CR-1 Docs at USEM

[Brassballs 47]

This may be premature post because I don't have all the info... More to come later.

My asawa had CR-1 interview on May 5. Haven't had an opportunity to Skype her yet, but did get an e-mail alert, as petitioner I guess, from USEM that they can't continue or I hope complete visa processing until they have CENOMAR on NSO paper.

No where on the interview scheduled letter from NVC did it mention that this was a required document. To get our marriage license she had to show cenomar to the LCR before they would issue one. So if you have to have cenomar to get marriage license and she chad the NSO marriage license with her wouldn't that be de facto proof of cenomar?

Don't fully understand the documentation process, not that I FULLY understood any of the process so far, haha. Fortunately we are not under any time constraints, just another hoop to jump through or pot-hole in the road.

This is just a heads up for future CR-1 filers that you may get an interviewer that decides he wants a cenomar in the packet or it may actually be a requirement that is not specified on their welcome letter. Better to get one ahead of time even if you don't need it than to have to obtain it later.

So anyway, does the 229 indicate she is conditionally approved pending receipt of the cenomar or that she will have to re-interview? Can't wait to get her side of the story.

[JohnandMhay 13]

Interesting. I've seen a few anecdotal reports of that lately, so I made sure May has one.

Wouldn't they really want a CEMAR? Since your married there's no way to get a CENOMAR anymore.

[Brassballs 47]

Damn, never thought of that.

If you're applying for CR-1, cenomar doesn't even apply does it? Because she is. Hmm.

Really have to wait until she gets home to hear her side. This will be a question for her.

Interesting during this entire process how the 'rules' can be interpreted so many ways, by different people, on different days, in both contries. Go figure.

More to follow.

[Cess & Ryan 5]

I believe it is CEMAR they are asking for since you guys are already married.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Damn, never thought of that.

If you're applying for CR-1, cenomar doesn't even apply does it? Because she is. Hmm.

Really have to wait until she gets home to hear her side. This will be a question for her.

Interesting during this entire process how the 'rules' can be interpreted so many ways, by different people, on different days, in both countries. Go figure.

More to follow.

You'll request and fill paperwork out for a CENOMAR but since you are married NSO will provide you with a CEMAR. Here is the answer to "why didn't they tell us" or "they keep changing the rules" but come to find it, it's listed on their website. http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country/RP.html#preferreddocuments-1 and I quote here:

Marriage Index Documents.

Available. The NSO issues Certificates of No Marriage (CENOMAR) certifying that an applicant was never married. Certificates of Marriage (CEMAR) provide a chronological listing of all applicant's marriages. A CDLI endorsement should be requested. Go here for a sample of the CEMAR http://www.visajourn...n-manila/page-3

Marriage index documents can also be ordered on the website www.ecensus.com.ph. The site accepts credit cards issued in the U.S., Japan, Europe, Australia, and Hong Kong. There is a flat fee for each document of $25. The fee includes shipping by courier to the delivery address abroad.

If you want the certificate sent directly to your wife saving time, then use the NSO helpline. You can request the document and have it in about 2 weeks. More information can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/lnwm9gj scroll down to "ordering NSO certificates".

Are you sure it's a I-229 form that was issue because if that's the case you will be dealing with ICE. I think she meant to say 221(g) which is not that concerning. It just means they need additional information (CEMAR) and once received they will complete the processing of your visa. Not a biggy.

[mymarley 14]

coz we used to call it cenomar even ur married.. thats how they call it in nso office... they need that at US embassy so they will know how many times the applicant got married.. and also it support the marriage contract. no interview needed just send the additional docs..

Edited May 5, 2015 by mymarley

[Brassballs 47]

Are you sure it's a I-229 form that was issue because if that's the case you will be dealing with ICE. I think she meant to say 221(g) which is not that concerning. It just means they need additional information (CEMAR) and once received they will complete the processing of your visa. Not a biggy.

You're correct it was a 221g alert and not 229. I was doing recall from a quick read and too early in the morning.

Anyway after a quick Skype conversation, what I gather is the cenomar/cemar/whatever is a required document for the file stuffer. That requirement / document was never mentioned in our appointment letter. I don't know if the letters are individually generated or if it is a fill in / change as required template. In any case its either left off all notifications of CR-1 visa letters or at least ours.

What I gather from our quick update is that the USEM gave her an 'order form' that she needs to take to NSO, pay for the doc whatever it is called, and then the USEM will pick it up. I may not have the details correct but I hope my asawa does.

Like Greenbaum say, it's no biggie, just a file stuffer.

But as I said earlier it apparently is a requirement for future CR-1 applicants to be aware of even if not mentioned. I also believe my wife mentioned it would be the cenomar in her maiden surname not the cemar using her married surname.

Maybe that doc is already included in the K-1 guide here, since it seems the vast majority of members are getting that visa and not CR-1. But if there is a dedicated CR-1 guide this requirement should be part of it. Or at least it should be listed in the USEM guide and I didn't see it in the Feb edition. Go figure.

Another wonderful bus ride from Bulacan to Manila. She just loves them, not!

[Greenbaum 12,258]

You're correct it was a 221g alert and not 229. I was doing recall from a quick read and too early in the morning.

Anyway after a quick Skype conversation, what I gather is the cenomar/cemar/whatever is a required document for the file stuffer. That requirement / document was never mentioned in our appointment letter. I don't know if the letters are individually generated or if it is a fill in / change as required template. In any case its either left off all notifications of CR-1 visa letters or at least ours.

What I gather from our quick update is that the USEM gave her an 'order form' that she needs to take to NSO, pay for the doc whatever it is called, and then the USEM will pick it up. I may not have the details correct but I hope my asawa does.

Like Greenbaum say, it's no biggie, just a file stuffer.

But as I said earlier it apparently is a requirement for future CR-1 applicants to be aware of even if not mentioned. I also believe my wife mentioned it would be the cenomar in her maiden surname not the cemar using her married surname.

Maybe that doc is already included in the K-1 guide here, since it seems the vast majority of members are getting that visa and not CR-1. But if there is a dedicated CR-1 guide this requirement should be part of it. Or at least it should be listed in the USEM guide and I didn't see it in the Feb edition. Go figure.

Another wonderful bus ride from Bulacan to Manila. She just loves them, not!

Get a copy of the 221(g) and read over it to insure that you guys will continue moving forward and not backwards. Two sets of eyes are better than one.

[Hank_ 9,171]

This may be premature post because I don't have all the info... More to come later.

My asawa had CR-1 interview on May 5. Haven't had an opportunity to Skype her yet, but did get an e-mail alert, as petitioner I guess, from USEM that they can't continue or I hope complete visa processing until they have CENOMAR on NSO paper.

No where on the interview scheduled letter from NVC did it mention that this was a required document. To get our marriage license she had to show cenomar to the LCR before they would issue one. So if you have to have cenomar to get marriage license and she chad the NSO marriage license with her wouldn't that be de facto proof of cenomar?

Don't fully understand the documentation process, not that I FULLY understood any of the process so far, haha. Fortunately we are not under any time constraints, just another hoop to jump through or pot-hole in the road.

This is just a heads up for future CR-1 filers that you may get an interviewer that decides he wants a cenomar in the packet or it may actually be a requirement that is not specified on their welcome letter. Better to get one ahead of time even if you don't need it than to have to obtain it later.

So anyway, does the 229 indicate she is conditionally approved pending receipt of the cenomar or that she will have to re-interview? Can't wait to get her side of the story.

Always, always follow the embassy instructions letter for the visa process... always!

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/1178798/feb2015/IV%20Applicant%20Interview%20Preparation%20Instructions%20-%20English%20_February%202015_.pdf

 MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (if applicable). For Philippine marriages, it must be issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on security paper (not from the Local Civil Registry Office). You may call the NSO Information Center at (632) 737-1111 to inquire about securing a marriage certificate or visit their web site at http://www.census.gov.ph.

For this the embassy wants the NSO CENOMAR, which of course being married NSO issues the CEMAR. More CR-1 get bit by this one at the interview, many, many topics on this.

Edited May 5, 2015 by Hank_

[Brassballs 47]

Always, always follow the embassy instructions letter for the visa process... always!

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/1178798/feb2015/IV%20Applicant%20Interview%20Preparation%20Instructions%20-%20English%20_February%202015_.pdf

 MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (if applicable). For Philippine marriages, it must be issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) on security paper (not from the Local Civil Registry Office). You may call the NSO Information Center at (632) 737-1111 to inquire about securing a marriage certificate or visit their web site at http://www.census.gov.ph.

For this the embassy wants the NSO CENOMAR, which of course being married NSO issues the CEMAR. More CR-1 get bit by this one at the interview, many, many topics on this.

Page 3 of 5 in linked doc states that MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE on NSO paper, etc., etc. must be presented. Got bit on that one when I sent in the LCR version with 864 to the NVC. No where in the NVC 864 instructions does it state the NSO requirement and in fact after Sep/Oct last year the NVC will accept the LCR version with the NSO version to be presented at the interview. That wasn't the case when I sent in our 864 so delayed the process for us by 6 weeks or so.

Not withstanding that issue with the NVC, no where in the instruction sheet or in our appointment letter does it mention the requirement for a NSO CENOMAR OR CEMAR. Only reference is to having a NSO MARRIAGE CERT which she had in her document pouch. Had that requirement (CENOMAR) been specifically stated in either instruction guidance, she would have had it also. Not really sure how a petitioner or beneficiary is supposed to know that MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE actually means CENOMAR / CEMAR and not MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE. Go figure.

I had another interpretation screw up when I sent in our AOS..... Page 2 asked to list any other relatives traveling with beneficiary. I incorrectly entered her daughter's name. WRONG. Only 1 CR-1 beneficiary per document. Another delay for our processing. So what DHS / USCIS / NVC / USEM says and what they mean are not necessarily the same.

Add to that the requirements, paperwork wise for K1 and CR1 are not the same it makes understanding the process even more difficult for us travelers.

[Brassballs 47]

Get a copy of the 221(g) and read over it to insure that you guys will continue moving forward and not backwards. Two sets of eyes are better than one.

I guess the asawa feels pretty confident she knows what is required since she left already to pay for whatever document the USEM needs from the NSO.

Just as a sidelight for all this file stuffer stuff..... Does the USEM maintain paper files for every visa approved? I'd like to have the filing cabinet contract or do they use cardboard boxes like the LCR's?

[Greenbaum 12,258]

I guess the asawa feels pretty confident she knows what is required since she left already to pay for whatever document the USEM needs from the NSO.

Just as a sidelight for all this file stuffer stuff..... Does the USEM maintain paper files for every visa approved? I'd like to have the filing cabinet contract or do they use cardboard boxes like the LCR's?

Now a days, it starts out paper and ends up digital. Paper is saved for one year. then poof.

[Brassballs 47]

Final follow-up.

Apparently there is a NSO annex or outlet in Pasay that deals exclusively ith the docs that USEM demands. As well as other services I presume. This is not the BIG one in QC.

Wife took the order form she got at USEM, paid P40, and on her way again. USEM does daily pickup from there and everyone 'seems' to know what is required.

Hope so.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

Final follow-up.

Apparently there is a NSO annex or outlet in Pasay that deals exclusively ith the docs that USEM demands. As well as other services I presume. This is not the BIG one in QC.

Wife took the order form she got at USEM, paid P40, and on her way again. USEM does daily pickup from there and everyone 'seems' to know what is required.

Hope so.

Just another day in the park. Keep you sanity, as you can see just when you thought it was safe to go out USEM/Filipino Government will change a rule or location on you.