panicked

Glen and Rosemarie

Here are 3 businesses with the same Jacksonville telephone area codes.

J-LYN'S ORIENTAL STORE 6106 103 ST JACKSONVILLE FL 904 778 9777

Myre Asian Market 11900 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville FL (904)270-0303

Five Rings (USA) 201 Horseman Club Rd Palatka FL (904) 312-9788

_______________

Perhaps you two could check out one of thse resturants?

Aurea’s Philippine Cruisine 10916 Atlantic Blvd Jacksonville FL (904) 996-8662

ISLAND CAFE, INC. SUITE 650 REGENCY MALL JACKSONVILLE FL (904) 855-0018

Pampanguena Phil. Homestyle Cooking 2292 Mayport Rd Ste 8 Jacksonville FL (904) 246-0099

---------------------

At that link which I included with my previous post, I found a store near my place (less than 2 miles away) that I never even knew it existed. The address on the link was wrong, because they recently moved a few blocks away, but they still had the same phone number.

Glen and Rosemarie

Here is a link that may be able to help the two of you out some. With this link, you can find all sorts of Philippines businesses in the US and perhaps meet some other Filipinos near you? Maybe, having some Philippines dishes/food, TV or whatever may be able to help break the loneliness. Some cable TV subscribers also have a Philippines TV channel or 2, on their network or as a premium channel. Satellite TV usually also has some Philippines TV channels too. Some newspapers from PI also have Internet sites where she can catchup on the news.

http://www.filipino-americans.com/usa_stores.html

Just another thought: While you are at work. . . . is there a driving school that she can attend? I believe that Sears (at least here) and some other places will have a driving schools. The instructor would pick her up in one of those modified cars (you remember the ones with 2 steering wheels and sets of brake?). My understanding is that, that is the normal practices for those schools. (It is just a thought.)

To help keep her from getting board, how about getting her some study guides to get her a G.E.D, since some schools or business may not recognize her Philippines education? Just another though.

Please keep us informed about what happens? Perhaps your experience with this important event could help some one else out too?

Best of Luck!

Hi my sweety is at St. Lukes!

We would appreciate your prayers today as Lorna goes through the physical process.

We are concerned about her small cough that has been lingering. Doctor says its allergies and we are sure its not TB, but you never know what might happen at Physical (Right Rob?)

I can't wait for this part to be over :-)

Thanks and congrats to everone that got approved.

Also love those pics at the get together! You are all soooo beautiful!!

Mike

How did she do? I hope the cough was nothing!

With the talk a little earlier about the SSN: Is the 10 day wait for applying for a US SSN, required, upon entering the US? Or can a person apply for it immediately upon arrival to the USA?

My understanding, that for the work permit, a k-1 person must wait until after the marriage occurred. Or is that simply part of the AOS process?

Thank you

Thank You Very Much, PatientlyWaiting!

Ken_Maria, I did look but I did not see, which is why I had asked. It is a forum isn't it? About the Quote, That was an accident. I usually do not quote a whole lot. SO Ken, try being nice, OK? Now, have a nice evening.

Wow! You are all awesome guys and gals! I am truly humbled by your kind words. Kudos to you too my dear old friend Sheriff! You certainly put a lot of effort in the Phil-Am K1 Info thereby making the process easier to understand for those who are about to embark on the journey. And let’s not forget sillygirl for her step-by-step procedure of the medical and interview (complete with drawings of the set-up at St. Lukes and embassy). The US Embassy may now have a security problem at their hands because all of us here in Manila thread knows the lay-out of the embassy

And to all who became part of our own version of the “Schindler’s List”, thank you for coming here and for contributing to our learning process.

Thank you again from the bottom of my heart

And I'd like to thank my director, my producers, my co-actors and actresses, staff and crew (huh, this is not the Oscars?) hehehe

The NBI clearance is good for one year. I have heard some here say that at the interview, it should be six months old or less. Lilia's will be 8 months old by the time her new interview comes round. A new NBI was ordered and will be delivered "two days" before her new interview (in other words, it is likely to be late). Any experience on this issue? Maybe another trip to Manila for a rush delivery is necessary? Thanks. Rob

Rob, click below to check if the city where Lilia lives has NBI Regional or District Office with a computer installed. If installed with computers, the office will release “no hit” clearances on the same day.

http://www.nbi.gov.ph/compclear.htm

Hi everyone! I am preparing the stuff Philip needs for his interview on the 8th February. I have my affadavit of support form(notarized) , I have a statement from my 401k. I have printed out 1 years worth of bank statements(savings/checking), I have a letter of reference from my employer, I have printed out statements from phone bill showing all my long distance calls to Philippines, since july 2006 till now, I have copy of K-1 petition and all NOA's , I am trying to find recent cards he sent me , and I am waiting for that *$)#^(@! letter from my bank! I am gonna organize all this stuff in logical manner (that should take me all day LOL!) anyway am I missing anything? any advice/guidance? He is gonna bring all his stuff, like my letters, pictures etc, fonecards. Please let me know thanks! GOd Bless all of you!

Your last 3 pay stubs is call I can think of and divorce decree if you have been married before. Looks like you're good to go except for that !@#$% bank letter

PW, I have a feeling that our interview will be around the same time. I hope you don't mind if I add you to my friend list

My honey received his pre-interview letter yesterday and he's really excited !! Each passing day is a step closer for us to be together.. the best of luck to all February batch and to all my fellow vj'ers as well.

Hi Kayz! Op kors naman, please add me to your friend list. Yup, it's possible me and your honey will have same interview date. I will have my medical early, maybe sometime in February.

Luz & Gary, taking the medical early paid off for you. Imagine if Luz had her medical at a later time, can you imagine the panic you two would be feeling with all these problems that Luz had to contend with. I'm going to speak to my son and tell him if he is not sure about the doctor's question, to refer the question to me.

Hi guys

Tita was at the bank and the teller validated the DS157 page 1 instead of the DS156. Is that a problem?

Sheriff Uling, I believe you mentioned a while back that you will write about this error of the US Embassy in the Phil-Am K1 Info (DS 157 and not DS 156 is the form that is stamped by BPI). Bad, bad US Embassy!

Would they keep you out is you have Hepatitis A or B?

Hepatitis B is a communicable disease and there’s a section in the INA which provides that aliens with communicable disease are ineligible to receive visas. However, waivers may be applied though this will take time and may require treatment first.

INA: ACT 212 - GENERAL CLASSES OF ALIENS INELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE VISAS AND INELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION; WAIVERS OF INADMISSIBILLITY

Sec. 212. [8 U.S.C. 1182]

(a) Classes of Aliens Ineligible for Visas or Admission.-Except as otherwise provided in this Act, aliens who are inadmissible under the following paragraphs are ineligible to receive visas and ineligible to be admitted to the United States:

(1) Health-related grounds.-

(A) In general.-Any alien-

(i) who is determined (in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services) to have a communicable disease of public health significance, which shall include infection with the etiologic agent for acquired immune deficiency syndrome,

(ii) 1/ except as provided in subparagraph © 1a/ who seeks admission as an immigrant, or who seeks adjustment of status to the status of an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence, and who has failed to present documentation of having received vaccination against vaccine-preventable diseases, which shall include at least the following diseases: mumps, measles, rubella, polio, tetanus and diphtheria toxoids, pertussis, influenza type B and hepatitis B, and any other vaccinations against vaccine-preventable diseases recommended by the Advisory Comm ittee for Immunization Practices,

x x x

Do you know if Tuberculoses is a no-no for travel to the USA (after it has been treated)????????//

Thank you

Hi guys

Tita was at the bank and the teller validated the DS157 page 1 instead of the DS156

Is that a problem?

Please help

Thanks

Actually, the DS form 157 is the proper form to be stamped with the interview fee stamp. So, all is just fine.

The document from the Embassy that said that the DS-156 is the form that gets stamped, is out of date and wrong

.

Hi,

There is no need to call or fax embassy about extentions of the noa2. They automaticly extend it past the 4 months. The manila embassy is the busiest in the world and this is routinely done, they realize it usually takes longer than 4 months and so automaticly extend it.

Jazzy

Can you give us the source of your information?

Hi,

Well, for now my husband is on his DART night...We can give the information soon as he arrive. We'd been through a lot of this process and I know he knows, what he is talking about. He research everything...all information before he posted in every forum.

Jasmin

Well no offense, but he is mistaken. We are talking about a K-1 petition here, not CR-1/IR-1. Here is the excerpt from the FAM regarding this issue:

41.81 N6.2 Validity of a K-1 Petition (TL:VISA-581; 09-03-2003)

An approved K-1 visa petition is valid for a period of four months from the date of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) action and may be revalidated by the consular officer any number of times for additional periods of four months from the date of revalidation, provided the officer concludes that the petitioner and the beneficiary remain legally free to marry and continue to intend to marry each other within 90 days after the beneficiary's admission into the United States. However, the longer the period of time since the filing of the petition, the more the consular officer must be concerned about the intentions of the couple, particularly the intentions of the petitioner in the United States. If the officer is not convinced that the U.S. citizen petitioner continues to intend to marry the beneficiary, the petition should be returned to the approving office of DHS with an explanatory memorandum. [see 9 FAM 41.81 PN7 for revalidation procedure.)

The part I bolded is of concern for our case since we are looking at an interview almost a year from when we filed the petition.

It's just not good advice to tell someone to not send a simple letter or pick up the phone.

What kind of visa is a CR-1/IR-1?

Thanks

You could join us too at The world of Filipinas Forum exclusively for Fil-Am relationship.

Good luck!

Thank You destiny

Could you pass me a link? Thank You

Thank you all for your kind words.

Christina did go to the medical exam about 8 days early. (Not early enough)

Basically. she felt fine up until she went to the medical exam but felt poorly that day and did think about coming back to the exam later, but was worried about the timing of her monthly "thingy," so she decided to stay.

At the exam, Christina was told that she had to take some extra medical tests, and would get the results back either on Friday, Nov. 17th or Monday, Nov.20. She had her interview scheduled for the 20th. Everything else was completed, for the exam and she never contemplated having TB and thought all would be OK. She even said to me that it was all done, and she was OK. Then, Nov. 17 came around and no test results. First thing on Monday, she went back to St. Luke's and was told that she did have Tuberculosis. She was shock, stunned and very ashamed, but told me that she had failed, yet would not say why. I called St. Luke's and was told that it was TB. (Her place was flooded by 2 typhoons this year, I suspect that she may have became sickly by one of them. She never wanted to give me any problems. geeessshhh) St. Luke's said that she was not allowed to go to the interview and that she needed to take medication.

The treatment is for her to take medication every day, for the next 3 months. Then, after 3 months, new x-rays and medical tests are taken, to determine if things are better, no change, worse or healed. St. Luke's told me that they are proud of their 80% success rate. To me, that 20% not enough! After she gets better, St. Luke's will send her information to the Embassy.

In the mean time, the embassy said that I must send them information in order to keep the visa from being terminated. So I faxed them about my intent to keep the petition active and that I wanted her here. They confirmed that they received the information that they wanted. (I called them, they did not call us.)

Now, if she gets the green light from St. Luke's at the end of February, how do we get her a new interview date?

So far, the embassy would just read a paper to me saying that they must get the green light from St. Luke's before they can schedule her a new interview. I ask them to tell me what we need to do then, but they refused any possible answer to any of my questions, except that the petition would be kept active. So, I do not know if it will take another 3 months, 6 months or what to get the new interview date, after the OK from St. Lukes.

Then, I am just trying to figure out is she will need a new I-134, bank statement, cenomar and NSo birthcertificte????

Thanks

I think they use the information to black male the sponsors, should they ever seek political office or win the lottery.

Documents from Petitioner

1. Employment Letter

2. FORM I-134- Affidavit of Support (can be download from USCIS Site)

3. ITR latest

4. Bank Statement

5. Divorce or death certificate of any previous spouse for both the applicant and the petitioner

Do you reccomend for the bank letter to be notarized?

Thanks

I got that information from Fox News, in Kansas City. I have not read the newspapers and I do not know how long ago the executive order was issued. You can still try to make that call, but I would not make any plans on getting them to answer the phones. Our Tuesday will be their Wednesday, so perhaps then???

I mainly just wanted to warn people about the Federal offices closures in the US, but I do not know if it will actually affect the Embassy, but I think it would. I had planned on calling them too, but I will just put it off for another day or so. The federal workers 3 day weekend just became a 4 day weekend.

Thankyou star for the link.

DUE TO THE DEATH OF

(FORMER) PRESIDENT

JEROLD FORD,

THE CURRENT PRESIDENT, BUSH,

ORDERED THAT

ALL

FEDERAL OFFICES TO BE CLOSED

THIS COMING TUESDAY.

(EVEN THE POST OFFICE)

YOU SHOULD ADVISE PERSONS GOING TO THE EMBASSY THAT THEY MAY BE CLOSED. IF THEY ARE, MAKE SURE THAT THEY GO ON WEDNESDAY, THE NEXT DAY. (SINCE MONDAY IS THE NEW YEARS HOLIDAY). THE STOCK MARKET WILL ALSO BE CLOSED FOR THE STATE FUNERAL.

My fiancé failed her medical exam, due to having TB.

She did not know about the TB, but was fortunately diagnosed before things became too undesirable. She is now being treated at St. Luke's with medication and stuff. At the end of Feb., she will take more tests to determine if she is medically qualified for her visa and could very well get the green light. Those tests are to see if she is better, worse, cured or whatever.

How does she get a new interview date and does she qualify for either a "walk-in" interview or an expedited interview date? Or are we pretty much on hold for an additional 6 months for the Embassy in Manila to schedule her a new interview date?

If she has to wait, then will she need to go through the medical exam process all over again?

I did contact the Embassy to provide proof that I want to keep the petition active. But the Embassy would not say anything about how to get her a new interview date. They just kept saying that they must wait for St. Lukes to medicially qualify her. The Embassy wouldn't even answer a hypothetical question, like "OK, she/you found out she just passed and had the documents in hand for the proof, now what happens? All I can figure is that the Embassy must take great pride in not providing any answers.

Thank You

I am sorry, but I just saw this thread. After reading some of the posts, comments, thoughts and beliefs (some of which were pretty funny, others deep). None theless, I have to say something that I heard a long time ago.. .

It is better to play in a group, than with yourself. (But, that can depend upon the group too )

ITS A GIRL!!!!!!!!

Our baby was born today in dumaguete we named her cheyanne ariel she was born between 1am & 2 am phil time.

Only surprise is the Dr. that did the ultra sounds kept saying boy so we bought all boy clothes and i was just about to paint the nursery blue.

I am so happy everything is ok now i can relax a little, i've been so nervous unable to be there during the delivery.

Now just waiting for our interview and bring my girls home.

Congratulations!

I am still trying to figure out why the doctors there have trouble figuring out the whole boy or girl thing. Hope they got her birth certificate filled out properly

How is Mama doing?

Again, congrats!

that s a good news rob bout her health...though she will have a new appointment, ull just to wait more and be patient uve been so patient

im looking for hotels now near the embassy, my fiance booked my flights already. he is looking for a place for me too where i could stay near DFA and St. Luke...ill have my passport renewed then medical exam will follow...

Is CFO office just around the area?ill attend the seminar first before the renewal.

any suggestions for places to stay?

thanks

My fiancee's cousin stayed at this place and my fiance will probably stay there for her CFO and medical exam. It is walking distance to St. Luke's.

Cherry Blossoms Hotel

(ATM nearby, Robinson’s Mall nearby)

550 J. Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila

Tel. (632) 524-7631 or 524-7636

E-mail: blossoms@i-manila.com

Manager: RODNEY C. ROBOSA

Premium: P1250

Superior: P1673

Deluxe: P1855

2 level Suite: P1915

Suite: P3025

Breakfast included

I have compiled a list of hotels in the area if anyone wants to see it.

I have heard good and bad things both. Does anyone here have any personal experience with this hotel? What would you rather give it a or a or would you rather hit yourself in the head before going there again?

Thanks

ROB:

Were you able to contact the embassy to find out any additional information about Lila? I hope she does not Have that TB junk. I will PM you again when I have more information from the Embassy. My work has been beating me to death, not a day off during the Christmas holiday and I have been playing catch-up on my my first break in a long time.

Still, I hope that if Lila does go to the interview, as scheduled, that they would at least talk to her for a few minutes and will get some questions answered. I will keep my arms, legs and anything eelse that I can think of, crossed

I'd swear, It is easier to pull my own teeth out with a pair of pliers, than it is to get a genuine answer from the USE.

EVIDENCE OF A GENUINE ENGAGEMENT. Letters, e-mails, phone records, bank records,

Photographs, or other evidence of a genuine fiancé(e) relationship should be submitted

We are going nuts with all the proof we have, we wish too trim down how much she needs to bring. 100 of pages of proof is too much?

You can never have too much proof. Think of it this way: It is better to be safe than sorry!

My fiancé failed her medical exam last month, because she was determined to have TB.

When she is cured, healed or whatever and passes the medical exam, what happens next?

I mean, how does she get a new interview date and would she qualify for a "walk-in interview" such as someone that was/is on an Administrative Review, just because the were missing a document or something?

The reason for me asking is that I am wondering if the Embassy may consider her medical exam "mute" as it would be too old if she had to wait another 4 months for an interview date?

Any suggestions or thoughts out there?

Thank you

Thanks everyone for the encouragement. It has been a rough week. I have a brother-in-law diagnosed with advanced cancer this week so everything is a little harder for me right now.

sorry to hear that birdy,

Hope things wil turnout OK. My mom had cancer, but after a fight, she is cured, still alive and that was 10 years ago.

And thanks to sillygirl for this info: http://www.raymonddouglas.com/visa/medical.pdf

It is a very comprehensive account of her medical exam experience.

WOW, that is a great link!

everyone going to their medical should print this out!!!!

Thanks sillygirl and kismet

CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who just got approved and those who have their interview schedules released!!! By the way, I just like to know if I could get my medical exam earlier than my provided schedule ?(like a month earlier... maybe?) If yes, how should I do it, should I call Saint Luke's? And what are the documents that I should bring with me? Hope someone can shed some light on this matter. Thanks in advance!!! MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Yes, you can go early to the medical exam. In fact, I and some others recommend it!

If you have to have some 'extra' medical tests, you may need the additional time that is gained by going early, to get the tests results back before the interview date. If st. lukes states that you need some tests because you may have a problem, it could be 14 days before you get the results in (that part varies). If they do not have the results of the tests back before the interview, then you can not go to the interview and must reschedule it for what could be a couple of months from then.

Usually the embassy schedules the exam 1 week before the interview. So go early!.

Also, you can not be on your period during the exam. If you are, you will need to go back later, to complete the exam after your period. If the interview happens before your medical exam is done, because of the PMS thing, then you can not go to the interview. If you go early, you can go before your period starts and not risk missing the interview.

Don't go to early, because things could change or the embassy may say it is to old.

My GF had to have some unusual medical tests. If she did not go early, the tests results would not have been known before the interview. Therefore no interview. Unfortunately, her 'extra' tests came back as positive for tuberculoses, so she does have to complete a treatment regime (plan). Had the results came back no for TB, then she still would have missed her interview, had she not went early.

Ok i have a few question i actually filed for my K1 and this is the problem my fiancee' last name is from his mom cause the was never married his biological dad. so his using his mom's last name and the middle name on his BC states only initial (one letter, no description) Example: Name:Jose Middle Name: D. Last Name: Medina . So when i applied for K1 i included his middle name cause it's states on his BC. Now, when he went and get his passport, the lady that works at the passport place stated to him that they cannot include the middle name because that's his mom's middle not his..We are so confused . But it was stated on his BC...So now we have no idea what to do???

So now...

Are we gonna have a problem in the interview? Coz right now his passport doesn't stated anything except his first and last name.then they put - (dashes and leave it black so it's visible. We never thought this is gonna be a big deal but i guess it is...

My fiancee' did spoke to the people in City Hall & NSO but they said it's gonna take at 6 months to correct it and we have to pay 1000 ($20) pesos each letter. this is ridiculous i mean, what else can i do? need help here?...

Maylet29 [/size]

m not sure abt n philippines, but here n states it is very acceptable to hav only an initial for a 1st or middle name. so for example, if the BC had Jose D Medina, then his middle name would officially be the letter D. if his bc there is like that then i would think the USE would accept that as his middle name. if that is the case, i think it might b easier for him to get a new passport showing the middle initial as his middle name, so that it matches the BC. u said that u put his middle name on the i129-f, did u mean u put a name or the initial? this might b the biggest problem. if you could get everything to match the BC i think that would b ur best bet. good luck!

Thi is rather interesting. Please let us know what happens about this. Thank you