ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
PhilippinesCFO before or after interview?

Chinook is from Bacolod.  She completed the CFO seminar in Manila right after completing the medical, and a few days before her Embassy interview.  She wanted to get as much done as possible while she was in Manila for her medical and her interview.

 

Then, after she received her visa, when she returned to Manila for her flight to the U.S., she got the CFO sticker affixed to her passport.


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-29 14:36:00
PhilippinesIMMUNIZATIONS

Your and your children are not required to bring a vaccination history to your St. Lukes medical.  St. Lukes will give you and your children the necessary age-appropriate vaccinations.  The cost of those vaccinations are included in the price of the medical.


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-29 19:24:00
PhilippinesSlec X-Ray "abnormalities". :(

Yeah we brought in all the documentation of her treatment and an x-ray she had 6 months ago as part of her regular checkups.  They wouldn't even look at the old x-ray though...  Grace said there were 3 other people with her that were told to return for the two month sputum test and none of them could get the nurses to take their old x-ray. 

Sometimes St. Lukes will look at old x-rays for comparison, and sometimes they won't.  The same thing goes for her documented treatment, it may help and it may not, but it's a good idea to bring it along.  The upcoming smear tests and culture will most likely confirm that the abnormality they are seeing on her x-ray is simply some old scarring.  Hang in there.  star_smile.gif


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-29 15:32:00
PhilippinesSlec X-Ray "abnormalities". :(

 

To anyone who had a lung infection which developed into a scar and planning to take a medical, it would help if you bring a complete documentation of the diagnosis and treatment from your doctor (make sure it has the doctor's license number). You can also bring an old x-ray (taken after your treatment) for comparison. 

 

^^^ This.  good.gif


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-29 13:52:00
Philippinesabout changing names

This is something I've been considering for a while. I have 4 names: aaa bbb ccc ddd (bbb my second name, ccc being my middle name)

 

would I encounter any issues if after I get married, I don't use my last name as my middle name (as practiced in the Philippines)? So it will be AAA BBB CCC + husbands last name

 

I just want to know if this is something I can pursue without getting in trouble in the future. Thanks

There are no issues.  If you wish, after you get married you can use:  

 

AAA  BBB  CCC  +  husband's last name.

 

 

Then, if you decide to renew your Filipino passport, or if you become a dual citizen and then apply for a Filipino passport, the Philippines Consulate will issue your Filipino passport like this:  

 

AAA  BBB  DDD  +  husband's last name.

 

 

If you feel the need to reconcile the difference between the name on your Filipino passport and the name on your U.S. passport, you simply get the following document from the Philippines Consulate:

 

"Certificate of One and the Same Person."


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-29 20:42:00
Philippinesinterview

this blog is very helpful http://philippinefia...isa.weebly.com/

^^^  That's an amazing resource for K-1ers who are going through the process in Manila.  good.gif good.gif


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-30 18:07:00
Philippinesinterview

This will get you started:  http://photos.state....tober 2013_.pdf

 

Or, maybe this would work better for you:  http://photos.state....tober 2013_.pdf


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-29 23:03:00
Philippineswaiting for case number

hi vJ! we are in our 1st week of waiting after we got our NOA2 hardcopy, and  maybe we'll start to inquire our case no. in NVC 2nd week of january. im just curious if we will have our case no through NVC we can pay immediately for visa fee thru bank ? or we need to call or email the US embassy manila and wait if they receive our packet 3 from NVC ? thank you. godbless

Once you get your MNL case number from the NVC, you can pay the visa application fee at BPI, and then you can schedule your Embassy interview appointment.  

 

You don't need to wait for the Embassy to contact you.  If the Embassy contacts you, they will send you this letter:  http://photos.state....tober 2013_.pdf

 

I highly recommend that you read Robb&Ann's website:  http://philippinefia...isa.weebly.com/


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-30 18:56:00
Philippinesname difference green card passport

Hi! I have similar problem as above, when I report my marriage at the Philippine consulate, they ask me if I want to apply for new passport? So apply a new one under my husband name. Now my passport Is on my married name but my GC still under my maiden . If I'm going to get an affidavit Which consulate should I go?
Thank you... :)

For a "Certificate of One and the Same Person," I believe you should go to the same Philippines consulate where you got your new passport.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-04 12:45:00
PhilippinesAnybody with experience doing sputum test at St. Luke's?
I've noticed that St. Lukes usually will call during the 7th or 8th week if the culture is positive. Apparently, it takes that long because TB grows slowly.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-04 12:23:00
PhilippinesFinancial situation (co sponsor) - Philippines
You are very welcome...and thank you for your service to our country.

I didn't need a joint sponsor. However, it's an issue I've been following here on VJ for quite a while.

If the U.S. Embassy Manila does not accept a K-1er's joint sponsor, and the petitioner's income is below 125% of the poverty guidelines, the Embassy will not deny the visa. Instead, they will issue the beneficiary form 221g, stating that the petitioner has a one year period in which to correct the income shortfall.

In your case, it's unlikely that your fiancée will be issued a 221g because your current sustained income (at the time of her interview) will be above 125% of the poverty guidelines. She should be approved for a visa.






TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-04 11:54:00
PhilippinesFinancial situation (co sponsor) - Philippines
A K-1er trying to use a joint sponsor at the U.S. Embassy Manila is a ####### shoot. At best, you have a 50/50 chance that they will accept a joint sponsor.

That being said, I encourage you to petition your fiancée anyway. The Embassy usually bases their decision on your current sustained income rather than last year's income. At her interview, I recommend that your fiancée submit, among other things, several of your current paycheck stubs, a letter from your employer, and a letter from you detailing your improved financial status. This will show the consular officer your improved financial status.

I would strongly recommend that you attend your fiancee's interview. I believe that attending the interview could put you over the top. You could personally explain your situation to the consular officer. Also, along with your other proof of current sustained income, you could try to submit your joint sponsor's documents...another brick in the wall.




TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-03 21:37:00
PhilippinesI get to see him soon!
Welcome to the U.S.!!!
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-04 11:34:00
PhilippinesI get to see him soon!

Have a safe and smooth flight...and a very happy new year to both of you! star_smile.gif


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-31 12:44:00
PhilippinesStill Waiting for Available Appointment...

Congratulations. I am trying but no luck yet. What date did you finally get? Thanks

Looks like luther got a February 4 interview appointment.  


Edited by Tahoma, 31 December 2013 - 12:35 PM.

TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-31 12:32:00
PhilippinesStill Waiting for Available Appointment...

So frustrating... 

 

Normally, how long before you can schedule an appointment for an interview? Is this really how things work from the past? like you have to check every single hour of the day just to get an interview date? 

 

How long will it take, I am so bum out.

The difficulty you are experiencing in scheduling an interview appointment is a recent thing.  Hang in there and keep checking.  Keep in mind how good it's going to feel once you have an interview appointment.  star_smile.gif


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-29 14:19:00
PhilippinesInterview Approved
Congratz !!!
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-04 12:00:00
PhilippinesThere are currently no appointments available. USEM

Yes, after a negative sputum culture, St. Lukes can schedule an Embassy interview.  good.gif


TahomaMalePhilippines2013-12-29 14:13:00
Philippinesinterview next wk wht should i gona bring w me???
What do you plan to bring with you to your interview?
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-07 19:20:00
PhilippinesMedical exam-Interview date!
Yes, that's a good time to complete your medical.

You also might want to complete the CFO seminar before your interview. Then, you can get the CFO sticker after you get your visa.


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-07 19:29:00
Philippinesjanuary and february days open for interview!!

OMG! Where are those people who are dying to snatch jan-feb interviews??? go go go!!! 


I hope those people are busy online snatching interview dates...lol.

TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-07 19:43:00
PhilippinesPetition Expiration?

Will we have to repay the embassy fees since she wasn't able to go to the interview?
 

Nope.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-07 19:56:00
PhilippinesManila Embassy Interviews
Persistence...

Hang in there...you're almost there!!!


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-04 12:37:00
PhilippinesMedical and Interview Appt.

For minors 2-14 years old, in my experience, Go on a Monday or Tuesday ONLY.. Wednesdays would be too risky especially if the child will require a Chest x-ray on a Friday depending on the child's TST reading.. If the minors x-ray procedure will not make it to the cut-off time before 9/10am on a Friday..  The child will complete the medical Monday, the following week ..
 
Costs you more additional hotel/ food expenses... Good luck smile.png


Good point, Memphis.

TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-09 23:21:00
PhilippinesMedical and Interview Appt.

My fiance lives far from  Manila so we need to book airline flight for medical and interview.  We plan to do the medical 2 wk prior to the interview. Also this will be a K1/K2 . The interview is same time for both. I heard someone medical takes longer with K2. So my question is how many days should we allow for each of these?  Because airline will be non refundable.  Thanks!

If the K-2 is 2-14 years old, the K-2 will be required to have a TB skin test. In that case, the K-2's medical normally will take three days. So, don't start the medical on a Thursday. For more information, and for preregistration, google the website for St. Lukes Extension Center.

Completing the medical two or three weeks in advance of the Embassy interview is perfectly fine.


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-09 20:48:00
PhilippinesCheap HOTELS NEAR CFO and NAIA
There is a pinned thread about Maynila hotels. The thread is at the top of the Philippines forum. There is a lot of good information there.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-10 20:00:00
PhilippinesCheap HOTELS NEAR CFO and NAIA
City State hotel is good.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-10 10:56:00
Philippinesneed advice about upcoming nterview pls help

They can ask about divorces, ex's, and children too.  


TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-11 11:31:00
PhilippinesK1 approved. Cfo question

Thank you so much guys!! I will get an new cenomar since the embassy took mine an included it in the packet. We just got our visa delivered yesterday! Salamat to All of you! This site was a great help. We did everything for 5 months. Can't wait to see my fiance this february! For those who are still waiting! Be patient and yours will come soon. God Bless to All!!!


Congratz !!!

TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-10 21:22:00
PhilippinesK1 approved. Cfo question
Always play it safe...bring an original.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-10 11:02:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage - 4 Years Later

 
Actually, its the other way around.  The Philippine Consulate in Guam overseas both Guam and the CNMI (Saipan).  The office in Saipan shut down a couple years back and now the Guam office goes to the CNMI as an outreach program every couple months.
 

Thanks for the update.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-12 19:11:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage - 4 Years Later

...she could then get a U.S. passport for travel without issue, then just carry her expired Philippines passport for when she wants to get the balikbayan stamp for extended stays.


When she travels to the Philippines on her U.S. passport, there will be no need for her to carry her Philippines passport in order to use the balikbayan privilege. Her U.S. passport's bio page will show her place of birth, and she'll get stamped for a one-year stay.

TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-12 13:08:00
PhilippinesReport of Marriage - 4 Years Later
After Chinook became a U.S. Citizen, she went to a Consular outreach and accomplished the following in about two hours:

1. Report of Marriage
2. Applied for dual citizenship
3. Applied for a new Philippines passport

The Philippines Consulate that has jurisdiction over Guam is the Saipan Consulate. It's safe to say that they won't be having an outreach event in the area where you live. It's my understanding that you must go through the Consulate that has jurisdiction over where you got married when you decide to report your marriage. I hope there are exceptions to that rule. If not, then maybe you can report your marriage by mail to the Saipan Consulate and then renew/amend the passport at the Consulate which has jurisdiction over where you live now.






TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-12 12:54:00
PhilippinesK1 - VISA approved but 221g

Thanks for the responses.  The embassy is contacting NBI to address the situation.  The interview went fine.  We were well prepared except our NBI was 6 months old.  Hopefully this will be resolved quickly.


You've come all this way...Hang in there a bit longer...Best wishes for a speedy visa!!!

TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-12 19:17:00
PhilippinesK1 - VISA approved but 221g
There have been other cases here on VJ where the USEM ordered updated NBI clearances for the beneficiary. If I remember correctly, those cases were resolved in less than one month.

Also, sometimes the Embassy will order another NBI clearance for a much more recent clearance which was submitted by the beneficiary at their interview.

Hang in there!




TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-12 12:17:00
Philippines221g
Administrative Processing (AP) in Manila can last for days or weeks...or longer. In your friend's case, I'm thinking the AP shouldn't last more than a couple of weeks because the income issue is fairly straightforward. In the meantime, your friend might want to email the Embassy's immigration unit and ask them if the documents submitted were sufficient.
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-11 10:59:00
Philippines221g
Every case is different, but if the Embassy approves the joint sponsor's documents, you could have your visa within one to three weeks. Good luck!
TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-13 12:22:00
PhilippinesUS Citizen wants to stay for 30 days in the Philippines

So she shows her US passport, they look at her bio page to determine she was born in the PI, and they give her BB stamp without her asking?


Yes, that was Chinook's experience...twice. However, the "balikbayan stamp" is simply the regular stamp, and the officer writes in a one-year time period instead of writing in a 30-day time period. The officer did the same thing for me...no questions asked.

TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-13 11:58:00
PhilippinesUS Citizen wants to stay for 30 days in the Philippines

IF she asks for it.


Chinook has never had to ask for it, but certainly would if necessary.

TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-12 16:55:00
PhilippinesUS Citizen wants to stay for 30 days in the Philippines

Bring your Philippine passport or just bring your birth certificate and get the balikbayan stamp.
 
One other note, the 21 day was changed to 30 days a few months back.

  

I know several U.S. citizen (Filipinas) who live in the Philippines without dual citizenship. You can stay for up to 1 year (Balikbayan) even on an expired Philippine passport OR your Philippine birth certificate. You have to leave the country (Hong Kong, Thailand, etc for a couple of days, come back in, and you can stay for another year. Have a good trip!! My wife will be submitting her N-400 next month. Hope everything goes good for her.


She doesn't need a Philippines passport nor a Philippines birth certificate in order to use the balikbayan privilege because her U.S. passport's bio page includes her place of birth. She will get stamped for a one-year stay.



TahomaMalePhilippines2014-01-12 13:42:00