ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

cenomar doesn't need to be authenticated at the Malacañan palace, right?
and is it alright that a k1 visa holder will bring dried fish (danggit) to the US?


No problem bringing dried fish into the US. I've brought some back with me on each of my 3 trips (for my sister-in-law in Montana). The customs guys never even give it a second glance. As for the cenomar authentication, it is not necessary, but some people like to get it anyway.

All this talk about Baguio makes me want to go back there again. If anyone is interested in a delicious American meal, I recommend Sizzlin' Plate, I think its on Session Road. It was there I had the best Porterhouse Steak ever, and it only cost $4 (200P). Maybe on my next upcoming trip I'll convince Fely that we have to go visit our niece that works in Bagiuo one last time before she leave the PI.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-07 03:22:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

i understand there's no way you can change information in any certificate once filed in the civil registry

i would suggest you doing something about it, especially if you still have time
i mean it's the same thing - if you will be put on AR, you will end up having to fix the problem by proving that the information you have provided is the truth

i had a similar expirence with inconsistent information in my legal documents
the name reflected in my birth certificate was different from my college and post grad transcript of records and diploma
i had to fix this discrepancy in order to get my professional licensure exam
i submitted a notarized affidavit of discrepancy together with affidavits prepared by two people unrelated to me to support my claim
another similar situation was when my mom applied for her passport and she had to do the same thing

i would think you would have to prepare the same type of affidavit as a couple, stating all the correct information
also have affidavits from third parties - probably from the same people who signed your marriage certificate as witnesses

i hope this helps


Yes that helps, thanks. And after thinking about it for a couple of hours, I believe you are correct. I'll tell Fely to try to gather whatever affidavits she can, maybe one from the priest also. Hopefully they won't be needed but guess its likely they will. She's got a mistake on her birth certificate too, but we're already prepared to back up that one with other paperwork.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-26 19:45:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
removed per OP's request.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-26 17:21:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
Success at the CFO! Fely had to text me to remind her when my first marraige occurred, but other than that and her starving from not eating breakfast or lunch until 3 pm, it was an easy deal. She has her CFO certificate, and will go to the DFA tomorrow to get her passport name changed. Hey, its only taken 5 months.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-16 03:59:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
Fely's leaving for her CFO seminar shortly. I don't know if she's going to PRISM or SMEF-COW, apparently neither does she. She stayed in Port Bonifacio last night so PRISM is closer, but since she's going to Marikina City afterwards, SMEF-COW is on the way there I think. I believe Mae (VJ member) said she's going to PRISM today, so maybe they will see each other, who knows. I'm a little worried the CFO people will ask her for some papers that she needs from me. I don't know how Fely would react if I told her to find a place I can FAX papers to her. I'm fairly certain she's never received a FAX. Anyway I'll let y'all know how it goes soon as I can find out.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-15 18:22:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

Fely did not get to have her CFO seminar today (Friday) as planned. Apparently Wednesday night she saw on the news that the Victory bus from Zambales to Manila had been held up, and the riders lost their jewelry, money, and cell phones. That incident shook her up a bit, so she didn't get on the bus Thursday night. Instead she'll be going to Manila on Sunday, and probably have her seminar on Monday.


That news will surely scare the life out of me too :wacko: Hey, I will be taking the seminar on Monday at PRISM... 10:30am session. I know this is a newbie question but do I have to call them and make some kind of reservation or it's ok to just show up and tell them that I'm there for the CFO seminar?


Mae


Hi Mae,

The seminar is first-come, first-served. I believe they can take 12 at a time. If the session you want is full, you'll have to wait until the next one. I don't know what time Fely plans to get there, but she usually shows up for things hours early. Not sure also if she's going to PRISM or the other place. I'll try to ask her.

Oh yes, CONGRATULATIONS to Cora. I knew you could do it!!! :star: :star:

Edited by StarProg, 13 April 2007 - 04:55 AM.

StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-13 04:53:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
Fely did not get to have her CFO seminar today (Friday) as planned. Apparently Wednesday night she saw on the news that the Victory bus from Zambales to Manila had been held up, and the riders lost their jewelry, money, and cell phones. That incident shook her up a bit, so she didn't get on the bus Thursday night. Instead she'll be going to Manila on Sunday, and probably have her seminar on Monday.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-13 04:27:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

Hey Gary, Fely does not need any Philippine police certificate. The NBI clearance is all she needs.

Hmm, regarding the I-864, did you remember to sign everything? Did not forget to attach financial evidence of your co-sponsor?


Thanks PW. All along we've known we'd have a tough interview, mostly due to my income. So we want to have all the paperwork that we can think of bringing to the interview. Fely went back to Palauig this morning and got her police cert, so that's done. She'll probably need to get a new NBI before the interview, but I haven't told her about that yet. She's leaving Thursday midnight for Manila, so she can take the CFO Friday morning.

As for the I864, I know everything was signed. The only things I have thought of are maybe they want 1099's, which I don't have. Taxes for 2006. Maybe evidence of true marriage relationship, since we sent none with our I-130 (previous version did not require it). I don't know really. Pretty sure the co-sponsor's papers were complete. I'll post what they want here as soon as I get their letter.

P.S. PW hope your mouse is working again. :lol:
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-11 00:59:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
Oh bother! Fely's having trouble getting documents again. She went to her local town to get her police certificate so that she can send all her papers to me and I can send them on to the NVC. After 2 hours waiting she was told the police chief had an emergency and couldn't sign her certificate right away. She's off to Manila tomorrow, so I told her to just forget the police certificate and send me what she's got. She'll send them once she's in Manila, and she plans to take her CFO seminar later this week. I hope that goes better for her than other things lately. Meanwhile I still haven't received the letter from the NVC telling me what documents I forgot to send with the I864 package.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-10 00:10:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

Hello....

Mirasol seems to think that the Baptismal Certificate is a required document, but I dont see it listed in any of the paperwork. Can anyone confirm or deny if a Baptismal Certificate is required in the Manila Embassy for a K1 applicant?

Thanks.

Scott (and Mirasol)


Hi Scott,

The baptismal certificate is not a required document, but it has been recommended for anyone with a late registered birth certificate. School records are also useful in this case, to help prove that your name has not changed since you were born. My wife was born in '69 but she did not register her birth until 1992, so I am having her bring her baptismal certificate to her interview.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-08 02:15:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interview/Visa Status
I just called the NVC and found out I have an RFE coming. They said there was information missing in my I-864 submission. Of course I have no clue what I left out. I'm still waiting for the DS-230 documents from Fely, so hopefully this won't slow our case down any more than it already is.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-07 04:19:00
Philippinespassport at Clark, Philippines
When my wife went there 2 months ago to get her passport changed, she had to stay there overnight, sleeping inside on the floor.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-18 03:24:00
PhilippinesAge difference between Filipinas and americans (Poll)
14 years for us. She's 38 and I'm older.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-04-03 01:10:00
PhilippinesAdditional requirements on passports
My wife had absolutely no problems, and as she also has no internet, I was worried she might miss some requirement. The only thing was she had to text me while filling up the forms, to ask about the date of my first marraige. So make certain she knows all the pertinent facts about you when she goes.

Incidentally, where does your wife live? You said its a 5 hour bus ride for her, and its about five or six for my wife, so they must live in the same area of Zambales? My wife lives just north of Palauig.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-05-25 15:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsPhilippines passport?
My wife could not get her passport until she took the CFO class. She applied at the DFA (I think) in Manila on Monday, and picked up her passport on Thursday. This was a changed passport, not new, so that might make a difference.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-07-23 18:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 mailed at long last
Thanks my friends. I've been emailing all my family and friends to let them know since I returned from the PO. I can't wait to tell Fely, but her phone seems to be off.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-10-12 17:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 mailed at long last
Everyone seems to like to announce this, so I'm letting everyone know I just dropped off my and Fely's I-130 Petition at the post office. After waiting over two years to be able to do so, it feels so good.

And I now understand the anxiety everyone seems to feel when they are about to mail their petitions. I've been pulling out my hair for the past week, and I really don't have a lot to spare! Just two days ago I found that somehow Fely had missed signing the copies of the G325a. We had made 2 sets, and the set I brought home was not signed. Fortunately I also had her sign 4 blank G325a's, which I filled out on her behalf.

Then I found two other little mistakes and fixed them, checked the documents probably a dozen more times, spent all day today assembling them with fasteners, photographed everything for my records, and now they're on their way!

Okay, I'll shut up now. :blink:

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-10-12 16:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Approved in 66 Days
Hey, I'm very happy for you. Not only because it's great to see somebody so happy, but also because it gives me hope for a speedy approval for my own I-130. ;)
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-10-26 14:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescan anybody please help us
I'm not a lawyer or anything close to it, but, I read the summary to say that it validates a marriage that would have been invalid because it was in the wrong town. That is, your marriage would have been invalid if it weren't for this bill. That's how I read it anyway.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-11-11 03:50:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresis there any time-limit on replying to I-864 package?
Hey pittbull, congratulations! Could you please fill in your VJ timeline so that your information can help the rest of us still waiting? Thanks.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-12-01 17:59:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYou are not going to believe this happened
Every time I've gone through customs upon returning to the US the agents have asked me why I did not bring my fiancée/wife back with me. I always have to explain that I have to obtain her visa first.
StarProgMalePhilippines2006-12-22 14:21:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSOO HAPPY..but what do i do next?
Congratulations! I just received my approval notice on I-130 today also. As far as I know, you need to gather all of your financial support documents now, as that will be the first documents you'll need to send to NVC with your I-864. After that you'll be needing evidence of a real marriage to send with the DS-230. Not sure what else, I'm still studying the instructions myself. Congrats again.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-03 21:20:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe have the Appointment!!!!!
Yes, it has been a good day, hasn't it? Congratulations! I'm very happy with my NOA2, I can't even imagine how I'll feel when we get our interview date.

Congratulations again!!
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-03 20:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhoto ID's for DS-230 form part I
I agree with those that have said the photos are not sent to the NVC. Pictures are not mentioned in the NVC instructions. They are however mentioned in the requirements sent by the consulate in packet 4. Here is an excerpt from the NVC instructions, assuming I can get the picture attached correctly.

Posted Image
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-09 05:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPhoto ID's for DS-230 form part I
When I was visiting my wife last September we found a Kodak Center in the nearest large town that took some great passport style photos of us.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-08 06:55:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy turn to celebrate!
Well folks, I just received my online approval as well as 3 emails telling me they sent me a letter of approval on the 9th. Of course this is more than a week after I received the approval notice in the mail. I'm taking this new notice to indicate that they actually mailed my petition to the NVC. :huh:

Ha ha, you too eh Chemist_Geek?

Edited by StarProg, 10 January 2007 - 08:17 PM.

StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-10 20:13:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy turn to celebrate!
Thanks Tracy, I hope you'll see your approval by the end of the month. Thanks nyseness and natty bumppo.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-05 04:18:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy turn to celebrate!

Thanks Angel7422 and Sol-de-Verano. Heh, I keep checking the online status to see if they'll update it there, I've got to get out of that habit, cause who cares anymore?! Got to concentrate on the NVC process now.



Gary, just wanted to mention that I spent that last 15 mintues looking at all your pics! Some amazing shots in there...I am always fascinated and intrigued when viewing other cultures. Really great of you to document some of those things, and just some of the casual pictures... Memories forever!


I've gotta say, I love digital cameras. I must have around 2000 pictures from my 3 trips, and the memories from them are wonderful. Hey, thanks for looking at my pictures.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-04 13:04:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy turn to celebrate!
Thanks Angel7422 and Sol-de-Verano. Heh, I keep checking the online status to see if they'll update it there, I've got to get out of that habit, cause who cares anymore?! Got to concentrate on the NVC process now.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-04 03:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy turn to celebrate!
Thanks riblet, bradyvicky, CutienPurg, BelwinMills, arwensun1965, misa. I just sent an email to my sister-in-law to ask her to get hers and her husband's financial info together (they are co-sponsoring). Guess I'd better get my own together also.

BelwinMills it's funny, you say now the process starts for me, then why does it feel like I've been working on the process for 2 years now? Oh, I know, I have been. Well I know what you mean though. Yes, things are moving now.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-03 20:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMy turn to celebrate!
Yes, it's true. I just returned from the mailbox with my I-130 approval in hand. :dancing: :dance:

My online status still says "received and pending", even though it was touched on Dec. 28 (approval date) and again on the 29th. No email either. But I'm not complaining, even though it was a long 4 day weekend wait. Total processing time was 77 days.

Oh, I also received a Christmas Card from Fely today. Two good pieces of mail in the same day, I think it must be a good omen. ;)

Yippee! On to NVC now...
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-03 19:44:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChanges in I-130, "evidence that bona fides your marriage"
Notice that the instructions say "should submit", not "must". I think it is not a requirement, and they are trying to collect all of the possible documents that the consulate may want to see. But if I were filing today, I'd certainly go ahead and submit whatever evidence I could find. I think also it's more important for AOS than CR-1, since for many like myself it would be difficult to provide evidence of valid marriage, being we have not lived together yet.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-01-11 20:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBarcode and Affidavit of Support
It was actually 4 days less than a month from the time I mailed the AOS fee bill until I received the I-864 package. If they are saying they are waiting for you to download and return the I-864, then it sounds like they have already mailed or yours, or it is at least waiting in the mail room to be mailed.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-02-24 12:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBarcode and Affidavit of Support
You should receive a letter in the mail with the cover letter/barcode. I just received mine yesterday. I did not receive an email from the NVC, did you email them first with an enquiry? It sounds like the email you received said exactly the same thing as the letter that I received.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-02-24 08:46:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresdo u have to send a PHOTO also with DS230 application?
I put "none" on my wife's DS-230, as she has no children accompanying her, and I the husband, while I will be accompanying her, I am not immigrating with her, since I'm already a U.S. citizen.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-02-24 21:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI HATE SOCIAL SECURITY
I don't know when your husband will get his card, but perhaps you could have the potential employer review this information from the SSA website:

"What are an employer's responsibilities when hiring foreign workers who don't have Social Security numbers

"Advise workers that they are required to apply for a Social Security number and card. If a worker applied for but has not yet received a Social Security number, you should get the following information as complete as possible: The worker's full name, address, date of birth, place of birth, father's full name, mother's full maiden name, gender and the date he or she applied for a Social Security number."

http://www.ssa.gov/employer/hiring.htm
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-03-07 22:47:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespetition my wife...
That can be a difficult question to answer for sure. I sent my petition to USCIS last October, and I am about 1 month from the end of the process with NVC. After that the case goes to Manila and its probably 3-4 months until the interview and visa is issued. So I'm probably looking at 9-10 months from petition to visa issuance. But depending on many factors, it could be a little shorter, or even somewhat longer. Some people have waited over a year due to FBI name checks or original denials in which they had to reapply.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-03-28 03:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPassport changed to married name for NVC

HI GARY: I AM A TOTAL NEWBIE HERE ...BUT I HAD NO IDEA THAT THE WOMAN WOULD NEED TO CHANGE HER NAME ON THE PASSPORT BEFORE CONTINUING WITH THE PROCESS. HAVE YOU FOUND MORE INFO ON THIS TOPIC? GOOD LUCK! PHOEBE


Hi Phoebe,

I actually don't have any information that says the passport name should be changed for the visa process. When my wife and I returned to the Philippines after our honeymoon, she was scolded by the officer at the POE for not having her passport name changed to her married name. Of course how could she have, we'd only been married for a few days. Couple this with her trying to get a certified copy of her passport for me to get her ITIN for my U.S. income taxes, and I just started thinking she needed to get it changed. I think now that is not the case.

But I do intend to make sure she gets her passport name changed before she immigrates to the United States. I think it is hard to get the change once you leave your country of issuance.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-03-28 23:52:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPassport changed to married name for NVC

HI GARY

I HAVENT CHANGED TO MY MARRIED NAME YET AND I HAVE NOT ENCOUNTERED A PROBLEM WITH MY MAIDEN NAME BEING ON PASSPORT.

GOOD LUCK!


Thanks maureen. That's kinda what I'm figuring, since I haven't found anything that says you do need to get the passport name changed.
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-03-28 23:48:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPassport changed to married name for NVC
Hi friends,

My wife is not going to be able to get her passport changed to her married name until June, because she cannot travel to Manila to take her CFO class (a Philippine requirement) until her job ends at the end of May. Meanwhile I am ready to send her DS-230 and other documents to the NVC, except we have been waiting for her to get her passport changed. I am wondering if this is necessary. Can we send her papers to NVC with her maiden name in her passport still? I know all the other documents will have her maiden name, except the marraige certificate. Does anyone have any thoughts or experience with this? Thanks a lot for responses.

Gary
StarProgMalePhilippines2007-03-28 15:18:00