Backpackers

We just scheduled the interview! For the Philippines there are many interview slots available starting July 26th onward.

Congrats my fellow April partier... don't forget about the CFO sticker... like the guy in the Philippine forum did
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/602119-pre-departure-seminar-cfo-warning/

Good luck to you. I am still waiting for our MCN. Called this morning and they havent got ours yet.

If they received it today, you can roughly figure out what your case number will be. Since mine is Manila, it starts with MNL. So it's your Embassy Initials + Year + (Julian Date + 500) + Case number received that day. So, Manila, it would be MNL2016700001 for today. This might help you get a rough idea of where other cases are around yours when checking the CEAC website. Good luck!

I had my fiancee do the CFO before she even had the visa in her hand. They gave her a certificate which she will have to turn in to get the sticker once she has her visa in hand. I figured that if there was an issue related to the stupid CFO we would have more time to resolve it before having to worry about her flight out.

I just called NVC and they have received ours! NOA2 June 21st. They said up to 2 weeks to get the case # but I'm calling back on Monday.

That's great news! Thank you for sharing and congrats...

My fiance emailed the head consul last night and today I received a phonecall from another ZAgreb Embassy employee. It was a very nice lady who wanted me to know that I could travel wherever I wanted and that, in case anything happens to my passport or the visa in it, I'd contact them and they would reissue.

We went through some rough patches mostly caused by me (USC). My husband has been very patient and understanding but I'd get tired of being the one who had to do whatever because he didn't know the culture, or his language skills weren't quite good enough to do it alone, or pay for everything because he couldn't work, or grocery shop because he didn't want to buy the wrong things, or drive everywhere because he didn't have a license. The more independent he's become the happier we are. He's more confident and I don't feel like everything's on my shoulders. I guess you could say we're truly equals now. We also went back to his country to visit and it was good for me to be reminded of all his strengths. It helped to restore his confidence and to restore my confidence in him. It made me think of all the struggles I would have had if I'd moved there instead of him moving here. So I gained back some patience in the fact that he's still adjusting. And it made me appreciate all the things that he'd has had to relearn since coming to America.
You're not alone in your struggles. You married a great person. Their personality hasn't changed and they're the one you fell in love with. There's just some major differences in your relationship. You're the one who's got to go to work where as before you were probably fairly stress free and on vacation when around them. They're stressed because of all the things they have to learn, all the things they used to be able to do but can't right now, they're bored or lonely since they have a very limited social circle, and/or because they feel like a burden to you. And you're stressed because you are trying to help them with all the things they're stressed about plus all the things that stressed you before they arrived. But trust me, it does get better. Find a good friend or see a counselor and get yourself some support.

I came from Europe, i was a total a.. For at least 6 months. Contant outburst in tears unexplained, mood swings etc. turning into arguments for no reason. But you know what, it was my reaction to being helpless, waiting position for EAD is stressful. Being home alone everyday, not having family or friends anymore. Its a life change we go through. An identical crisis if you will. My husband was so good at supporting and listening and baring with me when i had tough days. Just sitting at home, not able to drive or have a job is hard. You rely on your spouse so much and we all wanna feel a little independent just like we were before. But have patience. Please. Try to find a place of encouragement and support and remember its a phase! Im happier than ever with my husband now!! We have worked through the struggles of immigrating. It was hard but theres a light at the end of the tunnel. Make room for it to grow into something amazing again. Moving countries isnt like normal life. You gotta be good to your partner and listen and give a shoulder to cry on. And not put blame or frustration on the person going through this. Just encourage them to get it all out and try to make tomorrow one of the good days untill Ead and all that is over with! Learn and grow from this experience as a couple. It will make your marriage stronger than anyone elses who doesnt have to do what everyone in here goes through. Its hard on the spouses part too, but try to rise above it and acknowledge what this really is about. Its a process. Life is a working process and journey with challenges. Hope all the best for you guys!!! It will be okay again! Camilla

Good for you that you came here to ask people who actually know, instead of lawyers who most often seem to have no clue what they're doing or talking about. Get rid of the lawyer and continue on your own.

Approved guys!!!!!!!!!!
Stress relieving. 1 step closer.

Well our long, long, long awaited day has finally come! My fiancé received his K1 visa and had POE yesterday. I flew to Jamaica to bring him here. It was a hectic emotional trip running around getting him all packed up and visiting family and friends to say goodbye. Everything with POE went great and it was bittersweet emotional day.
Today is his first full day in USA and also my birthday!! What an amazing birthday present! We are celebrating by going to a reggae show in Chicago with friends who don't even know he's here yet! Can't wait to surprise them!
I want to thank everyone here at VJ. I couldn't have made it through this extremely difficult journey without you! I'd like to give a special thanks to LovelyUs, Pinkrlion, Jawaree, Natasha&Noor, and Ebunoluwa. Your advice and inspiration got me through very bad days and there were many of those! Thank you to everyone who PMd me with kind words and encouragement. The love I felt when no one else understood was invaluable. Thank you to everyone who PMd with questions asking for help. It was a joy to help others. It took my mind off obsessing over my own visa journey.
This is the best birthday I've ever had! After 2 years, I know I deserve it! It just once again proves True Love can win and in God's time thy will be done!
Blessings to you all!

Visa approved today!
God is Great!

Since you seem like you really really really want a lawyer this time make sure you do your research on the person you hire. Lots of people on here with crappy lawyers who cause RFE for stupid stuff, lawyers who delay their application on purpose to make more money and some who frankly have no idea what the heck they are doing.
And I agree that you should marry and do CR1.

Our approval came through today!
With a noa1 of 28/4/16

You forgot to tell everyone that there is no ATM in El nido. Need to take plenty of cash with you
You forgot to tell everyone that there is no ATM in El nido. Need to take plenty of cash with you

Hello everyone, I hope you are having a great day
When I was researching about what CFO is and its importance in this K1 visa process, I had a hard time because of few information available. Since I am done with it, I would like to share my experience.
Let me start by saying that the CFO Seminar is mandated by law. Therefore, we cannot escape it. Without the CFO sticker and certificate earned after attending the Seminar, one cannot successfully go out of the Philippines.
Lets start with the ULTIMATE FACTS:
WHAT is the CFO Seminar?
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2341:what-is-cfo-guidance-and-counseling-program&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858
WHERE can we have the Seminar?
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2344:schedule-of-cfos-guidance-and-counseling-program-with-images&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858
WHERE is the CFO building located?
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1345&Itemid=843
Suggestion: Use UBER to get there (whether in Manila or Cebu)
HOW much is the payment?
Php 400.00 as of July 04, 2016. Please check the CFO’s website http://www.cfo.gov.ph/ for the updated fee
WHAT are the steps to have an online appointment?
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2342:steps-with-images&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2390:gcis-faq-no-1&catid=110:frequently-asked-questions&Itemid=858
Now a narration of my very wonderful experience attending the CFO Seminar.
I scheduled by CFO Seminar 3 weeks in advance and without having my medical and interview yet. I wanted to make sure that I make the best out of the time I am waiting for the NVC phase to be done J. And oh yes, excited! I stayed in Josie’s (my super friend) condo located at Mandaluyong the night before July 4, 2016.

This is what the CFO appointment letter looks like. Print two copies.
I woke up 4:40am on the day of my interview. I brought with me all the documents I think I will need.My fiancée told me I am more than ready! Lol. But again, the burden of proof to prove that the relationship is real rests in us (in ME actually since I am the one who will be interviewed hahaha). Being in the legal field, I know it’s a game of documentary evidences plus how convincing are you in answering the questions. I left the condo 6:15am by taking advantage of the Uber service. (Uber is really my bestfriend whenever I am in Manila- saves your time, money and health- no air pollution exposure lols). I only paid Php 190.00 and arrived 6:40am.

The sign that I am in the right place.
Exactly 7:30am, the guard opened the office door. Those with appointment were asked to line up with the appointment letter and 1 valid id on hand. Those who did not have appointment and were NOT for k1 or spouse visa, they were asked to line up in the other door. The guard checked our documents one by one. He handed me an F id J He instructed me to proceed to third floor using the elevator.
There are two ladies in the third floor office. They will ask you if you have a visa or not. If you have a visa, they will give you two forms to fill out. If you do not have your visa yet, they will give you one form to answer.

This is the form and the ID i got.
No need to worry where to write because there are sufficient tables and chairs where you can write. Look at my tableJ. The room is nice and clean and cold. On top of that, the two ladies are very nice and accommodating.

Thats the desk where I filed up the form. And oh yes, I got two plastic envelopes full of documents
So I was done answering the forms. I submitted it to the lady who gave me the form together with the necessary attachments. Please remember to submit the form together with your passport (if you already have the visa), a photocopy of your birth certificate, CENOMAR (for k1), Certificate of Marriage (if married) and two photocopies of valid IDs. After the lady is done checking my form and attachments, she advised me that my room number for the seminar is room number one USA. It is just inside the room. There is a label in the door.

This is the label - USA!

This is the Seminar Room
After, she will ask you to go to the lady in her right to take a picture of you. The lady verified the birth date of my fiancée’s before taking the picture. (So I highly suggest memorize by heart the birth date of your love and other basic information!)After, she will ask you if you like the picture. If you say no, she will take it again. I said the first take is perfect. Lols. It was after the seminar that I learned that the picture will be used for the Certificate. (The Certificate’s validity is FOREVER. If you lost it, you will pay php800 and you have to wait 5 working days to get it. AND oh, NO RUSH request allowed. Strictly 5 working days!) So it was still 8am when I finished the forms and picture taking. I was advised to take my breakfast since the seminar is from 9-12noon.
There is a small canteen next to the building. The food is not so yummy but pricey. I paid php160 for a noodles, fish & rice. The chopusey in the picture is not mine. It’s Imee’s.
At 8:45am we went back the building and took the elevator to the 3rd floor. We waited inside the seminar room. The lady to whom I submitted the form and attachments is our facilitator. She gave us a very good background of what the seminar is all about. Basically, it is for our protection. She gave details and even gave her email so we can reach her. She talked about the different faces of Domestic Violence and real life stories she encountered from fiancées’ and spouses. (It was not to scare us but to inform us that things happen and how to deal with them).
At around 9:30am, we had a group activity. We were asked to count of to determine who belongs in group 1 and group 2. She flashed four questions in the projector screen. The questions were all about marriage- your goals, your anticipated challenges, your preparation in dealing with challenges and your plans. Each individual will discuss his or her opinion in the group. The group will select a reported who will discuss the answers in front. While the group activity is ongoing, the facilitator will call each individual for a one on one interview. I was called second.
Good news - there is nothing to fear with the one on one interview. As long as you know your spouse, your relationship is legitimate, you answer her questions responsively, clearly and honestly, everything will be perfect. My interview only took around 3minutes. Her questions were:
A. What is the complete name of your fiancée?
B. Where did you first meet?
C. How many times he visited in the Philippines and when?
D. What do you like most about your fiancée?
E. Do your parents personally know your fiancée?
I just answered all the questions straight forward. No follow up questions. She said she do not have any further questions and asked me to call the next person in the room.
TIP: If you satisfactorily answered the questions, she will not ask for any further proof or documentation. Some failed to do so. They were asked to provide pictures and other documents. Also, she takes notes while you answer J and she will ask again the same question in the middle of the interview for verification. Also, according to the interviewer, even if they sense that you are lying, they will proceed with the interview but will not release your certificate and have you under investigation. Therefore, if you do not really know the person you will be marrying or you are paid or forced by your parents or somebody to do it or you falsified or you know that the documents are falsified- tell the interviewer. She can greatly help and give you protection.
At 9:45 am we had the group discussion. It was a simple yet fruitful one. After the two groups presented, she talked about the papers you need to bring for your flight. She also discussed quickly about the K1 process and the spouse visa process. The Seminar ended at around 11:20am in the morning. I took a picture of the facilitator J
When we left the seminar room, a lady distributed a brochure. This includes some of the topics discussed and some additional relevant information.
After receiving the brochure, she will tell you to proceed to the ground floor Cashier 1 to pay the fee of php400.00. No need to rush. The cashier will call you one by one and get the payment in exchange of the receipt. After such, she will ask you to wait for your name to be called for your certificate. It only took 5 minutes from payment to getting the certificate.

This is the receipt, certificate and a little note I got from them!
I left the CFO office 11:53am in the morning.
Thanks and I hope this will be of help.

First, calm down. You have a little life who can feel his mother's heartbreak.
Second, I am sure that you are trying for your marriage. Just relax and do olnot engage. If he picks an argument, don't engage. Also you don't pick any arguments either. Find yourself some non strenuous activities to stay occupied. The more time idle time that either of you have, the more opportunity to work each other's nerves. Right now a green card is not your main concern. Your baby is your main concern, followed by your health, followed by your relationship with your husband, then your green card. Work you life from that aspect. Still keep house or whatever but protect your health by not arguing and not engaging and finding yourself activities

From OP's various topics, her USC spouse is a home maker (does not work since the ex-wife makes enough money living overseas together).
While living in Greece with OP for 3 years, he is not working either, with his parents sending them money regularly.
So I could see how he has been "out of touch" with the working world for 15 years outside USA.
Also OP's in-laws put their necks out to sign the I-864 for her and kids to immigrate, so their anxiety to see OP working ASAP is understandable. But they should not put the burden/pressure on her as new immigrant to support the family.
OP and her Spouse should have a game plan before arriving in US.
Money is one of the biggest sources of marital discord.

You should have had that conversation with your husband a very long time ago.
He has not worked in 15 years ?
You are supposed to support your 3 little kids and him all by yourself being a new immigrant ?
I don't get it.
I would be more concerned of why he doesn't work than what his mother says.

Marrienne, the option is to stay in Greece which YOU KNOW is not an option. You can't afford your husband's medication and you know the future is bleak.
Right up until the time I got on the plane, I second guessed if we were doing the right thing. Once the plane took off, I made a pact with myself that I was going to give this a good shot. To make the most of the opportunity.
Look back on what you have done over the last few months. You hustled. You chased. You fought. And you won. Man, don't underestimate what you are capable of. Quite frankly, I'd be afraid to come up against someone like you who is tenacious and driven.

Usually it does take longer then what your experiencing to get a date. You may have called at the right time that a cancellation appeared and the agent plugged you in.You seem to be in the right track with your steps. Their are what I call gotchas when processing through USEM Philippines. To that end I have a website that talks about the steps and required documents for your journey specific to the Philippines. It's free to use and the link is in my signature below at the red twisting arrow.
Jump over to the sub forum for the Philippines. Lots of great people their to help.
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/129-philippines/

hello to you, seems like you are bit worried about the process... don't be. I think you are not missing something, you got your NOA2,fiancee done with medical and scheduled for interview....
You are just fine Right, just follow the instructions and if possible ,read and read bout the process on this site, everything you need is here.
In my experience, was worried too, because I had a problem with my medical, so had to re schedule my interview. thankfully, all went well. I am here now in Hawaii, and married.
My interview, at US embassy-Manila, was pretty easy and fast.
So relax, gather more informations and be patient Everything will be okay. God bless

Today I checked our status and thank you Lord!!! After 71 days of waiting, we are finally approved!!! ... Will update timeline here... ?