pinaypilot

This is a long shot but I thought this is the forum where I would most likely get an answer to.

I am getting ready to become a full time flight student spring next year. I was hoping somebody here was in the same situation as I was before and could share best practices. I filed my ROC on March 2018. Received an RFE May 2019 to which I responded and USCIS received my response on June 2019. My 18 month extension letter is expiring on December 2019. My case was moved from California to Nebraska and Nebraska's current estimated time range is 14.5 to 25 months.

My questions are:

1. Can I just walk into one of the USCIS offices and ask for an extension stamp on my passport that I can show on my AFSP application?

2. Is #1 not advisable and I'm supposed to call the USCIS first to get a schedule?

3. Is there a slight chance that anyone here was or are in the same boat or know someone who went through the same thing?

P.S. In case you're wondering if I applied for naturalization yet, I did not. My husband passed away so I have to wait the standard 5 years now.

I renewed mine in NewYork (I live in Florida) but I assume it’s done the same way.

You have to be there in person to apply for passport renewal and the envelope is for them to send you the passport when it’s ready instead of you traveling back to the consulate to pick it up.

Here you go. http://www.immigration.gov.ph/faqs/emigration-clearance-certificate-ecc

If I may ask why did you need the ECC? I used to help "expats" when I was in the Philippines getting an ECC only because they are on a temporary visitor visa or 9G or 4(7)a2.

Can someone recommend a bank or even a credit union (here in Florida) that charges the least for international wire transfer to a dollar savings account in the Philippines (so I'm sending $ to $ not the usual $ to Php)? Or nothing would beat Remitly's rates?

I tried Remitly last night and it shows that the fees are $6.99. Usually it's free for 1st time users up to $999 but it looks like they are charging me because the $ is not going to be converted into Peso, not sure about this theory so I'd appreciate if somebody could confirm. Not sure if there's a competitor who offers better rates as well, I've seen Xoom but it looks like they charge more.

Side Note: I finally found a job that pays enough for me to afford sending money regularly to my family and still help my husband pays bills here. Yay!

Thank you. I will look into Remitly. My mother has her own bank account but I thought it would be cheaper if I open a PNB account here and give her a full power of attorney in the Philippines so she can withdraw money during emergencies or whenever she needs it. We could avoid the fees. That's just what I thought, but it looks like there are other cheaper ways to do it.

I don't know about PNB personally, we have BDO but I do know I stopped using XOOM years ago and now use REMITLY as the exchange rate is better and there is NO fee for 3-day transfers. I deposit directly into our bank account.

I just asked my asawa, she said PNB is a very old bank, she called it a government bank, she said the government uses PNB . I would say it is a safe bank to use.

The Philippine National Bank is one of the largest banks in the Philippines. It was established by the Philippine government on July 22, 1916, during the American Occupation.

Headquarters: Pasay

Owner: LT Group

VP: Constantino T. Yap (Head, Information Technology Group)

Founder: Government of the Philippines

Founded: 1916, Manila

CEO: Reynaldo A. Maclang (May 28, 2014–)

CFO: Nelson C. Reyes (Head, Financial Management, Controllership Group)

Happy Holidays everyone!

So I just found out that we have a PNB 8 minutes away from where I live. So I was so excited about opening an account with them and giving my mother in the Philippines access to the account so she can withdraw whenever she needs money. I literally have no idea about sending money aside from xoom since my mother doesn't really ask for anything, but I thought it would be nice to send her a little something every month or whenever I get my bonus checks.

Now my questions are:

1. Has anybody tried this set up and does PNB they even allow it? (I would appreciate any advice about this matter)

2. Are the exchange rates at least at par with what the remittance centers are offering or is it lower because they are a bank?

I'm planning to send some items to a very close friend of mine, her husband just died last month and since I wasn't there to comfort her and her son I thought I'd make their Christmas a little better. So I'm planning to few toys, chocolates, and makeup. Items that you would usually send using a balikbayan box, it's just that my budget for shipping is only between $10-$20.

Is there a small balikbayan box that is slightly bigger than a shoe box that I can use?

Thank you so much. This is very helpful. He's not a government employee so I'll read more about the re-entry permit and SB-1. I'll call USCIS too once we get more details about his assignment dates.

As belinda already noted, military or government assignment are exceptions to the rule. More details in the link at the bottom of this posting.

What if my trip abroad will last longer than 1 year?

If you plan on being absent from the United States for longer than a year, it is advisable to first apply for a reentry permit on Form I-131. Obtaining a reentry permit prior to leaving the United States allows a permanent or conditional permanent resident to apply for admission into the United States during the permit’s validity without the need to obtain a returning resident visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate abroad. Please note that it does not guarantee entry into the United States upon your return as you must first be determined to be admissible; however, it will assist you in establishing your intention to permanently reside in the United States. For more information, see the “Travel Documents” page.

If you remain outside of the United States for more than 2 years, any reentry permit granted before your departure from the United States will have expired. In this case, it is advisable to consider applying for a returning resident visa (SB-1) at the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. An SB-1 applicant will be required to establish eligibility for an immigrant visa and will need a medical exam. There is an exception to this process for the spouse or child of either a member of the U.S. Armed Forces or civilian employee of the U.S. Government stationed abroad on official orders. For more information on obtaining a returning resident visa, see the Department of State’s webpage on returning resident visas.

Additionally, absences from the United States of six months or more may disrupt the continuous residency required for naturalization. If your absence is one year or longer and you wish to preserve your continuous residency in the United States for naturalization purposes, you may file an Application to Preserve Residence for Naturalization Purposes on Form N-470. For more information, please see the “Continuous Residence and Physical Presence Requirements” page.

https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/after-green-card-granted/international-travel-permanent-resident

I received my 2yr greencard this year and my husband might be assigned to the Philippines late this year or 1st quarter of next year. Will I have problems processing the removal of conditions in the Philippines? We are keeping our house here in USA and we have all intent to go back. I know the intention of CR1 is to keep families together and me staying here in USA while my husband is in the Philippines, just to maintain my greencard will defeat that purpose.

Did anyone go through with this before? Any thoughts or advice? Enlighten me please.

She is the only person who can answer that question. A bachelor's degree does not guarantee a stable job or even getting a job at all. In the long run, you'll succeed not because of what you learn in school but your attitude towards work.

I think she was just like me when I started looking for a job here, I did job hunting "Philippine-style" sending 1 resume just for a job that I really want or waited for recruiters to find me in Glassdoor or Monster. And then it took months before recruiters were reaching out to me, and it's not even because I submitted my resume to their company, but because they found it through Linkedin. I eventually accepted a part time job close to what I was doing before but for a smaller company, no chance of career growth, but it's really close to home and I enjoy working with my office mates, what I like with my first job was that my officemates never made me feel alienated at all. It's a big thing for me. She doesn't have to take a part time gig, she could also start working from home, or maybe volunteer for events or do internship.

Moral of the story: Her 1st job will be more of stepping stone, and not the end game. She needs to weigh the pros and cons when accepting a job offer, what can she live with and live without, what is she willing to do and what will that contribute to her career in the future. Your 1st job is the best time to network, find friends, and know what's in the grapevine of the industry that she wants to penetrate. I know of some people who used to be executives or school principal in their home country but had to start from scratch when they came here. It's not going to be easy, but there's no elevator success.

Ok, thanks, is there a way I can check status of it now online.. I know she checks it. I think it's to late to call them today to pull it. I hope tomorrow isn't too late to call. It's gonna get real ugly after I do that. I wish there was another way, I put so much time, effort, emotions and money into this. I still love her, but do feel used and unappreciated. I think sometimes maybe I should of done this or said that. I guess that's normal.

Can't you check the browser history of the laptop she's using to check it online?

You've heard everybody's advice using their gut feeling and based on what you've described, now let's use something scientific.

In economy, there's what we call law of diminishing marginal utility. In layman's term, your satisfaction using a certain product will decline as you continue using it. Example, if you bought an ice cream and it didn't taste good at first, it's taste won't improve while you're consuming it, it would be the exact same flavor and even worst, so might as well throw it.

Translated into your relationship, if she did not appreciate you during the first few months of your marriage and accused you of abuse, all the more that she won't appreciate you in the long run. Marriage is for better and for poorer, not just the fun times, traveling, or getting a GC. In addition to that, marrying for the purposes of getting a green card is considered FRAUD.

No matter what anybody say here, it's still your decision to make. I wish you luck and a less stressful life.

Or just immature, childish behavior.

I wouldn't disagree with you. Haha

what is tampo?? I have never heard this word and it makes the context unable to be understood

Tampo is a filipino word. It doesn't have a direct English translation, it's normally silent treat and cold shoulder. We're not mad, not jealous, just "tampo".

Hi,

I am planning to go to the Philippines , just wanted to know if I can use my US Drivers license to drive around the country? Thanks for all the answers. Mabuhay hehe

The answer to your question is yes. And although I would agree with the guys not to drive in Manila unless you're going on a road trip (e.g. Manila to Subic, Manila to Baguio, or Manila to Batangas), I would give you some tips if you still decide to DIY. :-)

We have number coding in Metro Manila which means you cannot use your vehicle on the following days depending on the ending number on it's plate.

Mon - 1&2

Tues - 3&4

Wed - 5&6

Thurs - 7&8

Fri - 9&0

In Makati (Downtown) we have what we call yellow boys, they would be waiting under a tree or any shady place with an eagle eye to catch the slightest violation they would see and either give you a ticket or ask for money. So if you're driving avoid Makati under any circumstance.

Other than that, practice defensive driving all the time. The jeepneys & UV vans will cut into your lane every chance they get. Private vehicles would change from one lane to another like it's a game. And most driver's don't use turn signals especially the buses. Avoid EDSA too if you can especially during rush hour or do not travel during rush hour at all. Enjoy the happy hour in your hotel's lounge. Waze "was" helpful when I was driving in Manila, I'm not sure if it still is.

Good luck! And I hope you enjoy your vacation.

I got the EAD/AP already. Husband's backing me up, but with the our twins back home, we just simply need to step up. I'm afraid in the sense that if this goes on (me being jobless), our savings would run out. I had 2 interviews already but back home, I used to work online, managing blogs and stuff. They don't count it as "real experience" as per Mrs. Cohen. Its really difficult.

Nothing is easy, everything requires effort. Especially here, you're going head to head with someone who might be the schoolmate of the recruiter or somebody they've worked with before vs you who just flew from the other side of the world the recruiter might not even heard about. It's the sad reality. When I started, my interview would always include me lecturing the interviewer of the difference between a Permanent Resident & USC. This happens in the small business interviews.

So control all the things you can control. Update your resume every time you send an application. Make sure the person who would look at it would see the "keywords" that they're looking for. Also, they love persistence, so follow-up maybe every other day. There are a lot of people looking for Virtual Assistants. Try creating an account in Virtual Vocations or even Indeed. Create a LinkedIn account if you don't have one yet, most recruiters use that for networking. If this will be your first job here, search for a reputable agency in your area. Check their reviews in Glassdoor and Google before signing a contract with them. Most of them can get you a full time job with a company for 3 months and then you either get absorbed by the company (get insurance, time off, buy shares, etc.) or move to another. Check Apple & American Express career site, when I started sending out applications here I know I always found an opening for virtual agent on their website, I sent probably 10 applications to each but did not get accepted. LOL Kaya mo yan girl! :-)

Also, I am following a Facebook group called Limitless Careerist, I think you should try joining the group. They have free seminars for updating your resume and also a lot of stories from people who've been jobless for more than 6 months and found their dream jobs after. :-) I hope you find something soon. Good luck. :-)

Getting a hit is not unusual. If in the past you have had no problems I'm sure now will be the same. Take a deep breath. This process is long and you will have other occasions that can slow you down.

This is the reason I put together my step by step guide so you will avoid any pitfalls. It's free to use , and the link is below at the red twisting arrow.

You got a sleek website right there @Greenbaum! I'm starting my own e-commerce site soon, featuring products made in the Philippines. Can I message you for tips in creating a website and some resources, please? :-)

I'd say this is exactly how I felt when I started my first job here. I've been on your shoes, though I did not own the company, I worked for an international firm reporting directly to GM and VP in my past two jobs. I've had a driver, assistant, and department heads at my disposal. It is so easy to miss this kind of life while you're living in a country where you need to get your hands dirty before earning couple of bucks. Every time I have these kind thoughts, I keep going back to the main reason why I moved here which is to be with my husband who's job is based here. So I guess, just think about the main reason why you moved here in the very first place when thoughts of easy life "back home" starts to visit you.

Also don't compare life situations because you will always miss your family, friends, parties thrown at the most exclusive clubs. Think about the things that you should be thankful for. In short, always count your blessings.

Worst case scenario, try to weigh in your happiness vs challenges while staying here in the USA. Make a list of all the things that makes you miss home and try to find a solution to that problem. Maybe find a hobby or new sets of friends. If this doesn't work, maybe start a conversation with your husband about moving back home, since you've at least tried living in his home country and it doesn't work for you.

Hi All,

I believe some of you have experienced the same situations that I am facing here now. I need to figure out how to get out of my feelings and situations.

In my home country, Indonesia, I was running my own company in Recruitment Consultant. My life pretty excellent there, with upper class living situation. I tried to take my husband moved to my country but his job as a Nurse Practitioner is not promising and pay so less there. I can not kill his career and I dont want to have him feel bad about himself, so I decided to move to US with him, considering that it may gonna be easier for me to build my career in US instead of him in Indonesia. Then I sell my Company along with some of my assets and move to US.

So I've been here in the US since Feb '16, green card and driving license already in hand since June '16. Life seems pretty good at the beginning. I keep applying jobs even though still there is no interview or anything good yet. Its been quite sometimes now and I start feeling so low, less confident, and the worst is I start comparing my life in Indonesia and here in the US. I compare everything from living situations, car, job, friends, family. I start missing and love the life I had in Indonesia more than the life I am having in US.

I know my husband been doing the best he can to make the transition as smooth as possible, I dont want to hurt him by saying this but I really dont like the life in the US anymore. I just wanna fly back to Indonesia and back to my old life. I dont feel happy anymore here, everyday is another unhappy life.

Is this some common feeling or situations that most of new immigrants have? if anyone have experiencing similar feeling please let me know how to get through this feeling and feel happy again or help me to decide if maybe moving back to my country is gonna be best decision.

Hello everyone!

I have a quick question, what airline do you recommend flying from Manila to Jacksonville, FL? That is safe & less hassle and if possible less expensive.

Thank you for your help.

I used Delta. I went from MNL - NRT (Japan) - ATL - Jax. :-) My husband used some of his points for my ticket so he paid just a little over $100 for economy comfort seats on all legs of my flight. :-)

Giving positive advice in here really makes my day. I'm hoping to help more people in their journey specially my kababayans from the Philippines. I'm hoping to become an immigration lawyer in the future too.

I've been here a year and worked one project on contract after I received my EAD. Currently managing a blog and working from home mostly.

My advice would be to find friends, know your neighbors, if your husband is around or friends, ask them to drive you around or just walk/jog so you know the companies nearby. Check online to know whether they're hiring or not. Create a glassdoor or monster account to look for jobs. Don't be picky, companies here doesn't exactly see our work experience in the Philippines as "real experience". Even if you don't like a job at the grocery/fastfood, the people you will meet there will be great for reference that you can use in the future whenever applying for your dream job.

Lastly, find a hobby. Find something that you enjoy doing while you do not have a job yet. GOOD LUCK!

No, credit card companies can't take your things, nobody goes to jail because of credit card debt nor gets records on NBI. It's just going to be hard for you to apply for a credit card in the Philippines again.

I think my girlfriend might have said something about that island. It is close by to Tacloban?

Depending on which part of Tacloban you're coming from. My grandfather's house is in Inopacan so it's just 10mins boat ride from there.

I just wanted to share my experience today at the consulate general in New York. Just a quick background, they scheduled a consular outreach in Jacksonville, FL (where I live) and unfortunately I didn't make it to the cut. They said they received overwhelming amount of applications and that they can only do so much in 2 days.

My husband decided to bring me to New York since this is where he spent his childhood years, so I decided to renew my passport while we're here. It only took 53 minutes for the whole process to be finished, considering that there are plenty of people in the consulate.

I've listed my advice below for those who are planning to renew their Philippine Passport. Note that this is for regular renewal only, no change in name, etc.

1. Go their website and read everything about your case (regular renewal, name change, lost/stolen, etc.).

2. DO NOT call. I tried calling them before and sending them an email, I didn't get any response but everything you need is really on their website. Kailangan mo lang talagang intindihin.

3. Download forms and fill it out ahead of time. (Wag susugod sa gyera ng walang bala HAHA)

4. Bring photocopies and other requirements needed. Not bringing photocopies and expecting them to do point you to the direction of the copying machine WILL JUST CAUSE DELAY.

5. Bring exact amount. For regular passport renewal, it's $60.

6. If you cannot claim your passport in person, bring a self-addressed stamped envelope with enough postage for up to 0.5lbs. (I bought the flat rate envelope from USPS $6, not sure about it's size but the material used is like a cardboard) You need to give this envelope to the cashier when paying.

7. The wait time for encoding is usually longer than the wait time during the acceptance of your application and payment, kasi po A) They will type your info B) Let you confirm it whether it's correct or not C) Ask for your digital signature D) Take your picture (minsan ayaw tanggapin ng system so they need to take another shot), and then finally E) Take your left & right finger prints. So be patient, don't approach the encoding window just because you feel like it's taking too long. They know exactly what their doing.

8. Don't forget to say THANK YOU. Yung iba umaalis nalang sa window, wala man lang pa-thank you or sasabihin lang okay. Their also human, they feel appreciated with simple acts like this.

The stamp on my receipt says that I'll get my passport on November 8, so I'll give you guys an update whether they made it to the promised date, exceeded expectations, or got delayed.

rent a boat and go to Digyo (pronounced as didjo) Island