ButterFinger

On 6/25/2022 at 6:18 AM, hunny&me said:

For tourists, I believe it is required to exit Philippines.  My friends are flying in this July, they were required to get TI.

 

https://www.philippineairlines.com/en/ph/home/covid-19/DepartingFromThePH/EligiblePaxForIntlTravel

Here's an update, my family wasn't required to present a travel insurance to depart PH. They are Filipino citizens. 

My family is coming over to visit soon. And I'm very confused about this "requirement."

Do they need the COVID travel insurance at all? From Philippines to US, direct flight via PAL. 

I'm hearing it's a requirement to depart.. then a requirement to enter US.. so confusing 🙄 help! 

On 5/28/2022 at 11:05 AM, BB Family said:

This is for tourist visa. Thank you for answering. Do you know if she is required to have travel insurance to depart? I saw the new change that it isnt required for entry into Philippines.. but I can’t find any solid answer if travel insurance is still required to depart? Thank you

Did you figure out the answer to this? I was wondering the same thing 

On 1/28/2020 at 4:12 AM, Skeiamn said:

Where did you file? SRC?

WAC

Green card in hand a year and a month after filing RoC.

Finally my green card is in production!! Yay

On 11/21/2019 at 6:29 PM, MariaR323 said:

Glad I'm not the only one without an update 'cause I was beginning to worry.

Same here. December 4. Did Biometrics the following month. Received an extension letter on 08/2019. That's it.

On 5/8/2019 at 6:06 PM, BB Family said:

Great. Most of your answers felt more like angry 😤 responses as if you were told no before or offended I’m interested in trying to provide my sibling a better life. Thanks for the domestic adoption poster info. I’ll keep researching and provide better information if and when we decide to pursue adoption. I understand the “30” year wait and am by no means trying to bypass anything. I’ve seen a girl as old as 15 adopted and brought here when only one parent was alive. So was asking more for experienced individuals to point me in the right direction not opinionated individuals to shoot down the idea of adopting a sibling. Anyway thanks. 

No one is shooting down your idea, people are merely telling you the reality of your plans.

I posted a similar question last month I think. I understand It’s disheartening to hear “it’s impossible” and “accusations” from people who reply, especially when you are genuinely trying to give someone a better life. But the VJ responses I got, same as what you’ve received here, offered the reality of our adoption plans. Ignore the “accusations” don’t take it personally, they’re just explaining the process and how the US will look at our case. 

Here’s a link to my post. I don’t know if same rules apply to your sibling, but go through it. It gave me plenty of answers. Good luck!

1 minute ago, Boiler said:

I do not know about the PI laws on adoption but assuming that is possible are you intending to move back to PI for the 2 years?

Honestly that’s one of the many huge walls in my situation. As I answer your question right now, I cannot. 

1 hour ago, geowrian said:

The burden is on the petitioner and applicant to establish eligibility for any benefit being sought. So the burden would be on the OP to show that the adoption qualifies for immigration benefits.

Mistakes happen, but I would presume they would very closely look at any such claim of biological parents being unable to care for the child. This isn't somethign they take lightly.

Exactly. 

This whole court case is much more complex than I am willing to say publicly. It’s not simply an abuse “claim”, everything has been formally filed in the court and it’s moving along. I honestly see no loopholes in the court case.

Adopting and migrating options are what we are looking at since filing the case. Not the other way around. 

On 4/22/2019 at 10:38 AM, EmilyW said:

The good thing, VJ members are pretty awesome and always happy to help.

 

I hope you find your way. That little girl is darned lucky to have an aunt that loves her that much.  ❤️

Oh yeah. People here are amazing. I never make any immigration decision without referring to this forum.

Thanks, I appreciate that. I took care of her since she was a baby, no father, but me, my parents and siblings took over and showed her unconditional love. I would do anything for her.  

On 4/22/2019 at 7:39 PM, Daisy.Chain said:

Even if parents give up parental rights it's unlikely you could adopt your niece and that she would qualify for immigration benefits with both parents living. (Speaking of which, is her dad alive?)

I probably should say, terminated is a better term to refer to her parental rights, due to a child abuse case.

Father is not listed on the birth certificate, they separated way before my sister gave birth.

On 4/22/2019 at 5:28 PM, mcdull said:

First of all, I am not trying to sound negative.

 

Is this a cultural thing or what? I've seen quite a few people from the Philippines asking to adopt the niece of nephew.

 

What is the reason for adoption though? I'd strongly advise against it if it is solely for immigration purposes. I don't know how old is your niece, but   just think about the amount of emotional impact it'll have on the child.

 

 

 

Probably? I feel like it's more somebody from a "poor" situation was able to migrate to the US, live a better life and would like to bring their niece/nephew to offer the same life. I have seen same questions from a latin country (I forgot which one).

My niece is a victim of child abuse by her own mother and her partner (case is ongoing). I feel she can finally have stability in her life if my husband and I adopted her, and if she lives with us here. Every decision we make, we prioritize my niece's well-being. So yeah, I'm not just taking her away simply to migrate here. 

On 4/22/2019 at 11:33 AM, Illiria said:

In the interim, until you figure out if immigration after adoption is even possible, you could help by supporting her financially. We see this a lot on here too, when international adoption (or at least the immigration part of it) isn’t possible then the US located family send money for a good school and for living costs. That way she can be provided for and have a good quality of life if you have someone who can stay with her until you are able to go live there with her.

 

Sorry for the following impertinence but Is the mother giving up rights voluntarily? Hope no one is thinking that if you adopt and immigrate your niece the niece can then bring her bio mom over - this has actually happened before and they only found out after the adoption that the bio mom can’t be petitioned. 

Yeah I've read those threads too. I would never consider adoption nor immigration if there was an ideal guardian in the Philippines. Currently, there is her grandmother (my mother)--who is amazing caregiver, but has her limitations. I'm planning for the long term, while my niece is still very young. But yeah, it's still ideal to provide for my niece even if it's long distance.

I have zero plans of petitioning my sister. We have a strong child abuse case against her and partner. A result is her parental rights nearing to be terminated.

3 minutes ago, missileman said:

I think everyone here wishes you all the best of luck.......and we are pretty good at seeing all angles of situations.........😉

Oh yeah for sure. I posted here seeking answers and that’s what I got. This is a life-changing decision for us so it deserves a thorough research. 

Thanks

8 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Are you prepared to move back to the PI for several years, to adopt her and live with her there?  That’s what it would take, and even then there is no guarantee of immigration benefits.

That’s a very good point. Definitely something huge to consider. Thanks.

8 minutes ago, Unlockable said:

Below is an example of how adoption does not guarantee immigration benefits. It is a US citizen couple attempting to get legal status for a child they adopted.

 

https://kdvr.com/2018/08/09/colorado-parents-fighting-to-stop-legally-adopted-four-year-old-daughter-from-being-deported/

 

 

Thanks!!! I appreciate this.

Thanks for all replies everybody. I welcome all advice. I appreciate everything and ya’ll are showing me some realistic expectations—which is exactly what I am looking for.

3 minutes ago, Unlockable said:

It means that just because you adopt someone, it  does not guarantee that they will be granted a visa or legal resident status. It is a measure to prevent fraud as well as child trafficking and child abuse. Look up "Hague Convention" laws which speaks deeply about this. Children of the world are heavily protected. Also, too many people try the adoption route to by-pass bringing over extended members of their family and/or friends.

 

P.S. how old is the child?

Right, I did read a strenuous process under  the Convention.

She is 6.

14 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Judging from your timeline Adoption does not seem the way to go.

Really? It’s just different from what my immigration lawyer told me. 

Would you mind explaining why?

3 minutes ago, Ontarkie said:

Living with her while in her mothers care also does not count. She would need to be in your custody not you just being in the same house.

I never caught that. Thanks.

29 minutes ago, missileman said:

This is more complex than you might think.  Adoption and immigration are separate issues..........and adoption does not necessarily give immigration benefits.

Yeah I understand the complexity (like everything) of each process. I have talked to lawyers here and in PH. I’m trying my best to research on my own too. 

That’s one thing I keep seeing in this forum though, that adoption does not automatically guarantee immigration. Would you mind expounding on that?

32 minutes ago, Lemonslice said:

Is she an orphan? How long have you lived with her?

No, but my sister’s parental rights will soon be terminated and *possibly will be turned over to me. I’ve previously lived with her for 3 years before migrating here.

*I say possibly because I’m still studying all options before I can fully commit.

Hey all, I am looking for a way to bring my niece here from the Philippines. Obviously adoption is the way to go. 

My question is, which is the better route as a LPR or US citizen? I am will be eligible to apply for citizenship later this year. Would also love to hear similar experiences. TIA!

12 hours ago, JR Three said:

We received an appointment letter for biometics as well(CA Service Center). Good to see we're all on the same path and happy the case is moving forward after a few months of silence. 

On 4/20/2019 at 1:47 PM, Heather&Kevin said:

Just got my Biometrics appointment on April 30th 2019   (Notice date April 12th 2019)

 

Same here, also California. Received the biometrics letter 10 days after it was mailed. Glad there's finally movement.

Bummer. Still no NOA. No duplicate of the NOA either. But I received an hard copy re initial email about not receiving the NOA. 

14 hours ago, Cardiofan said:

It really does seem that December is the faster processing time for all. It all came within two and a half weeks. 

 

I just can’t understand why the extension is 18 months. It’s another 1.5 years. Can’t they just look at the papers once and remove the conditions right away or invite for interview?!?!? Frustrating.

 

I know right?! It’s so confusing that we have no idea what’s happening. There isn’t a pattern so we can figure it out. I’ll breathe better once my GC is in my hands lol!