Mark and Rassel

1st and foremost, absolutely require from any relative that you support directly or indirectly that they have PhilHealth.  No PhilHealth, No Support.  PhilHealth is a bargain, costs almost nothing.  It pays somewhere around 50% depending on what's going on.  It is their responsibility to send you on a monthly/quarterly/whatever basis a receipt.  No receipt, it doesn't matter if Aswang fly in from Iloilo, no support if no PhilHealth.  If her baby becomes sick because of it - its on her.  If I remember correctly, Philhealth is also available to legal immigrants as well . . .  Buy it.  She might have to stand in line to pay and get the receipt, too bad.  Thats the cost of support - period.  No negotiations, No BS.  If this is done, most everything is covered and she has automatic admission to any hospital (or so she should).

Mark

No sweat, no ask no tell.  I pretty much did the same thing.  Brought my laptop and a refurb laptop to my then finance (now wife) and an engagement ring.  No need to wear it; in fact I would not wear any jewelry and only cheap watches while you are going through NAIA. Once you arrive, purchase a cheap flip phone and put some load on it so you have some way to communicate.  You might want to consider purchasing (together) your wedding bands and both of you wear them in public even though are not married.  This will minimize any possible negative interaction with ordinary folks.  I remember a couple of years ago my wife receiving some disapproving stares until we purchased wedding rings and wore them publicly.  

Mark and Rassel!

Although not explicitly in the question . . . this might be a 'classic' case of immigration fraud.  I would make sure early on that the Feds know that she has no intention to remain your wife.   It really sucks that this happened . . . good luck.

Mark

Thanks guys - we are on the 29th September @ Austin Fed Court House . . . very excited!

Thanks again!

Mark and Rassel

My wife, Rassel, aced her citizenship test just this last Monday August 15, 2016 here in San Antonio. She studied hard, and made sure that she was completely prepared.

Now What?

It's difficult to determine from reading here how long in general will it take for her Oath Ceremony invitation to be sent. Is it days, weeks, or months? Also, is possible that we can schedule her ceremony in a specific city/time/location or do we just do as we are told?

Not sure on how it works . . . any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Mark and Rassel

Ok, here is a question focused mostly at those who have been recipients of a K-1/K-3/etc. visa.

What do you miss most from the Philippines? What was your biggest adjustments to life in the United States? What did your spouse do or could have done to make the transition the most comfortable?

Here is why I ask. I had lived in the Philippines for a short while. I know that for myself there was some irritating adjustments. Some foods and comforts were not available while I was there.

I love my Ann dearly and want to save her some of the discomfort I had felt.

I have sought out Filipino foods and snacks. I have made sure it possible for her to watch any Filipino TV programs or movies, and listen to local radio programming. I know all the best Filipino restaurants here, the Filipino community center, even found where a mass is performed in Tagalog. We have plans for howto keep her in easy contact with family and friends.

While I am forced to wait for our NOA2 and watch as CSC gets slower and slower, preparing things for her acts as a exercise in keeping my sanity without her.

Vonage has a deal for 40.00/mo unlimited phone calls to Globe phones. That globe phone will not be charged minutes against the call. You can purchase a globe phone w/minimum load and it will work just fine. Skype!! Those 2 things seem to do pretty well . . .

Mark and Rassel

I was reading through the interview preparation PDF on the dep of state website. I am kinda confused on a few things:

-for the list on the interview all the relevant items have code O or Y next to them. Does this mean the embassy will have all these already or does my wife need to bring the originals with here even though I provided originals(for both the O and Y coded items)?

>>> See Below

-She has already completed her medical, so does she need to bring passport photos or will st. lukes be providing the 2 photos(they had her give them 3)?

>>> I would bring them - and perhaps 2 extra

-For the medical results it says she should bring them in but I assume st. lukes will be doing that instead? Does she need to bring the Chest X-ray CD(or what is that used for otherwise?)

>>> Bring all the results from the medical - including the CD

-Affidavit of Support was filed through NVC, so does she need a copy of that or will the embassy just go off of the original filed with them?

>>> See below

-The packet also didnt say anything about evidence or whatever, but I know she should bring in a photo album. We dont have any evidence aside from photos, and maybe xoom receipts if that counts and the many trips i've made there. Will that be enough?

>>> See below

-The CEMAR or Marriage Index isnt mentioned but I've seen people say it is required. Can anyone elaborate on this?

>>> There is such a thing as a CEMAR, get one and keep it with her. This is NOT the same thing as a marriage certificate. I didn't think such a thing would exist or be necessary, it does and is. More below on this.

Sorry lots of questions I just want to be sure she is prepared well in advance!

When Rassel went for her interview she was quite nervous. The only thing that was really under OUR control was how we prepared. She (very smart!) organized her interview package like a 'cache' - the most likely to be requested forms and documentation were organized into a smaller quickly accessed hand held pocket filing system. The kind you can get at the National Book store for school or organizing bills and etc. Everything else went into a another larger hand held file and the proof of relationship went into a separate photo album. For proof of relationship we had wedding pictures, a couple of pages of Skype logs, medical receipts, rental receipts, xoom receipts, internet service receipts, airline ticket stubs, Visa/MasterCard in our names - you name it she had a copy of it. I carried the 'deep storage' stuff. These are the things that although the embassy has a perfect right to ask for, was not specifically called out in the notification letter: My divorce certificate, our Original Marriage Certificate, her Baptismal Certificate, my IRS documentation showing my income/tax paid for the last 3 years, letter of employment from my employer showing my income, when I started working there, and my current positions title all on letter head. The list goes on and on . . . Remember that this is your ONE (well, ok, you might have a second chance . . . ) to convince a COMPLETE stranger that you and your wife have bonafide loving marital relationship. This is you and your wives job to do this - no one else can (or should) help. After you have organized all your proof and paperwork, make sure you have scanned in copies of it and have stored it away electronically in a USB stick, a computer, iPad or whatever. She should have her original passport, postal id, drivers license (if any) and scanned copies of these documents should be stored electronically or printed out and put in that 'deep storage'.

Remember, its up to YOU to make sure that you present an air-tight and iron-clad picture of your relationship that can flourish under ANY scrutiny. Make it so that no possible question can go unanswered . . . rehearse . . . rehearse and rehearse more. (Ask her randomly through the day . . . what city do I live in? Where do I work? What do I do for a living? Do I own a house? etc etc) . Be a hard-@55 like a trial lawyer . . . present a case and win!

The truth is that you have no idea what your interviewers will ask for, therefore you must be prepared with a reply and paperwork (proof) to all possible questions. If you were that person interviewing you, attempting to find out if you really had a bonafide relationship; what questions would you ask you? Make sure you can answer those questions confidently, quickly and precisely.

Sorry for the long answer . . . my attitude was that this was the 'World Series" and we were there to win. And we won! So can you - just prepare in a meticulous and thorough manner and you'll be both together in no time . . . The end result should be a package that she carries into the interview that can answer and prove any possible question that the interviewer might have.

Rassel and Mark

Wondering if anyone has any good tips or helpful advice for getting fast- good credit for my wife?

I don't know if this the 'standard' approach, but she has one of each of my credit cards in her name. She's also on the rental agreement and is on one of my bank accounts as well . . . that has caused her to show up on the reporting agencies even before she had a SS # assigned! I wouldn't do anything special, just share what you have.

Mark and Rassel

We (me, wife and daughter) are going to visit family in April. Can anyone suggest an AC converter that they have actually used in the Philippines?

Can you charge your phone using the USB connector to a PC the same as in the US?

Thanks.

Drop by MOA or SM Manila and find the Ace Hardware store . . .they'll have inexpensive converters that handle a variety of power loads . . .

Mark and Rassel

What about using USPS Express Mail ( Flat Rate ), as per their site, it takes 3-5 business days.

My understanding is that USPS partners with the Philippine Mail Service . . . I would not want to rely on that organization for my valuables . . .

Mark and Rassel

What the best way to mail to the Philippines ? Fedex costs a lot and I want to send an entire I129F copy to my girlfriend . I have shipped with UMAC , but that was a box and was over 2 months . My girlfriend sent me forms with LBC and it was delivered by DHL to me witin 3 days ! Would DHL be a good way back to the Philippines ? I heard USPS takes quite a while also and is not so reliable . Any help would be great thanks..

If its just a copy . . . then consider purchasing a scanner . . . when I send via DHL and/or Fedex it has cost me upwards of $50.00 each time. Unless you need a signature, just scan and send a PDF file . . . Just a thought!

Mark

I would say that its possible, but not desirable. If something goes wrong . . . let say that the person in charge of doing one job or another is absent and did not designate a replacement - then you don't have the stamp or signature. Some similar happened to us on a local level when we were recovering from an administrative error on our marriage license. You would be, in my opinion, cutting it way too close. Without that stamp/signature in her passport - game over you lose! You will watch your flight take off and there is nothing you can do about it. If you do decide to do it this way, just make sure that there are no holidays or religious festivals scheduled for that day. I would recommend just flying her up to Manila/Cebu early in the morning, have her get it done, and fly her back that evening. Thats what I did, it worked like a charm. Rescheduling a local airline trip to Manila is MUCH cheaper than missing 2 flights . . . Just my opinion . . .

Warm Regards,

Mark and Rassel!

I plan on picking up my fiancee to bring her to the USA she doesn't have much flying experience so I told her I would go with her

I know you need a return trip required by Philippines and I seem to be having trouble finding a travel agent that can book me round trip and then add her to my return flight

The easiest way I can find is to go online and go there one way and then book another one way back with her added.

What I want to know is will this be an issue I will have a print out of my one way there and one way back with her added I would think this would not cause an issue if I took receipt of my one way ticket back

Let me know your thoughts

Thanks

I'm not exactly sure what question you are asking . . . but other than finding and booking the flight online there were no issues. I'm a Silver member on United/Continental and used my mileage to bring my bride back to the U.S. I had to make sure that each leg on her one-way flight matched each leg on my return flight to San Antonio, TX. I also managed to sit next to her on each flight leg. I did that by explaining to the United folks that she's going to the U.S. for the first time - they were very helpful. A bit of a pain, but it worked out. Good for you that you are going there to pick her up in person!

We had a going away dinner for close friends and family in Iloilo City and then left for the US. It gave everyone an opportunity to say goodbye, and I think her parents were less upset about her leaving than if she just jumped into an airplane and left. It's more $, but respect gained by her family goes a long way in my opinion. The only thing I'd change is that I would of stayed after the Embassy interview and took her home sooner. I had no idea that the 2Go folks had a 4 day turn around - !!

Good Luck!

Mark and Rassel

So I am flying out of DFW on the 22nd to Zamboanga City. I know there is a enter the country tax, will I be able to do a currency exchange while at the airport before or after I pay the tax?

Thanks

There's no entry fee - but there is an exit fee. The exit fee is (I believe)850PHP, or about 20.00 USD. You can pay that exit fee with a U.S. credit card if you wish. If you are bringing your wife/fiance with you for the first time she will have to pay that fee as a well as a departure tax as well . . . . I believe that is about 1500PHP(?) or so . . .

I would recommend waiting until you are in the Philippines until you do a currency exchange. I've looked at the rates in SFO, LAX and HOU and they are always 20% lower than the going exchange rate w/an additional 7.00 fee . . . not a good deal.

Good Luck!

Mark and Rassel

I'm not an MD - and don't play one on TV . . . but I do know that vaccines 'fool' the immune system into believing that it is being 'attacked'. Unfortunately, this game of charades makes a person feel bad for a short period of time . . . even the flue shot will do it . . . go to a medical pro if you feel that not all is well . . . Visiting a MD in the RP is not expensive . . . probably not a bad thing to do - a post checkup checkup!

Mark and Rassel!

My Fiancee had her vaccinations at St. Lukes yesterday and now she is not feeling well. I think this may be a bit common after some vaccines.

She had vaccines for Tetanus, Hep B, and MMR (measels mumps rubella).

Has anyone else felt ill after these vaccines, and if you did, how bad was it and how long did it last?

It is done! The wait is over and coming to take her away! (Hee Hee Ha Ha Ho Ho!) Life has been a whirlwind recently so time to post and bask in the glory of our success . . . After so many trials and tribulations, it is finally done. I arrived in Manila November 1st so we'd have time to organize ( no need, Rassel had it all done ), to role play and . . . well . . . umm . . . get 're-aquainted' with my wife who I've not seen in-person for nearly a year. We showed up early @ the American Embassy at about 5:15AM for the 6:15AM appointment. I'm not sure who was more nervous - her or I!. A Filipina security lady claimed that I could not attend my wife's hearing while we were going through the security scan. I just shook my head 'yes' and smiled at her. We sat in line and waited, stressed and waited . . . she upset at the apparent random ordering of called numbers. When our turn was up for her to get sworn in and 'Biometricized' (finger print scan) we both went up there . . . .Then more waiting . . . Then the Phlippines interview . . . . more waiting . . . finally the American Interview . . . 'Approved!!!!' filled out the form for the 2Go delivery and went our merry way . . . We had our paperwork together, and every piece of documentation you could imagine - and then some! I left on the 7th . . . and her visa arrived in SM iloilo city on the 9th!!

I'm glad this is over with! I'll post more detail info as I get time . . . thanks again VJ'ers! I appreciate the help that everyone has offered . . it has made a BIG difference.

Warm Regards,

Mark and Rassel!

even if the clinic is open they wont have enough time to forward the results to the embassy just in time for your interview. i suggest that u do it a little early. maybe 2 weeks before ur interview. Congrats btw

Good points all - thanks guys - I'll fly her to Manila and let her do it . . . I was wondering about the 'forwarding the results' remark . . . I was under the impression that on the second day, the SLEC will hand her the results in a -sealed- envelope. She will then hand that to the folks at the embassy. Has something changed, or was perhaps I'm confused in all my excitement!

Thanks Again!

Mark and Rassel

All,

My wife's interview @ the American Embassy Manila is November 5th. Finally - it feels like the end is neigh! As far as her medical is concerned, is St. Luke's Extension Clinic open on All Saints/Souls Day November 1st and 2nd? I was that we could do her medical exam then . . . If not then earlier in the week perhaps . . .

Thanks - Mark and Rassel!!

Like everyone said before and also:

1) Count the number of luggage pieces plus her purse that she'll be carrying (include computer bags, backpacks and etc in this count)

2) Get as many sets of photocopies of those documents (for her passport, just the basic info pages are needed for this) as in #1

3) Get as many security envelopes are in number one and stuff each document set into a single envelope

4) If feasible, put a 50.00 US bill or amex check in each envelope as well (emergency funds, good for phone calls, food and a hotel room)

4) Put one envelope in each piece of luggage and one in her purse in some out of the way place - even inside of a zippered liner

This makes sure that no matter, what - she'll will have a copy of her primary documents and will be able to get back into the U.S. This might sound a bit extreme, but I travel confident that there is possibility approaching zero that I won't have ID or money on the other end . . .

Just a thought . . ..

Mark and Rassel!

Dear friends:

Here are the specifics; Thanks in advance for your help; the problem is that I get completely different answers about this situation from USCIS, depending on who I talk with.

Here goes:

My wife had an abrupt family crisis to deal with in her home country of Chile; she wants to be able to visit the US with me in the future.

I am a native-born US citizen, and I am planning to move to her country within the next 6-12 months.

Will we have a huge problem applying for a CR-1 visa or simply a US Tourist Visa for her in the future, so that she can visit my family and vacation with me in the future?

At this time, she has no intention of living permanently or working in the US in the future.

Since she only wants to visit my family with me in the US in the future, which type of US Visa would actually be appropriate to our situation?

Thanks!

Mike

P.S. I will be posting this same message in the CR-1 Forum in order to get the perspective of those members as well.

I'm no expert, for sure . . . but I believe that once you live in Chile for 6 continuous months you can file for a DCF/CR1 in which all/most of the processing takes place in the American Embassy in (Santiago?), Chile. (sorry my geography brain is not working today!). This would allow you and her to travel freely back and forth between the U.S. and Chile, and if things change again - and most certainly they will - you would have another option on where to live . . . Just a thought . . .

Mark and Rassel!

Has any American spouse sampled Balut (philippines delicacy duck embryo)? If so what was your impression?

Yup, my first time there to visit. I ate one, and then spent part of that night kneeling before the ceramic throne !! love most other Philippine dishes, but this one I can't stomach. I've become addicted to garlic rice, love Mang Inisal BBQ (sp?), but no more balut - ever! When Rassel gets here, I'm sure she'd like some from time to time . . . I'm assuming some Asian markets in Houston would have some . . . not sure . . .

Mark and Rassel (who loves it!!)

Thank you much.

I believe that the Philippines has two official languages . . . Tagalog and English . . . either of those should do I would think . . .

mark and rassel

Now on to the next step . . .contacting NVC, St Luke's, Interview and homeward bound! I am so excited there's no sleeping for a while . . . she was on a flight from Manila to home when I received the notification . . . finally she gets online while I'm desperately sending out IM's, SMS, FB, email , , , and the cheer when she gets the news!! Fantastic! We are both on cloud 9!! Anyway, back to reality-land . . . A couple of questions for those in the know:

1) She just got her CFO, we received the NOA2 in a little over 90 days - wow! We are behind the 8 ball, she still has only her passport w/her maiden name. Can she go on her embassy interview w/out the passport in her married name? We expect wait a month for the new passport, may be sooner if we order the 'stat' option? Not sure. Any advice here?

2) I believe that once I get the MNL # she can download and fill out the needed forms . . . and I'll send over my tax returns and the needed forms to prove income. How soon should I call the NVC to get our MNL #? Perhaps in 3 or 4 days? We'd like to set appointments ASAP and the forms filled out and etc . . . Any advice here on the optimal route?

Thanks for any help you can render - and thank you VJ people! NOA2, w/no RFE's no BS . . . just plain old NOA2!!!!

Warm Regards,

Mark and Rassel!!!

My husband came to the Philippines when he was just 5 months old, and visited the US only once when he was around 5. So, most of his life he has stayed in the Philippines. I hope that won't be an issue! We're having our interview in two weeks.

I'd call the U.S. Embassy and schedule an appointment ASAP or talk to someone over the telephone (get their name or id number for future reference). My guess is that he can apply for and receive a passport, that should solve any potential problems with him re-entering the U.S. Last time I paid for a passport it was about 80.00 US . . .

Good Luck!

Mark

@Bitsu,

I was on the same boat as you do way back in 07. I had to get the "Legal Capacity to Marry" from USEM. I put "American" for the marriage application so I won't have problems in the future. Now I want to file for DCF and CRBA here in USEM.

I do not want to create another thread but to all who's reading this, I haven't been back to the US since 2004 due to school, marriage and a kid. I am now decided to go back to the US but with my family. I don't know if the USEM Consul may give me a hard time due to my long stay here in the Philippines. Has any body experienced the same?

Good luck to both of us Bitsu. We can do this. Cheers!

U.S. Citizenship does not have a time limit. You are one for life unless you voluntarily give it up or it is legally removed by a U.S. federal court of law. You'll just get a 'welcome home' and thats about it! Remember, US passports are good for only 10 years. You can re-enter the U.S. with one day left on it with no hassle. After the ten years . . . you'll probably have to renew. I believe that departing the U.S. Requires at least 6 months left on the passport you're traveling on. I'd certainly talk to your friendly neighborhood embassy there in Manila for details about how that works . . ..

Good Luck and Welcome Home!

Mark