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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Posted

Ok, We finally have an appointment booked on 25 March

I need to get to Manila to attend the interview with fiance

I will NOT book fiancee ticket until I have VISA in hand but my ticket concerns me

My first thought is that an unrestricted round trip ticket was the best bet but those run from 4k - 7k

I planned on booking a reservation on United for a 2 week layover in Manila --I know I must have RT ticket to enter Phils.

There are reasonable fares but if you have to amend -- you can really get hit with high fees

Any one have any first hand experience with this strategy?

Can fiancee fly / transfer through Japan - Narita?

So far I have heard Kora / Canada are not transfers points on K-1

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Posted

I'll address the areas that I know something about, and someone else can handle the rest.

I missed a flight on Philippine Airlines in Manila in January. I got NO consideration for this, and had to pay FULL FARE to get home. I do NOT recommend them if you have a flexible schedule. I've flown through Narita, and I highly recommend that. For me, Portland to Narita, and then to Manila is much better than anywhere else to Manila.

Posted

My fiancée's interview is on Feb 27th. I have booked a one way ticket to Manila (cost me $500) and I will book our return flight once we have the visa in hand. I have never heard of anyone having trouble getting into Philippines with a one way ticket. I have been there 3 times and they never checked my ticket. I did call Expedia too and they told me no problems with a one way ticket. If they do ask me about it, I will just show them my K-1 paper work, interview confirmation and explain that I am going home with my fiancée once we have our visa.

K-1 Visa

Oct 1st, 2013 – Mailed in I-129F Package to Dallas Lockbox.

Oct 4th, 2013 – Package Delivered.

Oct 9th, 2013 - NOA1 Text and Email

Oct 15th, 2013 - NOA1 Hardcopy received in mail. Notice date on hardcopy says October 8th.

Nov 13th, 2013 - NOA2 - update on USCIS website

Dec 9th, 2013 - Petition received at NVC

Dec 11th, 2013 - Petition sent to Manila

Dec 19th, 2013 - Embassy receives petition

Dec 29th-Jan 8th-Our first New Year's together.

Feb 23rd- Fly to Manila to be with Ema for the interview.

Feb 27th, 2014 - Interview scheduled. We were APPROVED dancin5hr.gif

Feb 28th, 2014 - Ema does CFO- Passes with flying colors.

Mar 6th, 2014 - Visa in hand and ready to fly home.

Mar 14th, 2014 - POE Los Angeles

Apr 17th, 2014 - Our Wedding date. (L)

AOS

Sept 5th, 2014 - Mail package to Chicago

Sept 9th - Package Delivered

Sept 11th - NOA1 Texts and Emails.

Sept 17th - NOA1 Hardcopys received.

Sept 20th - Biometrics appointment letter received. Appointment for Oct 2nd.

Oct 2nd - Biometrics Done!

Nov 15th - EAD & AP approved and on the way!

No interview or interview wavier notice received

Jun 30th, 2015- Received welcome notice and approval.

July 23rd - Ema finally has her Green Card :dancing:

Posted (edited)

Hi did you just book an interview appointment today? Were there already slots for first week of march? Last time i checked the latest was feb25 so im wondering if there are already available slots for later dates. Thanks

Edited by krispykreme

08.24.2013 - got married in the Philippines!

09.25.2013 - NOA1 via email

11.18.2013 - requested expedite due to typhoon

12.02.2013 - CFO seminar

12.12.2013 - I-130 approved, NOA2 via email (never transferred); shipped to NVC

12.30.2013 - NVC received the case

01.06.2014 - requested expedite due to typhoon and PCS

01.08.2014 - Case # and IIN; submitted DS-261; NVC asked for 2 contact #s of beneficiary

01.09.2014 - AOS fee billed

01.14.2014 - AOS fee showed paid

01.15.2014 - IV fee billed; expedite approved

01.18.2014 - sent AOS package

01.22.2014 - IV fee showed paid; AOS arrived at NVC as per UPS (10:18am by FNU)

01.24.2014 - sent IV package

01.27.2014 - submitted DS-260; IV docs delivered to NVC as per DHL (10:52am by PETERS G)

01.29.2014 - CASE COMPLETE (via phonecall)

01.30.2014 - received checklist for Dutch Police Record (VOG) via email

01.31.2014 - left NVC, sent to embassy

02.04.2014 - received at embassy, READY as per CEAC

02.10-11.2014 - medical done, passed!

02.24.2014 - interview: APPROVED!!

02.27.2014 - Received SMS from 2Go, ready for pick up

02.28.2014 - visa on hand; CFO sticker

03.01.2014 - paid ELIS

03.06.2014 - POE Hawaii...Aloooohaaa! :)

04.10.2014 - 2yr green card received

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Posted

In response to the posters above...thanks

I like the idea about purchasing a one way ticket. It just makes me a bit nervous if they ask for the return ticket.

I'd like to believe they would let you in with the VISA excuse. If the don't can you just buy a ticket?

Actually if you have to buy another full fare ticket it still might be less than buying an unrestricted far

Filed: Timeline
Posted

140 entries across 84 countries in the past 7 years, including 9 entries in Philippines - the only time I've ever been asked about a return ticket was an entry into Yemen two years ago. Otherwise, it has NEVER come up.

I would give the immigration officer a specific date when asked about your return … being wishy washy may result in additional questions. Just be sure your 'return date' covers enough time so that they give you enough time with the date they write in your passport.

Transiting through Narita will not be an issue - indeed, it will be a pleasure. Just follow the lines for 'international connection' where you will go through security again and then into the international outbound terminal. You are not considered to 'have entered Japan' until you have crossed Japanese Immigration, which you will not do.

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Posted

Hi did you just book an interview appointment today? Online or did you call? I just checked online and the the latest was feb 25 so im wondering if there are already available slots for later dates. Thanks

KI VISA JOURNEY

12/13/13- mailed I-129f packet to Texas lockbox

12/16/16- Texas Lockbox received packet

12/18/13- received email confirmation of NOA1 / transferred to CSC

12/20/13- receive NOA1 hard copy from mail

12/23/13- Alien Registration Number was change

12/24/13- TOUCHED!

01/22/14- NOA2 received email/txt confirmation of approval (35 days after my NOA1)

01/24/14- received NOA2 hard copy from mail

02/03/14- NVC packet received

02/04/14- NVC issued our MNL case#

02/06/14- left NVC sent to Manila US Embassy

02/10/14- Manila US Embassy received packet

03/05/14 - Packet 3 Recieved

05/05/14 - Date of Interview

05/08/14- Visa picked up in MOA

05/19/14- Date of Entry in US (POE: Los Angeles)

ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS JOURNEY

05/20/14- Civil Wedding

05/27/14-went to SSA to get a SS card (will get in the mail within 2 weeks)

06/02/14- received SSA card through USPS mail

06/07/14- mailed AOS, EAD and Travel document Packet to Chicago Lockbox

06/11/14- Chicago Lockbox Received Packet

06/12/14-received text confirmation of NOA1 for AOS, EAD and Travel document / AOS transferred to Nebraska Service Center

06/25/14-recieved NOA1 hard copy for AOS, EAD and Travel document by USPS mail.

07/14/14- received Biometrics Appointment Letter for his AOS and EAD (Appointment was 7/9/14 we got the letter late!)

7/15/14- we did a walking to ASC office, explained we just received the letter and they let us have his Biometrics done... thank god!!

7/22/14- (touched) I485, APPLICATION TO ADJUST STATUS is now ready for interview scheduling.

7/31/14- (touched) I485, USCS mailed the appointment notice for an interview for Sept 5, 2014.

8/4/14- received appointment notice by USPS mail.

8/20/14- (touched) mailed a notice that they have approved this I131 APPLICATION FOR USCIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT

8/28/14- (touched) mailed the new card Form I765, APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION.

9/2/14- received EAD card. (2days delayed)

Filed: Other Country: Philippines
Timeline
Posted

In response to the posters above...thanks

I like the idea about purchasing a one way ticket. It just makes me a bit nervous if they ask for the return ticket.

I'd like to believe they would let you in with the VISA excuse. If the don't can you just buy a ticket?

Actually if you have to buy another full fare ticket it still might be less than buying an unrestricted far

I do not know how the other member able to get a one way ticket, he is lucky

I could be wrong but as far as I know you are require having a return ticket, unless you are a former citizen of that country, again I could be wrong

I fly to Manila almost every 2 months and I required having return ticket

Try your luck on China Airlines (note: to get refund you need to purchase the ticket on China Airlines website only)

China Airline term and conditions

·Online refunds are available only for completely unused CI tickets purchased on this website within two years of the date of issue.

·The refund amount will be reimbursed to original cardholder and his/her card number for subject ticket payment. Please provide the original credit card number and name of cardholder who pay the ticket so as to be allowed to access the refund process on line.

·We will prompt refund as possible once receive your request and the duration of reimbursement will subject to card-issuing banks handling procedures, and the refund service charge will be deducted from original amount.

·If you are submitting a refund request within 24 hours after purchase and the reservation was made one week or more prior to a flight's scheduled departure, you are entitled to a full refund without service charge. If these conditions apply, click ‘Within 24 hours of purchase’ below to request a full refund.

·Refund service for partially used ticket, free ticket award, and ticket involving other airlines cannot be applied on website please contact nearest CI branch office for more details.

·Tickets in conjunction with Turbojet/THSR ticket cannot apply refund service via website, please contact CI branch office for more details.

·Once you changed reservation online, please proceed to CI branch office for your ticket refund.

·Tickets commencing from Korea, if the refund is made 10 days or more prior to a flights departure date, may be cancelled without penalty for a full refund within 7 days after purchase. Please contact our Korean office for details.

Filed: Timeline
Posted

I do not know how the other member able to get a one way ticket, he is lucky

I could be wrong but as far as I know you are require having a return ticket, unless you are a former citizen of that country, again I could be wrong

I fly to Manila almost every 2 months and I required having return ticket

I agree there is the requirement. What I'm saying is that with 140 immigration crossings, I have only been asked about it once … and Sana'a airport is the strangest of the strange.

I usually travel with either a return or onward ticket. I have, in the past, only gone on a one-way if I'll be in country for a few months and unsure of when I'll finish with my work. I usually have a business visa for those times, so perhaps that's why don't ask under those circumstances.

If one is wiling to take the risk, I can't imagine anything so bad that a phone call and credit card cannot clear up within 30 minutes.

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Posted

The two times I have been I was asked by the airline both times if I had my return ticket. My second trip from San Fran they wanted to see my confirmation before they would let me board the plane. The first trip I was asked at customs if I had my return ticket also.

Posted

Try booking through Philippine Airlines or Cathay Pacific, they let you change your itinerary for about $150 for every change. If you book a promo rate, it will still come out cheaper than an unrestricted ticket.

Married in Texas Sept. 16, 2013

Sent I-130 Nov. 3, 2013

Received NOA1 (email) Dec. 19, 2013

Requested Expedite Jan. 2, 2014

Approved Expedite Jan. 4, 2014

Case sent to NVC Jan. 15, 2014

Received NOA1 (mail) Jan. 22, 2014

NVC Received Case Jan. 27, 2014

Received NOA2 (mail) Feb. 25, 2014

NVC Assigned Case Number Mar. 11, 2014

Paid AOS Fee Mar. 29, 2014

Paid IV Fee Mar. 29, 2014

Submitted DS-260 Apr. 4, 2014

Mailed in IV packet Apr. 8, 2014

Submitted AOS packet Forgot the date

Case complete May 31, 2014

Medical Jun. 26, 2014

Interview Jul. 8, 2014

POE (LAX) Sept. 16, 2014

Paid ELIS May 16, 2015

Received GC May 23, 2015

I-751 Receipt Date July 5, 2016

ROC NOA July 15, 2016

I-751 Biometrics Aug. 5, 2016

ROC Approved Sept. 18, 2017
Received GC Sept. 25, 2017
 

CR1 Spousal Visa Guide

 

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Posted

You are not reading carefully. The entry requirements specify an "onward ticket" not a return or round trip air ticket. That's ridiculous.

Buy your best one way ticket USA to Manila, Cebu,or Clark. Buy a "burner" ticket, $50-60 USD one way Manila - Kota Kinabalu or Kuala Lumpur or somewhere on ex: www.airasia.com or www.cebupacificair.com. That's your onward ticket. You don't have to return home and you don't have to go to Maylasia, just leave the Philippines before your visa is up.

Take care of your embassy business and when you have visa in hand, buy 2 one way tickets back to the states.

United has an office in Manila with outstanding customer service. Delta is there also, and then there are travel agencies and always the Internet. Should be able to get back here for around $650 USD.

If you are running close to your 30 day limit, simply ask your hotel or find a travel agency that will run and get you a visa extension at the DFA, 2 day or so service.

You can connect through Tokyo, Inchon, Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok and elsewhere on a K1. You just can not always exit and re-enter the country/airport on a Philippines passport without a transit visa. Get a same day connecting flight back home, no stopovers or next day flights.

The other option is to buy a fully refundable ticket departing Philippines to the Moon and then cancel it after you get inside the country.

Relax.

Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline
Posted

Another idea - is book flight from STL (St Louis) to LAX then also a RT ticket from LAX to MNL AND MNL to LAX



Then like you say change / amend the PAL ticket as required on the MNL to LAX leg. However, there may be issues with the associated



PAL ticket class (below) -- I think it could be more than 100 dollars. But with my experience with PAL they



are pretty fare if you change / amend BEFORE the flight date -- however missing the flight you get shafted.



1) Budget


2) Regular


3) Premium


4) Business


5) Business Premium


Posted

Hi im in the same way as the poster but im married going to manila for my wifes interview i will be traveling on delta can i just buy a one way ticket then buy tickets when i have her visa in hand

 
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