As of Thursday (9/28) they had not received the case. Monday I emailed and Tuesday they tell me it is already on the way to manila....Good news.

The problem is I had sent the emails with the update to change my fiancee's address. They didnt do it and said to do it at the embassy. Either they are extremely efficient and turned it around the day after receiving it, or they had it and didnt have it on thier system until they sent it preventing the update.

Either way....OFF to Manila.......FINALLY.....another line, but at least I know its a last step.

YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Wolf

Congrats Steven!!! Every little step counts!!

have a good time on your visit!

finally! congrats! hoping for an interview soon

Congrats! I see hope here...

Have a great and safe trip. Wish Claudeth and I were going back, love it there!

Congratulations!

Hey Wolf,
Can I go with you? I haven't seen Lilia in 9+ months. Probably at least 3 more until interview.

Congrats.

We'll be there for Christmas this year and staying for a month. I don't know which of us is more excited about going back for a visit. I'm expecting to get the balikbayan visa-free privilege so there won't be any problem with a stay over 21 days without an extension.

I was there for four weeks and all I did was go see an immigration officer, taking two passport photos and my passport with me, and paying about 80 bucks (can't remember the exact amount) and he gave me a two month extension. Just make sure you do it before the initial 21 days are up or you will have to pay a penality. Filipinos love penalities

Since Marlene will have been outside the Philippines for a year and I will be entering with her, we qualify for Balikbayan status and shouldn't require an extension. The Balikbayan status allows a visa-free visit up to 1 year. I won't be restricted to the 21 day visa.


http://www.philippineembassy-usa.org/misc/...I.%20Balikbayan

Balikbayan privileges are now extended to alien spouses and children of Filipinos and former Filipinos. This means visa-free entry into the Philippines for the alien spouse and children who are traveling with the Filipino or former Filipino balikbayan, even if they stay in the Philippines for more than 21 days.

The following are considered balikbayans: (1) a Filipino citizen who has been continuously out of the Philippines for a period of at least one year; (2) a Filipino overseas worker; (3) a former Filipino; and (4) alien spouses and children of balikbayans as defined in categories 1, 2 and 3 who are traveling with them. For the most part, balikbayans avail of the privilege of visa-free entry to the Philippines for a period of one (1) year.