lovelyjoy

thanks for sharing this... i just want to ask if what are the requirements that i need to bring?

Sis, just click the link I posted. The requirements are on their website.

Just want to share my CFO experience at St. Mary's Euphrasia Foundation - Center for Overseas Workers in Katipunan, QC (near LRT 2 Katipunan station) yesterday. I was able to catch the 1:30 pm session after getting lost in Cubao.

Anyhow, I've observed some changes in the requirements from what I've read here on VJ. Btw, I already have my visa when I attended the seminar. If you don't have it yet, you can still attend the counseling/seminar but you need to come back for the stamp or else you will risk being de-planed. I've read on VJ that it is better to attend here because you can have both the pre-marital counseling and the COF stamp at the same compound. COF has an extension office at the SMEF Bldg. I wish they have better facilities and experienced/well-informed facilitators.

They don't require applicants to bring 2x2 pics (they take the pics at the registration area) and other documents like NBI or BC or CENOMAR anymore. But I've observed that they ask previously married attendees their divorce/annulment papers. And the data immigrant summary for those with K3/CR1 visas.

They also charge a lot (P5/page) for the photo copies so I suggest you bring 3 photo copies of your visa & passport before going there, plus the original. An extra photo copy of ID's (with pic and signature) if you will avail of the Metrobank ATM remittance card/passbook.

You will be told to photo copy your pre-marital counseling certificate after the seminar before you can proceed to the CFO office for the stamp and certificate. You can have it photo copied at SMEF compound if you don't want to go out of the area or if you're in a hurry.

Prepare to answer a number of forms: 1 for the counseling (back-to-back), 1 for CFO (back-to-back), 1 for Metrobank card, 2 take-home forms and 1 survey form. Bring your fiance's info sheet. You will need data like his mother's maiden name, zipcode, his college or vocational degree, his parent's contact info if he doesn't have a landline. They will require you to give 4 contact numbers (2 from you and 2 from your fiance) - if you don't have a landline you can include your parent's number or your closest friend. You can bring your cellphone to copy contact info or text/call your fiance if you have questions.

The payment is still P250 for the pre-marital counseling, P400 for the CFO sticker and certificate for a total of P650. Eat before you go there, you will be hungry once it's over.

After registration, allot 20-30 mins to fill out forms before the actual counseling/seminar starts. Before the seminar, 2 ladies from Metrobank gave a very convincing talk (judging from those who availed of the card including myself. Lol!) Prepare to watch an old traumatic video of Magandang Gabi Bayan about Filipinas who were abused by their foreign spouses. The talk was kinda long (about 2.5 hrs) but Ma'am Thess one of the facilitators was both funny and engaging.

There was a short Q&A, followed by the one on one counseling. Once you're cleared, photo copy your certificate for the CFO sticker. Check the details on your certificate first before proceeding to the photocopy area. Then you can proceed to the CFO office, same building but at the back area. After payment, they'll give you reading materials, another form, receipt and your certificate.

Our batch was kinda big, more than 20 people. We had ladies going to the US, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Switzerland etc. I and my new friend Dora were done before 5pm.

For more info, visit their website http://www.smef-cow-phil.org/.

Ezzie -> 2Go called me yesterday, said my visa is ready for pick-up. Thing is I'm still in Bicol saying good bye to family and friends.

Chay & Brian -> Thank you! Stress is just starting. LoL! Now I'm helping my Ma and bro with their tourist visa application so they can come for the wedding in Cali.

Thanks everyone! Sorry for the delayed reply. Been busy after interview day. Just waiting for our visa to arrive so we can move on with the seminar/counseling and buy a ticket, plus some last minute shopping for the wedding.

Thanks Rencor and Mhayonnaise!

We faced a crossroad this week. I found out a few days ago that my fiance sent our I-134, tax papers, certificate of employment etc via POST OFFICE (of all couriers!) 2 weeks prior to my interview date. I've told him before to NEVER send important or urgent documents via post office. He has always used UPS whenever he mails me something. As expected the package never arrived on time. I'm still waiting as of this moment.

My interview was scheduled today, July 1 at 6:45am. I wasn't comfortable going to the interview without such important documents, but I thought all our efforts/date will be wasted if I re-scheduled our interview. I had so many what if's in my mind... Still a HUGE risk to take if I come without the papers.

So last night my man and I prayed so hard and tried to do some last minute paper work. I asked him to scan whatever documents he still has copies of (I-134, 1 pay stub, investments certificate and certificate of employment.) And I also asked him to write USEM a letter explaining what happened. I also printed an e-mail from my future mother-in-law asking for apologies (She's the one that bought the stamps from the post office, she feels responsible for the delay. But I wasn't able to tell her how unreliable our post office is. I love her still.) and wishing me well with the interview.

I arrived at the Embassy at 6am today... minus our delayed/missing papers. Heck, I was nervous!

The first interviewer, a Filipino was strict. After getting the forms and other requirements, he asked me the basic questions about our relationship. Then he asked for the I-134 and supporting documents. I told him I only have a scanned copy (he said, it's ok) and I explained to him what happened. I told him about my fiance's letter and our commitment to send the tax papers and the rest of the supporting documents once they arrive.

He said, you better because we have to check if your fiance does pay taxes. It doesn't have to be original he added, scanned copies will do. The Filipino interviewer told me to wait for my number to be flashed and to proceed to the next steps. Btw, I was so worried during my 1st interview that when the interviewer asked me... MARRIED? I answered what is that? Lol! I thought he was asking for another form/document. So he asked me again in Filipino, kasal ka na ba? I answered no Sir. Never married.

After finger-scanning, I was called in for another interview this time with a super nice American consul wearing a light blue barong-Tagalog. He made me swore to tell the truth during the interview. He also asked basic questions (How did you meet? How many times have you seen each other? How long have you been dating? How many times have you been to the US? What does your fiance do for a living? He asked for our pictures together.)

Then he saw my fiance's letter (explaining the setback we had with the post office) and I assured him again, we will send them once they arrive or once my fiance finishes gathering new copies (in case our package never shows up.)

He said, "I think you have sufficient evidence of his income. There's no need for the tax papers." I wanted to confirm that I heard him right so I asked him, "Are you sure Sir?" He said, "Yes Ma'am."

Then he said the magic words... You are APPROVED!!!

And explained to me about the K1 visa being a single-entry, so I won't be able to travel outside of the US until I adjust my status etc. He also added that they will cancel my US tourist visa even if it's effective for 10 years. He said go to the last window and follow the visa-delivery instructions.

What a great day and a great God we have! Thank you for the advice, support and prayers my dear VJ friends. Sorry for the long post, but I hope someone will either learn something from our experience or have some hope if something like this happens to you. God bless to all who are/will still go through the K1 process.

lovelyjoy: Do you know anyone that as personally booked through those 2 travel agencies? I'm cautious about unbelievably low rates, could be a scam.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/294404-booking-ticket/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/252287-mnl-to-lax-one-way-ticket-for-my-parents/

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/149013-first-time-immigrant-discount/page__st__15

Just scroll down para makita mo yung VJ member na nagrecommend or nag-review ng St. Raphael and Reliable.

7teeners -> I saw someone post here about St. Raphael (more like a review) and Reliable was referred to me by a friend. Let me look for the link about St. Raphael.

HopeandSun-> try St. Raphael Travel or Reliable Travel and Tours. They both offer less than $800 one-way first time immigrants rate. But they require visa/passport/CFO before they can issue a ticket. And the seats run out fast.

http://www.reliablet...h/airfare1.html

www.santraphael.com

Thanks for the helpful reply Nigeriaorbust!

wworld808 -> encourage your friend or her fiance to sign up on VJ so they could tell their experience/situation by themselves and VJ members could offer their tips to them directly.

I think Steph (messybrownhair) has a great suggestion but her fiance then (now hubby) was already working (for a few months) unlike your friend's fiance who is unemployed. Given their current circumstance, I guess it will be better to re-sched their wedding.

Kish -> Oo nga sis. Sana makahabol pa sa July. Praying for you.

My comment was not about, 'not everyone sees or treats foreigners as feed bags', mail-order brides, social climbers or other derogatory stereotypes. You made the sweeping statement and generalization of the Philippines.

You have cockroaches like delfino, local police and more then likely immigration officials who see foreigners as a feed bag!

I apologize if I misunderstood your comment. We do pray and hope there will be less "cockroaches" in the police force and immigration and the rest of the gov't offices so cases like these will be minimized if not eradicated.

Kish -> Mukhang natagalan yung sa inyo sis. Over 2 weeks na.

Jhoie -> I don't know how we'll recognize each other kahit magkakasabay tayo sa interview sis.

Sorry to hear about your friend but she shouldn't have bought the ticket without a visa. Even the Embassy (packet 3/4) warns applicants not to resign from their jobs or make specific travel arrangements without the visa. There is no assurance that it will be issued/approved.

From what I've read here on VJ, in some cases they allow co-sponsors at USEM but it's very rare. The reason why the embassy asks for the evidence of support (I-134) is for the applicant's sake/protection. The expenses don't end with the visa issuance/approval or the wedding. Once she gets to the US, there will be more paperwork and expenses. She won't be able to work while her papers are being processed. The gov't doesn't want her to be a liability.

Most of the members here might encourage her fiance to find a job or another option is to get married here in the Philippines and apply for a spouse visa. I'm not just aware of the requirements for the spouse visa.

The mods might move this thread to the Phil forum as well. They might be able to give specific answers/suggestions there.

7Teeners -> yeah, that's what the agent told us too. At first I was a bit hesitant. I just prayed that if the Lord wants us to have an earlier date for the interview, may makukuha pa kaming slot. That's why I called them agad.

sjr09-> Greed and corruption will always be present whether Manila or Washington or Moscow. It's human nature. Some countries/gov't are just better at implementing their laws compared to the Phil that's why illegal activities/officials are not as rampant as in Manila. There will always be cockroaches or Delfinos or crooked cops wherever you are.

Not everyone in the Philippines sees or treat foreigners as feed bags. That's a sweeping statement/generalization. Just like NOT all foreigners see Filipinas as mail-order brides or social climbers or other derogatory stereotypes.

Yes 7teeners. It's a risk, but when I called there were still available slots. Call ka agad sis baka may maabutan ka pa.

Sisters, the embassy just opened earlier interview slots for July. I just got an earlier schedule for July 1 from our original July 12. But hurry because the agent said their calendar gets full really quick.

No one is above the law, ideally speaking. Sadly, this is not always true esp in our country, the Philippines where people say rules are merely suggestions/optional for those who have the money. My heart goes out to Scott and Cynthia, especially their baby. It's sad that they got "picked out" and was sampled for the implementation of this law. But it's still the LAW.

Personally, I don't think cheap annulment (with the guise of divorce) will solve most marital problems. Better, stricter implementation of the present laws will help protect majority of the citizens including married individuals.

However, I prefer to be pro-active and help educate people to wait for the right person and choose wisely for their future partners or else face the consequences of their decisions including possible imprisonment or complicated paper work for their "second" marriage. This is just my stand.

I do wish them the best in life.

I have been in the broadcast industry for the past 11 years. My work involves research, script/feature writing, producing and hosting radio programs. I have already filed my resignation effective June 25. But I volunteered to host and produce a daily show even after my resignation and transfer to the US. My bosses are more than happy to have me as a TALENT or on a VOLUNTEER basis. Meaning no salary, but with a stipend for transportation (gas).

We do have an international office/studios in the US, that's where I will be recording and producing my shows once a week and just send them via inter-net here in Manila. I can not work there as a full-time staff because 1. They don't have an opening for now and 2. It's more than an hour drive in the freeways from my fiance's place. Our company is under the religious category hence it is a non-commercial, non-profit org.

I'm just wondering if I need a document/permit or is this even legal to do while I'm on a K1 visa? Any thoughts?

Also, can I do part-time jobs like baby-sitting, dog-walking etc while waiting for my residence status and SSN?

Sorry if this is on the wrong thread. Mods are free to move this to the proper thread. Thank you!

Yay congrats fellow FEB filers! Happy for you Aj and Nina, Barn and Cean, Willow and the rest who got their NOA2. God bless you guys on your journey.

LainMike -> my confirmation sheet looks like the second form you posted. I scheduled my interview on-line.

Inky --thanks for the info .She did get the MMR shot . Wow --thats a long wait Did you get this information from a medical professional ?

So Lovejoy --whose advise are you going to take ?? I may have to seek a medical professional advise also .

I guess I have to follow my hubby-to-be on this one. He wants us to have kid/s a year after our wedding so we could "enjoy" each other first. Lol!

...we're expecting a baby!!..

Congrats Pookaphilus! That's great!

I asked this question to the doctor/staff who gave me the MMR shot and she said it's only for one month. I told her my friend who is also a doctor said it should be 5-6 months before we can get pregnant and the doc at St. Luke's said 1 month is safe enough.