ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionnew manila interview dates?

There's an Election going on now in the Phils. Maybe thats the reason why they havent updated their post yet. Everybody is busy there now coz its a nationwide election.


And being an election day, its also been declared a holiday, so nobody is working at the embassy today. The new dates usually are posted around the 15th of the month. Good luck on getting a new interview date ElMasGuapo. I'm pretty restless myself waiting to see if my wife will interview in June or July.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-14 02:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionINTERVIEW on May 22nd!
I will be sending thoughts of an approval your way on May 22nd.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-16 20:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionLira's Thread
Oh well, I started to write some words of encouragement, but I see you just posted an approval. So now I'll have to say congratulations!
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-08 22:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK3 CR1 Manila Interview was today

Hi Gary,

It looks like my husband has an appointment of IR-1 in Manila the same day you do..June 28. We will probably see you there.

Regards,
Shannon


That's cool! I've been watching for anyone else that might have the same interview date as my wife. We'll keep our eyes open for a couple with baby and young boy.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-31 17:20:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK3 CR1 Manila Interview was today
Congratulations on the easy interview and getting your CR-1 approval. That's really great news! :dance: :dance:

I have a question. You said you were asked by the pre-screener for the marriage certificate, birth certificate, I-864s, and NBI Clearance. Didn't you send these documents to the NVC? Should I be having my wife getting additional originals of all these documents to take to her interview? Thanks.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-16 00:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionim really getting worried.. i swear!
Hang in there Lea. It'll come. Maybe your husband can find out more in a couple of days.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-30 00:43:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion3 days past K1 expiry (what to do?)
The website of the US Embassy in Phillipines says one can make a written request to the embassy to renew an expired visa and pay $100. I would assume the same would apply in Canada and elsewhere.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-31 22:48:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General DiscussionFiled I-751, received NOA
Hi Kristine,

Yes I remember you and think of you on occasion, wondering what's up. Hey I just looked at the pictures you posted awhile back, nice pics. I don't know much about the 10 year GC procedure yet, but I say, think positive.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-23 03:00:00
PhilippinesSt Luke's Medical questions

Wow Gary, glad to see you are nearing the end of this process. Good luck :thumbs:


Hi Jim, yep we're finally getting close. Fely didn't make it to St. Luke's until Thursday, but she had no problems and already had her immunization interview, so Friday she's getting all of her shots. Her main concern when she sent me text was "no sex for a month." I had to make sure she understood, sex is fine, just don't get pregnant. ha ha
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-06-07 23:43:00
PhilippinesSt Luke's Medical questions

we are a long way from the medical stage. but, does my fiance set her own medical up or does the embassy set it up for her. i've heard it both ways.


The embassy will set a date for the medical exam, but the medical can be done any time from 1 week to 1 month before the interview. Just present the interview appointment letter when entering St. Luke's.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-06-07 23:40:00
PhilippinesSt Luke's Medical questions
Fely will be at St. Luke's on Monday for her medical. She hasn't had perfect health over the past couple of years, but I'm hoping everything will be OK. Wow good luck on that interview Wednesday.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-06-01 02:11:00
United KingdomMailed a petition?
It's good to see another long time VJer thats just now gotten around to filing the petition. Nearly everyone that was here when I joined already has their honey with them. Although I already filed a month ago and it's for CR-1 not K, so our timelines probably won't jive too closely.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-11-18 19:38:00
United KingdomOne more milestone
Better late than never, isn't that what they say? I'm so relieved for you Tracy, and me too. Now I don't have to keep watching the posts for your approval. ha ha. Congratulations to the both of you. Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-03-22 12:59:00
United KingdomOne more milestone
How did I miss this yesterday, I always watch for your id in the recent posts. Anyway, I'm right there with everyone else hoping for your approval. Kinda wondering what you did to make them look closely at your petition. :whistle: Seriously, you are so due for NOA2. Hey, I made a rhyme.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-02-24 12:31:00
United KingdomPacket 4!
Congrats on the June interview date. I haven't been reading a lot on VJ recently, so I had to do a search to find out what was going on with your case. And look at that. Now that you're out of USCIS you've rocketed ahead of my timeline. The advantage of going through a quicker consulate, and of course doing K1 instead of CR1. I'm thinking maybe it'll be August for us. Hoping anyway. Congratulations again.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-27 13:34:00
United KingdomGood Luck TracyTN!
Excellent excellent news! Maybe now I can get some sleep. ;)

Oh wait, gotta dance first. :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-06-08 08:09:00
United KingdomGood Luck TracyTN!
Good luck Tracy and Chas, but I know you'll do just fine.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-06-07 23:14:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaA question about foreign ATMs
When I withdrew money by ATM in the Philippines, they charged me $4.95 per transaction. But I recently received notice about a class action suit against BofA and other banks, stating they were overcharging on foreign transaction fees. I stand to get some money back due to the suit. So I would assume they are probably charging less now.
StarProgMalePhilippines2008-01-02 15:54:00
Asia: East and PacificBest option apartment, or hotel for 1-2 months?

i have a 2003 edition of lonely planet guide and i saw a few hotels that offer monthly rates, for anywhere from 24,000P - 45,000P of course these are 2003 prices.


I have this book also, I think from the same year. It has been a great help for me in planning my honeymoon after Fely and I get married in the Philippines soon. I recommend the book to anyone planning to spend some time in another country. It covers not only lodging, but food and entertainment, and more.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-02-09 12:26:00
Asia: East and PacificI'm travelling to the Philippines to visit Fely for 2 months
Okay this is the final day before I leave (actually leaving for the airport this evening) and I thought I'd make one last post before I go. I just checked the mail and no divorce papers. Didn't expect there would be. And the court clerk on the phone gave me the usual nonsense about not being able to tell me anything new over the phone. My truck isn't running well in the cold weather so I can't drive to the court today to check. So I'm leaving money and instructions for my daughter to send the divorce papers when they come, via USPS Global Express. If the papers come within the next month, we should be still good to go for the wedding.

Fely tells me we're staying with her niece in Marikina my first day there, then we'll go back to her home in Zambales. I'll be sure to log on to VJ and give the good news if we are able to get married. And yes I'll post pictures, wedding or not. See y'all.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-04-04 16:27:00
Asia: East and PacificI'm travelling to the Philippines to visit Fely for 2 months

I remember waiting for the lawmaster to sign my papers. I was told she usually only signed orders, etc. on Tuesday - or some such nonsense. Judges and lawyers are weird creatures who compartmentalize their schedules as well as their brains. I bet your judge has some routine time each week for 'reading and signing' and it will probably be done very soon.


Uh huh, I was thinking something along those lines. If I were a judge I think I would make a point of finishing up any business by the end of the month to start anew with the new month. At least I'm hopeful for such. But that would still make things really tight, as I have 2 more mail deliveries before I leave. At this point I don't expect to receive the divorce before I leave. But I will leave instructions with my daughter to send it to me USPS Global Express Guaranteed as soon as it comes.

I might be waaaaaaaaaayyy late with this, but as far as your mail goes, you can go on to the USPS web site and file a request for your mail to be held until you come back! I always had this done when I went to Scotland, because it was simply too inconvenient for my friends and family to truck up to my house.

Hope you have a great trip and get everything squared away. :)


You're not too late as long as I haven't left yet. But I would still have the cats that would need tending to, so may as well have my mail collected. My daughter actually sounded happy to come by once a week and take care of things. Perhaps it was because of the $20 per week I offered her.

I missed this post until today. I was wondering where you had been and how the visa was going? Sorry to hear that you are still awaiting the divorce papers. But enjoy your trip back and hope everything works out for a wedding while you are there. Have fun.

Mary


Thanks Mary. Wedding or not, it's going to be a great trip. Even in spite of the current heat index of near 105 DegF.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-04-03 00:32:00
Asia: East and PacificI'm travelling to the Philippines to visit Fely for 2 months
I was finally able to speak with an agent of the court that could give me some meaningful information. I gold her my story and case number. First she told me that if our last paper was filed at the end of February, I still had a long wait because they were working on November. That really scared me. Then I explained that my wife had filed for dissolution only and submitted an expedite request. Then she excused herself from the phone and didn't come back for 10 minutes. When she returned she told me she was able to find out that the dissolution papers were given to the judge on March 7th and were just have to wait now for him to return or sign them. Well that was good and bad news. The divorce is now at the final stage and should be final soon, but what is taking the judge so long? It's just a dissolution, no concern for child support or any of that nastiness. So all he needs to do is sign it, what's taking him so long?

I guess I'll wait until next Tuesday's mail and hope for the good news in the mail, and if it doesn't come I asked, and I can leave a Fedex paid envelope with "Erica at the window" and they'll forward my final papers to me in the Philippines when they come.

One week and Fely and I are together again, that's the important thing.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-03-29 23:02:00
Asia: East and PacificI'm travelling to the Philippines to visit Fely for 2 months

Congrats.. I was wondering where you been. Now you are going to the Philippines..

Can you do me a favor.. Can you stuff me in your suit case :lol: :lol: :lol:

have a good time.


I realize I haven't posted much lately. I've been really busy with my eBay business lately. I can't believe how long it take to take pictures of everything and then get it listed. With that and the fact that I was becoming depressed with everyone here getting approvals and everything and my going nowhere, I didn't even log on for about 3 weeks. But I missed everyone, so I came back.

As for stuffing you in my suit case, I can't believe how heavy it already is. Of course I have to take gifts for everyone, so that's what's in the suitcase. I'm still trying to figure out where to pack my clothing. :lol:

Thanks all for the well wishes I'll try to stay in touch when possible while I'm there.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-03-23 21:40:00
Asia: East and PacificI'm travelling to the Philippines to visit Fely for 2 months

I hope that your divorce papers come through before you leave. Is there a way for someone to send it to you in case it comes in a few days after you have left?


Unfortunately that would probably be my soon-to-be ex-wife. I'm not sure I can count on her. I'm thinking of going to the court and leaving a pre-paid Fed-Ex envelope with them.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-03-23 03:29:00
Asia: East and PacificI'm travelling to the Philippines to visit Fely for 2 months
Well we couldn't take the separation and waiting any longer. So Fely and I decided that I'll take my trip to see her again now, and hope for the divorce papers in time to get married. My wife filed for divorce bifurcation and the final papers are due any day.

So I'm leaving early the morning of April 5th, and I'll be there until June 3rd. I plan to get a visa waiver while I'm there, so I can stay 59 days. It's so strange planning on leaving my home here in Watsonville empty for 2 full months. I still need to find someone willing to come feed my cats and collect my mail.

Assuming I get the divorce in time, I'll be going to the embassy on the morning of April 7th to get my permission to marry from the consulate. Since my plane arrives at 9:55 am and the American Services section is only open until 10 am, we'll have to stay overnight in Manila. I told Fely we could stay in a hotel across the street from the Embassy, but she fears for my safety, so we'll be staying instead with her cousin in Marikina City. Okay by me, it saves the cost of the hotel.

:dance: :dance: :dance:
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-03-21 15:29:00
Asia: East and PacificFood, virus, sickness in Philippines?
On my second trip to the PI I developed several boils on different areas of my body. They kept coming for a couple of months, as one would heal another would break out. They were very painful and messy (when they burst). The boils are caused by a staff infection. I originally thought I had contracted the infection from a swim in a fresh water swimming hole, but after months it was discovered I'd actually acquired the infection from close contact with my fiancée. Aparently most of the folks in her barangay have been infected, and cannot afford the penicillan to cure them all. It is most likely caused by something in their environment, and I suspect it is from their drinking water. Incidentally this is in the Zambales province.

After over 4 months of living in the Philippines, I only encountered a health problem in this one instance. Generally the risk of disease in the Philippines is low, as long as you observe all the recommendations. If you visit a travel doctor and adhere to all of his advice while visiting the Philippines, you should be reasonably safe. Of course, serious illnesses could occur anywhere, and one problem in the Philippines could be poor access to hospitalization. I consider my behavior while in the Philippines as reckless. I drank the water while in the cities, ate their food, did not where long sleeves and pants nor did I use repellant. I swam in fresh water. But I followed the advice of my fiancée, and she knew how to keep me safe, except in the case of the social disease.

I'd say, aside from avoiding mosquitos (use bed netting) and being careful of the water and some of the more excotic foods, don't worry about getting sick. I myself, worry more about the rebels, and even that only a little.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-10-23 22:00:00
Asia: East and PacificExtending visit to the Philippines
You can find a list of immigration offices at this link.

http://www.immigrati...mp;subports.php

Back in April when I went to the office in Olongapo, I arrived at 8 am when they opened, there was no line, and I was in and out in 10 minutes. Make sure you have the 4000 peso fee with you when you go.

You can also get a 6 month visa at a Philippine consulate in the United States if you happen to live near one, but if you wife lives near one of the offices in the Philippines I believe that is easier.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-11-20 14:59:00
Asia: East and PacificFlights from Manila to USA
On my last trip to the Philippines, I flew Philippine Airlines. I enjoyed the flight much more than my usual China Airlines. I was much more comfortable flying with a bunch of Filipinos rather than Chinese (not that I have anything against Chinese, just identified more with the Filipinos), and best of all the flight is nonstop.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-10-26 13:51:00
Asia: East and PacificFree International Calls
As usual, not available in the Philippines.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-11-27 14:50:00
Asia: East and PacificAnyone Else going to Manila for Christmas?
I want to, I really really want to. But I need to save my money so I can go for the interview. But, I'm considering going with Fely's sister (who lives in Montana) who is going back home early next year.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-11-27 14:48:00
Asia: East and Pacificpassport matter
Wow, I don't actually have an answer for you. I guess it depends upon whether the DFA notices the change you're trying to make and becomes suspicious. But it gets me to thinkin', when my wife gets her name changed on her passport, if they're going to be asking for her CFO certificate. I guess I'd better warn her about the possibility.

Edited by StarProg, 05 November 2006 - 08:21 PM.

StarProgMalePhilippines2006-11-05 20:20:00
Asia: East and PacificNo Touches - Good or Bad?
I received no touches besides the initial ones when they received my petition for 73 days, then I received 2 touches and an approval. The touches did not indicate an any change, but I received my NOA2 in the mail a week later.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-04 03:05:00
Asia: East and PacificManila International Airport
My wife always hires a driver to take her to the airport to meet me (getting there early and waiting until I get there) then the driver takes us wherever we need to go. It might cost a little more but is great for me not having to deal with getting my own ride from the airport. I'm not sure where she finds the drivers, but I'm sure she could ask around. And yes it costs more, but really isn't all that expensive considering.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-12 20:54:00