ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesHow to Cancel a K1 that has been approved
Or, you can email the USEM: http://manila.usemba...e/wwwh3230.html
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-03 11:20:00
PhilippinesHow to Cancel a K1 that has been approved
Yes, send the info to the USEM and request to withdraw your petition. Also, send the info to the USCIS and request to withdraw your petition.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-03 11:01:00
PhilippinesAirline reservations before CFO
Two weeks to complete the CFO process? That's not much of a gamble. I'd take that bet.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-03 11:14:00
PhilippinesSocial Security Card Needed for Interview or CFO?
Rest easy...neither of them need your SS card.

Good luck with the interview!


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-03 11:07:00
PhilippinesPhilippine documents needed for k1 visa
This Visa Journey guide will help you and your fiancé understand the requirements for filing an I-129F Petition for a Fiancé Visa with the USCIS: http://www.visajourn...content/k1guide

Once the I-129F petition is approved, this information from the U.S. Embassy Manila will help you understand how to prepare for your K-1 visa interview: http://photos.state....4 Feb 2014_.pdf

Good luck with your visa journey!




TahomaMalePhilippines2014-03-31 11:29:00
PhilippinesJanuary 2014 Interviews Thread!
For the CFO seminar, go to CFO Manila or to CFO Cebu. PRISM and St. Mary's no longer offer the seminar.

Good luck to everyone with your Embassy interview!!!


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-04 12:33:00
Philippinesi need help

WHEN A FILIPINA GETS MARRIED HERE IN THE US, HOW DOES HER NAME APPEAR ON THE MARRIAGE LICENSE? IN MY CASE, I AM STILL USING MY MOTHER'S MAIDEN NAME AS A SECOND NAME, AND MY LAST NAME WAS DROPPED OFF. FOR EXAMPLE, MY NAME WHEN I WAS SINGLE WAS: JANE BALANSAG ADELAN (JANE IS MY FIRST NAME, BALANSAG IS MY MIDDLE NAME, ADELAN IS MY LAST NAME). AND WHEN I GOT MARRIED HERE, IT CHANGED TO: JANE BALANSAG BROWNING (BROWNING IS THE LAST NAME OF MY HUSBAND). I'M SO CONFUSED ABOUT IT. PLSS..SOMEONE MAKE ME UNDERSTAND.


At the time you get married in the U.S., you have the opportunity to legally change your name. You are allowed to change your name to anything you want. You legally change your name when you fill out the document for the marriage certificate. You simply write your new name on the document.

For example, when you got married, you legally could have changed your name to:

> Jane Adelan Browning...<---Chinook used this method.

> Jane Balansag Adelan-Browning.

> Jane Balansag Browning-Adelan.

> Jane Balansag-Adelan Browning.
TahomaMalePhilippines2010-10-25 15:57:00
PhilippinesCENOMAR at US Embassy in Manila
My link. Please read post #7.

...no matter if someone is single or if they are married, they apply for a CENOMAR. If they are married or have been married, they will receive the CRS Form No. 5 - Advisory on Marriages (CEMAR). If they have never been married, they will be issued the NSO CRS Form No. 4 - (CENOMAR).

I hope it helps.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-03-28 09:55:00
PhilippinesPhilippines Domestic Flight Ticket Purchase
The last couple of times Chinook and I visited the Philippines, we bought domestic PAL tickets online before we left the U.S. Chinook did the same when she made a solo trip last October.

Have a great trip!


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-25 11:09:00
PhilippinesREQUIRED DOCUMENTS?

...guys please do help me about this cause i do really confused and wondering about this..... MY INTERVIEW IS ON MAY 5. ALREADY....
 

Here are the U.S. Embassy Manila's instructions for K-1ers on how to prepare for their interview: http://photos.state....4 Feb 2014_.pdf

For your reading enjoyment, here are the same instructions...in Tagalog: http://photos.state....tober 2013_.pdf

Good luck with your interview!




TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-26 11:13:00
PhilippinesREQUIRED DOCUMENTS?

Hello, Thanks for taking the time to reply my fiance is from Haiti and for finances can that be copies of two checks? Ok thank you I will do so!! I appreciate your help.

Consulates can have different processes and procedures, so you should ask your questions here: http://www.visajourn.../153-caribbean/
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-26 11:02:00
PhilippinesFORM I-134 Expiration date.
Yes, submit the one you have.

Best wishes for a smooth interview and a speedy visa!


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-26 11:17:00
Philippinescurrently no appointment available in Philippines
^^^ What Chris said!
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-03-17 12:20:00
PhilippinesST LUKES MEDICAL EXAM

The SLEC doctor also asks about suicidal thoughts by the applicant and whether applicant has ever seen a therapist/psychiatrist and related to this, whether the applicant has taken drugs - illegal or prescription. Answering yes to these questions triggers a referral to a secondary opinion and evaluation by SLEC's own psychiatrist. This costs an extra PhP 1000.

  
^^^ People who claimed "psychological incapacitation" on their annulment should also expect an invitation from SLEC to visit the psychiatrist.


Admitting Drug use is usually automatic denial for Visa from Philippines.

^^^ Admitting using illegal drugs used to be an automatic denial at the USEM. However, in the past couple of years, I've seen two approvals here in this forum. If I remember correctly, both cases involved minor youthful indiscretions with pot.




TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-28 20:44:00
PhilippinesST LUKES MEDICAL EXAM

Yup I read where he asked for tips and recommendations...
 
Then I read your off the reservation comment.... I should expect that from you I guess.


Why are you pretending that St. Lukes doesn't ask about illegal drug use?

TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-04 18:28:00
PhilippinesST LUKES MEDICAL EXAM

I didn't notice where the OP talked of illegal drug issues.... hmmm


You didn't notice that lalabobe asked for tips and recommendations despite the fact that it was in the original post and that I quoted it in big bold letters in my previous post. How did you miss that?

TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-04 11:38:00
PhilippinesST LUKES MEDICAL EXAM

Is there any tips and recommendation that I need to know guys? 

  

~ who's using illegal drugs?   I missed something?

Yes, you missed something.


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-03 16:21:00
PhilippinesST LUKES MEDICAL EXAM
Admitting illegal drug use can result in visa denial.

According to the Department of State:

"(iv) who is determined (in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services) to be a drug abuser or addict, is inadmissible."

http://travel.state....ities.html#visa






TahomaMalePhilippines2014-03-24 12:43:00
Philippinesreporting marriage to phil embassy... spouse previously married in PH but was divorced.

Tell you want... show me a link to the consulate website to support your opinion...  No link?  No value to your opinion.

Tell you what, I don't need to post a link because you already posted it. From your link:

"OTHER REQUIREMENTS
The Consular Officer reserves the right to require additional proof or documents, pursuant to the Philippine Passport Law (R.A. 8239) and the Foreign Service Act (R.A. 7157)"

That's exactly what happened to Chinook's friend.





TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-28 21:01:00
Philippinesreporting marriage to phil embassy... spouse previously married in PH but was divorced.

I concur; had to be a USC at the time of the divorce... so it won't be honored in the Philippines.In the Philippines your husband and his EX are still married. You may have issues doing the Report of Marriage.If you do the Report of Marriage your husband very likely would show up being married twice. (could be a potential "can of worms" doing the Report of Marriage)BTW you could simple renew your passport in your maiden name. Then when you become a USC get your U.S. passport in your married name... just a thought.

^^^. Wrong!

She would have to report her marriage in order to renew her passport.


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-26 12:40:00
PhilippinesIs Visa Approved Immediately?

They just told her to come back in two days to pick up her passport.

Even though they didn't tell her she was approved, and since they kept her passport, and since she didn't receive a 221g, she's fine. That's the way they roll in Abu Dhabi.

Congratz!


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-04-28 21:41:00
PhilippinesLooking For Others On AP At Embassy Manila
If the Embassy kept the passport, that's a very good sign. Now it's a waiting game. Hang in there.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-10-05 09:48:00
Philippinesfiling for petition for recognition of divorce decree

sigh, this is a relief.. thank you.. been really looking for infos like this coz im really worried , im of same situation
Been married here in Phils but didnt went to level CFO as my relationship with my ex husband didnt work out and
the IR1/CR1 visa application got denied for lack of evidence, ex got an RFE and didnt really care about it anymore.
BUT, Im using my Ex husband's last name on my ID's and my passport which means im using his lastname on the
k1 visa application and stuff
So i got my Divorce decree from utah , it was a long wait but worth it, Thank GOD.
And sent the K1 application recently. GOD bless our visa journey.

Keep us posted about your visa journey. I would be interested to see whether your CFO seminar goes smoothly. You shouldn't have any problem.

Did you notice that the CFO didn't ask Rose/Jasmine for her divorce papers or a judicial recognition of a foreign divorce. :thumbs:
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-26 19:57:00
Philippinesfiling for petition for recognition of divorce decree
Thank you very much for sharing your experience. I really appreciate it. I have not seen any other threads here about how the CFO handles Filipino beneficiaries who were previously married in the Philippines and have a foreign divorce, especially when the divorce has not been judicially recognized by a Filipino court. You have provided some much-needed information. Thanks again! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-26 14:47:00
Philippinesfiling for petition for recognition of divorce decree
Hi...and welcome back to your thread! I'm glad you noticed that your old thread had been resurrected because I was really wondering how it went at your interview, and especially how it went at your CFO seminar. I'm happy that everything went well for you. :star:

I didn't think you would have any problem with your Embassy interview. However, I was concerned with the CFO. I'm glad they didn't give you any trouble.

It's interesting that you would be required to complete the CFO seminar a second time. You also completed it before you went to Japan.

Did you ever complete your judicial recognition of foreign divorce case?
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-26 13:41:00
Philippinesfiling for petition for recognition of divorce decree

...half a year.

Thanks for the correction, Hank. :thumbs:

I wonder if the OP is still working on getting her foreign divorce judicially recognized.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-26 11:26:00
Philippinesfiling for petition for recognition of divorce decree

Just wanna ask bout ur cfo sticker.. How did it go?I am of the same situation like you... But i was divorced in the US

I'm also wondering what happened at the CFO. However, the original poster hasn't logged into VJ for almost a year and a half.
TahomaMalePhilippines2013-03-26 11:22:00
Philippinesfiling for petition for recognition of divorce decree

Excellent advice and information. The USEM is only concerned with official documentation and, in this case, the CENOMAR. Having copies of your divorce papers is nice, but they are like having a copy of the "National Enquirer" magazine. They both make good reading but hold not official value to the USCIS or USEM. Just my educated opinion.
Sid

Without her submitting her divorce papers to the USCIS, the OP's petitioner would not get the petition approved. Without submitting the divorce papers at her Embassy interview, she will not get a visa. Without submitting her divorce papers to the CFO, it's unlikely she'll receive a CFO stamp that allows her to board a flight to the U.S. St. Lukes may even ask her for her divorce papers.

It doesn't get more "official" than that!
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-09-15 20:37:00
Philippinesfiling for petition for recognition of divorce decree
Interesting case...

1. Where did you get married? Was it in 'Pinas, or was it in Japan?

2. Who filed for divorce? Was it you, or was it your ex?

3. Is your current legal name different from your maiden name? Did you ever use your husband's last name?

4. Do you have a recent CENOMAR/CEMAR? If so, what does it say?

My opinion is that you won't have a problem with your Embassy interview because you have your papers showing that you are divorced.
However, you potentially could run into a problem with the CFO. If you can't get a CFO sticker, you won't be allowed to board a flight from 'Pinas to the U.S.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-09-15 11:56:00
PhilippinesMy FIANCE felt disconnected during my K1 Interview - 08 August 2013
Great review. Thanks for sharing your story.

Congratz on your approval!


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-08-08 10:31:00
PhilippinesMedical Exam with no appointment date yet

A potential advantage of an early medical is that it would give you a head start on dealing with the two-month-plus TB culture.


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-05-22 13:32:00
PhilippinesMedical Exam with no appointment date yet

There have also been reports here on VJ where people have been admitted to their medical at St. Lukes using their USCIS petition-approval NOA and a verbal MNL case number.  

 

Also, some people have reported that they were admitted into their medical using only a verbal MNL case number.


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-05-22 09:11:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: "For Travel Abroad" or "For Travel To USA"?

We'll do. Also, I'll print the page on the US Embassy website as well that states NBI Clearances for Travel Abroad Purposes in case they say anything.

Thanks everyone!

That's a good idea...always play it safe. :thumbs:

Good luck! :star:
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-03 01:07:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: "For Travel Abroad" or "For Travel To USA"?

Hey Tahoma,

Someone mentioned it on one of my NBI Clearance questions and I saw a post mentioning that the NBI clearance should state Travel to US. I haven't come across anyone who actually had a problem, but a few people mentioning that some "people" had problems. So I made this to clear things up.

It appears the consensus on this thread is that both will work. I would stick with what the Embassy says: for travel abroad.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-03 00:40:00
PhilippinesNBI Clearance: "For Travel Abroad" or "For Travel To USA"?

I've read a few posts that stated that our NBI clearance should read "For Travel To USA" rather than "For Travel Abroad" or else we will come across a few problems at the embassy.

Link please.
TahomaMalePhilippines2011-11-02 13:13:00
PhilippinesMedical in 1-3 days, then Interview on the 4th day!
1. f you want to complete your medical at the same time your daughter completes her medical, you will not be able to complete your medical in one or two days . The reason for that is because your daughter will be required to undergo a TB skin test which will require you to return to St. Lukes on, I believe, the third day.

2. It usually takes the Embassy a day or two to receive the results of a completed medical.

3. You should still attend your interview even if the Embassy does not yet have your medical results.

4. You will not have to return to the Embassy if your medical results did not arrive in time for your interview.

5. If your daughter's TB skin test or your chest x-ray shows any abnormality, St. Lukes will require you to undergo a three-day sputum collection and will perform three smear tests and an eight-week culture. If that happens, St. Lukes will inform the Embassy and your interview will be rescheduled.

6. If St. Lukes sees any scars on your wrists, they will require you to undergo a psych evaluation which will delay your interview.

7. If you admit to any illegal drug use, you will still pass your medical, but your visa likely will be denied by the Embassy.
TahomaMalePhilippines2012-10-06 11:58:00
PhilippinesVisa

 

You're welcome, Torete! Happy to help. Enjoy your PH vacay!  :joy:

^^^ I second that!  Enjoy!   :thumbs:


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-05-31 12:50:00
PhilippinesVisa

Thanks, I really do appreciate your sage advice!

 

I'm more comfortable now knowing that I can avail myself of the stamp should we decide to stay longer. The previous 21 day privilege wasn't cost effective...I wish I'd know about the stamp sooner.

 

Truly, I hope others are reading this thread and are now aware of it as well.

 

Regards.

As a side note, you and your wife should take along a copy of your marriage certificate.  Technically, the Philippines border official can ask to see it in order to give you a balikbayan stamp.  However, they have never asked to see our marriage certificate, and I've never heard of them asking anyone for a marriage certificate. 


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-05-31 12:45:00
PhilippinesVisa

Thank you Tahoma,

 

1/ Yes, but she wouldn't need to avail herself of it since she'd still be a citizen of the Philippines and can stay in country as long as she wants no? (As far as Philippines IO's are concerned)

 

2/ Yes.

 

3/ Yes, and she will apply for that.

 

I appreciate your input.

1.  Yes, you are right about that: since she would traveling on a Philippines passport, she wouldn't need to use the balikbayan privilege.  As a Philippines citizen, she could stay in the Philippines for as long as she wanted.  Sorry for the confusion.  My previous answer was just an attempt to simplify things a bit.


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-05-31 12:22:00
PhilippinesVisa

My wife has yet to naturalize so her entry isn't an issue since she enters on her Philippines passport. Having said that, when she naturalizes, my understanding is she can continue to maintain her Philippines citizenship hence lengthy stays for her won't be an issue. (But that's another topic)

1.  You and your wife can use the balikbayan privilege regardless of whether she's traveling on a Philippines passport or on a U.S. passport.

 

2.  When your wife becomes a naturalized U.S. citizen, she automatically gives up her Philippines citizenship.

 

3.  Your wife can reacquire her Philippines citizenship.


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-05-31 12:10:00