Mrs.Presson
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Posts posted by Mrs.Presson
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Okay my wife passed her interview on the 9th. It is now the 11th and we called MOA office of 2Go. Not there yet. Called embassy and they said it had not left the Embassy yet. Anyone know how long it takes to get the visa to 2Go at MOA? Our flight is scheduled for Tuesday, we will have to go to CFO to get her sticker put on her visa. CFO class already completed and she has certificate in hand. CEAC site says this:
U.S. Department of StateIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION
ReadyImmigrant Visa Case Number: MNL201XXXXXXX 01 MNL Case Creation Date: 02-Apr-2013 Status Updated Date:11-Jul-2013 (Does this date indicate that something is happening?)
Anyone got any info??
Aloha Ke Akua
"Do not finalize arrangements for travel to the United States, dispose of properties, or resign from your job until a visa has been issued and delivered to you. "
^ Hank is correct. It would also be wise to reschedule your flight. Sorry.
Just to give you an idea, but keep in mind that every case is different.
I was interviewed on June 13th and was issued a 221g. Complied and was approved on July 5th (Friday).
June 13 (Thursday) - AP
July 5 (Friday) - Ready (Probably means getting ready for Final Processing)
July 8 (Monday) - AP "Final Processing" Said to check back after 2 days.
July 10 (Wednesday) - Issued
July 12 (Friday, TODAY!) - Ready for Pick up at MOA. Tracked it through UStraveldocs.com and 2GO using UID found in the confirmation letter. Got the 2GO text at 5pm.
So from CEAC Status "Ready" to "Pick up" text from 2GO = it's 5 business days after for me.
Good Luck!
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wats ur email im tryna send.it.to u:)
I read your post. That's good. They had it all along.
No need to send in documents. Now you just have to sit and wait. 
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good erika chris. god is good
read my new forum
CALLED THE US EMBAASY OF MANILA
I EXPLAIMED IT ALL THERE:)
wherr ru piking.it up:)
We chose 2Go Mall of Asia.
Ok, Will look for your new post.
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hi erika chris thank u
hows ur case going.i read ur forum on ur interview day
You're welcome!
Yes, We got approved already!
Our Visa status is already "ISSUED". I'm just waiting for an SMS Notification from 2Go so I can pick it up, hopefully this week. What was your 221g? (If you don't mind me asking that is.)
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can someone pls help me
Hi momanuel!
Yes, There's a tracking number for that. It should be on the receipt that 2Go gave your husband. The US Embassy usually gets it within 24 hours of sending the documents.
Ask your husband for the Tracking Number and trace it here: http://supplychain.2go.com.ph/customersupport/etrace/index.asp
In our case, I sent our documents on a Saturday, so the US Embassy received it the Monday after that.
Hope this helps!
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This article was posted last Friday by INTERAKSYON5 but just saw it today on my Facebook feed. Just thought I'd share it with you all.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/65653/video--a-warning-for-passengers-of-taxis
VIDEO | A warning for passengers of taxis
By: Text by Tricia Aquino, Video by Bernard Testa/InterAksyon.com
July 5, 2013 11:01 AMMANILA, Philippines - Seaman Larry Jun Olis had taken a taxi going home from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 on Wednesday afternoon when the unthinkable happened.
After paying the driver of the white Toyota Vios, with plate number TYR 919, upon arriving at his boarding house along Quirino Avenue in Manila, he stepped out of the taxi to get his luggage from the trunk.
The cab immediately sped away. He ran after the car to call the driver’s attention. The driver of a passing truck witnessed the incident and honked after the cab driver as well, to no avail.
While Olis managed to keep his laptops safe, his clothes, documents, and other gadgets were gone.
View the video below to see his message for commuters like him.
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Congratulations! I'm happy to hear that everything worked out. God bless!
Justin
Thank you, Justin! I'm still on Cloud9. Still can't believe the outside push from his representative worked! (Just like RobertDski said.) <3
~Erika
Erika, have Chris contact his Congressperson, House of Representative person and see if she/he can intervene. At this stage, you may need an outside push- it really can't hurt. RobertDAlso, Thank you RoberDski for making this suggestion.
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^^^ Congratz guyz!
Thank you, Tahoma!
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That is a very good sign. Hopefully that means I can uncross my toes...
Take a check using this website
http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-passportretrieve.asp#trackingoptions
You may uncross your toes now! HAHA. THANK YOUUUUUU!
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I'm surprised that you weren't approved at your interview, especially since your fiancé attended the interview with you.
I've seen many Manila K-1ers approved who had more difficult circumstances than your circumstances. Just last year, a friend of mine was approved despite the fact that his petitioner had no income whatsoever, and no assets either!
At this point, given the circumstances, I think you've made the best financial case possible. Since the Embassy has something "ready" for you, I think you'll get your answer soon. I hope the consular officer looked at the "totality of the circumstances" and approved your visa. Good luck.
HUGE UPDATE!!!!!!!!
It's 3:36am. I'm WIDE AWAKE. Christopher woke me up with a phone call and told me to check my email and it was from the Congressional Aide.
Subject: Good News
Hi Chris!
I just got off the phone with my contact at the Department of State. She said that she spoke with the Manila consular office. They told her that they had reviewed the additional information you sent in, approved it and will be issuing the visa soon (if not already).
Let’s hope it is smooth sailing from here on out!
Kate ____________
Constituent Services
THIS IS THE BEST. NEWS. EVER. <3
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Keep the faith Erika...it will happen for you...
Thank you, Steve!
I reread the OP and I wanted to add a couple of comments.
First, I noticed that the co-sponsor was not a relative, but a friend. While we used a co-sponsor our co-sponsor was an immediate relative. During my wife's interview most of the questions were actually directed at me and were for the most part light-hearted. It was pointed out though that had our co-sponsor not been an immediate relative we would have been denied. While this may or may not have been something that could have been appealed it would have taken a lot of time and energy I was glad to avoid. Once you are in the US and need a co-sponsor for your AoS anyone will do, but it seems the individual embassies and their staff have a lot of discretion as to what they consider to be valid co-sponsors or even if they'll accept a co-sponsor in the first place.
Second, the consul is never going to consider your earning potential in the US. As far as anyone is concerned your income will always be inconsequential during this phase of immigration. Until you are in the US, have a job, and are earning income the only thing the consul is concerned about is how much your fiance or spouse earns and their assets.
I wish you both the best of luck getting this situation resolved in a timely manner.
Thanks for the well wishes!
I'm sorry for your experience. Back in 2010, we had a similar experience. Back then my fiancé was just a senior in college so he had no income, his dad was our co-sponsor. However, he was in military school so we informed them at my interview that he would commission into the army in a few months. He also attended the interview with me and just like you, the co denied our co-sponsor and told us he was hesitant to approve us given that he was only a student. But back then I was working in shanghai as a speech therapist for one of the Int'l schools there so we explained that the speech therapy field was marketable and employment for me wouldn't be hard, plus that he would have income beginning May when he commissioned. He approved us. When time came for AOS he already met the income requirements without a co-sponsor. I guess maybe they have gotten stricter since 2010. I hope that you get approved soon.
Ps. I'm from UP too!
Thank you for sharing your experience, dear!
UPDATE:
Our Case Status on CEAC has changed today to "READY". I don't know if this was because of my call last Monday. Or the fact that Christopher contacted his representatives and a congressional aide has put in an official inquiry on our case the past couple of days. (Also, I didn't call on Wednesday, was waiting to call next week, so as not to irritate Embassy employees. Hee.)
I'm just glad that it was sent back for review, and hopefully, they'd reconsider his assets and savings too.
The fiance also learned today that his employer just granted him life insurance benefit worth 1-year of salary. Benefits count too, so this should put us above the 125%. Again, we'll be preparing additional paperwork just in case we get contacted for more evidence of current sustained income, and this time with his pay stubs reflecting his pay raise as CS Manager.
Still hoping for the best!
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Erika, can he get a letter with his new promotion and salary ahead of time? In the company i work in, we receive those about a month or so before the new salary kicks in. Â Not sure if that will apply to his company, but perhaps see if his boss will accommodate.
hi nj27! yes, he'll probably be able to get that by August/September. His annual increase kicks in at the end of September/early October. so we'll wait it out.
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I will keep positive vibes going for you both!
Â
It would be great to get this resolved without a "do over"
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After they do a full review I would believe they would send a letter out, and maybe even an email if they have it in their system.
Thank you, Hank_!
Really appreciate the moral support. -
Well the I-864 isn't a guarantee but its the best suggestion I have read about, its been used in the past by those accepted... but like said Manila is not known for accepting co-sponsors with the K-1.
Sucks I know.
Glad you still have your work. Hang in there. Endeavor to persevere (from Outlaw Josey Wales)
If your file gets kicked back to NVC or NRC not sure if there is much value in pursuing things further with that petition. Haven't read much from VJ'ers where this has happened.
Yes to go the CR-1 route mean starting over.
The CO said we have 365 days from the interview date to prove his current sustained income. With savings and assets, banks statements and such, we submitted that over the interview. Our savings should be enough for a couple of dollars short of the 125%. We'll see if there's a miracle somewhere. If not, again, there's still the annual pay raise in Aug/Sep.
It's been just 10 days since they received our 221g docs (on AP), and reviewed last Friday (June 28). From what I understood in the AP/221g instructions, when they're done with the FULL REVIEW of our case and if they need anything from us, they'd contact us, right?
Let's just hope for the best!
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USEM is known for being very difficult about accepting co-sponsors for the K-1 visa, most are NOT accepted.
The ones here on VJ that have been accepted have added the I-864 along with the I-134, for both petitioner and co-sponsor. What form did you use for yourself and the co-sponsor, the I-134 or the I-864 ?
125% is well known as THE NUMBER, the CO may of mis-spoke when saying 100%, maybe he is new or whatever, but 125% is the number. 125% is mentioned continually here on VJ.
If you have savings and assets that you could have presented, maybe you can still get bank statements/account statements to save this.... maybe. Most times the CO's word is final.
Worse case is you may have to go the CR-1 route, get married in the Phils, as the embassy HAS to accept a co-sponsor with the CR-1.
Yes the CO is sort of a "god"... but it doesn't sound like he was on a power trip, it sounds like the financial evidence you provided was inadequate leaving him no choice. A dollar short of the 125% is not meeting or exceeding the guidelines, the CO has rules to follow, if he fudged on those the next CO that reviews your file after the interview would catch it and you would still be in the boat you are in.
Hi Hank_,
Yes we did do both, I-134 and I-864, Even had a notarized cover letter from the co-sponsor stating that he is well aware of all the legal implications of the I-864.
I still plan to call on tomorrow and just find out what more proof they need. If his actual recent paystubs since going back to the US would be fine since it would reflect a lot of regular overtime which would put him more than 125%.
To All,
Already talked to my fiance about this, and he said to just find out what I can tomorrow. I still have my job, though they already know at work that I'm undergoing the K1 process and is on Administrative Processing, I still am welcome to stay for as long as I need to. From what my superior said, they still need me around. So make the most out of it, right? Keep myself busy till August/September.
CR-1 route means he'd have to apply for another petition, correct? We'll just cross the bridge when we get there. There still are options left, for now.
Again, thanks for all your input! Highly appreciate it.
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Thanks for all your comments! I mainly posted this (well originally intended to) be some sort of a guide with the Embassy Interview. Which documents to prepare, windows to watch out for, waiting periods, etc. But decided to pour in everything all in one.
I do understand the whole thing. There still is hope. His annual pay raise is coming up and that would put him well above the 125%. (Actually he regularly gets overtime so he is above 125% right now; but they are actually looking for the correct Hourly rate to go above 125%) So we're banking on that raise. But that won't come till August or September. So I will probably update you guys on our case sometime after that.
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It is really a very long story
but hopefully you will get an answer on Wednesday, the embassy will not guarantee the response time but they usually give you the right timing. for the AP no one can know the duration for this process but you have only to wait and pray, don’t read many stories about the AP because you will only hear about the people waited for months and years , I personally know cases that the AP took only 2 weeks.Hi, Thank you for the comment. Indeed it is a very long story. My apologies for that, It was supposedly a step-by-step review of the USEM K1 Interview, but I decided on letting everyone know about the full story on what happened as well as updates.
The main thing about it is:
1) I felt as if my side of the story didn't matter. To add to that, I was 'devalued' by saying my education/skills/employment didn't matter and I was highly offended. And like I said, I know that he's supposed to look at just the petitioner's income, it doesn't give him the right to belittle me. Marraige is about working together and raising a family. The fact that I stood up and spoke my mind was probably the thing he didn't like.
2.) The CO instructed us clearly what to submit which we asked repeatedly, 100% he said. Employment letter with all the info needed to compute his earnings. That's it.
3.) We complied but yet, when I called yesterday, the IVUnit Person that I spoke to said the CO still said his earnings aren't enough. When it clearly surpassed 100%. The IVUnit Person said so herself, he made more than $15,510. A couple of thousand dollars above $15,510, yet it was marked as 'not enough'. Only a couple of dollars short of the 125% mark, but we have savings and assets!
It is just very disheartening at this point. We were part of the July-October 2012 CSC Blackhole. Then our case was sent to NRC not NVC, just a good thing that we caught it just in time. And now, this.
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News Update:
Gay green card petition approval is US first - lawyer -
Note: I wrote this on June 25th. But posted it only today, July 2nd, 2013. First of all, this is a very lengthy post. For those of you who will take the time to read it. Thank you.I’ve only decided to write about this US Embassy Manila / Consulate experience today (June 25th and releasing it online
after my visa gets issued... [EDIT: still not issued. Still being held at AP]) because I’d like to do this as calmly and objectively as possible (at least try to be), and of course, avoid further possible “delays” that might arise from me speaking up.Short story: My fiancé, Christopher, was here for my interview and we showed up at the Manila US Embassy New Office Annex Building (NOX1) and was neither denied nor approved. I (the Beneficiary) was belittled by Consular Officer. They kept my passport and we got a 221(g) sheet asking for more financial documentation from him. Denied co-sponsorship. (Why we opted for a co-sponsor? He's graduating soon and just recently moved to full-time permanent, managerial position.)EDIT: We sent his updated employment letter, job offer; He's past the 100% poverty guidelines and barely short of 125% but when I called July 1st, the IVUnit Person on the phone said, he doesn't make enough as the CO noted. Asked to call back again on Wednesday but no guaranteed updates.FULL STORY below.-------On June 13th 2013, day after Independence Day here in Manila, we headed to the US Embassy in Manila armed with 19lbs. of paperwork – copies of our I129F Fiancée Petition, Medical Result (CD), DS Forms, Affidavit of Support, NSO Documents, NBI Clearance, My Education and Work Credentials, and of course, Proof of Relationship (Correspondences) that made most of the 19-pound weight.We arrived at NOX1 by 7:15am, asked the guard where K1 applicants lined up and were immediately motioned by him go to the Fiancée/Spouse line. The line was quite short compared to the other Immigrants and tourist applicants’ lines. I took out my DS-Forms which were labeled by post-it’s on the side for easier viewing, Passport and Appointment letter. The lady receiving the documents at the line placed my passport in a ziplock bag and pointed to the doors where we’re supposed to go through. US Citizen’s pass through a different door than applicants. We both went through separate doors and got scanned, our bags x-rayed, and I was led out through a line outside the security room. Christopher, however, just passed through and was just waiting for me outside where he can see me lining up. Outside was a line to a window where queue numbers are given. I was asked to present my passport, confirmation letter and DS Forms, was given a number (6135) and then was instructed to drop all my documents at Window 39 inside the building. It was the new annex building, clearly different from the one I had my tourist visa renewal at back in Feb 2011. There were 2 doors, and we went in the right-most one. Another security check, bags manually checked by guards and passed through a scanner. After that, I asked where window 39 is and the “greeter” said he can drop my documents at window 39. He then said, look for seats at the right-most end of the floor and watch the announcement board for our number to be called as well as the window number beside it. It was very spacious, not cramped like the old building. There was ample leg area, too. Time check, 7:30am.Another “greeter” was announcing / instructing everyone that there are 4 main steps in the application process.1. Biometrics2. Pre-screening (with a Filipino Consular Officer)3. Interview (with an American Consular Officer) and;4. Releasing / Instructions at Window 72The “greeter” said that Steps 1 and 2 can be interchanged. We might be called first to do pre-screening first, and then do biometrics, or the other way around. By 8:00am, our number was called to Window 43 for Biometrics, Male American (possibly a Consular Officer too) asked for my name, my petitioner’s name and my birthdate. He then instructed me to put 4 of my fingers on my right hand on the biometrics scanner, then my left, and finally my left and right thumbs at the same time. We were then told to sit down. Christopher was with me the whole time, though he wasn’t asked of anything on the biometrics window.An hour passed by, it was already 9:00am when we were called to the pre-screening window. It was Window 50 this time. We both were greeted by a nice Filipina and asked me for my NSO Certified Documents – My Birth Certificate and CENOMAR, and my NBI Clearance. She gave me back my personal copy. She asked Christopher if he was my petitioner and he said yes he was. She then asked for the Financial Documents. We handed in his I-134, 2011 and 2012 ITR’s, W2’s from 2010 to 2012. We also had a co-sponsor. It was a very long shot, but nothing to lose anyway. Some CO’s approve co-sponsors and some don’t. Christopher has just got done with school and recently moved to a full time managerial role. He learned of his promotion literally just 2 days before he flew to Manila. The documents that we have, of course reflected a low income in 2012 because he lived with me here in Manila for 3 months, hence our decision to use a co-sponsor. We had an employment letter but it didn’t reflect his promotion either. Our co-sponsor is his fraternity brother. He’s an engineer and was making way above the poverty line. Again, a very long shot, because he’s not related to any of us, biologically speaking. The Filipina Consular Officer didn’t mention anything about not accepting a co-sponsor on a K1 Visa application, so we thought our papers were already good. She asked if we had evidences of our relationship like correspondences and photos. We showed her the bag where the 19-pound papers were and said we had photos too, from 2011 till present. She laughed a bit and told us to just show it to the American Consular Officer who was going to interview us. Then we were asked to sit down and then wait for the next step, the interview.[iNTERVIEW WITH THE CONSULAR OFFICER]We waited more than 2 hours before our number got called again; it was already 11:30am. We headed to Window 62, and were greeted by a Male American Consular Officer, possibly aged late 20’s early 30’s. He immediately asked my fiancé if he was my petitioner and Christopher said yes he was. The Consular Officer proceeded on to talking to Christopher about our financial documents, declining our co-sponsor’s papers (Because we were applying for a K1 visa, that co-sponsors aren’t allowed for that type of visa) and questioned him about his previous earnings (his current pay stubs that we weren’t able to print out because the printer broke the night before) and how he would provide for me "IF" we got married. To which he replied that he's working full time now and was recently promoted and then told the consular officer that I would be working as well after I get my work permit. At that point, the consular officer wasn't really hearing out any of our explanations and Christopher was told to take a seat. The CO then turned his attention to me and told me that my fiancé is not earning much based on his submitted documents. He kept on telling me that we’re supposed to prove his current sustained income. I told him, “When we get married, I will be working too. We’re going to be working together as husband and wife.” He still wasn’t hearing me out. In my mind I was thinking, he’s supposed to look at my age, my capability to work, my education. So I insisted, “Sir, can you please take a look at my work credentials? These are all addressed to the State Department.” (These were my resume, certificate of employment from my current job stating all the positions I’ve held in the company from Designer to Manager and my current income, Statements from my Clients from US, Dubai and Manila and Portfolio.) He didn’t read any of it, just looked through it and I quote, “Your work and employment might be good here, but it does not matter in the US. Even your combined income simply won't do.” I was floored. I was furious and couldn’t move. I graduated from one of the country’s prestigious universities; I’ve been working since 2000 (even through college) in my chosen field and excelled in it; I am a manager of a team in a digital advertising / web development company and I was belittled by the Consular Officer. He asked me how many times Christopher has visited me in the Philippines. I said, “This is the 4th time, and I spent Christmas with his family in the US in 2011.” A lot of things was running through my head at this time, he continued on asking questions, "What's his course in college?" I told him, "He majored in Airport Management. He specializes in that area." I forgot to say "He's from the College of Business and Public Administration with a concentration in Airport Management." I was freaking out, trying to control my emotions. He asked me again, “What are his hobbies?” I said, “He likes tinkering with electronics, computers and sound systems. He used to play video games but he already sold his gaming console. He also likes to travel a lot like me.” Then he dropped 2 flyers (1 in English, 1 in Tagalog) about domestic abuse on the document slot. They’re required to inform us about it. And then told me to retrieve my old passport with my US Tourist Visa (which was supposed to expire Feb 2021) and told me that he already cancelled it. I was in shock, again. I didn’t think they’d cancel it already, even if I don’t have the Fiancée Visa yet. He then told me to wait for my number to be called again on window 72 for instructions.I went back to where Christopher was sitting and held his hand. He was obviously furious. We were talking and he was angry and didn’t realize his voice was getting louder. I kept on telling him to calm down and lower down his voice. I told him that we’re supposed to wait for our number to be called again. He stood up and went back to Window 62. I don’t know what happened here because I couldn’t see nor hear him. I just sank at my seat and was already tearing up. He went back to me and was even more angry and continued to hold his hand. I told him, we’re going to comply with whatever he’s asking of us. And that we should print out his latest pay stubs. We were caught at lunch break and were motioned to get out of the building and wait at the snack/waiting area.Christopher stormed out of the Embassy trying to look for a Computer Shop where he can print his pay stubs and I was left in the waiting area. The other K1 applicants were asking me about what had happened. Christopher came back after what seemed almost an hour and we headed back inside the building by 1:30pm.We got inside and took a seat near the releasing window. At 2:00pm, my name was called and we were given a 221(g) sheet at the Releasing Window number 72. The person behind the window explained to us that we need to present proof of my petitioner’s Current Sustained Income, and we showed him his pay stubs. The person asked us why we didn’t show this to the Consular Officer earlier. Christopher said that he had to go out and print it during the lunch break. Our case was then given back to the Consular Officer. We were told to sit down again.After 10 minutes, the window directly in front of our seats opened and the CO that interviewed us earlier just pointed at me. I guessed that he wanted to talk to us both. We headed to Window 67. The Consular Officer explained that what Christopher printed out is still not enough proof, that he needs more documentation. Christopher again explained that his promotion and pay increase wasn’t reflected in that pay stub. The CO explained that he needs to determine his current sustained income before making a decision and proceeded onto apologizing to Christopher, saying he didn’t mean to demean his status or question his finances, it’s just that he needs proof – numbers he can calculate to determine if he has surpassed the 100% poverty line. He also mentioned that he, as the Consular Officer, needs to look at the “totality of the circumstances”. I flared up. I had to say something.I said, “I mean no disrespect, Sir, but you have belittled me. I never told my fiancé about what you told me earlier, this is the first time he's hearing this after you made him sit down. You have demeaned and belittled me. I had to practically beg you to look at my credentials. You say you look at the totality of the circumstances, but you clearly didn't. You told me ‘Your employment doesn't matter in the US.’ I am a graduate of the University of the Philippines. I have a very good job. And on top of that, I do freelance work.”At that point the CO was shocked about my outburst. I broke down in front of them, then he said, "But the rules are clear with the poverty line." I said, "I know that, And I clearly understand that. But all I ask is an apology from you. You have been apologizing to him, What about to me and how you talked to me earlier? All I ask for is an apology." He said sheepishly, "I apologize and it was never my intention to belittle or demean you. " Christopher was also surprised about this. But he kept his cool. The CO explained to us that we basically have a year to prove or send these financial proofs he's asking of us. Of course, we don't intend to settle this in a year's time. He also said that, it is within his discretion whether the proofs we send are enough. He further explained that the 221(g) is neither and denial nor an approval. He just has to ask for more documents before making a decision on our case. With that, we left the embassy deflated, with a white 221(g) sheet and the instruction letter where “current sustained income” from petitioner is needed. We got out of the Embassy at almost 3pm. They also kept my passport.Christopher left the Philippines on June 19th, Wednesday morning. We already requested his employer for an updated Affidavit of Employment stating this current position, that it’s a full-time position, and his hourly rate. He also was able to acquire his Job Offer Document, stating the same and the start date of his position. He scanned these documents and sent it to me through email on the evening of June 21st. The next day, I headed out to 2Go Mall of Asia to send out the 221(g) packet to the Manila US Embassy, Immigrant Visa Unit.Our 221(g) sheet only asked for "Evidence of Current Sustained Income from Petitioner" but we decided to send in the following:-Cover Letter from Christopher-Employment Letter stating: Position, Full-time, Hourly Rate and Remarks from Regional HR-Job Offer stating: Promotion, New Position, Full-time, Hourly Rate and Start Date of new position (June 20th) from 2 Managers at the company- Official Work Schedule Screenshots- Correspondence Email between me and Christopher, him just explaining the documents-Previously submitted Employment letter (At the interview; As reference, same Regional HR)-Updated Petitioner's G-325A (information doc) reflecting promotion-Beneficiary and Petitioner's Letter of Intent to Marry (Just in case; they never asked us for this at the Interview-My Current Employment Certification-My International/Offshore Freelance Work Credentials (Letters of Clients from Dubai, US, Manila addressed to the State Department + Portfolio)-My DFA Authenticated University RecordsWe sent these documents on June 22nd, Saturday and based on 2Go’s e-Trace, it has already been received by the Manila US Embassy yesterday, June 24th, Monday. Now, we currently are waiting for updates on our case. There is no exact time frame on how long this Administrative Processing is supposed to be. We just have to hope that what we sent in is already enough.------------------[EDIT]Still on AP as of July 2, 2013. Posted below is my conversation with the IV Unit Person yesterday over the phone.This was how it went: (Mostly and Originally in Tagalog; Translated for everyone else.)Erika: Good Afternoon. I just want to inquire about our case if our 221g documents were already received?IVUnit Person: Do you have a Case Number?Erika: Yes, it's XXXXXXXXXXIVUnit Person: Are you -NAME-?Erika: Yes, -FULL NAME-IVUnit Person: Is this you?Erika: Yes Ma'am.IVUnit Person: Who is your petitioner?Erika: -FULL NAME of Petitioner-IVUnit Person: Ok, well, based on the consular officer's computation when he reviewed your case last Friday (June 28), his annual salary is $XX,XXX (barely shy of 125% poverty guidelines) and it's not enough.Erika: Not enough?IVUnit Person: Yes, His pay rate times 40 hours times 52 weeks in a year.Erika: Excuse me? Wait. The Consular Officer specifically said we should reach the 100% of the poverty guidelines of 2013. Which is 15,000++.IVUnit Person: Yes. that's actually 15,510.Erika: So then, let me get this straight, $XX,XXX is still not enough?IVUnit Person: That's what the consular officer noted here.Erika: Wait, I'm sorry, I really just have to get this straightened out. 100% is 15,510. He computed $XX,XXX plus? (Above 100% obviously)IVUnit Person: Let me look for the consular officer if he's still here.Erika: Ok....waited for 5 minutes...IVUnit Person: The consular officer is not around anymore. I was advised by the caseworker here to just forward your concern to the consular officer tomorrow. and maybe you should call back on Wednesday.Erika: Ok... but again, he computed $XX,XXX++ correct?IVUnit Person: Yes.Erika: Isn't $XX,XXX++ greater than the 100% which is $15,510?[iVUnit Person must've realized I was right, after asking her over and over again. It's simple math: 5 is greater than 4. As well as 8 is greater than 7.]IVUnit Person: Whatever you're contesting with me, is what I'm going to tell the consular officer. I cannot give you any answers. All I can do is recommend it for review again.Erika: Ok. So I'm just going to call again on Wednesday?IVUnit Person: Yes, but I cannot assure you that there would be an update by then.Erika: Ok, then I'll call on Wednesday. Thank you.IVUnit Person: Thank you for calling.-------------------------Still on AP as of today. For I don't know how long. This is breaking my heart every single day. To know that we complied with what the Consular Officer said, but still getting pushed away. I can't help but think this is because of me saying my piece during the interview.Though I do understand that he only cares about what the petitioner makes, he doesn't have the right to tell me that I am worth nothing.
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^Quite possibly what they all mentioned above.
This is review thread was posted specifically for fiance(e)'s and/or spouses (and was tagged as K1, IR-1 and CR-1). So, I apologize if I wouldn't be of much help to your situation, ladyheart. -
Note to everyone: Joan and I do not have our VISA's issued yet. Our Interviews are just coming up in June.
Basically, what we did is just the Guidance and Counseling Session, we are not technically "registered" yet. At least that's what I understand from the CFO Website Workflow and FAQ's. We only did Step 1. After visa issuance, we will have to go there to continue to STEP 3.
Hi everyone, I am a little bit confused about this.. My mother will have her interview on July 2nd so I told her to go to the CFO seminar to get it out of the way. When she arrived in Quirino office (that was last week), she was sent back and was told to come back when she gets her visa. They would not let her attend the seminar! I have read from a lot of people having the success of attending the seminar and coming back to get the sticker once the visa is issued. Did they change the policy? Do you have to have the visa before you attend the seminar?
Hi ladyheart2011,
Based on the flowchart from the CFO website, anybody who is applying for a passport or visa can undergo the counseling session. I'm not entirely sure if CFO changed their policies recently, but anything can happen in a month's time. This post was dated May 30th.
Yes, Joan and I are K1 applicants. As far as I know, this also applies to CR-1 Spouse Visa Applicants. We did not have our visas yet during that time.
Sorry to hear about your mom's experience.
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Was this earthquake enough to rattle any dishes?
http://earthquake-report.com/2013/06/19/moderate-earthquake-mindanao-philippines-on-june-19-2013/
http://www.google.org/publicalerts/alert?aid=243a8b219d617f86&hl=en&gl=US&source=web
Edit:
Oops, was talking about this quake: http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/html/update_SOEPD/2013_Earthquake_Bulletins/June/2013_0619_1105_B2.html
It happened on the same day. But this one in Luzon. Near Polillo Island. Magnitude 4.4
Most of the quake was felt in Makati, Taguig, Mandaluyong, Quezon City, Quezon Province, Pasig, and some parts of Rizal (Antipolo and Cainta), based on my Facebook feed.
It was strong enough but didn't last for so long. One of my friends said it was like somebody had "pushed" her from where she was standing.
As for me, I'm staying in the Manila/Pasay Area, on the 10th floor, and felt just minor movements.
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Thanks everyone! You are next Eky! (Joan sends maraming salamat to you---and I am so happy that you and Joan were together for the CFO!)
1 week to go for me!
You're welcome. -
Congrats again!
paying for the other fees. who pays?
in Philippines
Posted · Edited by Erika & Chris
I'm the K1 Applicant as well and I've paid all the fees after the I-129F filing (Medical, Visa Application Fee, etc). Christopher and I have talked about finances. We both covered each other when it came to filing fees, airline tickets for vacations and such, housing arrangements when visiting me and I him. We both know that I wouldn't be able to work right away in the US (except for my freelance design gigs). And when I do get the work permit (EAD), We both are going to be working together. We have laid out a plan on our finances and actually keep them on a shared spreadsheet.
OP, You and your fiance should have a clear understanding on both your finances. And I do agree with all the other poster's insights on how this could possibly be a problem for you and your fiance in the future. Have a talk with your fiance. There are still other 'fees' to keep in mind as mentioned above (AOS, ROC, etc.) other than these medical and K1 Visa fees. What about plane tickets? What happens after you move? Are you going to work? Discuss it with your fiance soonest.
I hope you get to resolve this as soon as possible though.