HopeFaithLove

We arrived in the USA last few weeks ago (K-1 and K-2). We intend to file for AOS soon. I have 4 kids with me. Would it be possible if we file for AOS -- for me only, for now, considering that it takes a lot of money to pay for AOS for all of us. However, we intend to file AOS for all the kids after 3 or 4 months, at least before school opens they have filed for AOS already. In this way, we could expect to get my work permit done ahead too. Do schools (Grade and High school) accept foreign students with out approved Green Card yet ?

Would our plan be possible or acceptable ? Hope to hear good remarks / experiences with other VJs who have done AOS or at least have useful knowledge related to this. Would appreciate any comments and insights. Thank you !

you don't have one if you have a k1 visa.

Ok, thank you! Yes, I'm on K-1.

Hi everyone! I'm preparing for my CFO seminar on Monday. I'm completing my requirements now. I have already all the documentary requirements.................. except !

Could anyone explain to me this one ? I checked this in the CFO website, it's one of the requirements.

Photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for USA-bound emigrant (must not be detached from visa packet)---

Is this the one I just completed "Information Sheet for Filipino Emmigrants" ? I downloaded this form in their website.

If not or different, then where can I download it ? or do I still need it ?

Thank you very much.

Thanks everyone !

hello guys!...just want to ask if we go for CFO,does the Cenomar,NBI,Birth certificate has

to be original?or photocopy will do?since we are going for interview on US embassy before we

do our CFO,do you think the embassy will return our Original Documents? hoping for your reply.

Thanks!

Hi Azteca, you can submit photocopy during interview at USEM, but you need to bring the original copy to show it. In my case, I submitted all original NSO copies and even my NBI so they won't ask more questions. Lol.. I was bit nervous at the beginning of the interview, Lol.. I just kept photocopies of all my paperwork. And, now having problem with the CFO on my NBI clearance as I only have photocopy left with me. Other documents I still have NSO original copies. I hope they will accept my NBI photocopy, no more time to get a new one. Good luck to your interview !

You're welcome!

That is correct -- you don't need to attach a copy of your TOR or diploma. If an employer wants to verify your education, they will do so at their expense.

World Education Services (WES) is one of the many education credential evaluators that perform the service of evaluating a foreign students college courses. Here is the link to WES, good luck.

http://www.wes.org/

Thanks lots again. I like the US government. They make things easier and right. Important we aren't lying on our credentials and they have ways to track on it. Great !

I called 2 weeks ago and asked they if it's really necessary that my husband needs to attend the seminar too and they said "Not necessary" just bring the following:

>2 valid ID's

>Marriage Cert NSO Authenticated

>NBI Clearance

>If you are below 24 years old they need to see the Parent's Advise letter also photocopy ID of parents with signature in it.

>CENOMAR and Birth Certificate of both spouses.

I just got my NBI last week but I need another ID that's why I can't go yet. Good Luck!

When do you plan to go to attend the seminar? We might bump into each other lol

Goodluck!!!!

Dee

Thank you Dee. God's will, I'll attend on Monday. :0 Good luck to you too !

When I had my CFO they ask me for my NBI, NSO BIRTH CERTIFICATE CENOMAR/CEMAR, passport photos, photos of you and my fiancee of course don't forget your copy of you visa and passport. I had my CFO in Cebu though so manila might be different.

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Thank you for replying. Is there a need for an NBI clearance for my daughter 13 y/o ? She is also required to attend Peer Counseling on same date. But she doesn't have NBI as it wasn't required at the interview at USEM. Just learned this now that NBI is also needed during CFO, but my daughter doesn't have one.

Would they accept photocopy of NBI clearance ? I submitted my original copy to the USEM ? I don't have time anymore to get original copy from NBI as well as one for my daughter. Worried.....thanks for your time replying. God bless

Hi everyone! I have checked online, I got this info from CFO website. Are there additional requirements aside from what they posted in their website ? I would like to get ready in advance as I only have 1 1/2 days to attend CFO seminar in Manila before flight to the states. Thank you for sharing.

Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;

Duly completed guidance and counseling form;

If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office, or Local Civil Registry Offices; or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/ Consulate (if married abroad)

Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and (what are other docs ???)

Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

For employment purposes there really is no need to present your degree (s) to a potential employer. If you state you have certain qualifications -- those qualifications can be confirmed during a pre-employment background check. However, if you want to bring those items with you, there might be some other use/need for them in the future.

Thank you lots, Leatherneck. This mean that I don't need to attach copy of my TOR and Diploma to my Resume when applying online ? If this is so, then that would be easier then. As was worried since I just have my TOR and Diploma in original and authenticated copy only, but not with "Red Ribbon" or DFA certified. As you know this a standard practice for OFW who work abroad.

A US employer does not usually check that you have the degrees you say you have - they take your word for it. If you lied and can't do your job, they'll fire you. If they seem concerned about your credentials, you can have your diplomas and courses evaluated by a company that specializes in evaluating degrees by american standards. The company WES comes to mind. none of these things are required for work in the US per se. People without degrees are eligible to work.

Thank you Harpa for sharing your idea. I just thought of this as I was planning to apply for a certain job I've seen online (indeed.com, simplyhired.com, monster, etc...) and it says that the applicant must have a BS degree, and even some of the positions that I got interested the employers require masters degree and some related experiences. There is no problem on doing work as stated in the job descriptions. They can always have a background check to prove my worth. And I thought my diploma and transcript records should also prove that I have attained the degrees required. May I know what is WES ? I intend to have my TOR evaluated ? and, if there is a need for me to take a refresher course or Certification to increase my chance of getting the right job, then I would love to do it. God bless !

Sometime late this year. Me, my wife and my family would like to fly to Philippines for our wedding for my wife's side of the family. We were married here at my dad's house but would like to have the second wedding in Philippines.

OK. As it stands right now. I have a total of 10 persons on the list. Looking for some information on a good travel agent? Should I just look on-line for best deals on the websites? I heard of travel agents being able to get bulk prices for flights from airlines at discount prices.

Anyone with information, would be much appreciated.

Thanks You in Advance

I suggest you try to check for travel agency. I did comparison of fares online VS local travel agencies and I found out that it is cheaper to buy through local travel agents who get tickets / slots in bulk. I bought tickets for the 3 of us through our local agent and I was given like 20 % lower than through websites. I even checked my fares online on same flight date, flight # and airline...it was a lot cheaper.

Hi VJs, I wish to find out if there is a need for my Transcript of Records (BS and Master Degrees)to be in "Red Ribbon" certified by DFA in the Philippines so I could work here in the USA ? Is this a standard requirement of US employers? I only have an original and authenticated copies with school seal, would this be Ok ? I hope to hear from my fellow Filipinos who had similar concerns --- how was it during application / interview ? Do they get original or only photocopies ? Please share your experience. Thank you all in advance and God bless !

Antibiotics are "by prescription only" in the USA. Not sure about the others. Regardless, here are the guidelines:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/restricted/medication_drugs.xml

Medication/Drugs

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (the Act) prohibits persons from importing into the United States any prescription drug that has not been approved for sale by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or which is adulterated or misbranded within the meaning of the Act. Moreover, in those instances where a United States manufacturer makes an FDA-approved prescription drug and sends it abroad, the Act also prohibits any person other than the original manufacturer from importing the drug back into the United States. Thus, in virtually all instances, individual citizens are prohibited from importing prescription drugs into the United States.FDA Enforcement Policy Regarding the Personal Importation of Violative Drugs

The FDA has developed guidance entitled “Coverage of Personal Importations” which sets forth the FDA enforcement priorities with respect to the personal importation of unapproved new drugs by individuals for their personal use. Under this guidance, as an exercise of enforcement discretion, FDA may allow an individual entering the United States to import a three month supply of an unapproved drug if all of the following conditions are met:

1. The intended use of the drug is for a serious condition for which effective treatment may not be available domestically;
2. The drug will not be distributed commercially by the importer;
3. The product is considered not to represent an unreasonable risk;
4. The individual seeking to import the product affirms in writing that the drug is for the patient’s own use and provides the name and address of the doctor licensed in the United States responsible for his or her treatment with the product, or provides evidence that the product is for the continuation of a treatment begun in a foreign country.

The FDA is responsible for pharmaceutical admissibility determinations. If you have any questions as to whether a specific pharmaceutical may be imported into the United States, please contact the FDA, Division of Import Operations and Policy, at (301) 796-0356.

If you have any questions regarding the importation of a controlled substance into the United States, please contact the Drug Enforcement Administration, Office of Diversion Control, International Drug Unit, at (202) 305-8800.

Thank you for this information.

I take nyquil with me all the time when flying. Helps me sleep! You will be fine with the syrups and paracetamol. You will need to bring an up to date prescription for the antibiotics.

With that said if you're at all concerned.. cold syrup and paracetamol is cheap at pharmacies in the US!

Thank you for sharing. I will surely bring cold and cough syrups.

Hi everybody! Wanna know if I could bring some medicines (check-in baggage) for my kids who will come with me to the states. The medicines are very basic such as cough and cold syrups (bisolvon and neozep), paracetamol (tempra and calpol), antibiotics (cepalexin & amoxicillin). I just wanna be prepared for my kids use just in case they get sick. These are over the counter medicines which I usually give to my kids.

Please share your thoughts and experiences. Are these medicines allowed ? Thank you very much to all.

OP, in your case, since you have no time to waste -- make sure you have all of the documents required to attend the counseling sessions before you leave your province. You have no room for error with two before you fly. No CFO stickers = no departure.

Good luck!

Lots of thanks to you Leatherneck.

Good day! I'm hoping to get clarifications regarding CFO Certificate and Sticker as we are heading to the states soon.

1. Is 13 y/o girl needs to attend a CFO Seminar ?

2. If yes, can she attend with me on same room or venue as K1 and K2 visa holder?

3. Can we make reservation seats ahead by calling the CFO office ?

4. For those who have experienced attending, which CFO office do you recommend ? I heard of PRISM and St. Mary?

5. Which is nearer or convenient to go if we come from TAFT EDSA (Kabayan Hotel) or perhaps PAL Terminal II ?

6. Can we get the CFO Certificate and sticker right immediately after the seminar ?

I need to determine these things since we already have our plane tickets on hand. Since we are coming from the province, we have only like 2 days stay in Manila from the time we arrive and schedule to depart to the US. I'm wondering if we could make it (certificate & sticker on hand) before our departure to the US. I would appreciate receiving any replies to my queries. Thank you very much for all the inputs.

Hi! While reading your concerns, I guess she may not truly in love with you. Love is never rude and selfish. She has to respect and help you, not being pampered always. I think she came here with you just to please and financially support her family, not really about you and her to live happily as husband and wife. I don't think she will get better especially when she gets her GC as you said she is ungrateful. You need to talk to her about her negative actions especially being rude to your family. If she still doesn't change, then I think you need to be very decisive in sending her back to the Philippines. She will give you more hurts and losses. Be strong and accept realities if you care about yourself and your future. God bless you.

Hello and I wish everyone is fine. We are preparing our documents for AOS which we plan to file early part of April- God willing.

I have 2 kids (K-2) 8 and 13. How much is the AOS fee for my 13 year old who is going to be 14 y/o soon ? Let say we will file on April 8 and her birthday is on April 26. Just want to make sure we pay the right amount for her since we know the AOS will take few months to get approved and that she will be turning 14 already by that time.

How about the tax transcript ? Could we still use 2010 if we file on April 8 ? My hubby's tax for this year might not be ready on April 8 yet ? Could we be in trouble for this ?

Since our medical results at SLEC would be 6 months already by April 8, is it still valid for AOS ? Do we need another medical exam ?

I would be glad to hear some clarifications to my concerns. Thank you all in advance. Take care

im srry things ended already for us as my fiance cheated on me...i cannot be with her anymore...her family is devastated... question... how do i cancel if my petotion is approved? i think it went to NVC already

I'm sorry to read this. It is hard but you need to move on. Enough is enough. You need to learn your lesson as well. Next time be careful. It is better you discovered now than later. For sure God is brewing better for you. Keep positive

I wish you well and congrats in advance ! God bless you

I was Just wondering? How did People that went through USEM rate their experience with the CO?

We are going through the Process soon and wanted to get some input? Thanks!

IMHO, I think the CO is fair enough. I was really nervous before my interview, in fact, wasn't able to sleep well 2 nights before my interview. I know my documents were organized, complete, and relationship is genuine. But still I was nervous. The lady Filipino pre-screener didn't give me a hard time. She was very nice talking to me. And, I like the Consul who interviewed me and my kids. Aside from being so handsome & cute, he is very nice and made me feel at ease. It was like talking to a good friend. Overall experience was great ! My realization is as long you have all the requirements and your intention is true - nothing to fear or worry. Keep praying, God is good all times. Good luck !

I lost my old passport which only recorded one trip to hongkong on year 2006.. i had new passport on year 2009. will i be asked of my old passport on my k1 interview in manila?

secondly, how many days after receiving noa2 that u contacted again nvc for the case number??

thanks so much

Hi there, during my interview the Consul asked me if I had been to other countries and at same time it is also asked in the DS Forms, right? So I just answered consistently what I had written on my DS Form. I told the Consul that I had been to Australia, Canada, Singapore, Korea, Japan and Hongkong. I brought with me my 2 old passports during interview (just in case) because I have a renewed passport now, but the Consul didn't ask to see my passports. He just asked me if how long I stayed in all visits. All my travels were just short stay (3 weeks to 1 month most). I suggest you have to be honest answering in your DS Form and even to the Consul, we never know they will check on that, just in case at least you are telling the truth and take note the CO can easily check your travel history from immigration office. So if you stayed out of the country for more than 6 months, then you need to submit police clearance. I think you can also get an affidavit of loss. DFA has records of all issued passports. Good luck !

Does anyone know if you get charged $$$ when coming into the United States on a K 1 visa at Point of Entry????? My fiancee will be traveling by herself without money and she is worried that there might be a fee at point of entry, Thanks

She should really have a little money, one VJ member experienced cancelled connecting flight to Texas though the airline booked her in a hotel but she had to advance deposit money to the hotel as a policy and also bring some coins to use the telephone just in case her phone won't work she can call you if there are last minute changes on her flights.

Hi there! I think it is best for her to bring a little money, just in case, we never know what could happen along her way.