clairegie

Words of wisdom? Don't do it. File that AOS now-ish.

Are you the beneficiary?
If yes, it doesn't matter.
If no, the only change you have to make is to update your I-134 with the proper information and would be nice to have a letter from your employer and pay stubs with the new company as proof come interview time.

If you didn't confuse it, then how does me being raised to be a good wife have anything to do with the dudes question about "who started the whole filipino wives are submissive"? You wanna talk about submissiveness on that thread? Here's a quote from B_J:
"Reason 2. I have found that some men look for foreign wives, especially in the Philippines, for less than honorable reasons. Having spent enough time with Fil-Am couples here and there; I've noticed something. Some, but not all, Filipinas have an overly optimistic view of America and American men. They think we are all kind and generous and polite. So, some American men, but not all, find out that they can take advantage of this optimistic view. So, they find someone that they can fool into thinking he's all of these wonderful things and then, when she's finally here, she's stuck. He's happy and she's stuck in a horrible situation. This is not every situation, but I've seen it more than once. So, to summarize, some American men look for foreign brides because these men are total A-holes and they can fool someone online and for a two week visit and then control them the rest of their lives."

It was a little more difficult because my internet in the Philippines + his internet at his barracks was horrible. What I did besides talking to him every chance we got was watching movies and shows that just makes the day go by faster. And also, spend a lot of time with your family & friends (specially for the beneficiary). It will be a while till you get to see them again. And I know that we get so caught up in the whole process that sometimes we forget that we are leaving our loved ones behind. Just enjoy your family, make more memories, and go about your life as if you didn't file a petition. I know you are tempted to check the USCIS website every hour, DON'T DO IT! Also, don't base your approvals on how quick others get theirs. You'll just drive yourself insane. Also, while waiting, try to look up on interview requirements and start gathering the ones you can. Once the approval comes, everything happens warp speed.

It was a little more difficult because my internet in the Philippines + his internet at his barracks was horrible. What I did besides talking to him every chance we got was watching movies and shows that just makes the day go by faster. And also, spend a lot of time with your family & friends (specially for the beneficiary). It will be a while till you get to see them again. And I know that we get so caught up in the whole process that sometimes we forget that we are leaving our loved ones behind. Just enjoy your family, make more memories, and go about your life as if you didn't file a petition. I know you are tempted to check the USCIS website every hour, DON'T DO IT! Also, don't base your approvals on how quick others get theirs. You'll just drive yourself insane. Also, while waiting, try to look up on interview requirements and start gathering the ones you can. Once the approval comes, everything happens warp speed.

I feel bad because I feel as if you are walking on egg shells. Never mind his hate for Mexicans (which oddly is not focused on the illegal ones), but it seems that this guy is just spewing hate left and right and has no control over his rage. This sounds a lot like the type of marriage my parents had wherein my Mom tried very hard to keep adjusting just to make sure she doesn't make my father mad, to the point that she was just completely unhappy. Even if it was my Dad's fault, my mom was the one apologizing. She stayed in the marriage because she loved my father, but she was so miserable. When he cheated on her, he made her feel like it was her fault... I hope you don't head down this path too.
I feel like your husband will do that to you too (saying he was lonely & home was like a prison blah blah) Sure, I grew up with a complete family, but I hated it so much. I almost lost respect for my mother because she put up with my Dad's ####### and it ruined my childhood. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOUR FAMILY. Yeah, divorce is not an option for you... wait till it starts ruining your relationship with your kid then. You are setting an example that she will carry with her and her relationship to others. I was unable to recognize abuse even while I was going through it. I just thought allowing/accepting that kind of behavior was part of having an adult relationship. Then I met the right man, and realized nothing was normal about it at all.
I'm sorry if I hurt you with anything I said. I just want to make sure that no other woman (or person) goes through what my Mom did. It's a horrible life to live and your marriage to him isn't even that long yet.

I feel bad because I feel as if you are walking on egg shells. Never mind his hate for Mexicans (which oddly is not focused on the illegal ones), but it seems that this guy is just spewing hate left and right and has no control over his rage. This sounds a lot like the type of marriage my parents had wherein my Mom tried very hard to keep adjusting just to make sure she doesn't make my father mad, to the point that she was just completely unhappy. Even if it was my Dad's fault, my mom was the one apologizing. She stayed in the marriage because she loved my father, but she was so miserable. When he cheated on her, he made her feel like it was her fault... I hope you don't head down this path too.
I feel like your husband will do that to you too (saying he was lonely & home was like a prison blah blah) Sure, I grew up with a complete family, but I hated it so much. I almost lost respect for my mother because she put up with my Dad's ####### and it ruined my childhood. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS HAPPEN TO YOUR FAMILY. Yeah, divorce is not an option for you... wait till it starts ruining your relationship with your kid then. You are setting an example that she will carry with her and her relationship to others. I was unable to recognize abuse even while I was going through it. I just thought allowing/accepting that kind of behavior was part of having an adult relationship. Then I met the right man, and realized nothing was normal about it at all.
I'm sorry if I hurt you with anything I said. I just want to make sure that no other woman (or person) goes through what my Mom did. It's a horrible life to live and your marriage to him isn't even that long yet.

Adjudicators get piles and work on them whichever way they want. So there really is no order or first-come-first-served thing going on. If you wanna have an idea how it goes, here is a nice helpful Q & A with a former adjudicator:
http://www.visajourney.com/content/adjudicator-q-and-a
I found that it helps when you know how the process goes and I hope this helps you too while you patiently wait for your NOA2. That said, I have learned this the hard way. Please don't base your approvals on when others get theirs. You're just gonna give yourself a heartache. Go about your life like there's no pending visa and just check on it once in a while. I know its hard to do, but you need to do it to keep your sanity. Good luck on your visa journey

You get the GC eventually. Soon? Ehh.. I'm not sure about that. I got the waiver letter last December and I'm still waiting for the GC.

Mali, maghihitay ka ng amag kung hihintayin mo yung mga letter. Nasa USEM website yung mga instructions. Pwede mo rin iclick yung link sa Signature ni Hank_

I think you are volunteering too much information using that certificate that might prove to be more troublesome than helpful.
Stick with the simple and straightforward letter of intent. Just sounds very weird to have 450 guests, 2 pastors and a certificate for an engagement. Sounds too much like an actual wedding.

I agree. I am like that to my husband. But I also make sure he knows he is still the head of the family. I just know when to speak up when I know something isn't right.
Yeah, there's this thing in the Philippines that we think foreigners (non-pinoys) are usually attracted to the ones that Filipinos dont think are attractive at all. I was one of those people... then lo and behold.. I ended up with an American (not older though, he's around my age).. Hahahaha

I think you are volunteering too much information using that certificate that might prove to be more troublesome than helpful.
Stick with the simple and straightforward letter of intent. Just sounds very weird to have 450 guests, 2 pastors and a certificate for an engagement. Sounds too much like an actual wedding.

Source: http://kabul.usembassy.gov/interview_daywhat_to_excpect.html
Interview Steps
Once in the Consular lobby, follow the following steps:
Proceed to the cashier and pay the required visa application fee. ($265) Get your fingerprints taken. Have a seat in the waiting area and wait until an officer calls you to the window for your interview. Interviews will be conducted in English, Dari, or Pashto, as needed.

I agree. I am like that to my husband. But I also make sure he knows he is still the head of the family. I just know when to speak up when I know something isn't right.
Yeah, there's this thing in the Philippines that we think foreigners (non-pinoys) are usually attracted to the ones that Filipinos dont think are attractive at all. I was one of those people... then lo and behold.. I ended up with an American (not older though, he's around my age).. Hahahaha

I think you are volunteering too much information using that certificate that might prove to be more troublesome than helpful.
Stick with the simple and straightforward letter of intent. Just sounds very weird to have 450 guests, 2 pastors and a certificate for an engagement. Sounds too much like an actual wedding.

What frustrates me is that the couples who go on this journey to help their loved ones immigrate the LEGAL WAY are looked at with distrust and scrutiny. But the USCIS isn't batting an eye when administering green cards to the millions of illegals in the USA. It just sucks. Other than that, I had no K-1 worries or frustrations as I used a good visa service. I only used VJ for support and encouragement.

I have experienced walking by women who talked about me like I wasn't there saying how they they're pretty sure I got here illegally or just married for citizenship. I also know of a guy that works with my husband that said to his face that I only married him to get a green card. My favorite is seeing the surprised look on their faces when I talk and they realize I do know how to speak English and also do not have a thick accent. All of a sudden, they're all smiles and gives better customer service.
It's all good though. These experiences are nothing compared to how nice majority of the people are in this town. I know in my heart I married for love, that I'm not taking a job (from a USC) that I did not earn, and someday they will meet a foreigner that will change their opinions..

I have experienced walking by women who talked about me like I wasn't there saying how they they're pretty sure I got here illegally or just married for citizenship. I also know of a guy that works with my husband that said to his face that I only married him to get a green card. My favorite is seeing the surprised look on their faces when I talk and they realize I do know how to speak English and also do not have a thick accent. All of a sudden, they're all smiles and gives better customer service.
It's all good though. These experiences are nothing compared to how nice majority of the people are in this town. I know in my heart I married for love, that I'm not taking a job (from a USC) that I did not earn, and someday they will meet a foreigner that will change their opinions..

I understand the whole process is frustrating and we are only human. I know I was very careful with compiling what I needed for the filing phase and there were still times when I doubted myself. However, I still believe the VJ guideline is very straight forward. I made sure that my husband double checked everything I did so that fresh eyes could check for any mistakes. I'm sorry you had to re-do the whole thing, but you can only blame yourself. There was a checklist on the guides for a reason. That said, I'm glad the second round is less stressful to you.

I understand the whole process is frustrating and we are only human. I know I was very careful with compiling what I needed for the filing phase and there were still times when I doubted myself. However, I still believe the VJ guideline is very straight forward. I made sure that my husband double checked everything I did so that fresh eyes could check for any mistakes. I'm sorry you had to re-do the whole thing, but you can only blame yourself. There was a checklist on the guides for a reason. That said, I'm glad the second round is less stressful to you.

I understand the whole process is frustrating and we are only human. I know I was very careful with compiling what I needed for the filing phase and there were still times when I doubted myself. However, I still believe the VJ guideline is very straight forward. I made sure that my husband double checked everything I did so that fresh eyes could check for any mistakes. I'm sorry you had to re-do the whole thing, but you can only blame yourself. There was a checklist on the guides for a reason. That said, I'm glad the second round is less stressful to you.

I understand the whole process is frustrating and we are only human. I know I was very careful with compiling what I needed for the filing phase and there were still times when I doubted myself. However, I still believe the VJ guideline is very straight forward. I made sure that my husband double checked everything I did so that fresh eyes could check for any mistakes. I'm sorry you had to re-do the whole thing, but you can only blame yourself. There was a checklist on the guides for a reason. That said, I'm glad the second round is less stressful to you.

I understand the whole process is frustrating and we are only human. I know I was very careful with compiling what I needed for the filing phase and there were still times when I doubted myself. However, I still believe the VJ guideline is very straight forward. I made sure that my husband double checked everything I did so that fresh eyes could check for any mistakes. I'm sorry you had to re-do the whole thing, but you can only blame yourself. There was a checklist on the guides for a reason. That said, I'm glad the second round is less stressful to you.