cheerstoamerica

Hi guys! I finally have an interview date for my AOS. Birth Certificate is one of the docs that I am required to present. I want to know if a photocopy is ok because my original birth certificate is in the Philippines. =]

THANK YOU SO MUCH you guys! Your replies made my day. I was feeling quite down, but knowing that for most of you, it didn't take THAT long, I'm sure it won't be too long for me too. I've always had work back home so not having one is such a bore. It did feel relaxing at first, touring here and there with all the free time that I'm having, but now that the tourist stage has been replaced by reality, I sure am anxious to work again.

As always, I can rely on VJ friends for answers.

Obviously it varies, but as an example, ours took 50 days. Best thing to do is just compare your timeline with others who filed at a similar time and it may give you a more accurate idea of when yours might be approved. That's what we did, it's a good indicator.

50 days from biometrics or from the day your AOS was filed?

So I went for biometrics today, everything went smoothly except I felt so disappointed when the lady told me that I should expect my Employment Permit 60-90 days from today. I've always thought it was 60-90 days from the day my AOS application was filed which was March 29 (NOA date).

To those who waited for Employment Permit in the past, how long did it take for it to arrive?

Hope to get mine real soon. I wanna work already!

My husband and I are planning to go on a honeymoon in Mexico, probably in July. I filed my AOS last March 25th, got scheduled for biometrics on the 16th of May. Along with the AOS is also an application for travel permit. Do you guys have any idea how long before the travel permit gets approved?

Thanks for the reply!!! Finally got it yesterday!

How long before you got your NOA1 for your AOS application? It's been 2 weeks and still no news from them. Ugh.

How long after a K1 visa holder applied for AOS, can he or she start working? Is the work permit faster or does it get approved along with the AOS?

I got my social security from the mail and it says VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION. What is DHS? I've read somewhere that it's INS and not DHS. Help?

Just income is not the correct answer, you will be disappointed again if you just go with one criteria.

Each CO puts it togeather, like Incomce, property, relatives other investment, business or job or school etc. before coming to conclusion.

Most ppl on here say CO did not go thru the documents, which is not true either before they come to window for the interview, they have gone thru the file and they ask specific questions and are looking for the answers to that.

Arguing with CO would never result in anything but he simply walking away or calling security to escort you out. Most CO have made up 80% of the decision before they come to window and rest is done during the interview.

unlike with the k1 or other types of visas, the COs for tourists do not collect the documents prior to the interview. they have the standard DS-whatever form, but it does not state the income and other ties they might have in their home country. What I mean is, they do not check back up documents.

Don't drop F bomb here.

I'm sorry. I'm looking for the edit option but can't seem to find it. Wont happen again. Apologies for bad conduct.

Last Jan 20th, my mom applied for a tourist visa because she wanted to visit me, but more importantly, attend my wedding. I just moved here with a K1 and will be getting married soon.

Her interview with a Korean woman consul officer went something like this...

CO: Why are you going to visit the United States?

Mom: I will attend my daughter's wedding.

CO: When did your daughter arrive in the U.S.?

Mom: December ___, 2011

CO: How many children do you have?

Mom: I have 3 children. My two sons are here in the Philippines. They're still in school.

CO: Have you been to other countries before?

Mom: Yes, I've been to Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and Indonesia for vacation.

*CO checks passport stamps*

CO: I'm sorry but I can't grant you the visa. You do not have enough ties outside the United States.

WHAT THE FUUUUUUCK!!! Not enough ties, huh?? My mom has 2 minor kids in the Philippines, she's married, working in finance, she has assets in the Philippines. She had all the documents with her but they didn't ask her for it. Consuls should stop being lazy and start asking more questions and checking documents!!! My mom just responded with an "OK, thank you." I told her she should've reasoned out and fought a bit for it. But my mom said there's no use cause she heard stories and she said that nothing really changes a Consul Officer's mind. I would've been ok with it if the consul officer's reason for denying her made sense. But it's just BS. My heart is breaking cause I'll be experiencing one of the most important events in my life without my mom by my side. I hate it when people are unreasonably heartless.

so far, i'd say 3 lbs but it should stop there. i'm looking for a good fitness club and planning to join yoga.

guys, I called lost and found AND IT'S THERE!!!! WUHOOOO!!! *HUGS*

My fiance said I probably threw it away from too much excitement when I ran to hug him. lol.

You will need your passport to get a Social Security card, among other things.

hi tahoma. thanks for your quick reply. Let's just say I lost it cause I've been looking everywhere and it's my 3rd time to look everywhere yet nothing shows up. What to do?? I mean I can replace my passport yes, but what about the visa? and the cfo sticker?

First of all. I'm happy that I made it here and that I am now with my fiance. HOWEVER, I CANNOT FIND MY PASSPORT! I know it's really stupid of me. I keep on myself because of it. I don't have any memory of what happened to it after the customs thing. I looked everywhere! Anyway, what I wanna know is what should I do?? Do I need it for the AOS? Would the lost visa affect my application of AOS and social security? of getting married?

HELP MEEEEEE! PLEEEEEASE!!! :crying:

Thanks for your replies guys! Merry Christmas and God bless.

I took a photo of it. Please see attached picture. I didn't open the package completely. This is from the small opening on the plastic when I took out my passport.

Hello everyone! I got my visa last week and there's an instruction that I should only open the package to get my passport and not the yellow envelope. So I just tore a small opening on the plastic. Enough to fit my hand so I can get my passport. I inspected the package from outside (NOT THE CONTENTS OF THE ENVELOPE. JUST WANTED TO SEE WHAT ELSE ARE INSIDE THE PLASTIC.) I saw that there are 2 envelopes. One is smaller than the other and it has this type of... uhmm... fastener(?) -->

http://image.shutterstock.com/display_pic_with_logo/68530/68530,1205112217,2/stock-photo-the-back-of-an-old-manila-envelope-closed-by-string-dirt-and-scratches-at-10212457.jpg

I have a feeling something else that's REALLY sealed is inside. Because why would they use that type of envelope right? Anyone can roll out the string, check what's inside, and roll it back if they really want to. Can anyone tell me what's in it? Should I worry about the string not being rolled together? Should I just open the plastic of my package completely and roll it back myself?

HELP ME!!!

I was wearing my ring during the interview but they never asked for it... wasn't even mentioned.

here's the website: 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=833

yes, you'll get the sticker on the same day. they have schedules from M-F. just refer to the website for different times, fees, and what you're required to bring

If you're in doubt, have him fill out another form and send it via the fastest service of DHL. My fiance sent me the forms using the 2nd fastest service of DHL and I got it 2 days after. You may get through with what you have now but of course you want to make sure everything is in order.

NBI clearance is what you get to prove that you have no criminal records. There are two types, local and FOR TRAVEL ABROAD. Make sure you get FOR TRAVEL ABROAD. There are many branches of NBI offices around the country. Research on what's nearest to your place. For the fee, from what I remember, I paid about 250... or maybe even less.

If you are a Filipino citizen with a Philippine passport, then yes, you have to. Since you'll be coming from here, it will be checked before your departure.