Derbo/Yamkins

Yamy's flight departs from Clark in about 10 minutes! Yahoooooooo!!! Lands in Chicago tomorrow morning !!!

Does a K1 visa holder qualify for a First Time immigrant promo?

I happen to get our case number from the NVC, but they haven't sent it yet to the embassy here in manila...i am planning to have my medical this first week of october...would there be an expiration date from the day i have my medical? if yes, how long would it be since the day i have my medical? thanks so much...

6 months validity

good luck!

Sorry about the bad experience with the CFO Seminar. At least you got your Certificate and Sticker now.

I, on the other hand, had a wonderful experience at CFO because I was the only one going to the US so there's not much people there. They did not make me watch the horrible video and sit for an hour to listen to the lectures. Instead, I sat with the councilor and chit chatted for almost an hour talking about my love life and just question and answer (I was the one who did all the talking and questioning). No Metrobank/Landbank business talk either! It seemed like a girl talk all the way and she even recommended I join Visajourney. I thought it was funny! The people at the reception even wished me good luck and waved when I got out. When I walked out of the building I was smiling coz I didn't expect it to be a fun experience. You are right about the overpriced photocopy but it's expected. So it's advisable to go there not on a busy day. By the way, I went to Good Shepherd Convent at 1PM on a Tuesday.

Have a nice flight!

Yes, I didn't expect it to be like that since I read the same experience from those who attended PRISM but not St. Mary's.

In my batch, we were around 20 people with various destinations (some to Germany, US, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia).

I really wasn't expecting the suggestions they gave. It sounded a bit one-sided or opinionated.

Anyhow, it is still an experience. At least, one major chunk in the to-do list is crossed out! Flying in 3 days! Woot! Thank you very much!

because they have their own xerox and copy machine inside their office which is kinda over priced>dont you think?make more money for that isnt it?????

True that. It is pretty overpriced for a bad photocopy. I asked (she looked surprised that I asked) how much it costs each. It's Php 3.50/page (compared to Php 1.00 to Php 2.00 outside). You can't bring any form outside of the compound. Good luck with that! I asked for a receipt though. Hahahaha.

thanks for the review! for me, CFO is one last rip-off from our beloved corrupt system before you leave the country. grrrr

It is and it will continue to be so unless they work on the program. I understand the "cause" -- to address the rise of domestically abused Filipinas abroad. However, it's pretty obvious that the program is very premature. The counselors are not well equipped. They look like they (like us) just need to do it and they're just given 4 hours. Do you know the feeling of watching an unprepared classmate present a report in front of class? That's how it feels.

In fact, not all Filipinas married to foreigners experience this BUT we do encounter problems in our adjustment in life there. Abuse is just a possible risk amongst the many others.

Right now, it's a complete waste of both money and time. You won't think of it too much while sitting there because you have your eyes on a goal: GET THOSE CERTIFICATES and STICKER!

(Deren here)

And I'd like to add to what Yamy posted here about the material covered in this required seminar. Not only do they provide ZERO helpfull information, but they also are insulting the petitioner at the same time. Most cases are real, loving, open relationships that will continue on to be life-long partnerships. It hurts me so much that my wife-to-be had to sit through a sesion of horror stories just so this office can scare a few extra people into signing up for their banking services.

...the comment about "if it doesn't work out in 90 days, just marry someone else." I just about died... I'm assuming these seminars are required because marriage is so sacred and serious (they want you to be absolutely certain about your decision) in the Philippines, and yet they encourage you to just "find someone else" if things go sour. Not only would that be fraudulent, but it's completely unmoral.

blah..

Hello, everyone! So, I just attended my seminar today (11AM) in the Good Shepherd Convent since I read bad reviews with PRISM (additional P150.00 handouts which is unnecessary cost).

They gave a feedback form but I wasn't able to drop it into the box.

Here's what I think about the experience (registrant with VISA in hand):

LOCATION: If you are going to use the LRT Line 2, it's pretty convenient. It's literally right next to the Katipunan Station (from Recto, Santolan bound). CFO satellite office is right in the same compound as St. Mary's.

It's pretty humid in the waiting areas and the canteen with a few of the fans working. Only one in the Guidance & Counseling waiting room. The canteen is like a random space that they decided to turn into a canteen. Not much food to see or expect here. The fans are turned off too unless you ask the lady to turn it on. TIP: Bring your food and drinks. I had no choice because I was hungry and was moved to the 11AM session since I was late for the 8:30am session.

The seminar room is air-conditioned and is in the 2nd floor.

REGISTRATION: Staff is fair to okay. Not really the welcoming hotel receptionist type. I was a bit annoyed when she asked for 3 photocopies of my passport and my visa when their website didn't state that as far as I remember. She will give you a form to fill-up which is pretty much the same as the one from CFO's website. They will take a digital picture of you and receive your seminar payment of Php 250.

CONTENT: I'm very much disappointed with this. 4 hours of rambling and beating around the bush about domestic abuse. In my opinion, the seminar is not well structured, biased and pretty subjective.

1st part, there was this representative from Metrobank promoting opening a Savings Account and an OFW Remittance account. When I asked her 3 simple yet important questions, she can't answer it. She keeps on describing the accounts but when I asked the crucial questions that everyone cares about, she can't answer it. The questions involved: available bank affiliates in the countries we're going, bank transfer charge (to compare with other wire transfer services like Moneygram or Xoom), how fast the money will be received.

Short briefing of St. Mary's history as an NGO and being an affiliate of the government goes here...Why the seminar was mandated by the government...

2nd, they required us to introduce ourselves to the group. I'm a bit off with the idea since in my head, you (other participants) don't need to know stuff about me and my partner in a way that it is a requirement. I'll tell you if I want to tell you. But for a format to be followed...BLEH. (Name, age, country of destination, optional background story) In my opinion, where is confidentiality. I'd prefer to have these facts asked privately.

3rd, we were shown a video clip of Magandang Gabi Bayan, an old show of Noli de Castro from more than a decade ago? It featured 3 cases of domestic abuse in different forms (physical, emotional, financial/mental) by foreign spouses of Filipinas. The title of the episode is "Karanasan/Kapalaran ng Pilipina sa Dayuhan" (Experience of Filipinas with Foreigners). Can't find it online though.

We were asked about our individual reactions. I expressed mine which is in sense goes like this, "The key is, regardless of being married or not to a Filipino or a foreigner, you have to be vigilant, self-reliant and ready with a contingency plan for the worst scenario. The scenarios presented to us are not limited to foreigners alone, even Filipinos hurt their wives. No one have a good grasp of what's going on another person's mind may they be spouse, friend, sibling or stranger. So, it's important to be prepared for the worst and save some for yourself."

The seminar was more or less 3-4 hours of unstructured rambling and prejudiced opinions and uneducated suggestions (marry someone else if it doesn't work within 90 days...I can't believe they even suggest that. I was expecting "go home to your family and be banned from a K1 visa. 1st, the K1 visa has your fiance's name on it. It's also pretty insulting to say it won't work or your relationship with your lover will fail and is not genuine.")

4th, we were given forms. Asked to go downstairs for the individual interview. Pretty basic questions. I was delayed with the requirement of a "landline". Okay, it might be for record checking but in this time, everybody else is going wireless and for them to require a landline number is absurd.

5th, releasing of Guidance & Counseling Certificate. Annoyed me more when they require you to pay Php 14.00 for the photocopy of documents they would keep/forward to CFO Paco. We paid almost Php 700 and you can't cover that for a copy of our papers? What about the "centralized system" they boasted about during the seminar which reaches until foreign countries? Can't they input that there?

6th, proceed to CFO satellite office "at the back of their building". I was expecting a more decent space. It was like an old stock room / random poorly maintained public bathroom from the outside with little signage of CFO-this-way-->

Small lounge after a small hallway to the tiny office. Processing is fast here anyway. You need to pay the Php400 here. They will staple the CFO certificate to your passport, check the CFO form (from online or filled-up from St. Mary's if you don't have it), put the sticker on a passport page.

Then, I went home at around 2:30pm to 2:45pm.

Over all, I think they should work on a much structured module for this seminar to include a crash course of starting life in another country (finding jobs, intercultural relations, support system, communication methods, currency/saving & spending in a foreign currency, education, relationship matters, etc.) I think the domestic abuse subject should just be a part of it instead of being the WHOLE thing.

I also suggest doing the CFO and Seminar after receiving the visa to save you from the hassle of traveling back there for your sticker.

That's all I can say for now.

I received mine right after I got home from my successful interview. Yeah, the mailman and I arrived at my house the same time.

My appointment letter arrived after I got home from my interview (and got approved).

They just need to see the printed appointment schedule (from online), your passport, proof of payment (not really because you can't schedule an appointment if you haven't paid in BPI yet), DS-156 (2 copies), DS-156K, DS-157 (2 copies) and the others (W2, Affidavit of Support, etc) that I can't remember now (I guess you already know those).

Have a nice breakfast on that day! I almost became hypoglycemic while waiting for it to be done. No food/drinks allowed inside. No electronics (cellphone, USB, etc). There will be a little kiosk inside with snacks. I'm just not sure what time they open.

so how many working days did it took?

It arrived on the morning of the 9th business day (not including the day of the interview)

Approved 9/2

Received 9/14

Well... I guess we can't have anything else to complain about now. Speak of the devil, Her visa arrived this morning. Ha! What a worthless tracking system 2go has

For what it's worth, we haven't been able to track our visa online. But she called 2go and they were able to let her know where her visa is. They weren't able to find it by the MNL number but they found it for her using her name. You might want to give that a try.

Hope that helps.

Yeah, neither can we. 2GO tried searching for my name in their database earlier, still not in the system. Although, there were other visas that just came in then. Still not there.

Thanks for the suggestion!

That is why people here on VJ will advise that you do not purchase plane tickets or make solid plans before you have your Visa in hand.

(Deren here)

We took that advice, in fact we still have no ticket purchased at all... Obviously we are just getting very frustrated with the attitude of "wait longer." If the embassy knows it won't be ten days from the interview, they should just tell us to wait a month.

I feel like we are horses being lured by a carrot on a stick. Just feeling frustrated and very trapped. Trying to vent here and looking for similar experiences.

Thanks for your input(s).

the embassy emailed you on the 12th saying your visa will be with you in 5-10 business days but yet 2 days later you think it is taking too long??? you still have another 3-8 days before your 5-10 day period is up

Because they emailed me 10 days after my interview only to say to wait another 10 days maximum.

Most of the other users we read here receive theirs after 2-3 days after being approved. I'm not even located somewhere in the boondocks.

Hi. I had my interview last September 2, 2011 and was approved for a visa. I've been checking both 2GO e-trace (MNL case number still invalid) and Manila Embassy's email since then to no avail.

The embassy emailed me September 12, 2011 stating that my visa has been issued and will take 5-10 business days. I just checked earlier today (September 14) with 2GO (branch and online) but it still isn't with them.

My flight is on the 22nd. Why is it taking them so long? I live an hour or two outside of Manila.

It's a bit frustrating since I can't schedule CFO seminar (I want to do it one time with the visa on hand since I live outside of Manila) and it seems too close to our planned flight.

I received the NVC appointment letter the day I went home from my interview. You can still go to the medical exam without it. A lot of time will be wasted if you will wait for it just to have things done. So long as you know the case number, you're good.

For ease of mind, you can email IVManilaReplies@state.gov and ask if they received your file from NVC.

Include these in your email so they could reply to you immediately: (1-2 days)

MNL Case Number

Petitioner's Name

-- First

-- Middle

-- Last Name

Beneficiary's Name

-- First

-- Middle

-- Last Name

You can then print out their email response and show to St. Luke's.

1. Is there a current way to pay the $213.35 for the medical online or does she pay at the time of the medical?

She has to pay this in cash (pesos equivalent) when she goes to St. Luke's Extension Clinic. It's a hassle I know. I hope they would implement a safer and more convenient way for applicants to pay. Walking with almost P10,000 in your pocket isn't too reassuring.

2. Do I need to set a date for the medical after registering or can she show up anytime with the printed registration?

No. It's a first come, first serve basis. Pre-registering online will help her skip or expedite the 1st steps.

You may want to look at this guide to have an idea of what happens during the medical exam:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/221658-st-lukes-medical-exam-walkthrough/

1. What is the best and safest way to pay online the $350 required to schedule the interview: a. BPI or Bancnet and b. what link using my credit card?

In my opinion, a BPI Branch if you have one near you or her. You have to pay Php 15,050.00 (peso equivalent).

But to help you decide, in this page are the link to the payment methods and the comparison among them:

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/banknpaymentoptions.html

2. How many days out from the medical is safe to schedule the interview and which is usually a good day during the week for the interview?

I scheduled mine a week ahead of the interview. Even so, the results from the medical will be valid for 6 months from its release (which is why the visa when issued is valid for 6 months or depending on when you had your medical).

An early start is always advisable for me. A Monday and if she could the earliest appointment time (6AM). Just so they have working/business days after your interview. I had mine on a Thursday and the long weekend was killing me (Labor Day weekend). There are 3 options: 6:15am, 6:30am and 7am. Either of these, you would still be there earlier than your appointment, so why wait and prolong the agony? I had mine at 6:30am and was done at 11:30am.

The long wait is because consular interviews start at 8:30am. The 3 slots above will help you get in earlier than the other applicants. I was there 5:30am and there are a lot of people in line already. They sort you out per appointment time.

Even so, it would boil down to how prepared you are for your interview. Good luck!

this is likewise my problem and would like to know too. i'm also from pampanga. can't track my case too in the website

looks like if they would still send it out to 2GO, it might take them until tuesday to do so since it's a non working day on Monday. heard it might take 3-5 days in average. 10 days at worst (for those in remote areas).

I would like to think 3 because that's favorable for both of us

Hi all,

I looked at the list of required vaccinations and my wife doesnt have alot of them. will she need to get them before she will need to go to the medical or will they administer it there?

Thanks!

St. Luke's will be assessing her vaccination records and decide from there which ones she need. A few of the vaccinations listed are age-dependent. You don't have to worry about the costs since it is included in the P15,050 medical fee. If she would be needing follow-up shots or boosters (some vaccines need more than one), they would just inform you to get those once she is in the US.

Usually, the delays from the medical involve infectious diseases like pulmonary tuberculosis (have to undergo treatment before being cleared). No need to worry about the vaccines.

Good luck!

NOA2 Approval was last Aug 10. I called the NVC today and got our NVC / MNL Case Number. Yay! What are the next steps?

Are these steps correct:

1. Pay the Visa Fee of 350 USD at BPI

2. Schedule for an interview.

Questions are:

1. What form(s) should I accomplish so I could book for an interview? Do I need to accomplish / submit DS-160 online?

2. What's the best way to book, via call center or online?

3. Do I need to wait for the Packet from US Embassy before booking for an interview?

Please help. Thank you so much guys

Hehehehe. Funny story. The packet from the US Embassy arrived when I came home from my interview!

We don't need DS-160. The basic forms (they could ask you more docs for evidential support) they require from you are:

• 2 copies DS-156
  
• 2 copies DS 157
  
• 1 copy DS 156K (need to sign this only in front of the consul)
  
• 2 pieces Visa photos
  
• NBI Clearance
  
• Police Clearance (although they didn't ask this from me)
  
• CENOMAR (if single) or papers to prove eligibility to remarry (if married before)
  
• I-134 - Affidavit of Support from Petitioner
  
• Form 1040 - Tax Return from Petitioner
  
• W2 forms from Petitioner (they didn't ask this from me)
  
• Photos with petitioner
  

Do K1 visa applicants need to fill in DS=230 and take it to the US Embassy on the day of the of the interview?

No, we don't. DS-230 is a form intended for immigrants. K1 visa is considered a non-immigrant visa.

K1 visa applicants only need:

• 2 copies of DS-156
  
• 2 copies of DS-157
  
• 1 copy of DS-156K (you will only sign this in front of the consul)
  
• 2 pcs Visa conforming photos
  
• Form I-134 Affidavit of Support (from Petitioner)
  
• latest W2 (from Petitioner)
  
• latest Income Tax Return / Form 1040 (from Petitioner)
  
• NBI Clearance for Travel to USA
  
• Police Clearance
  
• CENOMAR (if Single) or any papers to prove eligibility to remarry if married before
  
• NSO Birth Certificate
  
• proof of genuine relationship with petitioner
  

Congratulations! We almost have the same timeline! My interview will be tomorrow!

walking distance is the Manila Pavillion Hotel along UN Avenue...another is Casa Bocobo along UN avenue too.

:thumbs:

did this too. got everything done in 1-2 hours. but the catch is, you need to go back the following day in the afternoon too because the doctor who looked at you is in afternoon duty (accdg to the obnoxious man in the immunization reception desk). although, it doesn't make sense since a doctor's order for immunization doesn't have to wait 24 hours to be carried out.

so, as per instructions, went back 2pm the following day. i got my results around 7pm, got home at around 10pm. not a fan of that.

If you pre-register online, you don't need to fill up the forms anymore on-site.

There are 2 variations of this: with appointment letter or without appointment. I'm the latter and was pre-registered online. The guard will give you a colored tag (I got a red one) and will redirect you to the corresponding window for those with tags (I'm guessing that's for without appointment letters).

You will then be asked go to the 5th floor and pay the fee in cash...Php 9,174.00. Depending on the volume of the applicants, they will triage (prioritize, sort you to an area with less applicants queued in) you.

Check this out, this will help you:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/221658-st-lukes-medical-exam-walkthrough/

Although, I will probably post a shorter updated one tomorrow. Just done with my medical yesterday!