Rael

10 hours ago, WeGuyGal said:

Who all did she petition besides parents?  If the friend is a US citizen, she can petition her parents (and siblings who wait a long time). 

I believe just her parents. 

1 hour ago, Lil bear said:

Derivatives on immigration visas refer to spouse and minor children etc. Some visa types allow for these family members to come as part of the primary immigrants visa.. others such as spouse of USC does not allow this and requires the other family member to be petitioned separately. 

 

What visa type is the application for ? And do they have family members they are wanting to immigrate at the same time ? 

I believe she was applying for her parents to come in the US as permanent residents. 

Hey guys. Got a text from a friend of mine asking what those words mean in simpler terms. I don't get it myself either. Does she need to be concerned about it? 

Thanks. 

Hi All,

I know this has been asked a lot but I could not find it in the forum to here goes. My passport section where it has my picture and my info have been damaged and I need it replaced. I was wondering where can I apply to have it replaced? Or is it possible to get a new one along with my visa stamp too? Also, another thing. After I have it replaced with a new passport, what about my visa stamp on it? Will I get affected if I travel to Philippines without the stamp? 

Thank you. 

Yes. Good luck!

Oh okay. Thank you. Is it the AOS K3/K1? Orr am I going to the wrong page? Sorry, Im confused on this one.

This may or may not be accurate. Since she is on a J1, she needs to check and make sure she is not subject to the 2 year home residency requirement. If she is, her adjustment of status will be denied (and you will lose all the fees), until she either meets the home residency requiremtn by being outside the US for two years or receives an approved waiver of the requirement.

She meets the 2 yr home residency. So I just go to the guides section and choose the AOS page and start the application?

They can apply for the AOS since she is already here and is an immediate relative.

Ohh okay. So, just go straight to AOS? Which AOS guide should they follow?

Hello, first and foremost I am doing this for a friend.

Basically, the spouse is a USC. He married his wife in Tonga but she is here in the US on a J1 visa. He wants to change her J1 to a CR1 Spousal. Question 1 is, does she need to go back to Tonga in order for him to initiate the CR1 spousal visa or can he initiate it in the middle of her J1 student visa?

Thank you so much guys!

It depends on the Airline your spouse bought your ticket from because some Airlines, they include the travel tax like PAL. Then all you need to pay is the terminal fee which is around 550 PHP.

Hi guys! Finally the long wait is almost over! My flight is on Thursday. But, is there anything I should know or prepare before leaving? Like PH airport fee, I heard its 1,620php. Or other fees I need to be ready with. Because I'm not planning to bring a lot of peso since I can't use it once I left philippines.

My flight schedule is:
Manila to Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan to Denver, CO.
Denver,CO to Billings, MT

Anyone who had the same flight schedule? Or a bit the same maybe

Thank you!

Yes, just what it says. They made a decision on your case, which was an approval. Your welcome letter is on its way, and your card will be mailed to you soon.

ADIT = Alien Documentation, Identification & Telecommunications System, and refers to biometrics.

It won't apply to you, since you already did your biometrics.

Ahh okay. Makes sense. Thank you!

You are good, GC is coming soon. Congratulations.

TIP: never trust online updates. My sister received her approval letter and her online status is still "RFE received" since Oct 2014.

Mhm good point on that. I'll just wait for my GC then. Thank you!

I also got an email saying this.

There has been a recent processing action taken on your case.

Receipt Number: MSC123456789

Application Type: I485, APPLICATION TO REGISTER PERMANENT RESIDENCE OR TO ADJUST STATUS

Your Case Status: Decision

On June 30, 2015, we registered your permanent resident status and mailed you a Welcome Notice for Receipt Number MSC123456789. Please follow the instructions in the notice. Your new permanent resident card should arrive by August 29, 2015, after this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move, go towww.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address.

During this step the formal decision (approved/denied) is written and the decision notice is mailed and/or emailed to the applicant/petitioner. You can use our current processing time to gauge when you can expect to receive a final decision. "

So, the status is still on DECISION??? I dont get it??? The last paragraph also states that we havent got approved yet but on the status on the website it say they already sent the GC?

So, just got this on the site when we checked our status.

"On June 30, 2015, we registered your permanent resident status and mailed you a Welcome Notice for Receipt Number MSC123456789. Please follow the instructions in the notice. Your new permanent resident card should arrive by August 29, 2015, after this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice, whichever is later. If you move, go towww.uscis.gov/addresschange to give us your new mailing address."

First, I'm confused on the part where it says

"after this registration or after you complete any ADIT processing referred to in the welcome notice."

Can anyone please advise?

Did we get an RFE or something? Whats ADIT?

Thank you.

Hey guys,

Just finished our AOS interview here in Hawaii and the IO gave us two forms to sign.

1) 1st form that says "Notice of Interview Results" and on the paper there are 3 check boxes. The IO didnt check either of those but just informed us to check our case online.

2) 2nd form says to file Form I-751 within 90 days after the 2nd anniversary of the date I am granted conditional permanent resident.

After that, she told us that they will do a background check and thats it.

So, my questions are..... did anyone of you experienced this and do you know if thats a good sign for approval?

Thanks!

I've written a HOWTO in this sub-forum - please take a moment and try to find it - the advanced search tool finally got time sensitive and won't bring it back up.

here it is:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/405546-ssn-howto/

Sweet! But umm can we still come back and ask the staff clerk if they could check my status under my VISA name/ A# or is it already too late since we gave them our SS5... ??

You could return to the SSA and ask for a supervisor to withdraw your application in married name and apply in maiden name. Not sure if they will allow it or not though. You may have to wait for your EAD in your married name in order to get the SSN because if the name verification comes back with a denial of the SSN, it will most likely be too late to get the SSN using your I-94.

The good thing is that you do not need the SSN to apply for AOS and the EAD/AP.

Sounds good. Thank you!

If you applied in your married name, then it probably did not match the name on your K-1 visa, which is the name in their system.

~ Moved from K-1 Process to Social Security Numbers - topic about SSN~

Okay, since the lady could not find my name in the system and we already have my I-94 what do we do? Do we call SSA back and let them know to recheck again or??? I mean she gave us a document saying we applied for a SSA and it will take 4 weeks for them to process and verify my status but thats about it. Anything else I can do?

Please advise.

Hey guys, just a quick question. I know this has been asked multiple times but here are the facts before I let you guys know what happened. So, I arrived here on Sept 25, 2014 and my fiance (USC) and I just got married last week. Today, we went to the SSA Office in Kapolei to apply for my SSN. We had everything with us, I-94, my passport, our marriage certificate and everything on the SSN Guide that we got from this site. We gave all that to the lady and for a few minutes we thought that I was good to go. But, she informed us that my name isn't in the system yet. So basically, she still sent my application to the Department of Homeland security to verify my name and she said that it will take a month to be processed. We waited for more than 2 weeks after I arrived and got married but no name in the system. Why is that? If anybody knows anything about this please advise...

Thank you.

Hi,

Someone posted your link to my topic. Much appreciate this post! We are about to start on a K1 visa application, and seeing this forum page gives me hope!

Sara

Hi Sara, I just got here and I am loving Hawaii =) If you need any help dont hesitate to ask. We are all here to help you. Aloha!!

Site is working, just checked it. (seems to be some internet issues between here and the Phils right now as I can't access a couple of the government sites there either. )

So you have your visa already, then yes the rest you will have after completing CFO.

Yup. Have my Visa already. Thanks again Hank. Really appreciate your help

Are you processing in Singapore or in the Phils? CFO is Phils only.

Anyway, the second part is for after the seminar when you get the actual sticker in your passport, at that time you will have those items.

I came back to Philippines to spend time with my family before I leave for the US, so yes. I will be going through the CFO processing. I guess I dont have to worry about the 2nd part till after my CFO seminar then. Thats when they give me that Emigration Registration Form to fill up is that correct? Oh and I clicked the link to your site but it didn't load up.

Thank you Hank.

Yes, you do that online

Info on CFO in my link below, follow the flashing arrow.....

Hey Hank, quick question. I have just printed out my appointment letter for CFO and I noticed that there are 2 parts of the Appointment letter that needs to be addressed. I have the 1st section's requirements but I'm not sure about the 2nd section because I dont have the "Original CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate and the duly completed emigrant registration form".

1st section says

Requirements for Attendance to Guidance and Counseling Program.

- Original and photocopy of 2 valid ID cards with photograps.

- Duly completed Guidance and Counseling Form

- Payment of Php 400.

And the 2nd section says

Requirements for Registration.

- Original and photocopy of passport

- Original and photocopy of visa

- Original CFO Guidance and Counseling Certificate

- Duly completed emigrant registration form.

Please advise....

Hello VJ friends,

This is my CFO experience last march 26, 2014 (k1 visa holder)

Official CFO website: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/

REQUIREMENTS:

• 2 valid ID (with picture on it like driver’s license, passport, PRC. Check their website for accepted IDs)
• Photocopy of the 2 valid IDs (IMPORTANT NOTE: it is not indicated in the website to photocopy your IDs but it is posted on the CFO entrance door so photocopy your IDs to lessen the hassle)
• Passport and Photocopy of the bio page (the page with your picture in it)
• Photocopy of Visa page (US visa page on your passport)
• Registration form (downloaded and printed from their website)
• Other documents: I was asked for my fiancée (petitioner’s) naturalization certificate or birth certificate and passport photocopy some I met there was asked to present pictures of them together so I suggest consider bringing evidences you brought at USEM interview. However, for spousal visa I know only a little but im sure you should bring your marriage certificate for those fiancé visa holder with divorced marriages you should bring your documents too
• FOR THOSE WITHOUT PASSPORT: if your passport is still with USEM, your appointment letter (with your interview schedule) will be enough in replacement of the passport and visa requirement

HOW TO GET THERE ON COMMUTE?

From south: Ride Lawton bus (ask if it will pass taft PGH or Roxas blvd)

If from Roxas blvd. get down at Quirino Blvd cross the street at Ospital ng Maynila and ride a taxi from there 50php

If bus route to taft PGH etc get down at Quirino bus stop (it’s the LRT station) cross the street to MCDO and ride taxi from there 50php

What to tell the taxi: CITIGOLD building CFO

Why taxi? There are no jeepneys available going there and at very early time you cannot ride anything except taxi

EXACT LOCATION

GOING HOME? There are Lawton bound from citigold. I got down at Quirino bus stop (LRT station) cross the street and found Coastal provincial terminal buses Whoala! Youre good to go

STEP 1: Get in line at the RAMP. It is on your left side if youre facing the building

IMPORTANT NOTE: the CFO is first-come-first-served basis with limited slot available so better line up on the proper line. I knew some who got there the other day and needed to came back because the slots were full. it was a Wednesday when i went there, there were only 30 of us i think and the line was not that long. I got there 5am and i was nervous because i was i think around the 26th on the line. some said they were there at 3am. Oh my. But we were all accommodated for the 9am slot so i think Wednesday is a good day to go.

6am CFO opened

STEP 2: Present these on the CFO Officer upon entrance:

He will get/check your:

• 2 valid IDs
• Photocopy of your 2 valid IDs

Get 1 of your IDs and give you an ID with letter F (fiancé?) and you can get you ID before leaving CFO

He will also check you documents so get these also ready:

• Passport and Photocopy of the bio page (the page with your picture in it)
• Photocopy of Visa page (US visa page on your passport)
• Registration form (downloaded and printed from their website)

If he checked that you're docs are complete he will then instruct you to proceed to 3^rd floor.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The elevator takes forever. Try the stairs.

STEP 3: Location: 3^rd floor

On your left upon entering there is a counter, approach and she will ask you your case and country.

Ex. I told her K1 visa USA (because some are from other countries like Australia and Europe)

IMPORTANT NOTE: if you have kids with you that are also being petitioned, tell it also to the receptionist because there will be additional forms and may require other steps.

She will hand you a form (quite like the registration form we fill-up online, so just copy the details you have placed there)

IMPORTANT NOTE: in the registration form she will hand you, these unique questions will be asked. Maiden name of the petitioner’s mother and educational level of the petitioner (with specific degree/vocational details) better ask your petitioner in advance because some I saw phone called their fiancée/spouses youre blessed if he/she is out of work.

After you fill it out you need to go back to her and submit the registration form with other requirements:

• Passport and Photocopy of the bio page (the page with your picture in it)
• Photocopy of Visa page (US visa page on your passport)
• Registration form (downloaded and printed from their website)

IMPORTANT NOTE: for spouses, marriage contract will be asked and for those without passport/visa your appointment letter (schedule of interview) will be enough and you just need to come back with your passport for the sticker.

STEP 4: PICTURE TAKING

While she checks your documents she will ask you basic questions like:

• Your name and birthday
• Petitioner’s name and birthday
• Are you/ have you been married?

Then takes a picture of you

After that she will tell you what time the counseling is and what room. I got 9am room USA.

It was 7:30am so I went down to eat. You are allowed to go outside.

STEP 5: Counseling 9:10am

I have read a lot of negative comments on CFO here on VJ but here is my positive experience and how I see CFO counseling as one of the MOST IMPORTANT part of your k1/spousal journey. If the USEM/USCIS screens petitioner’s ability to support us so we won’t be their country’s burden and checks us if we have communicable disease that may infect their citizens, the CFO is our protector from them. The CFO was able to stop a lot of women from being a mail-to-bride victim. Fraud relationships and fake documents are made so a Filipino woman will be allowed to enter US to be molested, abused and sold as prostitutes. These cases have been increasing and gladly CFO is here to help us. CFO counseling will inform you where to go for help, what to do on departure and POE even how to apply AOS, processing time before you are finally a US citizen and even make you realize what struggles you may encounter, how to deal with them and the privileges you have the right to have. What if your fiancé/spouse leaves you? What if he doesn’t want to continue the petition? What if he abuses you? Even the employment processes will be discussed and any question will be answered so get your inquiries ready because CFO is there to help.

STEP 6: 10:30am ONE-ON-ONE Interview

This is the reason (CFO Officer explained) why they cannot accommodate many applicants per day because of the one on one interview and a counsel is much better in small groups (which I think is true).

QUESTIONS ASKED TO ME:

• What is your name and Petitioner’s name?
• What is your Petitioner’s work?
• How did you meet?
• How long have you been in a relationship?
• What are your plans, long term?

Then she asked me for a copy of my fiancée Naturalization or birth certificate and passport bio page. Some are asked to present pictures.

That’s about it. She told me to wait at the ground floor for releasing. Saw her write OK in the form.

STEP 7: CASHIER

Name was called and I paid 400php

STEP 8: FINAL STEP: RELEASING

My passport was released with the certificate stapled at one page and the sticker stapled at another page.

IMPORTANT NOTES:

1. Check your name on the sticker and certificate
2. Feel the dry seal on certificate and sticker (no dry seal is considered invalid)
3. Your certificate is considered LIFETIME so never give the original if DFA or any agency ask for it only show them the original and give them the PHOTOCOPY

***For those who would like to attend the CFO counseling without their passport, you just need to present your ORIGINAL certificate and give them your passport for sticker placement purposes after you have availed your visa/passport. Best time: 11am to 2pm for those who will only need to get their sticker placed just proceed to ground floor windows.

DISCLAIMER: I am not an expert; I am not a part of CFO just sharing my experience. This is the latest procedure as of March 2014. Godbless our journey

Quick question. Where you mentioned on the requirements part about a Registration Form. Is that the form that I got after I made an appointment online and printed it out?

Mine is pick too!!! My friends and I are having dinner tonight.. It's on me!! OMG I am really happy!! hahaha!! Let's savour the moment!! )

Hahahaha goodness. Happy day today for the both of us. I will remember this moment . Enjoy your dinner!!!! . I will also be throwing a small dinner party soon. Best of luck to both of us in the future

My passport is finally here!!! OMG I am so so soooo happy!! waahhhhh

I just picked it up and OMG!!! Hahahahaha we're so in sync right now lmao. I check my passport and it was inside a pink folder along with the sealed envelope.

Yes God is good!! When do you intend to leave? As for me, I plan to maximize the validity of the visa (hopefully 6 months!).. I have some work to do and want to spend Christmas and New Year back home.. and then start fresh in 2015

For me, I intend to leave right after I finish working at the hospital. Probably around the second week of Sept. Attend the CFO and maybe around early October I will finally join my future hubby... hehehe it sounds good saying it lmao