hi to vj. i have interview k3 this week and cr1 2 week later. i want to enter on cr1 but do not want turn down k3 interview. it is ok to get both visas? i am unclear if I tell the interviewer about the two interviews, what is advice on this?

dabu

I think you will be advised to pursue CR since the interview appointments are really close to one another...

To All VJers,

Thank you so much guys for all the help! Finally, Im with my new home now, with my beloved Bryan... Just got here yesterday, May 11, @ 1AM. We are still very much overwhelmed with our extreme happiness of our long-awaited reunion!


Marie

Even if i not mention the cr1? i like to request the cr1 on wednesday but i also like that it is kind of security blanket to go for both you know?

You cannot be issued two visas. Appear for K3 interview and request if you can interview for CR-1 instead as it is the superior visa. Embassy can either grant your request or tell you to appear again for CR-1 interview.

Marie and Bryan,
A very huge congrats!!! Good luck to you guys!

As far as I know, since transportation serves the national interest, airplane and boat schedules remain normal throughout the year. The only thing that can stop them from flying or sailing is Mother Nature. If Mother says no, there's no arguing with her. Right ladies?

Happy Mother's Day to all!

Congratz guys!!!!So happy for you both!!

Why is it people get two visas then? It make no sense to me hehe. Also other have both interviews close together, some may enter us on k3 then return to home country for CR1 interview. There are a few people here who already have both, confused why you say that?

I think the only explanation I can think of for this is if the interview appointments are far away from one another. If you are in a hurry to be together, the best way is to pursue K3, otherwise, take the CR. I think others got 2 visas (I'm not sure about this) because the interview appointments of their K3 and CR are far from each other...

Someone correct me if I'm wrong...

Mae

Who do i request for cr1 instead of k3? the CO or the pre screeners?

is it common the embassy grants the request for these or denies them? interview is wednesday so getting really nervous.

Let's wait for more qualified answer on this one because I really don't know since I'm on K1... Hope you'll get the answers you need. Good luck!

Mae is correct, if one is in a hurry to be together, beneficiary can interview for K3, fly to the US (K3 expires once used at POE), wait out the CR-1 and come back for interview. Beneficiary ends up holding just one "valid" visa if CR-1 visa is granted as K3 expired upon POE. This supports the statement that she cannot be issued two visas at any one time. One has to be cancelled or expired before new visa is issued.

It's the same thing with having a tourist visa. My B1-B2 was cancelled as soon as I appeared for my K1 interview as I cannot hold two valid visas at the same time.

I have not heard of a Manila case that was granted CR-1 interview in lieu of K3 but only because it's only now that CR1 is being processed as fast as K3s such that we are only hearing of interviews being scheduled 1-2 weeks apart. Usually, K and CR interviews are set 3-6 months apart.

There's a couple here who have K3 and CR-1 interviews scheduled 2-3 weeks apart but the beneficiary was asked to appear again for CR-1.

You may the first case to be granted so it won't hurt if you ask. Let us know then what happens.

Yes, as long as there's a line outside the embassy and she appears on the appointed date, she will be let in.

Congrats to terps76 and w1n78. Also to Marie and Bryan. Happy together!!! Congrats to Starprog for completing NVC.

Legend:
OK - Visa approved
AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required
ME - Military Expedite
AO - Age-Out (Derivative approaching age 21)

Name..................NOA2....MNL REC'D..PACKET...INTERVIEW..MNL CASE#..STATUS..DELIVERED/#OF DAYS/PLACE DLVRD
K1 LIST
01..Wes.............11-02-06..11-17-06..12-29-06..03-20-07..2006-818xxx..OK..May 01/42 days/Dumaguete

02..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-27-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 11/07 days/Picked up
03..wthornton.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-26-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 14/10 days/
04..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..02-26-07..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..AR..
05..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 13/03 days/Cagayan de Oro
06..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 17/06 days/Pasay City
07..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..02-28-07..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK
08..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-13-07..2006-852xxx..OK..Apr 26/13 days/Las Pinas
09..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-16-07..2006-854xxx..OK..Apr 24/08 days/Manila
10..sanfrancisco....xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-17-07..2006-8xxxxx..OK..Apr 26/09 days/??
11..supra...........12-07-06..01-08-07..03-03-07..04-18-07..2006-860xxx..OK..Apr 23/05 days/Cebu
12..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..04-24-07..2006-xxxxxx......Interview postponed
13..Dean/Gra........12-26-06..01-04-07..02-27-06..04-23-07..2007-503xxx..OK..May 04/11 days/Pick up
14..Mike Marivic....01-04-07..01-20-07..02-26-07..04-24-07..2007-508xxx..OK..May 01/07 days/Ermita
15..CocoPuff........12-29-06..01-16.07..03-03-07..04-25-07..2007-5xxxxx..OK..May 04/09 days/Bacolod
16..MarieandBryan...01-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-27-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 04/07 days/Cebu

17..Skeeter211......01-17-07..02-27-07..04-02-07..05-03-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 11/08 days/Davao
18..chadandlira.....01-25-07..xx-xx-xx..04-02-07..05-09-07..2007-536xxx..OK..
19..Honeysweet......02-01-07..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..05-10-07..2007-540xxx..OK
20..chadmides.......02-12-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..05-10-07..2007-547xxx..??
21..gracy_byron.....02-08-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-18-07..2007-xxxxxx
22..joemaria........02-12-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-22-07..2007-55xxx
23..Jeng............02-13-07..02-28-07..03-31-07..05-22-07..2007-554xxx
24..imaskin.........02-21-07..xx-xx-xx..03-30-07..05-24-07..2007-xxxxxx

25..orion44.........02-22-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-05-07..2007-xxxxxx
26..David-MaeForev..02-27-07..03-14-07..xx-xx-xx..06-07-07..2007-564xxx
27..JeffK...........03-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-18-07..2007-573xxx

28..CountryBoy......03-29-07..04-23-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-608xxx
29..trakon2002......04-05-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx
30..happyinlove.....04-14-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx
31..rea.............05-01-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

K3 LIST
01..AnneiyandJacky..11-28-06..xx-xx-xx..02-27-07..04-17-07..2006-685xxx..AR..Co-sponsor
02..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..02-27-07..04-03-07..2006-839xxx..OK
03..luvbugs4ever....12-14-06..12-21-06..03-02-07..04-16-07..2006-8xxxxx..Interview postponed
04..M&M.............11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..03-02-07..04-16-07..2007-503xxx..CR visa approved.
05..Jeff&Boo........12-26-06..01-12-07..02-26-07..04-23-07..2007-5xxxxx..Apr 25/02 days/??

07..CherylandMike...02-05-07..02-26-07..xx-xx-xx..05-16-07..2007-546xxx
08..Robor007........02-06-07..02-26-07..03-30-07..05-16-07..2007-546xxx

IR-1/CR-1
Name.................NOA2.....CASE CMPLT..PACKET..INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#..STATUS
01..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..02-06-07..03-19-07..2006-775xxx..AR..Co-sponsor

02..vsmtqhdy........09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Apr 27/07 days/Laguna
03..randynrose......09-29-06..02-06-07..03-06-07..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..AR

05..Gobruins........12-20-06..04-03-07..xx-xx-xx..05-23-07..2007-50xxxx
06..StarProg........12-28-06..05-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-508xxx

the k-3 is a multiple entry visa valid for two years. i would think if you fly back to the Philippines for CR-1 interview, the K- would be cancelled when you go to the CR-1 interview.

Oooppssss!!!! Good catch, Roy! My mind is still processing K1!!!

Yes, K3 is valid for multiple entry and will be cancelled once CR-1 is issued. Thank you, Roy!

NOTE: Uploading the sample NVC Letter in preparation of finalizing the Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide...

Well, i was not plan on flying to US because CR1 interview is only 2 weeks after K3 interview. I really just think that the embassy will know I have 2 interviews if I dont mention it to them? I would think they would go ahead with both then. But it make me nervous because the interview is this wednesday. I still not sure what to do.

Julie, it is too soon to be worrying about answers to DS -156. Maybe in 3-4 months from now, your fiance will find the right place and you will have more confidence in answering the question about the address. Truth be told, however, it really does not matter what address you write in the forms. Situations change all the time and the embassy understands this.


17. The years will suffice. Example:

Manila Science High School – 1975 to 1979
University of the Philippines – 1979 to 1983

18.The question pertains to travel to the US under K visa.

2. I put "Metro Manila"

22. You should have a date no matter how tentative. Again, you should be able to answer this with confidence 3-4 months from now.

38. Your old x-rays should be brought to St. Lukes. If you pass their medical exam, consul will not discuss medical issues with you anymore.


7.Leave it blank if there are no assets. And even if petitioner has lots of assets, it is not a requirement to list them all down in the I-134. Americans are afraid of the IRS!!! Embassy needs only to determine if you will not become public charge. ITR, W2, pay stubs, and employment letter will suffice.

10. You are already reported in question no. 3 “That this affidavit is executed on behalf of the following persons” so put None.

11. Put N/A.

Manila Embassy K1 Visa Guide…

Starting Line

(K1 Introduction) - If you are just starting your K1 visa journey, please check out this information provided by the Department of State (DOS) on the K1 visa experience [CLICK HERE]. I found this information very insightful when I first started. Please note that the "How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card" section is INCORRECT because K1 visa beneficiaries may ONLY apply for a SSN card upon arriving into the United States. Please also review VJ's K1 guide [CLICK HERE]

(K1 Visa Immigration Stages) - A simplified and theoretical overview of the five (5) stages involved in the K1 Visa process, according to Sheriff Uling [CLICK HERE].

Post NOA1 (Receipt Notice) Information

(Case Status) - Once you have filed the petition (I-129F) and received a "receipt number" (listed on the NOA1), please register on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using the Case Status Online Tool [CLICK HERE] to receive emailed updates concerning your petition. NOTE: If you want emailed updates to multiple addresses then you must create multiple customer portfolio accounts. When your petition is approval (NOA2), the USCIS forwards your package to the National Visa Center normally within 14 days. The Case Status Online Tool is of no further use to you until after the beneficiary arrives in the United States, get's married, applies for the Adjustment of Status (AOS), Employment Authorization Document (EAD), and/or Advance Parole (AP) because this tool does not track the activity being performed at the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Manila Embassy.

Post NOA2 (Approval Notice) Information

(1). The National Visa Center (NVC) number is within my signature. NVC assigns a case number after a preliminary backgroud/name check has cleared, then forwards your case files electronic and via snail mail to the Manila Embassy. This normally takes approximately 14 - 30 days to complete. Have the USC (petitioner) call (the number is within my signature) or email your inquiry to NVCINQUIRY@state.gov (be sure to include the beneficiary's name, date of birth, place of birth, and receipt number). A NVC Processing Letter [SAMPLE HERE] may or may not be sent to the USC (petitioner), which indicates the case number and approximate time when the case files will be sent to the Manila Embassy. This complimentary NVC Processing Letter (a.k.a. Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA) letter) is not required for any stage in the immigration process.

(2). The Manila Embassy (USE) number is within my signature. Please review this instructional visa interview information [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl). The average visa interview appointment/medical exam are scheduled by the USE approximately 90 – 120 days after the receipt of your case files sent by the NVC. Even though the USE has received you case files electronically, the process will not begin until the paper copy is received via snail mail.

The beneficiary may or may not received a Letter of Receipt [SAMPLE HERE] (Thx PW and GaryC) accompanied by a Document Preparation Letter [SAMPLE HERE] (Thx PW and GaryC) from the USE once their physical case files are delivered to the USE via snail mail from the NVC. Don't be mistakened, this is NOT Packet 3 because the USE ONLY issues Packet 4. At times, the USE fails to send the beneficiary the Letter of Receipt and Document Preparation Letter, which is of no real consequence. The beneficiary can expect to potentially receive the Letter of Receipt and Document Preparation Letter in approximately 30 - 60 days after the files are deliverved via snail mail by the NVC to the USE.

However, the beneficiary SHOULD and NEEDS to receive an Appointment Letter [SAMPLE HERE] accompanied by the infamous Packet 4 [MODIFIED SAMPLE HERE], which should arrive approximately 60 - 90 days after the receipt of the hard-copy case file sent by the NVC to the USE. The Packet 4 currently sent from the USE to the beneficiaries INCORRECTLY states that the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) is validated by the banks upon paying the visa application fee. The pdf file for the Packet 4 link (above) is modified to CORRECTLY read that the DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Application is the form validated by the bank upon paying the visa application fee.

As of 01 November 2006, ALL nonimmigrant visa applicants MUST use the online Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) to complete the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application) at http://evisaforms.state.gov. You may complete the DS-156K (Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application), and the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) and the I-134 (Affidavit of Support) via computer (recommended), type-writer (just as good), or handwritten (last resort). To review the K1 Visa Forms (DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, & I-134) most Frequently Asked Questions [CLICK HERE]. To review the Manila Embassy Thread's recommendations on what to bring (which directly corresponds to the document preparation letter and Packet 4 sent by the USE) and sample questions asked by the Consular Officer during the visa interview [CLICK HERE]. If you need to call the USE, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for the Immigrant Visa Unit (even though the K1 Visa is a nonimmigrant visa, they are handled like immigrant visa because of the intent to migrate to the United States). Effective 01 March 2007, cellphones and other electronic devices will NOT be permitted into the US Embassy and applicants who bring such devices will be DENIED entry.

Be advised once the beneficiary reaches the pre-screeners, the majority of them are very direct, rude, and mean, so don't be alarmed or discouraged by them.

(3).The Department of State (DOS) number is within my signature. After your case is approved (NOA2) and reaches the Manila Embassy, you may call DOS instead on the Manila Embassy to obtain status of your case and make inquiries concerning your interview date. NOTE: DOS has no direct participation in the K1 process.

(4). The Visa Interview Appointments website is within my signature (the beneficiary's interview appointment and medical exam will be scheduled by the USE). NOTE: Please do NOT press enter after the case number is entered because that will not yield a result. Please click on the "Check Appointment" tab. If the appointments have been scheduled, the following will be available: Case Number, Visa Classification, St. Luke's appointment Date, and Embassy Appointment Date, but if the appointments are NOT scheduled yet, the result will be "Case Number Not Found on Appointment List."

(5). St. Luke's Extension Clinic (SLEC) information is within my signature. SLEC is where the beneficiary goes to take the medical exam and vaccination. The process takes two days: Day 1 is the medical exam (the beneficiary's passport will be taken and sent to the USE along with the medical exam results) and; Day 2 is the vaccination (the beneficiary will be given the x-ray film and the vaccination worksheet/record). NOTE: If the Manila Embassy does not mail the beneficiary the K1 Visa Packet 4 and the Appointment Letter, then call SLEC in order to pick them up at SLEC and take a copy of the NOA2, a copy of the NVC letter (which should have the beneficiary's Manila case number on it), and a print-out of the scheduled appointment dates from the Visa Interview Appointments website. Be advised, the beneficiary's medical exam will be scheduled one week before the visa interview by the USE. Per the Manila Embassy Thread, we recommend that the beneficiary takes the medical exam anywhere from 2 weeks to a month before the interview to ensure the results are available for the Consular Officer and to prepare in the unfortunate event of unfavorable medical results. If the medical exam is taken anytime over a month before the visa interview, there is a risk that the results could be invalid, which means the beneficiary will have to take another medical exam before the visa can be approved. The beneficiary may reschedule the medical exam appointment with SLEC after the medical exam and visa interview dates are assigned by calling SLEC. Please don't forget to bring your passport, appointment letter (if received), passport photos (the size of the photos should be 2 inches by 2 inches [see Packet 4, page 8]), and the medical exam fee to your appointment. The beneficiary also needs to have the sponsors contact information (address, phone number, and ssn #) for the SLEC forms. To review the Manila Embassy Thread's recommendations on what to bring and sample questions asked [CLICK HERE].

(6). The DELBROS website is within my signature. DELBROS is the company responsible for delivering the beneficiary's Visa and POE information. The DELBROS delivery fee is paid subsequent to the beneficiary's visa interview at the Manila Embassy. The only way to correspond with Delbros is via text, which can be extremely frustrating if you visa delivery is delayed. Per the Manila Embassy website, the current delivery fee/time is as follows:

* Metro Manila Areas, 135 Philippine Pesos, Delivered one (1) to three (3) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier
* Provincial Key Cities (ex. Cebu City, Davao City, etc.) 165 Philippine Pesos; Delivered three (3) to five (5) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier
* Outside Provincial Key Cities, (ex. Capiz, Leyte, Bukidnon, etc.), Cost depends on area/location, Delivered five (5) to seven (7) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

NOTE: Per the DELBROS staff, the Manila Embassy can take as much as three (3) business days to release the visa and POE package, which is NOT included in the deliver times above. You may also call the Manila Embassy, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for Delbros, after the visa is approve, to acquire about the status of your visa delivery. The only other way to contact DELBROS is via text message (that's right... text message).

(7). Beneficiaries are required to attend a CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar that are held in Manila and Cebu, whichever is more convenient, before traveling abroad (the corresponding links within my signature). Attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is a Philippine government requirement which states, "Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as fiancé(e)s and spouses of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling programs... " For more info [CLICK HERE]. NOTE: The CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is not stated as a requirement within the Packet 4 instructions. However, after the visa is approved, instructions on attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling seminar are included in the visa and Port of Entry (POE) package received by the beneficiary. If the beneficiary takes the seminar before receiving the visa, then the beneficiary will have to return to the CFO in order to receive the CFO sticker anytime after the visa is received. Travel abroad is prohibited without the CFO sticker within the beneficiary's passport (the visa is within the passport). Please check out this instructional information on the PRISM Guidance and Counceling Seminar experience [CLICK HERE] (Thx Sillygirl).

(8). The I-94 Arrival / Departure Record form is within my signature. Foreigners (beneficiaries) complete the I-94 and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer stamps the applicant's visa as well as the arrival / departure portions of the I-94 at the Port of Entry (POE) when entering the United States. The CBP Officer will keep the arrival portion and staple the departure portion of the I-94 to your visa where they stamped the beneficiaries arrival date. You will need this for the Adjustment of Status process. NOTE: Even though it's simple, I have supplied this so you will know what it looks like and what is required to be filled out. Have a great flight!

FINAL NOTE: Please let me know if there are any suggestions/errors/updates.

I have correlated the numbers above to my signature below.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

p.s. - Please review the signature and story tab of my wife's VJ profile [Deputy Uling] for information on the Adjustment of Status (AOS) stage that occurs after the beneficiary arrives in the United States.

They are aware of your K3 and CR interviews, that's for sure...

i understand that once the K3 process is pursued, the CR-1/IR-1 petition is "given up" (so to speak, for lack of a better term)
so how does a K3 beneficiary get a CR-1/IR-1 interview?
are the K3 forms and documentation used for the CR-1/IR-1 interview?
or does the petitioner continue to supply and correspond with necessary CR-1/IR-1 documentation while the K3 is being processed?

this has got me confused
enlighten me please, anyone

btw, happy mother's day to all the great moms out there

when you attend the K-3 interview, you are not giving up the CR-1. As PW earlier pointed out, the processing of a CR-1 Visa was running 3-5 months behind that of a K Visa. That is why many married couples pursue the K-3 Visa. It allows the couple to be together sooner in the USA. Recently it seems the CR-1 processing has been catching up to the K-3 Visa. that is why you now see many with K-3 interviews having their CR-1 interview only a couple of weeks after their K- interview.

Happy Mother's Day PW and the rest of the moms here and of coarse to my mom and Yazi.

CR-1 would be the superior visa since you will not have to AOS after entry into the USA. you will receive conditional green card after you enter the USA. you will just need to remove conditions within 90 days before the 2nd anniverasy of your entry into the USA. if you have been married for two years before your entry into the USA, you will be an LPR.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers here in VJ esp in this thread!

Eric and Mari

anyone registered their interview date with VisaPoint ™ ?

Thanks for posting your guide. I know its very helpful. One thing I wanted to pass on with regards to the CFO Seminars that was confusing to Mirasol and I (and maybe others as well) was the locations. There are three locations involved with the CFO process in Metro Manila, but not all of them give the class. We went to the address at 1345 President Quirino Ave. in Manila asking for the class. We found out that this is only a CFO office, not a location for the course. The course was held at the PRISM office location found in the PCI Bank Building at 2422 Taft Avenue. The cost there was P250 for the class. After taking the course there you will be issued a yellow certificate.

You must then return to the CFO office on President Quirino Ave. after you receive your passport back with visa from the US Embassy via Delbros. You will then show your yellow certificate from PRISM and give them a photocopy to obtain your green certificate from that CFO office. You will also register there with CFO and obtain the immigrant registration sticker you will need affixed to you passport in order to be allowed to exit the Philippines to the USA. The cost at this location is P400.

The third location involved is in Quezon City (CMEF-COW) and I believe it is a class location also. I am not sure as we did not travel there, but I believe that to be the case after re-reading the website.

Maybe we are just the silly ones that did not read the website correctly the first time, but I figured if we messed it up, someone else might too. Hope this helps!

Scott (and Mirasol)

Just to let you know that VisaPoint ™ cannot be used to schedule immigrant visa appointments. K1 and K3, although non-immigrants visas, are processed as "immigrant" by the Immigrant Unit of the embassy.

PW sis did you got my pm? I sent you 1 last friday, just wondering cuz didnt hear anything from you yet

I second PW's reply! K1 visas are scheduled by the Manila Embassy ONLY and are not processed as non-immigrant visas because of the intent is not to temporarily visit the US but live there, which is why they are processed as "immigrant visas." For those who are new, please do NOT attempt to schedule an appointment for your K1 visa using VisaPoint (as previously stated, the Manila Embassy will schedule your visa interview and medical exam for you then notify you via snail mail).

To ALL:

The CFO requirement can be accomplished in Cebu or Manila (depending on whichever is closer or more convenient for the beneficiary) and consists of two parts:

Part 1. Guidance and Counseling Seminar (a certificate of completion is given at the conclusion)
Part 2. CFO Sticker placed inside of the passport/visa (requires the Guidance and Couseling Certificate)

In Cebu, the Guidance and Counceling Seminar and the CFO Sticker are both administered and handled at the CFO in Cebu. Conversely, in Manila, the Guidance and Counceling Seminar is admistered at PRISM (on Taft Ave in Manila) and the CFO Sticker is given at the CFO in Manila. For both locations, the CFO Sticker can only be applied to the passport/visa once the beneficiary receives the Guidance and Counseling Certificate and visa from the USE.

NOTE: The Guidance and Counceling Seminar can be completed at any time.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

yeah, but how does a CR-1/IR-1 petition continue if the K3 process is in its order?

oh look at me replying to my own post
el-oh-el

i found the answers to my questions cuz imma smart like that

I just wanted to say GOODLUCK to Chadmides (May 17) and Gracy_byron (May 18) on their interview...go gurls u can make it!

Ops we are getting closer (lizzie009,jeng...et al), week to go now...

Good luck to all upcoming interviews!!!

[quote name='joemaria' date='May 14 2007, 01:51 PM' post='908303']
I just wanted to say GOODLUCK to Chadmides (May 17) and Gracy_byron (May 18) on their interview...go gurls u can make it!

Ops we are getting closer (lizzie009,jeng...et al), week to go now...
[/qu

Thanks for wishing us luck Joemaria. I been taking Tylenol with sleeping aid lately lol cuz its sure does hard to sleep

Understood, and i didnt attend the interview, yet I lost aloooot of sleep! But I can assure you, you will sleep good after the approval. I crashed and slept for like 10 hours!

Hi guys,

I finished my medical last may 10 & 11...hmm...i think i passed it..i got no additional procedures or check...xray film was given to me and had MMR & varicella vaccines...the releasing nurse just told me to take 2nd shot of varicella and bring the xray film to the US POE...m relieved, i passed, right?

a lot of thank yous to Helen and PW...your advices helped me a lot and gave me encouragement...

Helen, i think we had the same doctor, she was not thorough on me and asked questions so fast...

please continue praying for me for my interview on the 22nd...i still have lots of worries in my heart but i wanna be positive, i have my high faith in God...fyi, the last time my fiance and i saw each other was on oct 2, 2004 but we filed the applxn in nov 2006...will this be a big problem? i hope the consul will understand our reason..we have reasons of course...pls pls pray for us...

thanks again guys...

Hi Gracy, your welcome!...oh im having sleepless nights too, can i have your tylenol?!
I hope this interview will be over soon so i can breath normal again, hehehe.

Hey Chad, thanks for wishing us luck, did Lira has her visa?! any updates?!! Im sure you having sleepless nights too in anticipation of her arrival, lol! Congrats and wish u all the best...

You've got our prayers Jeng, we'll do good in our interview this 22nd, meet u there!
yap u did pass the medical exams, congrats! when they turn over our xray and immunization worksheet that means we passed. Just prove that the relationship is bonafide i think there will be no prob...GOODLUCK sistah!

I hope no one minds if I post what I'm mailing Mharis for our interview. If you have any suggestions, I would be grateful. I'm going to try to send it by the latest this Friday through DHL to Manila.

Letter from Employer with dates of employment, classification (permanent), and annual salary

Notarized Affidavit of Support (no property or bonds but decent salary

Six months of paystubs

Tax transcripts and W2's for tax years 2005 and 2006

Copy of return and W2 for tax year 2004 (transcript won't arrive by my deadline)

Statement from bank of when account opened, amount deposited in last year, and present balance

Should I include my retirement statement of expected payment in 13 years?

Phone records (record of daily, sometimes twice daily calls) to Mharis. Cell phone records, mobilecaller, landline account, phone cards, and texting bills.

Photographs of us together, meeting mom, visiting dad, horsing around, etc. About 24 pictures

Engagement ring receipt

Emails (not as many as I would like, but we are on the phone so much)

Cards we sent to each other. Lots of these.

Letters I sent to her. Lots of those.

Copies of chats. (Not a lot, maybe 5)

Maybe 6 or seven print outs of the daily e-cards I send her

Should I include a remittance even if it is only a small amount, like $200.00 sent once?

Receipts for flowers

Ticket stubs for second visit to the Philippines. I can't locate first visit stubs.

Credit card records for second visit in December, 2006

Various receipts for December, 2006 visit.

Freshly dated fiance letter of intent.

And she will add the forms from the packet 4.

Well, am I missing anything? I wish I had more chats, but I'm not a big fan of chat.

Our interview is June 5. I'm starting to freak out.

Thanks,

Rick

hi maria,

thank you...yes...we'll do well in our interview...i pray that both of us are smiling when we go out of the embassy...i cant wait for that day...i wanna feel normal again..hehehe...

goodluck and Godbless.

pardon my ignorance everyone but what is the difference between tax transcripts and income tax return filed copy? or are they the same?

rea

they are different. The tax transcript is a record of your return that you can order by phone from the irs at 1 800 829 1040. I heard the embassy prefers the transcript to the actual return. It's a free service and I got my 2005 and 2006 transcripts in less than a week.

Hello all my fellow VJ'ers!

I have a question for those that already took their flight to the USA and used PAL. If you flew out of an airport outside Manila first (example.....flying from Cagayan de Oro to Manila and then Manila to the USA) when did you have to show your visa and CFO sticker/stamp. Do you have to show it at the first boarding (CDO in my example), or only when you go to the international terminal to pass immigration and board for the international flight. Secondly, were your bags checked into the flight all the way from the originating airport to the USA or did you have to get your bags in the baggage claim in Manila and re-check them in the international terminal?

The reason I am asking is Mir is going to fly PAL so there is no connecting flight outside of the Phils. She has had the CFO class already, but did not have her visa yet when she took the class so she must go back to CFO. It is our plan to fly her to Manila in the morning from Davao. She will exit the airport and go to CFO to get her sticker and then return to the Manila airport to fly out to the USA that night.

I started thinking and wondered if they might ask for that CFO sticker in Davao, but assumed it would only be asked from immigration in Manila. I also wondered if her baggage will be checked all the way to the USA when she checks into the airport in Davao. If not, we will have to see if she can check in early at the international terminal in Manila so she doesn't have to worry about carrying it to the CFO office. Her flight to the USA doesn't leave till 10:30 pm so I'm hoping that will not be a problem. Does anyone know if there will be a problem leaving the airport in Manila to go get her sticker?

Any help is very much appreciated.

Scott (and Mirasol)

Rick, sounds like you are good to go. I would not worry too much about the few emails. I was like you. We chatted every day, at least once, on yahoo and so I never had emails or letters really. I used a phone card to keep cost down, so there was no bill from that to present. We brought the few emails we had, about 6 chat logs, lots of photos, lots of greeting cards for holidays/birthdays, and a few package receipts. All they looked at was the greeting cards and photos and said we had enough. Granted, we had photos for almost 4 years of relationship, but I think (only my opinion) you will be okay with what you have. They also made a comment about having some things already in the petition packet from the NVC, so that eliminated some of the personal meeting issues with travel receipts. It just comes down to whether they believe its for real. No one can predict that because I think its really a subjective opinion of the consular official. I would not worry....your photos and phone records I think (in my opinion) will do the trick, but still send it all.

I also brought tax transcripts and printed returns with W-2 forms for three years, but only needed the latest year. Still, I would not change what you have. It never hurts to be prepared. I also brought an employment letter, but skipped the bank statement and asset documentation as I had enough income to make it.

Good luck to Mharis in her interview!!!

Scott (and Mirasol)

PS....For anyone reading this post....don't assume that our situation is yours. Prepare for YOUR interview. Don't assume because I said I didn't need something that you will not need it too. Each interview is different and prepare to bring everything you have to demonstrate you meet the requirements. Good luck!

Had to change Mir's flight to the USA one day earlier so its not gonna be my birthday when she will arrive....its the day before. We found an agent in her city that could save us $150 US off the PAL internet price, but they showed the flight "fully booked" for June 2nd. (That's funny cuz I can still get a ticket for June 2 online at PAL website, but I guess its a capacity controlled fare.) So the bad thing is I wanted her to land in the USA on my actual birthday and that will not happen. Good news is that we get to start our life here in the USA together one day earlier! I guess I can't complain too much. Hehehe

Scott (and Mirasol)

PS...FYI....I had Mir ask about the rumored "First time immigrant fare" from PAL that I have heard about. The key word is "immigrant" and she was told it only applied to those with immigrant visas, not a K1 "non-immigrant" visa. I think PAL should change that policy to include the K visas too! Then again, I never liked PAL because of some nasty customer service incidents I have had with them, so it likely would do nothing for our relationship with them. I only agreed to even purchase a PAL ticket for Mir as it's the only airline with a non-stop PI to USA flight and she insisted on having no connecting flights. Good thing I love her so much!

thank you orion44, i will be telling my fiance about this