m60man

If you feel you need a lawyer, then by all means. I studied and did everything myself. Wife was approved today (IR-1 married over 2 years). I filed here DCF.......start to finish was 56 days. Good Luck

Hello y’all! I have a few questions I was hoping you could help me clear up. My wife and I are working on getting her a CR1 visa. We submitted our I-130 packet back in June 7, 2012 at the US Emabasy in Manila. We chose to file DCF due to the amount of time it saved. We paid the fee of $420 at window number 25 I believe it was and were told to wait on a packet that would be sent to us via the mail. We got the packet in the mail August 12. Shortly afterwards we sent the DS 2001 and DS 230 part 1 to the address given and proceeded to wait until our appointment letter would come…nothing came. So my very gwapa and smart asawa asked if I could send an email to check up on the status of our packet. So I sent and inquiry to IVManilaReplies@state.gov asking what our status was. This is the email we got back a few days later.

We were just scheduled an interview date for the 19th of December, and received a confirmation email.

My questions are:

1-Do I owe any money now past the $420 that has been given? My understanding is that it will cost around $1000 when everything is said and done.

2-Since they have now switched things online it appears, do I need to resend the DS 2001 and 230 packets via email or something? Or did they get them already and that’s why we were allowed to schedule an appointment?

3-So as of right now I believe she just has to complete her medical examination in manila before appointment date, bring appointment letter (email confermation letter) and rest of required documents as per this link below and then she is all set, is this right?

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Packet%204%20_appointment%20packet_%20English%20rtf%20_revised%20GSS_%20_2_%20rtf2_rtf_april2012_rtf2_003.pdf

Thanks in advance guys, God Bless and Merry Christmas!

Luke and Candy Wilson

Your Petition Fee was $420.00. You will have a $223.85 (payable in peso's)fee at St. Lukes for medical. Then you will have another $230.00 Fee the day of your interview for her Application Fee (DS-230). Make sure you have a case # MLN XXXXXXXX and an interview conformation letter and all other requested for St. Lukes. Allow at least a week between medical and visa appointment, if there are no medical problems the Embassy will have the results by then. That 2000 ext 5184, 5185 number shown above is a good number to call for info on progress of your paper work. Be pro-active, do not wait on them! Good Luck

Just wanted to thank everyone here for all the helpful posts and advice regarding our CR-1 DCF at Manila!!!

We processed everything in 4 months total... and never had an RFEs... it could have been faster, but I delayed the interview a couple of times to make sure we had everything in order...

anyways, i was just wondering.... how long does it usually take Manila to mail out the visa? just a little antsy... it's been 3 days now... and I've read that some people have gotten their passport/visa within 5 days.... when should I expect it?

THANKS SO MUCH TO EVERYONE! I'll try to pop in every once in a while to help out anyone else going through the same thing.... feel free to message me regarding DCF in manila....

Congratulations. We just got home (Davao City)from St. Lukes,(Nov, 19,20) passed her physical! I filed our (DCF) petition (I-130) on October 2nd. Interview is next tuesday, Nov. 27th. It only took 56 days from petition to interview date. I could have shaved another two weeks off but waited for better airfares...lol. Hope interview goes as smooth.

Hello!

I am a us citizen and filipino citizen... do i still need to have ARC for my application?

thnks

All foreigners staying in the Philippines continuously over 59 days must apply for a ARC (Alien Resident Card). This process is automatic when you file for an extension past the 59 day mark. Your status will still me considered a tourist and you will have to extend every 59 days. If you are married to a Filipino she can petition you for a 13A Visa. This is for a permanent non-immigrant Visa, good for 5 years if approved. The first year is probationary, then it is re-processed and probation removed. Your Filipino Citizenship may make this process unnecessary for you here! However when you file with the US Embassy as a US Citizen you may have to explain the lack of the ACR.

If you are submitting a petition as a US Citizen and Direct Consular Filing you will be required to show a minimum of 6 months of continuous residency to avail to the DCF privilege. A 13A status proves this. Without this you have the burden of proof to convince Embassy personnel you have indeed resided here for the minimum time period. Rental contract, motor vehicle registration, bank account, utility bills, etc:

As far as your Filipino Citizenship, logic tells me that is a nil and void issue. You are petitioning to the US Embassy as a US Citizen, correct? Don't confuse filing a Petition (sponsorship) with filing a Application by the intended beneficiary (Immigrant). Hope this helps.

No confusion......married now.......fiancee visa petition (I-129)no longer valid........now file I-130 for CR-1.

Fiancée Visa, CR1 and IR1 all area bit different. There was a time that Fiancée Visa's were much faster then CR-1 and IR-1 (spousal) Visa's. That has changed and should have! Now there really is not much difference in the time frames. A person married should not be penalized with longer time frames for a Visa then a person not yet married. As I have petitioned for several years through Congress and Federal politicians to have this changed. A USC married should alway have priority over a pending marriage!

Changes have been made. Now a CR-1 and a IR-1 can be adjudicated in less the 90 to 120 days if all paperwork is properly completed and accurate. Now I would say the average is about 180 days, but that is more because the petitioner or applicant does not have their documentation ready prior to filing. It's all about doing your homework.......stay a step ahead of the process.

Fiancée Visa come with conditions and no guarantees the marriage will work, as noted in many posts here! Additional cost will be incurred for AOS. CR-1, married less then two years has conditions, again AOS has to be done, 2 year green card. Both include additional costs stateside and limited green card (2 year) status. IR-1, married over 2 years by far is the cheapest (no AOS), 10 year green card upon entry, SSAN with in 2 weeks to include all working privileges. But to me most important is the fact that you have been married over two years and chances of her leaving you are greatly reduced.

Call me callused if you wish, but this one visit (2 or 3 weeks) and bring her to America is a real ####### shoot! Think about it, would you do the same with a woman or man in you home country.........date them 2 weeks, talk on line for a few months and then spend a few thousand dollars and a commitment to marriage? I doubt it! Sorry I do not have a lot of sympathy for you!

I have lived here for almost 4 years and been married for over 3 years. Only in the past few months have we talked about going to America. Over the last few years we have become friends.......not lust........not even mushy stuff......we care for each other and love each other....she knows me.....and I know her........she knows I'm not perfect and I know she is not as well........it's a partnership based on trust and commitment...love. So we decided to go for it, together.......and for all you out there wondering, yes there is a 32 year age difference.......I'm young for my age and she is old for hers.......worked out perfectly!

We flew up to Manila (from Davao City Mindanao) and filed my I-130 (DFC) on Oct 2nd......we were approved and sent to NVC 14 days later. As it looks now, considering I have all my paper work and documents done (interview ready)it may only take less then 90 days to complete the process barring any unforeseen misfortunes. So I say to you, if your gonna do this, then do your homework and have all your documents ready prior to filing and you will be surprised how fast it can happen.

If you need my help sent me an email...........I'm here for you if you need me. I only ask one thing, make sure you are thinking with the right head! Trust me.......I will know if your not!

You need a fixer...........someone thats motivated in your best interest.

First congratulation. But I will tell you straight up, if any body talks to me that way let alone my wife............there will be hell to pay! You should have stopped the process immediately and ask to speak to her supervisor or better yet an American Consulate. I would not have moved or answered another question from her until they appeared. They may have had me escorted out but I will not let any body demean my wife in that way. That interviewer would have lost their job if I had to move congress to do it. An appointment with the ambassador would have rectified the situation one way or another. We have a few over zealous interviewers here to.......but always remember they do have a boss! Chances are thats the last thing they want to be called on.....specially if they are wrong! Respect......I expect nothing less and I give nothing less, till you cross the line!

Sometimes blessings come in disguises. This sounds like it might be one. Think about the things you have said. If and when he should come there do you really think things are going to get better? Very doubtful!

I also believe there is a big cultural difference. You should have studied Indian culture and the economic dynamics at play. Then you would have realized the significance of a sons role in their culture! This should have been done prior to the relationship getting serious. Cross cultural relationships can be rewarding if you do your homework and are willing to except some things that are not part of our daily norms. Some of these things are not always acceptable to us, as you are now finding out.

I think getting a Visa is the least of your problems right now............actually it may only be the beginning of bigger problems for you. You have some serious decisions to make. Just be glad you do not have any children in the mix at this time. How fair would that be to them! Think about it, forget your heart, look at the facts.......make your decisions on facts only! Sometimes it's better to fold em and find a new game. Good Luck.

Sometimes blessings come in disguises. This sounds like it might be one. Think about the things you have said. If and when he should come there do you really think things are going to get better? Very doubtful!

I also believe there is a big cultural difference. You should have studied Indian culture and the economic dynamics at play. Then you would have realized the significance of a sons role in their culture! This should have been done prior to the relationship getting serious. Cross cultural relationships can be rewarding if you do your homework and are willing to except some things that are not part of our daily norms. Some of these things are not always acceptable to us, as you are now finding out.

I think getting a Visa is the least of your problems right now............actually it may only be the beginning of bigger problems for you. You have some serious decisions to make. Just be glad you do not have any children in the mix at this time. How fair would that be to them! Think about it, forget your heart, look at the facts.......make your decisions on facts only! Sometimes it's better to fold em and find a new game. Good Luck.

I will try to make this brief. Yes, by law your are required to have a forward (exit) ticket when entering the Philippines unless you are a Philippine citizen or have a 13A, permanent residency visa. Chances are you have a 50/50 shot of being asked for it when entering. However, where you will run into problems is when you check in for your flight leaving the USA. The carrier will refuse to board you without a round trip or forward ticket or proof you are a permanent resident of the PH. Reason, by law they are responsible for returning you to the USA at their expense if you are refused entry because of a one-way ticket.

My last entry was in May 2009. I did come here on a great priced one-way ticket ($549.00) from Indianapolis Indiana to Cebu. When I arrived in Seattle and checked in for my flight I was asked if I was a resident of the PH and if not I could not board with only a one-way ticket. I explained I was moving here.......sorry.......after talking to 3 different supervisors they finally produced a affidavit for me to sign stating I would not hold them responsible if I was refused entry. All went well and I was never asked for anything on arrival other then a smile and are you getting married here?

Since you are coming here for a short period of time my advice is buy a round trip ticket for yourself. I have never found another one-way ticket for that price. Most of the times they are only a couple hundred dollars or so cheaper then round trip. I was lucky to find one for less then half price. By your plan you will be buying 3 one-way tickets plus a cheap ($60 to $75) throw away ticket. You will be spending approximately $1000.00 more by doing it that way.

If you are coming to attend her interview you will know the date and know she is approved that day if you feel your paper work in order. The actual visa packet will take 5 to 7 days. Rather then have them send to an address (always slow) have it sent to the nearest 2-Go Office and pick it up there, they will give you that option. Then your good to go. I would buy my ticket and her ticket for 10 days after her interview date.

Remember she will also need to attend a CFO Seminar prior to travel. This can be done before interview, once her visa is approved she can return to CFO with her receipts and certificates and get her stamp applied to her Passport. Then your on your way. Hope this helps.

You might want to read DFC rules on US Embassy's Web Site. Seems to me the spouse is required to be present at the time of filing I-130. You might want to take at look at restrictions of electronics allowed into Embassy as well (like cells phone).

Your friend is a bit confused. K-1 Visa's require you to have met in person at least one time during the relationship. Then you need to prove that it is indeed a bonifide relationship. Communications records, pics of you two together during visit, letters, cards, phone records, etc. It then is up to the interviewing officer to decide if it is a bonifide relationship or a ploy for a green card. So you need to maintain good records of your courtship.

There is a two year rule but it applies to IR-1 Visa's, You must be married at least two years upon her entry to the USA. Then there is no AOS needed and her Green Card (10 yr.) and SSAN will be sent to her within 2 weeks or so. If you are married less then 2 years upon her entry to the USA you apply for a CR-1 (Conditional) and a AOS will need to be done at the appropriate time. I believ the Green Card is only 2 years under these visa's.

You might also look into obtaining a Tourist Visa. They can be hard to get to impossible without satisfying a lot of red tape.

It's a shame to say the least. This behavior is unacceptable, even here in the Philippines. Tampo, is usually the way the asawa will drive home her point. However more times then not, she will not share the point with you. It's for you to figure out or not! Tampo is the equivalent of the western silent treatment. You become invisible and are not heard or acknowledged. This alone can drive most men crazy. As it did me the first time or two I was the recipient. Chances are it is a reflection of a misunderstood English phrase (slang) or an affront to a cultural norm. Whether real or perceived makes know difference to the Filipina. She feels you have insulted, demeaned or injured her pride(face). This can be magnified if done in the presence of others (friend). Normally this can last 2 hours to a few days, then all is back to normal. At this time you may be tempted to inquire as to the reason. Don't go there, if it is something she wishes to share fine, if not leave it alone. Unless of course you are a gluten for punishment. I have found that the best way to combat this is to ignore it. I reverse the role when the opportunity presents itself. Male tampo seems to work well. This allows her to see what it feels like to not be acknowledged and tuned out. As time goes on and the communication and understanding of slang English, tone and expressions are better learned tampo will become less.

How having said that and having the benefit of living here in the Philippines for over 2 years. I can tell you that all filipina's are not created equal. I have heard and seen how jealous they can be. But I have never seen a jealous bone or gesture come from my wife. Sometimes it actually bothered me! But then I decided to be careful what I wish for. Wear the pants, be firm and fair. She looks to you for leadership, if you do not take this role then she will. Never raise your voice, never point or shake your finger at her, never call out loudly to her in a crowd, don't balik balik (repeat yourself) unless you are sure she did not hear you. Understand that Filipino time is different then western time. You and her will have to adjust to this. The sense of urgency is lost somewhere in the translation. If it is at all possible I would strongly suggest you live here prior to her immigrating. This allows for two things to transpire. First, you get a better understanding of the Filipino culture as well as your wife or girlfriend. She gets a better understanding of the western mindset and learns that you can be a leader and be trusted with her puso (heart). It is a very big step from a daughter or sister to a wife of a westerner. There are many things that you need to understand about how they think as well as their role in the marriage. Getting married here is not near as easy as it is in the western world, with good reason. There is no divorce here per-say and only the wealthy may or may not be granted an annulment. For these reason marriage is a very serious undertaking and not taken lightly. Many westerners get caught up in the beauty and sexuality of the Filipina, thus they are blinded to the cultural differences. Love does not cure all, perceived or actual, specially when cultures of such different backgrounds become joined. Filipina's have tendency to smile and agree even when they do not understand something. This is usually because they are shy (embarrassed) to admit to the lack of knowledge or understanding of the English language. I have caught my wife several times doing this. I advised her to never agree to, or with something that she does not understand, no exceptions!

Filipino customs and superstitions are another area that you should be familiar with. They take them very serious and can become very upset with infractions. A few examples, A worker finished his work and walked up to the window. I just slid opened the window to pay him. My wife came unglued, "no, you go out side and pay him". I did and then asked what was the difference? She told me if I hand money out the window all our money will disappear the same way. Ok.....whatever you say. One night I noticed that after her shower he was sitting on the couch falling asleep. I told her why don't you go to bed? Oh no, I not do that because my hair is wet! If I go to sleep with hair wet I wake up and can not see (blind). Ok, what ever you say. I cooked for two days in a row (western food no rice) she like everything I fixed. I noticed that at supper the second evening she seemed distracted and worried. I inquired as to why the gloom. She told me she was worried that she would not wake up in the morning because she had not eaten any rice for 2 days. Ok, whatever you say. The next morning a woke her up and informed her she was still alive. She smiled and said, Oh, I very lucky!......there are so many things that they believe. It's best not to scoff at them, just smile and say, Ok, whatever you say.

Marital mindset, a clash of cultures. Family is everything here, one for all, all for one. Expectations from the family of the Filipina, specially if married to a westerner can be overbearing. Immense pressure may be applied on her to help the family each and every month monetarily. This is a norm and can and will lead to problems for you down the road. This is something that you need to address with her from the start and be in control of. Let her be the go between in these matters, you stay out of it! She can in her own way handle these demands. You outline the rules as to what or how much you can and are willing to do. Your direct involvement will only complicate things for her and yourself. You own your car, you own your dog, but we as westerners do not think of owning our wife. Well that may not be true in their mind and culture. Example, We were being visited by a elderly (Lola) grandmother type and my wifes mother came over. She walk in and told me how much she missed her Lyn, I told her that Lyn misses her very much too. She responded, yes, but I think she miss you more. After her mother left the Lola began talking to Lyn. I could tell from the broken English and Lyn's face she was telling her about life. What she told her was this, Lyn, you are not the property of your mother anymore, you are the property of Rob now. You must abide with this. Later I asked my wife about what she had said and ask her if she really believed that. She smiled sheepishly dropped her eyes and said, yes it is true. I started to explain that I did not want to own her, but I also saw the disappointment in her eyes. She interpreted this to mean that I did not want her. It was then I learned to say, Ok, whatever you say, when it comes to some customs and superstitions. As you can see by these few examples there is a lot of room for misunderstanding. Educate yourself to the way of the Filipino culture and belief's. Doing so will save you countless hours of aggravation.

As for the OP. This is my advise. When she cools off, and she will if she really loves you. Set her down and tell that hurtful words, threats and destruction of property is not acceptable behavior in America or in the Philippines. You will not tolerate this behavior in the future. If she has a problem you are more the willing to sit down and listen to her and try to work it out. However, this is not a free pass to get your way or what you want. Let her know that you care for her and believe in the vows that you took. But you expect the same in return and will not accept less from her. You married her in good faith and want to give her a better life and opportunities she may not have had in the Philippines. These thing and the afore mentioned things really needed to be discussed prior to marriage. To many times the important things get brushed aside in the heat of passion and desire. You have made mistakes as many have before you and will after you. Good luck to you. You both have a lot to learn.

As for the post about having her deported. That's not going to happen. However,a smile and a trip to visit the family is not out of the question. You travel lite, go have a beer with her return ticket in your pocket and head back to America. Good as being deported, chances are she will not have the means to purchase a return ticket. Now this is only something that I would consider if all other remedies failed to change her behavior. Each relationship is different and only you can make that decision. But remember whatever you do, you have to be able to live with it. Let your conscious be your guide.

We got out approval letter within weeks. I wouldn't bother calling. The visa appointment, however, we called every week. It seems the online thing, and the e-mail both are unreliable. I was also pretty scared, because online, they said my case number was not real! Not to mention we have a fake passport.

But call the visa appointment hotline as soon as you get the I-130 approval.

I'm happy for you. But I do have a few questions as I'm about to start this process. First of all by your time line I have to wonder how you filed DCF? The first requirement is that you must live a minimum of 6 months here and prove it, or be a permanent resident, (13A). How were you able to get all the paperwork together for her in that time frame? It usually takes a minimum of 30 days to six months to just get your marriage certificate registered with NSO. You are required to have the NSO copy as well as NSO BC and Cemomar. Not to mention her passport in her married name, which will require the same papers from NSO for application and 10 to 15 working days to receive a new passport. Then you still have the CFO Seminar she has to attend to get a DFA sticker to travel abroad. Then there is still I-864 for proof of support, DS-230 and proof of relationship. So I would like you to enlighten me so I might have a smooth experience too. Least we forget the 2 day experience at ST. Luke's. Eagerly awaiting your reply and guidance, Thank you

I know you are probably in you home country now, but I hope you will reply so we can benefit from you.

Thanks alot, do you know how long the passport and nbi takes?

NBI.....sane day if no namesakes or record. Passport..... 10 to 15 Working days.

No, it doesn't mean I want to subject my fiance' to that, I just dont want to be separated with him for a whole day during his visit here next month.lol. He will be deploying soon, so I want to spend more time with him as much as possible but then I also want to be proactive that's why I would like to have it done while in Manila and/or Cebu next month. DFA???? Do you mean go back to CFO office with my visa and CFO certificate so they can affix the sticker on it or what they called "CFO sticker"??? Was it just a typo of you when you mentioned DFA??

Not a typo.......DFA issues the sticker for your passport after your Visa is approved.

I am a USC,i met a lady who is on F-1 visa and we fell in love. we started living together for two months before we decided to get married. But the moment we got married, she started misbehaving. she started calling one guy in UK and telling him how much she loved him and she cant wait as soon as she got her GC to come and be with him. i was so furious and mad when i discovered the secret affairs between them.Instead for this lady to apologize and stop the secret affairs, she started cursing me and telling people i dont want her to talk to her old friend. i was so depressed and could not do any thing. Because of my insistency, she started beating me up. she beat me several times that at one point i have to call police on her, after i dislocate my shoulder and my face was full of blood. she was arrested and charged for second degree assults.

soon, the letter for the interview came, i saw it and i hid it from her. after the interview date has passed, USCIS wrote us [both us separately]. she was told to leave USA within 30 days. i was told reasons why her i-485, was denied and options left for both of us. because of the love i had for her i went to court with her and she got probation before the judgement for one year. there after we got another lawyer and reopen the case.

after this letter, she was alittle bit sober and reduce the number of time she talk to the UK guy.But she never felt remosed for her actions. she kept cursing and threatened me to retaliate. i later over heard her telling one of her friend " she is going to set me up". that day i moved away from to another state. on the day of second interview i didnt show up. later i received later form USCIS that all our application had been stop and no further action.after that she told my friend, she has been sent a court letter to appear.

my question now is;

1.what is going to happen to her at that court?

2.is there any thing i can do to save her from deportation as my wife?

3.can she still get the GC,can i file an appeal letter to USCIS?

thank you.

Are you for real?

1. They will probably deport her, I hope so.

2. My would you want to? Are you a masochist?

3. I think not, Appeal what, more abuse?

Send her back where she came from and be thankful she has not killed you, yet!

FOr the CFO, parents are expected if age requirements are met as if a philippine wedding. Please also note fiancee is not permitted in the building during this time. The fiancee can wait outside the building, but expect to be monitored by local authorities. (this is not only for your protection, but if the signal is given inside, the fiancee will be arrested.) And according to the accounts I have read, and people talked to recently going through the CFO, have ALL papers you will be using at the embassy with you. You do not know what documents they will wish to examine. Also, expect to have one on one time as well. I cannot say what or how they choose certain people to interview deeper then others. The CFO is inexpensive compared to other things, but the CFO is interested in protecting the Filipino citizens. The CFO approach is from the standpoint the "outsider may be a bad person". The CFO is not the approach of the embassy where is the relationship real, and genuine. The CFO is trying to talk you out of leaving the Philippines, the question they ask, are you absolutely sure you are ready to go live in another country? Are you absolutely sure your spouse will take care of you? How well do you know him? (there are rumors they do a background check on the foreign fiancee/spouse to see if they can find anything. )

I do not mean to rain on your parade. But I was just looking at your time line.......Lucky for you I'm not the one looking over your paper work. Let alone the eyes of the Philippine bureaucrats. I can see where you may run into some problems, either here or there. You may find that your relationship comes under some scrutiny because of the time line itself. Hopefully it will work out for you. But one thing I can tell you is that you really need to look a bit deeper into the culture and understand the people here. As one USC to another, and this one has lived here over 2 years, do your homework and alway think with the right head. Good Luck.

FOr the CFO, parents are expected if age requirements are met as if a philippine wedding. Please also note fiancee is not permitted in the building during this time. The fiancee can wait outside the building, but expect to be monitored by local authorities. (this is not only for your protection, but if the signal is given inside, the fiancee will be arrested.) And according to the accounts I have read, and people talked to recently going through the CFO, have ALL papers you will be using at the embassy with you. You do not know what documents they will wish to examine. Also, expect to have one on one time as well. I cannot say what or how they choose certain people to interview deeper then others. The CFO is inexpensive compared to other things, but the CFO is interested in protecting the Filipino citizens. The CFO approach is from the standpoint the "outsider may be a bad person". The CFO is not the approach of the embassy where is the relationship real, and genuine. The CFO is trying to talk you out of leaving the Philippines, the question they ask, are you absolutely sure you are ready to go live in another country? Are you absolutely sure your spouse will take care of you? How well do you know him? (there are rumors they do a background check on the foreign fiancee/spouse to see if they can find anything. )

FOr the CFO, parents are expected if age requirements are met as if a philippine wedding. Please also note fiancee is not permitted in the building during this time. The fiancee can wait outside the building, but expect to be monitored by local authorities. (this is not only for your protection, but if the signal is given inside, the fiancee will be arrested.) And according to the accounts I have read, and people talked to recently going through the CFO, have ALL papers you will be using at the embassy with you. You do not know what documents they will wish to examine. Also, expect to have one on one time as well. I cannot say what or how they choose certain people to interview deeper then others. The CFO is inexpensive compared to other things, but the CFO is interested in protecting the Filipino citizens. The CFO approach is from the standpoint the "outsider may be a bad person". The CFO is not the approach of the embassy where is the relationship real, and genuine. The CFO is trying to talk you out of leaving the Philippines, the question they ask, are you absolutely sure you are ready to go live in another country? Are you absolutely sure your spouse will take care of you? How well do you know him? (there are rumors they do a background check on the foreign fiancee/spouse to see if they can find anything. )

Half of the above is BS.....they are only wanting to make sure you are aware of the rights you have and the rights you have in the country you are traveling to. They want to make sure you know the person you are in a relationship with. They will ask you questions about his previous marriages, childrens names, maybe ex's name, why they got a divorce and what he does for a living. They will want to see a original final divorce decree if he's been married before. There is no way in hell they can or will do a background check on him. This is the Philippines and they can not and do not have the technology to do that in one day. Your answers to their questions is what they base their asumptions on. If you really know him and his past then you have nothing to worry about.

Hello again ka-VJ! I want to have my CFO seminar done somewhere next month during my and my fiance's vacation. I will do it whether in Manila or Cebu. Is it too early yet to have it done? We will not make appointment yet for the K1 visa interview, will schedule interview appointment in due time.

And by the way, can I bring my fiance' to that seminar even if he will just be sitting beside me and wait for the session to be finished? I am also planning to bring our 9 months old baby in that seminar. Does the CFO people allow it? What other documents should I bring aside from those listed on the site?

First of all, No he can not sit in with you. Second, why would you want to subject your man to that? Its an all day process and the whole idea is to find out what you know about him and establish a real relationship. Also they will inform you of your rights as well. You must know him and the answers to their questions. This seminar is required for travel abroad a well as application for a passport in your married name. You may take this seminar before you visa interview, I personally would recommend it. One less thing to do when your Visa is approved. Bare in mind you will have to go to DFA with your visa and CFO Certificate with your passport to get a stamp in it for travel abroard. Good Luck.

Your DS-230 Part 1, needs to have his actual signature when submitted. Do not sign DS-230 Part 2, it must be signed in the presence of the Immigration Officer during interview process.

Congratulations on the house purchase. Davao is one of the nicest places in the Philippines to live. Cleaner, greener and safe. I have live outside of Davao City (20 to 30 minutes north) now for about 2 years. I built an American style house here and completed it last year. It took me about 1 year to build working 6 days a week. It sits on 1000 sq. meters of green quiet property with several fruit trees, shade trees, bananas, plants and flowers. 1500 sq. feet inside with about 600 sq. feet of wrap around deck, including a balcony off the upstairs master bedroom, 14 exterior lights. American made Asphalt shingles, Vinyl siding, electrical switches and outlets. Sheetrock walls and textured ceilings. All bedrooms, stairs and living room are carpeted with dense 3/8" pad under layment, the rest is ceramic tile. 3 bedroom's, 2 full baths with Kohler Tubs and shower combination (hot and cold water). Laundry room with American washer and dryer hook ups. 20+ feet of kitchen counter top with built in cook top and vent-a-hood, full size stainless refrigerator/freezer. 30 feet of upper and lower built in wood cabinets. Mahogany French doors off the balcony and living room and a single Mahogany entrance door as well. Windows are Vinyl sliding with screens. Exterior doors have American made thresholds. Roadside has 100 feet of privacy wall and iron work with 16 foot (2 eights) wide sliding gates. Monthly costs to include, electricity, water, Internet, satellite TV, insurance and taxes, approximately 6000 peso's (less than $150) a month. We are starting our DCF IR-1 process this month and have decided to sell our home. Not an easy decision considering all the work and sweat we have put into it. If any one out there is interested and serious, feel free to contact me for additional info and pic's. Thanks. m60man@yahoo.com

I have a question about the example form i-130. On line 17 it has the Petioner (husband USC) listed. Should'nt this be the alien wife instead? If so then this mistake could possibly cause a rejection. Please clarify, Thanks