I will be doing POE in Seattle next month. Does anyone have any experiences or advice to share about Seatac? I went with a layover of 5 hours there; hope that's adequate time to get things taken care of and then find a bottle of Pyramid before our connecting flight to SLC. - Bron (Makati/Utah) Sea-Tac POE is pretty smooth, IMO. My stepdaughter had her POE at Sea-Tac a couple years ago. The customs officers were very quick and professional. When she claimed her luggage, she was asked if she's carrying longganisa, tocino, chicharon, fruits or vegetables (since Philippines was her origin). Nothing more. Very unremarkable. I hope you have the same smooth experience. Safe travels and Godspeed!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-03-15 18:20:00
Philippines	Niece adoption approved and in U.S Now	Congratulations! Wonderful, wonderful news!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2012-10-28 10:17:00
Philippines	getting my daughter.. which process is the best way to do? any advice?	the parents listed on my daughter bc is my parents. The embassy will for sure reject her if they found out that I am not the mother listed on her BC. Do you know how long it'll take if my husband petition her as his stepdaughter?   Yes.  This will be complicated.  Before submitting any petition, you really should have your daughter's birth certificate corrected. As far as the USEM and USCIS is concerned, she is your sister and not your daughter.    Hope you get that straightened out.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-10 13:36:00
Philippines	getting my daughter.. which process is the best way to do? any advice?	Hi fellas.. it's been a while since the last time I posted here. I finally went back home to Philippines last month for 3 weeks. Happy to see the family and my daughter. Unfortunately I couldn't able to bring my daughter back w me in Colorado. We are still working w her papers. I have a feeling that she won't be able to come w k2 until August. If thats the case.. Please give me idea what we can do to get her.. what petition to apply or is there any way to extend the k2? I hope you guys will light me up.. Hope to hear from you soon vj family. Many thanks in advance   Are you still on a K-1 visa?  I'm assuming you're not. If you are indeed married, why not have your husband (USC) petition your daughter?  If your daughter is unmarried and under 21, she is considered his immediate relative.   Here's more info.   Hope this helps some.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-10 08:58:00
Philippines	Interview Passed	Congratulations!  Wonderful news!  Enjoy living in the Pacific Northwest!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-16 20:52:00
Philippines	ACR-I	You can avail of the Balikbayan 1 yr visa free stay  upon entering the Philippines with your Filipina wife. Just show your marriage certificate & they will stamp the BB on your passport.   100% correct!  Of course, this is assuming that you will be traveling together.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-16 21:04:00
Philippines	Continuation of TDap shots in the US	Ok we called the local health center here in our area. The woman i talked to on the phone said they do give a TD shots but it is the nurse practitioner who gives it and they don't have a doctor there.. Is that ok , but all i know is that i should have a doctor to transcribe my vaccination ? Having the vaccine administered by a nurse practitioner should not be a problem. My wife had her TDap done (at Safeway) by a nurse. We just submitted the vaccination receipt to the doctor. Everything was fine. Hope things work out!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-10-22 14:08:00
Philippines	NSO Birth Certificate	When we went to get my wifes driving permit at the DMV, they needed to see her foreign birth certificate. They wouldnt take the one we had because it didnt have any raised seals on it. So i went through the process to order another one from NSO thinking it would be different. When we recieved it, it was the exact same as the other one, no raised seal no special stamps, same type of paper and everything. Is there suppose to be something special on the NSO Birth certificates? You can tell the paper its on is different than normal printer paper but the DMV wouldnt except it without a raised seal. So im concerned that if the DMV wont take it, wil the embassy take it when we apply for my 13a visa or report our marridge or report the birth of our children? Thanks salamat.   That is really strange. Any DMV, SSA office, government office should accept the Philippine NSO birth certificate.  NSO is the official Philippine civil authority, which issues these certificates. I'm sorry to hear your troubles.  The person you dealt with does not know that these civil documents are legit.   Yes, the U.S. Embassy Manila will definitely accept these documents.  You'll have no problems with them.  Just a piece of advice, when you do have your interview...make sure the birth certificates are issued within 6 months.    Hope this helps you some.  Good luck with your journey!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-16 20:43:00
Philippines	Today is the day	Congratulations!  Wonderful news!  Safe travels and Godspeed!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-22 08:47:00
Philippines	Which is the fastest way to get CENOMAR? (PHIL)	Is it by ordering online or goiing directly to the NSO office? how many days? And what to put under "purposes"? thanks!   Like what Fight for Love says, it's faster going directly to any NSO office.  They will issue it the same day. For "purposes" you can place "Immigration"   Hope this helps some.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-22 17:55:00
Philippines	CFO Experience	Congratulations on getting your CFO certificate!  And thank you for sharing your experience! I, too, am a firm believer of not taking any chances...especially in the Philippines.  Kudos on sharing that tip regarding limited slots!   Good luck with the rest of your journey!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-23 08:07:00
Philippines	Language Barrier during interviews?	You do not have to speak any English at the interview. The consul will ask if you wish to have the interview in English or Tagalog. The American consuls are all proficient in Tagalog and many also speak other dialects as well.   Correct!  The consuls are fluent in Filipino and other dialects.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-23 10:54:00
Philippines	Malate or Ermita	are both areas in manila close to st lukes? looking for hotels with airport transfer   Yes, both Malate and Ermita are close to SLEC. Most, if not all, hotels can arrange for airport transport.  Best to flag down a metered taxicab.   You may want to look for hotel reviews in the Philippines subforum.   Good luck!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-23 12:41:00
Philippines	getting legal capacity to contract marriage in US embassy manila	Hi! Is there anyone here that can help me? I'm trying to make an appointment online to get the legal capacity to marry in manila philippines for the month of august,but there is no available schedule. The thing is their july is up to the 30th only then august no available then september they schedules again.i'm confused,coz i'l be going to manila on july 31 to get married on august.please anybody help.thank u!   It may be too early to schedule for the month of August.  Just keep on checking. Congratulations on your upcoming marriage!  Good luck with your journey!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-24 11:23:00
Philippines	NSO Marriage Certificate - Help!	Hello,   The Pastor that officiated our wedding misspelled my father-in-law's middle name on our marriage certificate. We just got the NSO version of the marriage certificate and it still has my father-in-law's middle name misspelled. Will this be an issue when my wife attends the CFO seminar and applies for a passport?   Thanks in advance,   Justin     Being that I have OCD, I would want all the names to match on all civil documents. But according to NSO Philippines website, they state the procedure for correcting the bride's/groom's name on the marriage certificate. If I were you, I would contact or have someone contact your nearest NSO office to inquire.  Much better to have that corrected early in this immigration process.   I hope I helped you some.  Good luck!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-05-30 07:59:00
Philippines	RFE - What Do I Send the USCIS?	Got RFE indicating "Please provide the physical address of your residence.  If it is impossible for you to receive mail at your physical address, you may also provide an explanation and request, alomng with the address of your physical residence requesting the USCIS to use an alternative mailing address such as a P.O. BOX or other mailing address."   What do I send them?  Do I just send the request in a letter?  Should I re-send the Application Form with an attachment and explanation?   Just an FYI, I receive my mail at a P.O. Box.  Are there guides for dealing with RFEs here on VJ?   Thanks in advance.   I understand that most residents on Guam receive their mail at the post office (ie GMF - Guam Main Facility).  That's not a problem. In this case, I believe it would be best to attach an explanation letter.  Let them know that mail is not delivered to your physical address or residential address.  Rather, it is delivered to your mailing address...the P.O. Box.   Hope this helps you some!  Good luck!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-06-03 09:47:00
Philippines	Questions about my Wife's Philippines citizenship	If you look at that oath, you'll also see this part of it. This is a commonwealth law, pre-independence from the USA. So how its applied now of modified is a big question. And can a country really say you're not a citizen of another country? I suppose they could say you have to renounce it first, then become a citizen, but I'm not seeing that in any of the requirements.   "and I hereby declare that I recognize and accept the supreme authority of the United States of America in the Philippines and will maintain true faith and allegiance thereto"   You are correct.  The information I posted was pre-independence.  The current Oath of Allegience does not require renouncing allegience to your country.     Obviously you didn't read the state department website link I posted for you.   There is no slope, slippery or otherwise.  Plain and simple if one chooses to have citizenship in a foreign country and the USA they can do so without issue of losing their U.S. citizenship from the USA standpoint.   Would I do it?  No, not just no but Heck NO.   By having citizenship in a foreign country you give up the right of having the U.S. government offering assistance in a "situation" .   Thank you for the link, Hank.  I appreciate it.   Why do you think the U.S. would not offer assistance if one had citizenship in a foreign country?  I mean they still would be American citizens.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-06-06 12:15:00
Philippines	Questions about my Wife's Philippines citizenship	subscribe to a declaration of allegiance to a foreign state   Stating a declaration of allegiance to a foreign state is very different from renouncing absolutely and forever all allegiance and fidelity.   Again, this is a veeeerrryyyy slippery slope.  I would not want my allegiance to the United States questioned over this technicality.  Not worth it, IMHO.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2013-06-06 11:55:00
Philippines	Changing last name on my Philippine Passport	My wife just renewed her passport with her married name hyphenated maiden name first. I would need to look at it to tell you the answer in the biographic section. I will later and let you know.	ready4ONE	Male	Philippines	2010-11-12 00:52:00
Philippines	Filipina wife issues....advice please...	Sounds like a tough situation. I would say be patient, but firm. If you can't afford to help, you can't afford it. If you love your wife, and she loves you, then you need to talk this through. From my experience, you should try hard to wait until she is ready to talk. Don't send money, and don't try to force a conversation, let her bring the topic back up. Good luck!	ready4ONE	Male	Philippines	2011-01-18 01:12:00
Philippines	Christmas Plans...	Our plans. Spend a nice warm day on Maui! Maui Nö Ka `Oi sjr09, a Hawaiian Christmas...nice! Hey nice plan Markieboy....me and my hubby spend time together since i just only got here this yr..Maybe we spend in the house of our friends and cook some filipino food like pancit and lumpia..hehe,,i miss that.....Glad to hear you guys spend time in phils.i like the puto or bibingka....every simbang gabi.....Yummmyyyyyy Hi Charlie&Pam! That sounds great! Who doesn't like lumpia, right? The simbang gabi here is much easier to attend. They celebrate it in the early evening. Unlike in the Philippines, where it's 3 or 4AM! Lucky you guys! I miss spending christmas in the Philippines, the way we celebrate it,really extraordinary, even my husband says that, since he experienced it once.. We might stay home and make some Polish-Filipino foods. Happy travelling! Hi Kristal! Yes, Filipino Christmas is really extraordinary. How did you husband like it? BTW, make alot of piroshky! My wife really loves that.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-10-27 09:52:00
Philippines	Christmas Plans...	Hi everyone! Christmas time is fast approaching. The weather is getting alittle colder, stores are stocking items for upcoming sales, and people are preparing grand menus for upcoming feasts. My wife and I are very excited this year. We are planning to spend Christmas in the Philippines. We have spent the previous two Christmases here in the U.S. It was very enjoyable. My wife saw snow for the first time. We cuddled next to a warm fireplace for the first time. We attended Simbang Gabi (American style) for the first time. But there are some things we miss. We miss the puto bumbong and hot tsokolate during the cold mornings there. We also miss all the gulay and seafood there. So...what are your plans for Christmas this year? Any of you guys going back to Philippines? What places are you planning to visit? If you're staying in the U.S., what are your plans? Traditional American Christmas or Paskong Pinoy?	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-10-26 18:57:00
Philippines	CHEAP WAY TO SEND $$$ MONTHLY BACK HOME	Very nice! That IS the cheapest transfer charge I have seen. Did you set up the account on WF online? Or did you need to visit one of their branches? Great looking out, btw!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-10-15 14:55:00
Philippines	Our Little Guy had surgery today...	Congratulations! Best wishes to you and your family!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-03 10:10:00
Philippines	Question about SLMEC & Interview Scheduling	if you have the hardcopy NOA2 and a MNL case number from the NVC, there is no reason to wait for the letter. I highly doubt you will get a december interview if unless the embassy has the case already.. They schedule dates out the first 2 weeks of the month for the next month. Granted K1 is a little different, but dont buy your tickets until you know there is an interview scheduled. What you need to do now is to wait until next week, call the NVC and talk to a human to get your case #. Once you have the case number, your fiancee can go to St Lukes with the copy of the NOA2 and MNL case number. You might want to download packet 3 off the embassy's website. http://photos.state.... Packet_001.pdf Have your fiancee get her NBI clearance and any other police clearances if appropriate. http://manila.usemba...v/wwwh3238.html Thanks for the information! Does this apply to IR-1/CR-1 or IR-2/CR-2 as well?	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-04 14:11:00
Philippines	Finally the Interview	Finally she had her interview after the 2 month medical delay. Passed!!! Can't say enough how proud I am of her going through all the paperwork, medical exams, and all the waiting that goes along with it. And thanks to everyone on VJ that has provided advice, moral support, and once in a while a not so tender touch of reality when needed it was all appreciated. We are of course both thrilled and now looking forward to the Visa showing up in the mail. Congratulations to both of you! I'm sure you two are thrilled beyond measure. Hope she has a safe trip to America! Anyone have any recent experience on how long Visa is taking in the mail? She lives in Quezon City. Her friends took over two weeks (was a problem with processing they said) another friend of mine just got here a few months ago and hers took 2 days to show up. From others' experience, her visa should arrive in the mail in 7-14 days. But most get theirs in less than a week.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-05 11:41:00
Philippines	My wife finally is here!!!	Congratulations!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-01 09:44:00
Philippines	HELP	If you are loved by a Pinay you will know it without a doubt...	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-05 14:24:00
Philippines	NBI Clearance for Minor?	Doh! I thought they were two separate documents. Thanks for the clarification!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-06 15:24:00
Philippines	NBI Clearance for Minor?	Hi all, I have a quick question. I know minors are not required to submit a police clearance during the NVC stage. Does NVC require minors to submit an NBI clearance? I'd appreciate your advice. Thanks!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-06 14:15:00
Philippines	Learning my fiancee 's culture	Have you actually tried that? What's worse - putting up with someone yelling, "Hey Joe!" at you on the street, or spending a few years in a Filipino prison for assaulting a Filipino? I doubt it. Filipinos, in general, are very sensitive...especially to foreigners trying to intimidate them. It is understandable due to the years of occupation and oppression from the Spanish, the Japanese and the Americans. Punching someone, in the manner he described, would likely result in a stabbing or shooting. People can easily disappear in the smaller barangays. My advice is definitely keep a low profile, especially in the provinces. An arrogant and cocky American doesn't impress the oldschool folk.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-09-18 13:34:00
Philippines	Tourist Visa but CR1 approval can come anytime soon.	It won't happen, you have a US Citizen husband and could bypass the CR-1 by AOS if you are allowed in and you're from a High Fraud country. Since you're in the process how can you prove strong ties to return to the Philippines. BTW, since you're asking this I assume you didn't have a good reason to request for Expedite? Agreed. You already have a pending petition to immigrate to the U.S. I really don't see the point in applying for a tourist (non-immigrant) visa. I understand you want to be with your husband, especially during the holidays. However, you, along with everyone else, must wait their turn during this process. Good luck with your journey!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-08 21:44:00
Philippines	Cheapest way	Another vote for sending via balikbayan box. It is, by far, the cheapest way to go. Where is your location? Usually, there are balikbayan forwarders in most cities.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-10-09 23:16:00
Philippines	US EMBASSY Manila Letter	This is only for K-1erz. I'm not really familiar with the IR-1/CR-1 process, but I think you call the NVC to make an appointment. Thank you. I appreciate your response.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-09 14:18:00
Philippines	US EMBASSY Manila Letter	The Embassy call center will not allow you to make an appointment unless the Embassy already has your K-1 packet and it is entered into their system. Since they allowed you to schedule your appointment, the Embassy already has your packet and it is entered into their system. You should make your appointment. Go ahead and call them today and schedule your appointment. You are good to go! The call center will tell you which dates are available for your interview. Then you can choose a date. Maybe you can post the available dates for December here on this thread because there is another VJ member who will be making an interview appointment soon, and he was wondering if there are many December dates available. Salamat po. Does this also apply for IR-1/CR-1 visas? After NVC sends our case to Embassy in Manila, can we also call to schedule an interview date? Or is restricted only to K-1 visas? Thank you for your advice!	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-09 12:22:00
Philippines	Luggage	I don't think this is a good idea. There was this lady I read over the internet who bought herself these luxurious brand for luggages and purses to show off, but then when she arrived in the US, the customs officer had to stop her for bringing in the imitation to the US. So I think you know now what had happen. So, I wouldn't suggest this. Yeah, I agree with Cutie_Patootie. If you attempt to bring in counterfeit items, especially your luggage, be prepared to be stopped by U.S. Customs. I have friends who had only their items confiscated. They were lucky. The risk is not worth the potential consequence, IMO.	Markieboy	Male	Philippines	2010-11-10 21:42:00