Fiance worried about someone else getting the documents

[russandraquel 86]

I need to send original letter of intent etc.

My fiancee is worried that someone else will get her documents from the courier. Is this uncommon? Do they have a pickup at Fedex/DHL option if she is at work when they come? She lives in Manila and works 6 days per week.

If I can spend some extra money to make sure she gets them, I am more than happy to do so.

Interested to hear from the others their experiences and preparation for this sort of situation.

I plan to send the original documents VERY soon (Like Tuesday). I will send PDF copies of my future paystubs up to the interview date.

[Brassballs 47]

Highly unlikely that DHL, FEDEX, UPS, LBC would EVER open a sealed letter envelope.

Why not send to her work address?

I have sent more than documents and they were held at a SM mailing store for my wife to pickup.

[Hank_ 9,173]

I need to send original letter of intent etc.

My fiancee is worried that someone else will get her documents from the courier. Is this uncommon? Do they have a pickup at Fedex/DHL option if she is at work when they come? She lives in Manila and works 6 days per week.

If I can spend some extra money to make sure she gets them, I am more than happy to do so.

Interested to hear from the others their experiences and preparation for this sort of situation.

I plan to send the original documents VERY soon (Like Tuesday). I will send PDF copies of my future paystubs up to the interview date.

A 2nd Letter of Intent is not needed for the embassy interview. They stopped asking for that over 5 years ago.

An original I-134 with your signature is required - this is the only document you need to send - yes there is DHL in Manila, and they are a secure way to send documents. Copies of your most recent tax return & W2 are required. You could actually email the tax return and W2 copies.

Edited April 22, 2016 by Hank_

[brian8024 2]

With FedEx when I shipped a package the local courier asked for a photo ID before handing the package over. Expect to pay like $140 minimum though.

Also with FedEx if you sign up for a FedEx account you can choose to have all/any customs or import fee's charged back to you. I shipped some books, which are duty free, but was charged a "customs warehouse fee" and some other ridiculous charges. But at least I got charged and the recipient didn't have to pony up the money.

Edited April 22, 2016 by brian8024

[russandraquel 86]

Highly unlikely that DHL, FEDEX, UPS, LBC would EVER open a sealed letter envelope.

Why not send to her work address?

I have sent more than documents and they were held at a SM mailing store for my wife to pickup.

OK. The concern is that someone near her living area would get the package and take it.

How can I direct it to a mailing store? She works at a mall. But it is unclear if they would be held at that particular mailing store.

Do you know if I can pay extra for the mailing store to be the receiving place to hold it? Like get her to sign up for an address or something? I know we have that sort of thing here. This would be my favorite solution, even if it is a "waste of money."

I would hope that they would deliver it to her. She gets the one day off, and we are hoping to use it to chase down CENOMAR and other last minute things. I would really like to minimize the amount she has to travel, but we will do what we have to do. For now, I suppose the plan is to send it early and to her work address, track it, and if it seems lost, send another.

Thanks everyone for the replies.

[Greenbaum 12,258]

If she works at a mall most times those carriers make deliveries in the mall stores. Send it to her store. If that will not work, then have HER find a mail store that will hold the package till she can get there. Can't cost that much. There really isn't anything that she needs "original" documents for the interview. Like Hank said scan and email. Be easy on yourself.

[russandraquel 86]

Hehe thanks for the encouragement. We are excited and I know if there are problems it won't be because of this. DHL only takes a week or so to deliver to Manila (it says) so we have time for two or more deliveries if need be.

I plan on making a small print labelled folder from all the detailed checklists you and Hank have made. So that she can find everything quickly if she is nervous during any of this. (Unsure if I can be there for the interview, because work)

We have had quite a bit of fun chatting about the process of the interview and document gathering. I have shown my appreciation for how diligent she is in these matters!

[Brassballs 47]

Either ship direct to the store where she works or have her go to the FedEx, LBC, Pak & Go storefront in the mall to get their ship to address. Address the package "hold for pickup by XYZ" FedEx envelope to Manila from US is only $65 for 4-5 day delivery.