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Grant PDX

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  1. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from SerbCA in I129f September 2017 filers   
    Nothing on the app.  Checked status online and saw this:  August 7 NOA 1 date.
    On March 1, 2018, we approved your Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Receipt Number WACXXXXXXXX12. 
     
    Check that, 5 minutes after posting this, the App buzzed.  Status updated.
  2. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from NICK & PAULA in I129f September 2017 filers   
    Nothing on the app.  Checked status online and saw this:  August 7 NOA 1 date.
    On March 1, 2018, we approved your Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Receipt Number WACXXXXXXXX12. 
     
    Check that, 5 minutes after posting this, the App buzzed.  Status updated.
  3. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from LizM in I129f September 2017 filers   
    Nothing on the app.  Checked status online and saw this:  August 7 NOA 1 date.
    On March 1, 2018, we approved your Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Receipt Number WACXXXXXXXX12. 
     
    Check that, 5 minutes after posting this, the App buzzed.  Status updated.
  4. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from reyjay in August 2017 I-129F Filers   
    For Philippines yes.  You first pay the visa fee, then you can schedule the interview.
  5. Thanks
    Grant PDX got a reaction from Naes in August 2017 I-129F Filers   
    They look at the full body of info.  Tax returns (transcripts) are very solid info.  Bank statements and employment letters are good for support.  You don't need everything possible, just need to demonstrate the required income (or assets, but much less common).  Some embassys require more, some generally don't even ask to see it.  If you're borderline, the more you have the better, but it's the full package, one piece doesn't generally make or break it.
     
    This isn't my first rodeo, and I've not had a problem without an employment letter.
  6. Like
    Grant PDX reacted to Hank_ in best bank with no fees   
    I do bank to bank transfers using REMITLY ,  currently at P48.63 and ZERO fees.    
     
    With larger amounts ( break point is $2500 > ) direct wire transfers are the cheapest, but you need a USD acct in the Philippines to make this the best deal.   
  7. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from lindsayb86 in Request for more Evidence??? Help!!! K1   
    By the way, my total package was under 15 pages. It makes it a lot easier to dot the i's and cross the t's when the stack of documents is smaller. They are not looking for quantity, just enough quality to clear the hurdle requirements. In my opinion, make absolutely certain you meet the requirements, but don't overwhelm with too much extra info.
    My two cents.
  8. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from AntoinetteB in RFEs   
    I've seen people get RFEs to submit information that they DID submit the first time.  As if it had been lost at some point in the shuffling.  I've seen others that missed pieces that we believe should have generated RFEs that did not.  Some people submit a lot of information and get RFEs and some send very little and don't.  The most important thing is to submit a complete and accurate petition, don't miss any pieces that are listed on the form, have all the information correct.  As I said, sometimes that is no guarantee as it's possible something might get lost in the paperwork shuffle.  It's not common but it has happened.
     
    Complete and accurate petitions seldom generate RFEs.  Follow the guidelines and it's unlikely (although possible) that you'll get the request for more.
  9. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from AnaUmo in RFEs   
    I've seen people get RFEs to submit information that they DID submit the first time.  As if it had been lost at some point in the shuffling.  I've seen others that missed pieces that we believe should have generated RFEs that did not.  Some people submit a lot of information and get RFEs and some send very little and don't.  The most important thing is to submit a complete and accurate petition, don't miss any pieces that are listed on the form, have all the information correct.  As I said, sometimes that is no guarantee as it's possible something might get lost in the paperwork shuffle.  It's not common but it has happened.
     
    Complete and accurate petitions seldom generate RFEs.  Follow the guidelines and it's unlikely (although possible) that you'll get the request for more.
  10. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from Greenbaum in Any Filipino around Richmond, California?   
    I'm not in California, but they best way I've found to meet local Filipinas or other asians in my area is to go to the local Asian food store on a busy day and listen for those speaking Tagalog (or Visaya, as the case may be).  I've had success with that a few times, and quite a few Filipinos come into the group after being "found" at the Asian store.
     
    good luck!
  11. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from Pajares in I129f September 2017 filers   
    For some things it makes sense to get them prepared, essentially the things that aren't time sensitive (divorce decrees, etc) but others it's better to wait, primarily a lot of the financial stuff.  For tax returns, generally if your interview is after April 15 they may expect the most recent year, if the interview is before April 15 they understand if you haven't filed yet.  And generally they want transcripts which aren't available as soon as you file, they need time to process.  The embassy knows this.  Also, for Manila, frequently they don't even look at the I134 or maybe give it a cursory glance.  Last years transcripts will likely be fine.  I ordered 2014-2016 so that is all ready to go.  I'll get an employer letter and bank records around the first of the year.  In the Philippines a lot should wait until later.  Fresh 2x2 pictures, fresh CENOMAR, fresh NBI clearance etc.  I anticipate my fiance will do those things the first week after we have our NOA2, so they'll be current and we can move quickly after we have our MNL case number.
     
    All the best!
  12. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from smokeface in Health Insurance   
    Lucky for you that the employer subsidizes the health care.  My company uses a Blue Cross plan (not a bad plan, with 3000 members so a decent rate) and the cost for an individual is over $600 (fully paid for by the employer) with an extra $500 for a spouse or $1100 for a whole family but those aren't employer subsidized.  Welcome to the high costs of insurance and other medical expenses.  Until you see it, you don't really think about it, but at $1700 per month for a whole family on our plan, I still think we're about average for a slightly better than average plan.  Yes insurance and other medical expenses are extremely high.
    As previously stated, have her bring a 6 month supply, then look for insurance options.  I have hypothyroidism and am on a 6 month visit schedule with my physician.  My meds are about $40 for a 3 month supply so it's not too bad.  If her condition is relatively under control with her meds she may be able to stretch to 12 months.
  13. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from Lovelise26 in I129f September 2017 filers   
    Over the years the time generally fluctuates up and down, getting up to 6 months, give or take, for the NOA 2, then dropping down to around 3 months.  It seems their standard crew isn't quite enough to handle the load coming in, so the times grow, then they move staff to focus on the K-1 and the backlog drops quickly, ultimately building back up.  For years it goes up and down and up and down.  I've watched it off and on for around 6 years now.  Those who send petitions when the backlog is at 3 months are sometimes very disappointed when the times grow, and some see it go the other way, surprised when the expect 6 then the times drop quickly.  Those counting on 5 months right now could see 6, or could see 3.  I'd always suggest that folks plan 6 months, then be happy if it's faster.  We tell people 5 months now but who knows if the processing times will stay the same or increase or decrease.  5 months is likely wrong for those filing now, but impossible to tell which way things will go.  It's rough thinking 150 days right now.. but it could get worse (I've seen it happen). 
     
    Just sit back, try to stay busy doing other things.  In the scheme of life, these few months might be painful right now but just a bump in a road that hopefully goes on and on for years.  Frankly I was "saved" from a bad deal years ago when my fiancee's true colors came out mid-process.  I was lucky the process was over 4 months because that's when the truth came out.  I've learned the value of patience.
     
    Best of luck to everyone!
  14. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from AbenaKofi in I129f September 2017 filers   
    Over the years the time generally fluctuates up and down, getting up to 6 months, give or take, for the NOA 2, then dropping down to around 3 months.  It seems their standard crew isn't quite enough to handle the load coming in, so the times grow, then they move staff to focus on the K-1 and the backlog drops quickly, ultimately building back up.  For years it goes up and down and up and down.  I've watched it off and on for around 6 years now.  Those who send petitions when the backlog is at 3 months are sometimes very disappointed when the times grow, and some see it go the other way, surprised when the expect 6 then the times drop quickly.  Those counting on 5 months right now could see 6, or could see 3.  I'd always suggest that folks plan 6 months, then be happy if it's faster.  We tell people 5 months now but who knows if the processing times will stay the same or increase or decrease.  5 months is likely wrong for those filing now, but impossible to tell which way things will go.  It's rough thinking 150 days right now.. but it could get worse (I've seen it happen). 
     
    Just sit back, try to stay busy doing other things.  In the scheme of life, these few months might be painful right now but just a bump in a road that hopefully goes on and on for years.  Frankly I was "saved" from a bad deal years ago when my fiancee's true colors came out mid-process.  I was lucky the process was over 4 months because that's when the truth came out.  I've learned the value of patience.
     
    Best of luck to everyone!
  15. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from Brettnie in Flying International with expired green card!   
    The "piece of paper saying your green card was extended" if it's the official letter is all you need, with your expired green card and passport.  I've been with someone who traveled to and from the Philippines with exactly that letter and it wasn't an issue.  That is the only document that will allow you to travel until the new green card arrives, so either cancel (delay) your trip or travel with the letter.  It is enough.
  16. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from j N j in Amount a visits   
    Tampo isn't so much hollering as it is the silent treatment.... sometimes for days... and sometimes based on misunderstandings... can be painful.
     
  17. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from Meg&Andrew in Amount a visits   
    Tampo isn't so much hollering as it is the silent treatment.... sometimes for days... and sometimes based on misunderstandings... can be painful.
     
  18. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from Luthien in K1 visa, not married within 90 days, overstay?   
    Too many people offer relationship advice when posters are really just trying to navigate the visa process. Please leave the relationship thoughts to yourself. Every day engaged people break up, or delay the wedding, often to later get back together or not. The visa process is long and expensive yes, but so is a relationship if both in the same country. The visa is just a part of our journey that we must endure. Don't judge others because of relationship issues. I'm almost certain everyone on this board has had relationship difficulties at some point in the past. Attacking posters or judging for their own relationship challenges is quite inappropriate. If you have something to offer regarding the visa process then by all means do so. Otherwise leave the personal issues personal.
    This process is so danged hard, I don't know why people feel the need to jump on others' emotions, unless it makes them feel good about themselves to put others down.
    Good luck with your decision and the visa process.
  19. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from Tahlisha in you are not welcomed in my home where i alone pay my bills   
    I was a little concerned that the OP didn't sound as concerned about the relationship as he was about the greencard. Take care of the relationship first, then there won't be GC issues. I think that's what most posters are focusing on. But the bottom line is, the visa is relationship based. If the relationship is over, it doesn't make sense to immigrate, unless that is the real goal. If you are only looking to immigrate, and the relationship isn't the primary reason for it, I see a problem with the visa. If the relationship is the only goal, and it falls apart, so does the visa. If it doesn't fall apart there is no visa issue.
    I don't know where there is any question about where the GC is mailed. If you're together, it will be to your address. If you're not together why are you still coming? Is the relationship really the reason for the visa, or is the visa the goal and the relationship only the means?
    Good luck with that.
  20. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from C&R in RFE received: Circumstances of Meeting and Last Personal Meeting   
    I know it's been addressed mostly, but to clear it up for anyone reading this in the future, none of the above is actual primary evidence of meeting. The passport page is information only, it doesn't demonstrate being together. The plane ticket receipt doesn't prove that you were together, it just proves that you bought a ticket. Whether it was used or not isn't clearly demonstrated just by the receipt (I've had tickets I purchased but then had to cancel, a receipt alone doesn't prove anything regarding having met). Finally the lease agreement isn't proof of having met, it's just proof that you've shared responsibility of a lease. From a third party perspective, you could have been responsible for a lease without ever having been in that location. I've signed lease agreements when I was moving in states I hadn't even been to, but I had a lease agreement in place prior to my move. And as you pointed out, even if was sufficient it falls outside the very strict time requirements.
    From a third party perspective, none of the above demonstrates primary evidence. It's as if no primary evidence was submitted with your package, so it's pretty clear to see why an RFE was generated. You're on the right track for the RFE; passport stamps are very strong primary evidence. Make sure they were dated within the two years prior to your petition, and not after the petition date. There are other primary evidence options, but passport stamps alone, with supporting secondary evidence are pretty strong proof.
    Good luck!
  21. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from perksandgrumps in RFE received: Circumstances of Meeting and Last Personal Meeting   
    How about:
    "We met while attending the college in April 2011 Our last time together was April 2013 or now. Obviously change the italics to the actual times. Then show proofs of being together. Those proofs should include visa stamps from passports, boarding passes, etc showing you were a) at the same place at the same time, and b) on a firm date within the last 2 years. Also add photos as secondary evidence.
    Essentially all you're trying to prove by this statement is that you've been, without question, in each other's presence and undisputably within the last 2 years (which is why photos are secondary evidence, who knows when they might've been taken).
  22. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from ezzy in you are not welcomed in my home where i alone pay my bills   
    I was a little concerned that the OP didn't sound as concerned about the relationship as he was about the greencard. Take care of the relationship first, then there won't be GC issues. I think that's what most posters are focusing on. But the bottom line is, the visa is relationship based. If the relationship is over, it doesn't make sense to immigrate, unless that is the real goal. If you are only looking to immigrate, and the relationship isn't the primary reason for it, I see a problem with the visa. If the relationship is the only goal, and it falls apart, so does the visa. If it doesn't fall apart there is no visa issue.
    I don't know where there is any question about where the GC is mailed. If you're together, it will be to your address. If you're not together why are you still coming? Is the relationship really the reason for the visa, or is the visa the goal and the relationship only the means?
    Good luck with that.
  23. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from bmiles62 in She's on the plane now!   
    Thanks folks. She's here now! And she's more than what I remember.
    Life is good.
    Wishing everyone the best.... and Good Luck!
  24. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from Karee in Appeal or not to appeal?   
    IMBRA not an issue. That counts approved petitions.
    Refile, as everyone else said. Don't use an attorney. In a straightforward case like yours, if you use an attorney you will spend maybe 3-4 hours over a week or two gathering required documents and info. If you don't use an attorney you will spend 3-4 hours over a week or two gathering required documents and info. About the same, right?
    Then the attorney will go back and forth with you over a few weeks, making sure everything is perfect, slowing your process. Then they will have someone type up your documents who is likely to make more errors than you, because they aren't you, they could and have made spelling mistakes, date mistakes, etc. that you are a lot less likely to make.
    And for this service, slowing down and putting typos in your petition, they will charge you a nominal fee. The guides here are very clear. Even I was able to follow them successfully. Save time, money, and aggravation. VisaJourney is your friend.
    Good luck!
  25. Like
    Grant PDX got a reaction from del-2-5-2014 in Appeal or not to appeal?   
    IMBRA not an issue. That counts approved petitions.
    Refile, as everyone else said. Don't use an attorney. In a straightforward case like yours, if you use an attorney you will spend maybe 3-4 hours over a week or two gathering required documents and info. If you don't use an attorney you will spend 3-4 hours over a week or two gathering required documents and info. About the same, right?
    Then the attorney will go back and forth with you over a few weeks, making sure everything is perfect, slowing your process. Then they will have someone type up your documents who is likely to make more errors than you, because they aren't you, they could and have made spelling mistakes, date mistakes, etc. that you are a lot less likely to make.
    And for this service, slowing down and putting typos in your petition, they will charge you a nominal fee. The guides here are very clear. Even I was able to follow them successfully. Save time, money, and aggravation. VisaJourney is your friend.
    Good luck!
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