goldwing777

Hello Everyone,

We have been very quiet for last few weeks and Lorna went to Interview Tuesday April 11th. They only asked her three very basic questions. How long you know Robert, when did you meet and how many times he come to see you? Thats it? Its Lornas opinion that if your paperwork is perfect in the sense that its all properly filles and correct, the interview is just a formality.

So we had booked a flight in advance on china airlines for April 26th because of Easter Week the whole place shuts down for three days. Lorna should get the delbros next week and the following week she will be flying to usa.

Thanks PW and everyone for your input and wish you all the best. We will see you on the other side in the AOS section.

Robert & Lorna

Hey Patiently Waiting:

Lorna got her packet in Bohol Saturday March 18th. I dont know if anybody else got theirs actually delivered but she got hers.

Congrats to all those that got approved and when Lorna goes thru will will definitely give a 'debriefing' to cover all the questions we been curious about. So far it seems that visas are being delivered in Manila area within 4-5 working days. I asked another person thru pm.....and his fiance got hers in cebu within six days which is pretty good.

Robert & Lorna

Hey guys...just to give you an idea how long it takes to get the passport back...My Passport /Visa got delivered today!!

Had the interview March 10-Friday...Got a text from Delbros that it got released from Embassy yesterday March 14 ...and it's in my hands today! I live 30 kms south of manila....just 5 days wait! wooo hooo!

Good luck to those havin their interview tomorrow....Be Blessed Abundantly

Thank You so much soulseeker for your kindness to share with the forum about how long it took to get your visa in hand. 5 days!!!!

Greg2005 and Andrewkonen? Did you get yours delivered in Metro Manila and if so how long did it take? From what Iam reading it seems to be about 5 days.

Thanks Robert & Lorna

I would like any of those that got visa delivered recently to Metro Manila area to let us know how many working days it took to get the visa delivered? This could be useful information for those who are going to be getting visas in very near future to make some tentative plans about flying.

Thanks Robert & Lorna

I was talking to my friend whose fiance is getting medical on 17th of March. He had a really hard time getting to the embassy and when he finally had a conversation today , they told him they 'would not' accept form 1040 tax return for 2005 until July?

I just want to ask anybody if this can be confirmed or denied?

To me this does not make sense? Seems like they would want the current and most recent tax return?

If this is true I will have to redo my affidavit of support and put in the income from my 2004 tax return.

Thanks Robert & Lorna

Yes, thanks for that input Rebel, Lorna is going to use her brothers employers business address for delivery.

So just to summarize in a nutshell: All birth, death, marriage and divorce documents need to be certified/notarized and probably be good idea to have three each for the Filipina. The reason being they will keep one at interview, one for AOS application and one for personal records. We are so glad about this discussion cause we only had one she was getting ready to come to USA without the documents she needed for AOS.

Just a note: I was reading the I 134 towards the bottom where it says "I derive annual income of (if self-employed, I have attached a copy of my last income tax return or report of comercial rating concern which 'I certify to be true and correctto the best of my knowledge and belief". Thank you

So it does seem that the I 134 which is 'notarized' has a language that does certify contents of the income tax return to be a correct that is witnessed by a notary.

Robert & Lorna

Does anyone know for sure one way or the other if you need to leave and "original" certified copy of your birth certificate at time of Manila Interview? As I have been reading the "asawa" diaries I dont hear any mention about getting the original back? We thought we could give them a 'xerox' copy and show them original if they ask.

Also, does anyone know if its "possible" to pick up the passport and visa the the embassy? Lorna does not have what would be considered a 'deliverable' address in Manila.

Thanks Robert and Lorna

Hi Jeeleebee,

U had a swift packet pull out, bcos u col 7AM , as been told me the messenger of embassy alwasy go to SLEC 10AM, beyond that time when u request expect it next days if they do so or might forget it and u col again as wat happened to me. And never ring the call center, who has nothing to do about your request, they just encode request.

Regarding about medical exams..... when i get my medical results last tuesday, i was been adviced.....

Im bringing with me by carrying item in airplane the "x-ray film" for when i enter my point of entry immigration will ask for it and for u promptly need to show them the xray and the vaccine records. Thats why in SLEC it was pasted in every window that everyone was advised to do make recopies of vaccine records & medical results with you for future use of it.

When u apply for change name & status, u cud show everything that you've undergo medical and since medical is "6 months" validity that will consume from the day you got it till u fly, and enter US with validity to get married in 90 days ... and more couple of days for your processing AOS/EAD or else, u will undergo another medical check-up routines... but as my fiance says ... vaccines should be updated in US. but it was really expensive....

As for vaccine like tetanus ... i knew some hospital here privately or doctor has their tetanus vaccine ( i knew that because i am a nurse ) i injected some of that to pregnant woman. But diptheria is rarely injected here bcos it was really expensive and even private doctors find it expensive to have stock. But since only couple of days you will be flying after u got ur visa , its better to get it in US even expensive, bcos it was written & "noted" in your vaccine record that you should get itin US bcos Philippines doesnt give any of those vaccines.... theres no harm to be obedient just watched out for your budget

regards everyone!

-rebelheart-

My Lorna is going to be staying in Manila after the interview and she is wondering if its possible to just pick up the Visa at the embassy? Because lorna is not sure if the address deliverable.

Really appreicate any input on this one?

Thanks Robert and Lorna

My Lorna is going to be staying in Manila after the interview and she is wondering if its possible to just pick up the Visa at the embassy? Because lorna is not sure if the address deliverable.

Really appreicate any input on this one?

Thanks Robert and Lorna

Rebelheart:

Thanks so much for all your input! That really helps me to know what to do when the time comes. We dont have our packet yet either. I am going to start calling about 21 days from the interview and take your suggestions about being persistent.

Thanks

Robert & Lorna

So happy for you guys!! Congratulations and yes its such a long wait and now its not much more time to go to see you sweetie!

Leeleebee:

In your last response to my question about immunizatios you said:

"anyhow after i got the MMR i got a piece of paper listing what other shots i need to get later, and MMR2 was crossed out so i guess that meant i didnt need it."

I am curious about the "other shots" that are needed? I was hoping St Lukes would send 'us' out with all the shots needed. But it really seems like they are just doing some basic minimum and really that means we will end up paying alot of money in US for the 'other' needed shots.

I did read that they will accept this medical for your Adjustment of Status Package. But you would have to get shot record certified by a Civil Surgeon.

Robert & Lorna

Hey Rebel, Soulseeker, Purpledonkey and anyone else:

I have read carefully thru your experiences and seems like it works to go into medical around 10:30AM so far for Rebel and Soul Seeker and Jeeleebee also said it seemd a waste to go in early.

What a bummer Rebel to get there an no packet? But you perservered and got thru: congratulations.

I was just wondering about the Immunization part. Rebel mentioned that she had a "immunization doctor". So there is a separate doctor that goes over your immunization records? How does that work? Does this doctor take the your word for the shots you have had in past but can not show the records of that shot? If so do they give you some kind of official shot record that can be later used in USA as part of the AOS medical requirements? I agree with Rebel that it makes sense to St Lukes give you all the shots you need. I did hear about the MMR and that it needs a second dose MMR2. Does anyone know what kind of shots they give you during your exam? As far as anyone knows what is the purpose of St Lukes to send you out with all your shots??

thanks so much

Robert & Lorna calif

Hi Phil & Joynelyn,

I found this page a few days ago here in visa journey. Its a part of asawa.org and has about sixty in depth and detailed diaries of fiances medical, interview and pre departure interviews. She will get all she needs to know about the questions and process. Also check out the Manila Embassy Interview that was started by 'windchaser' which now has about 170 posts. Joytim and Patiently Waiting scanned the packet and have links to show you all the forms inside which is very helpful

http://ducecoop.com/interview/

Here is the link to the asawa page

Robert & Lorna Calif

I just re-read my post and obviously I don't proof read what I write. It should read:

You can buy the ticket here it's but you can save some money by having your fiancee purchase it in the Philippines. Claudeth got hers for about $150 less that my agent could get it for and over $200 less than all the cheap web sites I looked at. Good Luck

Hey Jas,

My fiance Lorna wants to go directly to the airline and I think I heard that its better to go with a travel agent in Manila Area because they know about the promotions? Did your wife go to travel agent or go direct?

Robert & Lorna Calif

My wife has her medical on March 9th and no packet at all. So I called St Lukes on Feb 16th and they told me they will have a messenger go to the embassy and get my wifes packet with appoinment letter. So I called this morning to confirm and it was true they have it there now and my wife is currently there doing the medical now and we are good hope all goes well 1 down 22 days for the interview

Jose

Jose

What numbers did you dial to get embassy from USA and who or what extension? What number did you call to St. Lukes and is there a particular place or extension you ask for? Also could you give me the exact number to dial from USA? I get confused with the country codes. I think it starts like 011 63? but Iam not sure? Also, I have noticed that seems like interviews are scheduled about seven days before interview from what I have been reading here lately. I thought it was two weeks? So are they pretty accomdating if you want to take it a few days early?

Thanks Robert & Lorna Calif

I am 'assuming' (always a bit dodgy to do that I know, lol) that you will marry and he will then adjust status from his student visa?

Cos the K1 is for a foreign domiciled fiance (in which case you can't get married on April 29 because the visa is unlikely to be finalised before then) and the K3 for a foreign domiciled spouse (you can marry but then he has to leave the US) - ie - he would have to be OUT of the country in order for either of those to be applied for...

So Im thinking neither of those are what you need...

Yep, Jaylen a bit "dodgy" and people doing it all the time. You can read all about the uscis.gov immigration laws by going to forms and fees and exploring around. It seemed that if a person does 'happen' to marry while here, and become an 'immediate relative' they would be allowed to file an I 130 (Petition for alien relative) and an I 485 (adustment of status) "IF" when they were legally inspected at port of entry had no intention to 'immigrate'. So many people just say "we fell in love and married"....

I do realize that buying the ticket in the Philippines is less expensive. But if one of your major goals is to sit together on the same flight coming to the U.S., then I think it's best to pay the extra and purchase the tickets at the same time. I have often seen couples separated on the flight because they saved a few dollars booking the flight separately. The airlines are consolidating flights to save money and most of these flights are regularly fully or over booked. It is often not possible to arrive at the airport and get seat assignments together. I have traded my assigned seat so that a family could sit together on my last 2 flights home. They had hoped to get seating together at check-in too, but couldn't. If your overriding goal is to save money, then you can probably save a little by buying your ticket there. If your goal is to be together on the same flight, pay a little extra and book the flights together.

Yes, John and Marlene,

If your goal is to sit together it will cost much more I think. Lorna really wanted me to come to go to interview with her and do that but I just have traveled so much in last year. I took six trips to see her!!!! whew!!!! But really, Iam tempted to go back around the interview time...LOL...

Robert and Lorna

Hey Trey,

Iam excited for you and your Love! Just wanted to tell you I think the processing times at manila are around four months now once your package arrives in manila. Yes, I think a travel agent over there is the best way to go. You can get cheaper deals over there..I think...

Robert and Lorna

Visa delievery is good right now , my fiance and also my friends interviewed on feb 9 and both recieved their visa on feb 15 , then she got her packet { appointment letter } on feb 17 , this was a cebu delievery area for both

Thanks Jer,

I guess there are no guarantees on getting that visa; but Iam going to still make my reservation and go for it. Worse case is that she flies a few days later. Best case is that she is here 14 days after interview!

Robert & Lorna

Wake up micheltsmith!!!!! You need to call DOS for your interview schedule.

You're welcome ryecatcher25. Enjoy the journey

Wendy

Thanks Wendy, that link to to the 'asawa' page of diaries. It not only had diaries of the 'embassy interview' but alos a 'blow by blow' description of medical and pre departure interviews. I highly recommend all to check this out it will anser many questions.

Robert and Lorna aka goldwing 777

Hi William & Andromeda,

I just started reading these threads a few days ago and I think I understand enough to give some input. You really pose a pertinent question and I am glad your asking. Basically, I have traveled six times to Philippines six times in last year. I found China Airlines to be the most reasonable. Iam going to send my fiance money to get the ticket in Manila. China air policy is that you can make a reservation and it needs to be paid for in two weeks. Our plan is to make a reservation that needs to be paid for the day after the interview. As long as we have the pink ticket from the consulate and they take her passport, we are going to pay for the ticket the following day. This means she will be able to fly 13 days after the interview. We felt that to an acceptable amount of time. If there is a problem to get the visa and passport, china airlines charges a 75.00 rebooking fee. But the problem here is that it might take two to three weeks to get a ticket.

The 'season' for air travel in Philippines starts in April so ticket prices go up about three to four hundred dollars on china airlines. I have been paying around 950 dollars to fly from Fresno, California in low season around 1250 dollars in peak season. I have also been told its definitely cheaper to purchase tickets from a travel agent in Manila because the often have promotions.

Cathay Pacif Air is pretty good but costs more. I think this airline is easier to get a quicker ticket because alot of people travel china because its cheaper. Several of my friends who recently married got tickets on this airline, I did not ask how much they paid.

We booked tickets for about 2 weeks after the interview too. It took almost 3 weeks to get the visa delivered. Several of the people we were in contact with at that time had the same delivery delay. I ended up having to come back before Marlene and we had to rebook her flight.

Hi John & Marlene

What airline did you use? How long did it take her to rebook? What month of the year was it? Wow, thats long time to get the visa. What I have been seeing here on VJ in about five cases is that the visa took about five to seven days to arrive. So your right, perhaps 14 days wont even be enough!

Hi William & Andromeda,

I just started reading these threads a few days ago and I think I understand enough to give some input. You really pose a pertinent question and I am glad your asking. Basically, I have traveled six times to Philippines six times in last year. I found China Airlines to be the most reasonable. Iam going to send my fiance money to get the ticket in Manila. China air policy is that you can make a reservation and it needs to be paid for in two weeks. Our plan is to make a reservation that needs to be paid for the day after the interview. As long as we have the pink ticket from the consulate and they take her passport, we are going to pay for the ticket the following day. This means she will be able to fly 13 days after the interview. We felt that to an acceptable amount of time. If there is a problem to get the visa and passport, china airlines charges a 75.00 rebooking fee. But the problem here is that it might take two to three weeks to get a ticket.

The 'season' for air travel in Philippines starts in April so ticket prices go up about three to four hundred dollars on china airlines. I have been paying around 950 dollars to fly from Fresno, California in low season around 1250 dollars in peak season. I have also been told its definitely cheaper to purchase tickets from a travel agent in Manila because the often have promotions.

Cathay Pacif Air is pretty good but costs more. I think this airline is easier to get a quicker ticket because alot of people travel china because its cheaper. Several of my friends who recently married got tickets on this airline, I did not ask how much they paid.

seems like manila is getting a little quicker. from what people have been posting, looks like it has gone down from a 6 month wait to 5 months.

Thank You so much Patietly Waiting for all your kindness and help. Have fun in Palawan!

Can anyone add Me (Robert) From California and Lorna from Bohol K-1 Visa

Noa2 Mnl Rec'd Interview Mnl case Number

11/09/05 12/05/05 04/11/06 2005 822xxx

Thank you!

Update called State Dept today.

Medical 17 April 2006

Interview 21 April 2006

Packet was sent on the 13th of Feb. I have not recieved it yet

What number did you call to get the interview date? What did you ask them to get that? If you could please post how you did it, that would be much appreciated. Thanks Robert from California