Wally G!

August 25, 2013

CANBERRA, Australia, Aug. 24 (UPI) -- An Australian man who has been married three times says he was told his current fiancee cannot get a visa because he has already sponsored two wives.

While Rex Peterson's first wife was Australian, his second was from the Seychelles and his third from the Philippines, News Limited Network reported Thursday. Peterson and wife No. 3 are currently in divorce proceedings after almost five years and he is engaged to another Filipina, Maria Canales, 36, a woman he met online 18 months ago.

"The immigration officer told me that because I already had two spouses from overseas, I wouldn't be able to have another wife unless one dies,'' he said. "I said, 'What sort of dictator brought that in?"

He said the immigration officer was "not impressed" when he said he and Canales would enter Australia as illegal immigrants.

Peterson, 66, said none of his marriages have been immigration scams. His first lasted 18 years and the second 15.

The relatively speedy end of the third, after less than five years, he says was bad luck. His wife, about the same age as his children, did not get along with his family.

Peterson said that in 1984 a Chinese family offered him money to marry their daughter so she could move to Australia and he turned them down.

He and Canales could try again, the report said. The Australian law allows for waivers when couples have been married at least two years or have children together.

http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2013/08/24/Australian-man-told-he-is-over-the-limit-for-foreign-wives/UPI-94851377362978/

Introducing our Members · January 5, 2013

Welcome to VJ

VJ is a forum with a wealth of knowledge, experience and experiences. Post your questions, concerns and several members will be more than glad to answer you.

FYI

:time: This will help members to better answer your questions and concerns.

Good Luck and God Bless!!

:thumbs:

October 23, 2012

Hello, Goodmorning...

can i asked you some question maybe u know somebody had the same situation like mine... I am so worried about our petition.. I just wanna ask if there's someone here who got a RFE from VSC for NSO annotated MC? I was annuled, i included my court decision on our petition and we had NOA1 april 23. Court decision dated March 20,2012, Certificate of Finality July 2, 2012 and Annotated Marriage Certificate from NSO they put the court decision March 20,2012.. They never put the date of Certificate of Finality on NSO annotated MC... Do you know of a situation where someone from the philippines was denied because their certificate of finality was after the NOA1 date? I posted here on Vj a week ago and everybody was keep telling me that my application is subject to denial because im not free to marry yet.. Makes me stressed out, depressed and so sad after all the waiting, i'm just expecting the denial from the USCIS.. Court decision declared my previous marriage as null and void and signed by presiding judge. We thought that was fine and i just have to bring all other required documents (Certificate of Finality and NSO Annotated Marriage Certificate) to the interview. Please any help info would be greatly appreciated... Thank you..

To my knowledge and one of the requirements for K-1, You must be legally free to marry. This means that you are single, you have proof of annulment or divorce from any other previous spouse or proof that your previous spouse has passed away.

I am not 100% versed in the annulment process but I see from a google search you are on " The World of Filipinas ". This post seems to be the closes answer to your questions. " The World of Filipinas "

October 21, 2012

The United States Embassy in Manila recently launched a "Walang Sikreto" (No Secret) campaign to let Filipinos know that there is no secret formula to getting a US visa.

In an email to GMA News Online, Tina Malone, Information Officer of the US Embassy, said: “There really is no secret or special formula to getting a US visa.”

The "Walang Sikreto" campaign, launched on October 16, aims to deter fraudulent individuals who are preying on Filipinos applying for a US visa.

The campaign aims to make Filipinos aware that the official and best source of information about US visas is the website of the US Embassy.

Malone said the embassy launched the campaign because Filipinos fall prey to scammers as they try to get a US visa.

“Too many Filipinos get scammed by sending money to individuals whom they have never met, who promise to arrange visa interviews, but the visa interview never materializes,” she said.

Visa fixers

Malone said in the past, the US Embassy focused its efforts on catching visa applicants who have used visa fixers.

In most of the cases, the applicants borrowed money to pay visa fixers but did not receive a visa.

However, the US Embassy realized that it was better to get to the root of the problem.

“[W]e have decided to emphasize greater prevention in protecting Filipino applicants from losing their money and becoming permanently barred from traveling to the United States by using visa fixers or being scammed,” Malone explained.

"Walang Sikreto"

In an earlier news release, the US Embassy said the “Walang Sikreto” campaign has four goals:

To encourage “honest application" when it comes to seeking a US visa;

To warn against “visa fixers” who charge illegal fees;

To urge the public to be more aware of fraud, and

To send a call of action to the public to seek more information and report any anomalies in visa operations.

Most of the targets of visa scams are tourists, students, and aspiring temporary workers who are usually gullible to “surefire formulas,” the US Embassy noted.

What to avoid

Malone warned the public that if something “sounds too good to be true, it isn’t true.”

She said there several scamming styles but one stands out as the most common modus operandi.

“An individual, “a friend of a friend,” or a travel agent promises or guarantees to get someone a U.S. visa. The visa fixer charges the individual 20,000 to 100,000 pesos or more to help the individual,” she said.

“In many of the visa scams you will never meet the person. All contact will be through the phone or e-mail,” she added.

Malone also mentioned that visa fixers usually claim to have a contact inside the Embassy who will help you get your visa.

“Don’t believe them!” she warned.

“In the end, the visa applicant [who trusts scammers] loses all of his or her money and ends up being banned permanently from traveling to the United States,” she said.

Go to US Embassy website

To prevent being scammed, Malone said applicants should go to the embassy website and use the information and resources there to apply for a visa.

“The US Embassy wants to help you in this process. Use our Embassy website manila.usembassy.gov to apply for your visa,” she said.

“Help us help you by being honest in applying for your visa,” she added.

“Do not use an agency or individual who makes special promises or guarantees to get you a visa or encourages you to lie or misrepresent yourself,” she said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/279019/pinoyabroad/news/us-embassy-no-secret-no-special-formula-to-getting-a-us-visa

September 5, 2012

Congratulations and best wish to a happy marriage!!

August 17, 2012

Congratulations!!!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:

August 3, 2012

Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

August 3, 2012

Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

August 2, 2012

K-1 visa? I am currently under CR-1 visa.

CFO is required for all Filipinos emigrating to another country with a immigrant VISA (K-1, IR-1/CR-1 Visa, Immigrant Workers (OFW) etc..).

" As Filipinos going abroad as fiancé(e)s, spouses or other partners of foreign nationals, you are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling session in order to secure the Guidance and Counseling Certificate (GCC) and the CFO sticker. "

CFO Link - Fiancee, Spouses and Other Partners of Foreign Nationals

July 30, 2012

I am surprised they issued and RFE for you

. Get it in asap, so you keep moving forward. God Bless bro!!

July 30, 2012

Congratulations!! Always good to hear happiness from a fellow VJ'er in this journey. We also kept it simple. Our wedding was at my Dad's house. Easy, convenient and save on a lot of money!!

July 12, 2012

First. K-1 requires that the US Citizen meet their fiance in person within the 2 year prior to filing for I-129F petition. Make sure he meets you before filing the I-129F petition. Take lots of pictures, save your chat logs (YM, Skype, Facebook, TXT MSG, Phone records, Plane Tickets etc.)

Manila USEM reviews K-1 visa applicant with co-sponsor on a case by case bases. From what I have read from those who have use co-sponsor for K-1 Visa most are denied. Burden of proof of financial support is on the petitioner to proof that he or she can support the beneficiary when they come to the united states.

July 12, 2012

Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

July 12, 2012

Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

July 12, 2012

My fiance was told to submit a new NBI with her aka on it and she sent it off through the togo delivery service and it was received three weeks ago by the embassy and is now worried that she maybe denied entry to the US because of how long its taking to here back from the embassy.

If the consulate kept her passport. That is a good sign and likely and approved visa. The wait time for USEM to process the requested document (NBI Clearance) can vary from 3 - 4 weeks or longer. Keep calling to see if they have completed processing the Visa Application.

July 11, 2012

No need to open a bank account to pay the Visa Application fee. All you need to do is send the Visa Application fee ( US $240) via XOOM, Westernunion or LBC. Westernunion is the easiest and fastest. Any which way to get the Visa Application fee to her. Visa Application fee must be paid in Philippine Pesos.

She can just go to BPI Branch with her Passport, MNL Case# or Copy of the NOA2, postal ID or valid ID with the Visa Application fee. That is it. Make sure to get and keep safe the receipt they give her. She will need that receipt to schedule her USEM Visa appointment. She will also need the receipt on the interview day.

Good Luck and God Bless

June 30, 2012

In 10 days, there's a chance you will not be able to access the Internet on your personal computer. No email, no Facebook, no Google, no Twitter — nothing.

This potentially dire situation is due to the nasty DNSChanger Trojan, and the fateful date of July 9, on which the FBI is set to take all computers still infected with the malware offline for good. The date is being dubbed "Internet doomsday" for those who don't take action.

Launched by Estonian cybercriminals, the DNSChanger malware infected Windows PCs, Macs and routers across the world and enabled the crooks to hijack victims' Web traffic and reroute it to rigged sites. After the FBI, in "Operation Ghost Click," busted the criminals last November, the FBI set up surrogate servers to keep the computers infected with the Trojan temporarily online so users could clean them. But on July 9, those surrogate servers are coming down.

[Will the FBI Shut Down My Computer? Questions and Answers]

This is bad news for anyone whose computer is still harboring the malware. According to a new report from Internet Identity,that unfortunate group, which at the time of the FBI sting was made up of 4 million computers and routers worldwide,still includes 12 percent of the Fortune 500.

In his Krebs on Security blog, researcher Brian Krebs cites a statistic from the DNSChanger Working Group, which estimates that more than 300,000 computers are still infected with the malware.

"That number is likely conservative," Krebs said. "The DCWG measures infections by Internet protocol (IP) addresses, not unique systems. Because many systems that are on the same local network often share the same IP address, the actual number of DNSChanger-infected machines is probably quite a bit higher than 300,000.

In the past few weeks, both Google and Facebook have undertaken notification campaigns efforts to warn those who may still be infected with the Trojan. But if you didn't receive a warning, it doesn't mean you're in the clear.

There are ways to eradicate the DNSChanger from your system before July 9. Here's how, in three easy steps.

First, you'll need to change some settings on your computer. Click here for instructions on how to do so. That will make sure you're still able to get on the Internet when July 9 rolls around.

Step two is to run strong anti-virus software that will clean up your computer. You'll probably have to pay for the software. Here's a list of recommended anti-virus software products.

The third step is to check your system again; if you're still seeing the Google alert, check the DNS Changer Check-Up.

If you know your car might explode and crumble into a burning mass of parts in less than two weeks unless you got it serviced, you'd probably get it serviced, right? Do the same with your computer.

http://www.technolog.msnbc.msn.com/technology/technolog/last-call-wipe-dnschanger-internet-doomsday-854340

http://www.fbi.gov/news/stories/2011/november/malware_110911

DNS Changer Check-Up

http://www.dns-ok.us/

June 26, 2012

Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

June 26, 2012

Congratulations!!! :dance: :dance: :dance:

June 22, 2012

United States Embassy Manila - RESCHEDULING APPOINTMENTS

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3235.html

June 15, 2012

I am confused by what seems to be contradictions with the guides and what I have read from couples that had K-1 visas approved in Manila. I will list what I understand to be the case for the US Embassy in Manila for a K-1. Please correct me if you have direct recent experience:

1. My fiancee can schedule her medical exam and visa interview as soon as the NVC assigns a case number.

Once you receive the MNL Case number from NVC. NVC will send an electronic copy of the I-129F package to USEM first. Then NVC will mail the hard copy of the I-129F package to USEM. It takes about 3 - 5 business days for USEM to receive the hard copy. Sometimes it can take longer. Once you have the MNL case# She can go and take the medical at St. Luke’s Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLMCEC).

2. Before my fiancee can schedule her interview, she will need to pay the visa fee at a Bank of the Philippines Islands and get a receipt.

Yes. She will need to pay the Visa Application Fee at BPI Bank first before scheduling the interview date. Make sure to bring her Passport. MNL Case # and other IDs. Yes. She will need that receipt for scheduling the appointment online or phone. She will also need that receipt on the interview date. Keep that receipt save and secure.

3. My fiancee will not get packets (3 and 4) in the mail from the embassy, but will get emails instead that tell her what information to bring to the interview and the forms to fill out (I am also sending her a pack of documents that are my responsibility (affadavit, prood of income, etc.)

The mailed Packet 3 is a ####### shoot. You may or may not get it. The majority of people don't receive that packet 3 until after they have complete the whole process or they don't receive it at all. I believe she will receive an email of the instruction letter. You can get the instructions (Packet 3)Here. Yes the are certain requirements and documents the petitioner needs to send to the beneficiary.

4. My fiancee will not send anything to the US embassy in advance of the interview.

Yes. Nothing needs to be sent to USEM before the interview.

5. My fiancee will have her medical exam about 10 days prior to the interview.

10 days is about right. It takes 2-3 days for SLMCEC to send the medical results to USEM. If everything goes right at SLMCEC... If there are issues, it will delay your interview date. You will need to reschedule the interview date at that point.

6. My fiancee will bring all the application related documents along with her proof of fee payment on the day of her interview.

Yes. Bring all requirements that pertain to her on the packet 3 instructions. If you don't bring all required documents. They will issue 221G form or request for the particular document(s). More Delays are to be expect if you do not have all required documents.

Recent successful US Embassy Manila K-1 visa applicants.. is all the above correct? Can you please correct anything that is wrong? Please add any missing information and bless you for your help. Thank you.

You can follow my Visa Application walk-through as a guide or reference. If you have any questions, please do ask.

NVC Contact Information

Tel: (603) 334-0700

Hours: Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time)

Once you get your MNL#. You can start on the Visa Application process for the beneficiary.

You can look at my K-1 Visa Application process for Manila as a guide or reference.

At this point you should start preparing your fiancé’s Packet 3.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3224.html

Download the K1/K2 Interview Preparation Instructions. Make sure to have all the requirements in the instructions. Review and go over it 3 or 4 times to make sure all is filled correct.

Now your fiancé will pay and schedule the USEM appointment.

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

Click on the apply button (Green Button " Apply Now ". Fill out the registration information. It is straight forward.

Click Schedule Appointment

Select Immigrant Visa

Click continue

Select K Visas ( Visa for Fiancée , Visa For Spouse )

Select K1 - Fiancé or Fiancée of U.S. Citizen

Click continue

Fill out all information

Click continue

You will receive a confirmation email of you appointment.

If your are not comfortable with the online appointment system. You can always call and set appointment via phone.

To schedule a visa appointment for IV or K petitions, please contact the Embassy’s Visa Information and Appointment Service at (632) 982-5555 or (632) 902-8930.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3238.html

You will now pay for you the fiancé visa application fee there in Philippines. Fee is U.S. $240 / P10,243. Send a little extra as it is bases on current exchange rate. Cash payment at any Bank of the Philippine Island (BPI) branch. Just go into the branch nearest to her and tell them you are paying for K-1 Visa application fee. They will know what to give her to fill out. If she is unsure on what to fill out ask the staff there to help her fill it out.

BPI Branch Locator:

http://info.bpiexpressonline.com/bpiprod/prodserv.nsf/Pop-Ups/BranchesSearch

Require documents at BPI:

Passport and MNL number

When filling out the online applicant or speaking to the USEM agent. You will need the receipt number on the receipt from BPI.

USEM will give her some dates to choose from. Once she selects a date. Appointment is set!! You can reschedule but they will push you further in the month or next month.

Your fiancé will need to prepare for her Medical at St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic (SLEC)

Required Documents:

http://www.slec.ph/us-visa-applicants.shtml#required-docs

Pre-register online and have her print out this letter. This is the appointment letter she needs to present at SLMEC.

http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/

Medical fees are: 15 years and older USD 213.35 / PhP 9,387.50. This is paid at SLMEC.

ST. LUKE'S MEDICAL CENTER EXTENSION CLINIC

1177 J. Bocobo St. Ermita, Manila 1000 PHILIPPINES

If your fiancé passes her Medical They will give her a date to come back to SLEC and get her results and medical will CD of chest X-ray

On the interview date she will have a time most likely 6:00 - 6:30 AM to be at the Manila USEM. She needs to have all her required documents in hand, appointment letter, and passport. Again refer to K1/K2 Interview Preparation Instructions as for what is needed. Make sure she has all papers organized. It makes for a easier processing at the embassy and shows seriousness. Buy a organizer with tabs. Label the tabs for each requirement.

Once at the embassy, she will fall in line. They will take her appointment letter, check passport and assign her a number. At the embassy they don't allow any electronic devices.

You are not allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy/Consulate while carrying any of the following items:

battery-operated or electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital diaries, digital watches, pagers, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, floppy disks, laptops, or portable music players

large shoulder bags/purses - only bags that can be carried by hand will be permitted

bags such as travel bags, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, leather, cloth bags, and zip folders - you can only carry plastic bags containing application-related papers

food items (refreshments are available for purchase in the waiting area)

sealed envelopes or packages

cigarettes, cigars, match boxes, lighters

sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail files

weapons or explosive materials of any kind

If she needs her cell phone they will ask her to check it in at the security section. They will give her a card so she can retrieve at the end of interview.

They will give her a form to fill out on how to deliver the passport with visa. Either it's deliver to her home address or she can go pick it up at a 2GO location.

Once inside, she will need to look on the board for her number to be called. She will go to the window and ask for her paperwork. Then she will be finger printed. They will tell her to wait again. Once her number flashes again, she will have her first interview with Filipino consulate. They will ask her a few questions and check and process her documents. (MAKE SURE SHE HAS ALL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS). If all is in order she answered all questions to satisfaction. She will then wait again for her number to flash again on the board. Then she will have her final interviewer US consulate. Consulate will process her paperwork and ask a few questions. If all is in order she will be told to wait again for her number to flash. Then she will go to the 2GO window where they will take her passport. They will give her a receipt (make sure to ask if they do not give one).

That's it for the USEM interview. You can now breathe a little easier.

Now if there is a problem. They will give a 221g form and state what the issue is. Now you will need to get them whatever they want in order to proceed. Now this is pull a long process when your in Admin Review. Look on VJ for Admin Review stories.

It will take 5 - 10 days for 2GO to receive visa and passport from USEM.

2GO locator:

http://supplychain.2go.com.ph/CustomerSupport/tools/outlets.asp

2GO Tracking (enter MNL number):

http://supplychain.2go.com.ph/CustomerSupport/etrace/index.asp

Once you have received your passport with visa. Now its time for CFO (Commission on Filipinos Overseas). Now CFO seminar can be done in the beginning before obtaining the visa and passport. You will need to return to get the CFO sticker and Stamp in the passport after receiving the visa passport upon approval and delivery.

St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation - Center for Overseas Workers.

CFO (Commission on Filipinos Overseas) Information.

CFO Seminar is a 1 day seminar and process.

She will need to register for her seminar.

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348%3Afiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140&Itemid=813

CFO is to inform fipinos about the country they are traveling to. The Good, Bad and Ugly. They will ask her some questions and issue her CFO sticker and seminar certificate.

Requirements for Registration:

Original and photocopy of Passport;

Original and photocopy of visa;

Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for US bound/ Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada bound/ Certification of Eligibility (for Japan-bound);

Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate;

Duly completed emigrant registration form; and

Payment of the authorized registration fee.

Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348%3Afiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140&Itemid=813

Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph; (Postal ID, NBI Clearance, Passport w/ Visa)

Duly completed guidance and counseling form;

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/pdf/downloadable%20forms/overseasbasedemigrantform.pdf

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

You will pay a fee totaling PhP 650.00. The PhP 250.00 is paid as counseling fee at SMEF-COW or PRISM while the PhP 400.00 is for registration at the CFO.

If you fiancee is under 25 yrs. She will need a written consent letter from her parents or a parent will need to be there with her to give consent of there child's marriage.

> If you are between the ages of 21-24, CFO may require you to submit a letter of parental advice to marry.

> If you are between the ages of 18-20, CFO may require you to submit a letter of parental consent to marry.

Here's why you didn't see anything on the CFO website about those requirements:

The following is from the CFO website:

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 <-----------------------------

Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

CFO link.

The following forms may come in handy:

Sworn statement that advice of parents or guardian has been asked. (for those who are 21-24 years old)

Consent to marriage of a person under age. (for those who are 18-20 years old)

Marriage applicants who are age 18 to 21 must have parental consent in writing, those age 21 to 25 must have written parental advice (a written indication that the parents are aware of the couple's intent to marry). The revised Family Code of the Philippines, which took effect on August 4, 1988, prohibits marriage for individuals below the age of 18.

U.S. Department of State link.

The quote above is from the section where they are talking about getting married in the Philippines. However, the CFO has been known to require parental advice or parental consent from K-1ers.

It's all on the Consular's discretion whether they require consent from a parent or guardian.

SMEF-Center for Overseas Workers

Good Shepherd Convent

1043 Aurora Boulevard

Quezon City 1108

Philippines

http://www.smef-cow-phil.org/

Once CFO seminar, certificate, Sticker and stamp is completed, you’re done. Book the Flight!! :dance:

You will need to pay a NAIA International Departure Fee: PHP 550 mandatory at NAIA.

Also when you book your flight. Check to see if all airport taxes are include in the price of the ticket. If not, your fiancee will need to pay the " Filipino Travel Tax " of P1,620.

Good Luck and God bless!!!

June 13, 2012

Hi! i just got my MNL Case Number from NVC last 3 days ago, they said they forwarded my case to USEM last June 4, 2012. They gave me my MNL number, they said i will be needing it. my question is, can i schedule my interview without the letter from the USEM??? help please...

Now that you have your MNL case number. You can follow my Visa Application walk-through as a guide or reference. If you have any questions, please do ask.