RO_AH

Which one? They have lots. But yes, no problem. Technically Magic Sarap is against the rules because it has chicken bullion in it. I brought at least 100 packets and they let me through but said that it's technically against the rules. I brought Mama Sita Tocino mix and others. I brought all of the Tang flavors I like because here they only have orange. I had 4 large suitcases of snacks and foods when we came back.

Yeah, that's total bull. It expires exactly 6 months after you first go in for the medical. This really sucks if you get flagged for sputum because it takes much longer to compete the medical, and like I said, the expiration is tied to when you start the medical not complete it.

Yes that is correct. They called my wife. We did not feel we would be able to get out in time (this was during Covid which mad everything more difficult). Our biggest concern was that she was flagged for sputum on the first medical which was a big part of the expiration being so close. Luckily the second medical she was not flagged and we got a new expiration date which gave me time to get a visa to go there and bring her and our 2 sons back.

I don't want to see this thread delve into politics, but I will say this. If your news source only ever has negative information about 1 candidate and not positive, while nothing but positive about the other candidate and nothing negative, it's not "real" news.

If you have been married 2 years that's a good thing. She will arrive with 10 year status.

What or who is TFG?

Did she already do the medical? You are awful confident about that interview. I wouldn't even concern myself on the CFO, that shouldn't be a problem. Interview on the other hand, you could always get a 221g. If you're okay with the change fee that's fine but I would probably schedule 1 month after the interview, and that's if she has already completed the medical. If she has not done the medical, I wouldn't book anything.

One thing that I forgot to mention, pasalubong. It is customary to bring gifts when you go the the Philippines, for your fiance as well as family members. It can be snacks (they love chocolates from abroad) clothing, lotion, soap, shampoo, conditioner, etc. In Philippines most things are single use. so you buy as you need. Shampoo and conditioner is in single use packets. I bring the big ones from Costco or Sam's Club with a pump. I get some lotions and cologne spray from Bath and Body Works. I pick up T-Shirts from our local swap meet.

Its more of a situation like, you are not approved because they need something. Don't get hung up on the "refused". Yes it is good news. If they ask for the passport to be sent that is so they can put in the visa. So basically you passed, they just want some documents that you did not have. If you send in the documents and they are satisfied, you should receive your passport with visa back in 2-3 weeks. LBC has tracking, you can track through their website. Don't worry about this, 221G's are common. What documentation were they asking for?

Agree with the others, you do not want to rent a car there especially your first time. I have been to the Philippines 11 times and still have not drove there. Like @top_secret said check with the hotel you are staying at if they can provide a shuttle service from the airport. I have a driver I have always used for over 13 years, but my most recent trip I arrived late in Manila so I stayed 1 night in a hotel there before heading to our house. The hotel arranged a shuttle, which was good because we had 4 people, 8 large suitcases, and our carry ons so I definitely needed a van. Then I had our normal driver pick us up in the morning the next day. Get used to trikes. Where my wife lives we take a trike everywhere. You will be spending a lot more if you take Grab everywhere.

Philippines has a very low denial rate in general but CR1 has less denials. It really depends on your goals. If your only goal is to get her to America as fast as possible, K1. But, the K1 only starts the journey. In the end the K1 costs more, it will take much longer to get a green card, so if her plan is to work here, be prepared for a long wait. You will need to file more paperwork to adjust status. With a CR1 it's one and done. Everything is done up front. You can do a online wedding but you do have to have an in person visit after the wedding in order to file.

Some advice. Dress very casual. Don't wear jewelry. When in public and walking around keep your cell phone put away. When I go I keep a separate wallet from my wallet I use at home. I keep my drivers license and whatever money I will need for the day. I keep my wallet in my front pocket. I always keep my passport where I am staying and never take it out and about. Bring USD with you. Make sure they are nice clean crisp bills because money changers are sometimes picky. You get the best exchange rates by exchanging there and no fees as opposed to sending money to yourself through a remittance service. I have never felt unsafe there but I always understand that I am in a foreign country and some people will target foreigners, so I always try to take these precautions and always stay aware. Don't be nervous about meeting her parents. Filipinos are probably the most welcoming and friendly people in the world. My 1st trip to the Philippines was a life changing experience, I fell in love with my wife, the country and the people there. I have been there 11x total and my next trip will be permanent. Last, I always recommend a CR1 over K1. I know a lot of people that went the K1 route and wished they did the CR1. I don't know of anyone that went the CR1 route that wished that they did a K1. Whatever route that you choose, make sure that you take lots of pictures and that she has her family and friends in the pictures too. This will be needed for your visa application.

Why not just bring cash? Cash has a better exchange rate and no fees. If you insist on sending to yourself Western Union should be lower in your list of choices. Sendwave or Remitly both have better rates and fees. I pretty much only use Sendwave at this point.

I just put up, our tree this weekend

So how long is the ACR-1 card good for? Does it need to be renewed? How often?