Francel

June 5, 2007

Congratulations, Randy!

That's what I've been waiting for. Sorry for the late reply, Randy. I've been absent for almost a month.

I'm so happy for you.

Thanks for being nice.

Be blessed!

have a good life together!

Francel;

May 8, 2007

Thanks Imaskin,,,,,,,,,, :star:

Francel

Congratulations Francel on your Mom's visa success

May 7, 2007

Thanks Cora,

Oo nga e. She's very happy....She glances at her visa almost everyday :star:

Thanks for all your help Cora......You're the best!

Francel

You know, I just don't understand why these old guys don't just move to the Philippines - they would have more young "companionship" than they ever dreamed was possible (except for Hugh Hefner) in Angeles City or Subic Bay

This comment is very condescending of Filipina women and is offensive.

My parents' interview was last April 16, 2007 (Monday). APPROVED with flying colors!

Congrats Francel! Natapos din ang nerbiyos ni Mommy ano?

My home has never been so clean, Nor my heart so happy. Sweet Judy is in the bed with the flu, she refuses to go to the doctor. If she is not better within the next day or two...well, I am bigger than her.

Aha, threatening her already!

Oh and Gents, be aware of the cultural differences that you will face...I caught Judy a fresh fish which she promptly cooked...Then I watched in near horror as the beautiful, delicate flower of a woman that I love deeply...ate its head.

YUMMY!!! It would have been priceless to see the look on your face when she ate the head

Have you tried barbequed chicken feet (fondly called Adidas), and barbequed chicken intestines (called IUD). Exotic food with American-sounding names. Careful what you order in the restaurants here next time.

I've always wondered why the fishes and prawns in the US were headless. Can someone please explain?

May 7, 2007

I just recently arrived here in US with my parents. :dance: I accompanied them for the immigrant visa interview at Manila embassy last April 16. :star:

I wanna thank the VJ family for being instrumental to our success. :innocent: May the Lord bless you all.

I'll be forever grateful to this VJ forum. (L)

I wish you all the best. :star:

With love and prayers, (F)

Francel

April 18, 2007

Congrats Cora! I'm so happy for you! YOU DESERVE IT! At last!

My parents' interview was last April 16, 2007 (Monday). APPROVED with flying colors!

I was with them the whole time! I got a Caucasian consul who was extremely nice and considerate.

We got the 2 visas (parents) the following day (April 17)! Its in our hands!

YEHEY! WOOT! WOOT! Praise the Lord! We fasted for this!

The immigrant visa was colorful and beautiful (it was pasted to the passport======it looked much much better than the B1 B2 multiple entry US visa.

The immigrant visa was not a mere I-551 card. it was an extremely beautiful visa!

If PW is not approved today , I might be forced to fly to the Phil and run naked around the USE in protest. I can see the news headlines reading, "Black man runs naked around the USE in protest of injustice!"

:crying: WAAAHHHHH!!! HUHUHU!!! :cry: Sheriff, you’d better get a seat on the next plane to Manila because you’re gonna run naked in front of the USE.

Just giving you a scare guys. Consul said “everything looks fine” so I guess I’m APPROVED! WOOHOOO! Thank you all for your prayers and support.

My son and I arrived at the embassy at 7:15 am for the 7:30 interview. By the time I was interviewed by the consul, it was already 2:00 pm! So many people inside. We stepped out of embassy grounds at exactly 3:00 pm, arrived home at 4:45 pm. Reporting for duty now hehe.

My Filipino pre-screener was super duper friendly. Feeling ko nag-bonding kami (charing!). We made chika-ola for 30 minutes. ~ imagine, my pre-screening took all of 30 minutes! Tagal no? Sabi ko na nga ba, the embassy missed me kaya they wanted me back hehe.

On a serious note, please bring the pink receipt that BPI issues during your interview. The bank validation of my DS-157 lacked a “checkwriter” stamp and it caused me some delay. Good thing I brought my pink receipt so they just stapled it at the back of my DS-157. Please remind BPI to stamp the “checkwriter”.

Will update more later guys. I need to wake up my hotDoug (my fiance's name is Douglas and I call him hotDoug behind his back hihi)

a very happy PW

March 29, 2007

Thanks 49B for you response.

I hope they release your visa soon.

It must be really anxiety-provoking to wait.................

I hope all is well.

Francel

For Manila Embassy Interview:
I'm planning to fly to the Philippines to accompany my parents to the interview.

They have separate petitions/cases but their appointment day and time is exactly the same.

Q: Can the petitioner go inside the pre-screening room (with the parent applicant/s and the Filipina pre-screener)?

Will I be allowed? [ I didn't want to leave them alone-------with a possibly tricky or sneaky Filipina screener

Or do I have no choice but to wait for the COnsular interview?

Thanks a lot.

Maria Francel

When I went with my Fiance, they told us to request to accompany that person for the interview. But when we did try to request it at window X or Y, they told us it was ok to do so and no need to request your present with the Fiance...

The Pre-Screener is a window, not a room. Also the Counsular interview is a small room w/ a window front blocking you from direct contact with the Interviewer. Basically it is like a Bank teller window here in the States....

March 27, 2007

For Manila Embassy Interview:

I'm planning to fly to the Philippines to accompany my parents to the interview.

They have separate petitions/cases but their appointment day and time is exactly the same.

Q: Can the petitioner go inside the pre-screening room (with the parent applicant/s and the Filipina pre-screener)?

Will I be allowed? [ I didn't want to leave them alone-------with a possibly tricky or sneaky Filipina screener

Or do I have no choice but to wait for the COnsular interview?

Thanks a lot.

Maria Francel

March 27, 2007

I think in your case, you really have to find a co-sponsor.

Even if it should not have been asked since you're assets were satisfactory, the consul still has the final say.

Can your mom be a co-sponsor?

If not,

If you have diffficulty finding one (many are scared to be a co-sponsor)............

How about a promissory note (signed in front of a judge/lawyer) to a potential co-sponsor where you and your wife "agrees to pay in FULL the co-sponsor in the event that your wife becomes a public charge and the co-sponsor was obligated to pay the government".

I think a promissory note may make a potential co-sponsor say "yes" (that he/she could be Lorna's co-sponsor) to you.

What do you think? - Maria

I used my property assets because i only made 4,000.00 last year.
Assets worth 130,000(my home and property)

Called NVC and they said I could use my property tax invoices as proof of worth.

I got copy of that and deed and whatever else I cold get. NVC accepted it.

BUT.....

At interview CO told Lorna I couldn't support us on my income. Lorna then told him how my mom gives me money gifts up to 9,000 a year(from future inheiritance) I also had documnetation for that. But its non-taxiable income. And he still said I needed a co-sponsor.

Mike

March 25, 2007

Yes, C., I will hunt for you someday, and yes anyone would get you as their visa specialist.

But then, I'm sure , with your intelligence, when you're already a PR, you would be making more $ than most of us here.

So you won't be needing our coins for service.......

Des,

A lot of people petition their relatives without a lawyer's help. You will only end up paying them thousands of $$ for the simple act of filling up the forms for you, the info of which you will be providing din naman. Sort of, they will just interview you to get the info, type it up in the forms, collate documents from you and submit it to USCIS. Remember, you or your relatives will still obtain the documents like BC, MC, NBI clearance etc. The lawyers cannot obtain that for you so you will still do the"dirty work". The lawyers will simply tell you what to get. Some of the lawyers' advices are also out-dated. If you make tambay here sa VJ, the info are more updated here because everyday, people are able to report the latest developments as they go through their own processes.

If I were staying here in the PI, I might consider getting into the business of being a visa specialist para ako na lang bayaran mo hehe. Personalized pa ang service ko. Like you, maybe I'm just daydreaming....

I agree......Some of them teach / prepare applicants how to answer Interview questions well.....isnt' it.......?

There are sample questions here in VJ and the questions asked are all about family and personal matters and the answers of which are known by heart by your relatives. The only advice that a good lawyer will give you is to always answer honestly and truthfully and everything will be ok. That is the same advice that we in VJ give for free. Remember, a good lawyer will not tell you to lie.

March 23, 2007

So only the rich can afford him..............

Hmmmmm...........

Ok.....thanks Patiently waiting....I appreciate it......
This immigration process is stressful..........

Anyone here used the service of Atty Michael Gurfinkel? I don't think I could afford him.......

:-) :-)

Hi! I didnt use the service of Atty Michael Gurfinkel but I know for a fact that his a really good immigration lawyer. And he charge like 7x more than the average immigration lawyer.

Wow.....congratulations!!! That's good news! :dance:

Francel

Thanks everybody for all your prayers, help and warm wishes. I wish everybody will have a smooth journey with their interview and their new life with their love ones. Hope to meet with VJ members who will be in California.
Cliff we have a ticket for April already. Thanks for the prayers.

WE ARE OUT OF AR AND MY WIFE'S VISA HAS BEEN DELIVERED!!!

What wonderful news Sherwin, we are so happy for you guys. NOW you can relax, enjoy the moment and come home with Abby. Got your flight yet?

Yehey to win78 and dr. terps for getting out of AR. Have a happy life together. Congrats to those who got approved. Good luck next week to B&N and alanluvsjudy.

March 23, 2007

Ok.....thanks Patiently waiting....I appreciate it......
I agree..........

Some of them teach / prepare applicants how to answer Interview questions well.....isnt' it.......?

Francel

This immigration process is stressful..........

Anyone here used the service of Atty Michael Gurfinkel? I don't think I could afford him.......

:-) :-)

I used an attorney aka paid his "Country Club Dues!" lol................... It is helpful to use an attorney, but basically all they do is review the documents that you complete, offer guidance and in the event that you have a problem they will eliminate the obstacles. They are not cheap, that is a fact.

I agree..........

Some of them teach / prepare applicants how to answer Interview questions well.....isnt' it.......?

Francel

Ok.....thanks Patiently waiting....I appreciate it......
This immigration process is stressful..........

Anyone here used the service of Atty Michael Gurfinkel? I don't think I could afford him.......

:-) :-)

I used an attorney aka paid his "Country Club Dues!" lol................... It is helpful to use an attorney, but basically all they do is review the documents that you complete, offer guidance and in the event that you have a problem they will eliminate the obstacles. They are not cheap, that is a fact.

March 23, 2007

Why do you think you would need an attorney?

Not really.

But in the future......when I petition my siblings (next), or whenever, I'll probably seek an immigration lawyer's advice.

"Me and lawyer combo." Like delegation.......Like a team.....

But I'll wait till I have a budget.

Petitioning famiy members is very time-consuming.

Separate petitions for each.

It would be nice to relax and have someone assist me with the paperworks........

----like a businessman who hires employees to help him run the business.............

I'm just daydreaming.....................

March 22, 2007

My prayers are with you, Gracy and byron! (F)

Francel

Sorry to take so long with my update, but the Bayview Park Hotel doesn’t have in-room internet access, and the business center downstairs charges outrageous rates.
Shiela and I had our interview on 03/20, and it actually went very good, but we are on AR, which we knew would happen even before the interview.

Shiela waited until her given SLEC appointment date of 03/13, and when she went back on 03/14 to pick up her x-ray, they instead returned her passport to her, and told her to come back to SLEC on 03/21 for an additional test!

When she told me that, I panicked, because I wondered how it would affect our interview schedule, So I called St. Luke from home in Los Angeles on 03/15, to try to find out what was going on. The lady I spoke to was very nice, and told me that the doctor wanted to do one more test, but that we should go ahead to the interview because the test would not affect the interview.

So, I flew into Manila on Monday 03/19, and Shiela and I went to the interview on 03/20. The interview experience was relatively painless, and very positive.

The hardest part is waiting for your number to appear. But then, as you see other numbers close to yours pop up on the queue board, you actually begin hoping your number WON’T pop up!

Of course it does. So off to the pre-screener we went. Shiela was so nervous I thought she was going to pass out. But the pre-screener was very nice, and when she saw that I was there, and she saw how nervous Shiela was, she started to direct most of her questions to me:

How did you meet?

How many times have you come here to visit your fiancee?

She may have had a couple of follow-up questions to my answers, but nothing much more than clarification. She took notes as we “chatted”.

Then she asked for the I-134F, and “my most recent” tax return and W2.. I gave her my 2005 ITR. I also gave her a copy of my 2006 W2, and told her I had not done the 2006 ITR yet. I got the impression that she really would have been satisfied with just the 2005 ITR and W2.

She requested Shiela’s NBI clearance, and birth certificate. Then she asked for photos of the two of us together, and our snail mail cards and letters. Then she told us to go sit back down and wait for the Consul interview.

The Consul interviewer, was also very nice and “chatty”. His questions were:

How did we meet?

Are we both single?

Have we either ever been married?

Did either of us have any kids?

Since neither Shiela or I have ever been married, nor have kids, there weren’t any followup questions to that. Some of you may have more questions asked of you. I could overhear the K3 applicant before us, talking with our Consul interviewer, and she had to answer a lot of questions about her kids, her husband, and the marriage.

Anyway back to Shiela and I. He then examined our photos and snail mail letters. He asked us about some of the photos: when were they taken, where were they taken, who were some of the other people in the photos... it was all very casual. Then he complimented us on how organized everything was.

Then before I could ask if we were approved, he said everything looked good, and he would push everything through so we could get the visa. Then, kinda as an afterthought, he asked about the medical results from St. Luke. We then showed him Shiela’s receipt and told him how she had to go back tomorrow. He said no problem, we’d be on AR until they get the results from St. Lukes, but that shouldn’t take more than a few days, and after that the visa would be sent out.

He was very nice and informative. As I said, everything went very smoothly.

So Shiela went back to SLEC yesterday, had her test, and they told her to come back on Friday for her vaccinations, and that the medical results would then be released to the Embassy.

A few lessons learned, to help you guys who haven’t done it yet:

I don’t think there is a need to show up more than an hour before your scheduled interview appointment time. Once you get through the crowd and make it inside, they try to process all the applicants with the earlier times first. I’ve heard and read of people getting there at 3:00AM for a 7:00AM appointment. That’s not necessary. Even though we arrived for our 7:00AM appointment before some of the 6:30AM appointment applicants, they were processed first, since there appointment time was earlier.

Also, if you can, go to St. Luke’s as soon as possible after you receive your appointment letter. That way you can be sure to have completed any unexpected tests, and have everything done by the time of your interview.

If a complication arises with your medical, DO NOT cancel the interview. They really are two separate things, and if there are problems with the medical, you can still get the interview process out of the way, and they will place you on AR until the medical results are in. If you cancel your interview appointment, it may be months before you can reschedule it, and there is no point.

I'll be sure to post, as soon as we are off AR, and the visa is on it's way.

Thank you all for your support, and help.

That is really informative, thanks for posting it! Me and my son will be doing our medical early, no need for us to leave 3:00 AM then since our appointment is 7:00 AM. Hope you'll be out of AR soon, you'll be both included in our prayers.

March 22, 2007

Ok.....thanks Patiently waiting....I appreciate it......

This immigration process is stressful..........

Anyone here used the service of Atty Michael Gurfinkel? I don't think I could afford him.......

:-) :-)

March 21, 2007

Thank you for the info, patiently waiting.

Much appreciated.

I have the IRS Return Transcripts.

Looking at the IRS website, a copy of 1040 direct from IRS is about $39 for each tax year.

It also takes about 60 days since the day of request.

I assume that Manila Embassy meant the IRS Return "Transcripts"?

Maybe i'll just submit my own copy of 1040 (non-certified) in addition to the IRS Return Transcripts?

What do you or anyone think?

I was just thinking that paying $39 each for every tax year ----let's say 3 years (for 2 separate petitions); = almost $240........ is a bit much..........and I guess its too late to order that.-----(interview is in April)

Although not required, Consuls prefer 3 years of tax returns instead of just the most recent tax year di ba?

I hope Manila Embassy will accept IRS TAX RETURN /ACCOUNT "TRANSCRIPTS" instead of demanding certified copied of 1040s :crying:

Thank you, patiently waiting. We missed you here! (F)

Francel

Does anyone know here what kind of background checks (Philippines) are done in Manila Embassy just before issuance of an Immigrant visa. My parents are done with the USCIS and NVC background checks. (IR5) Their interview is on April 2007.
What about (the background checks) in Manila Embassy? The background checks I'm referring to are like: Passport validity, authenticity,,,,, Department of Foreign Affairs check, Credit card companies check, etc. I'm sure I know my parents.....But I have not been with them for 6 years....so no one can be sure if they have any records. Who knows? Only God knows.

My parents are cleared by the NBI and Police Offices. No record. Frankly, all their NSO Birth, Marriage certificates are true. However , I am not sure what other circumstances can prevent them from getting an immigrant visa. Help! Any info will be needed. Please. Thank you.

Addendum: Finished/passed Medical at St. Luke's already. Is there a service I can hire to check their National record myself? Filipino Private investigators?

Since your parents already have their passports, NBI clearance, BC, MC, and passed the medical, there is nothing to worry about. It means, they have cleared all that needs to be cleared from the Philippine-side.

For the American side, the embassy will verify proof of relationship and has probably already conducted a background check on this. During your parents interview, make sure they bring with them NSO copy of your own BC (to establish your relationship with them) and some photos of you in your younger days growing up with your parents (especially graduation pictures). Baptismal certificate, phone records, emails, letters and a record of your money remittances to them would also be helpful.

Further to our PM exchange, the embassy is not consistent about the W2 and 1040. In the one website, they indicate that faxed W2 and 1040 are acceptable http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwfirfe.pdf (see page 10 "Income Tax Return Requirement). However, in another link, they also state that it must be certified copies (unfortunately I am unable to find that link now). Only faxed copies are mentioned to be acceptable so we must assume that photocopies may not be accepted.

Hope this helps.

March 20, 2007

Hello Vj family, :help:

Does anyone know here what kind of background checks (Philippines) are done in Manila Embassy just for before issuance of an Immigrant visa.

My parents are done with the USCIS and NVC background checks. (IR5)

Their interview is on April 2007.

What about (the background checks) in Manila Embassy?

The background checks I'm referring to are like:

Passport validity, authenticity,,,,, Department of Foreign Affairs check, Credit card companies check, etc.

I'm sure I know my parents.....

But I have not been with them for 6 years....so no one can be sure if they have any records.

Who knows? Only God knows.

My parents are cleared by the NBI and Police Offices. No record.

Frankly, all their NSO Birth, Marriage certificates are true.

However , I am not sure what other circumstances can prevent them from getting an immigrant visa.

Help! Any info will be needed. Please. Thank you. :help:

Addendum: Finished/passed Medical at St. Luke's already.

Is there a service I can hire to check their National record myself? Filipino Private investigators?

Francel :help:

[

March 20, 2007

Hello Vj family,

Does anyone know here what kind of background checks (Philippines) are done in Manila Embassy just for before issuance of an Immigrant visa.

My parents are done with the USCIS and NVC background checks. (IR5)

Their interview is on April 2007.

What about (the background checks) in Manila Embassy?

The background checks I'm referring to are like:

Passport validity, authenticity,,,,, Department of Foreign Affairs check, Credit card companies check, etc.

I'm sure I know my parents.....

But I have not been with them for 6 years....so no one can be sure if they have any records.

Who knows? Only God knows.

My parents are cleared by the NBI and Police Offices. No record.

Frankly, all their NSO Birth, Marriage certificates are true.

However , I am not sure what other circumstances can prevent them from getting an immigrant visa.

Help! Any info will be needed. Please. Thank you.

Addendum: passed Medical at St. Luke's already.

Is there a service I can hire to check their National record myself? Filipino Private investigators?

March 20, 2007

Hello Vj family,

Does anyone know here what kind of background checks (Philippines) are done in Manila Embassy just for before issuance of an Immigrant visa.

My parents are done with the USCIS and NVC background checks. (IR5)

Their interview is on April 2007.

What about (the background checks) in Manila Embassy?

The background checks I'm referring to are like:

Passport validity, authenticity,,,,, Department of Foreign Affairs check, Credit card companies check, etc.

I'm sure I know my parents.....

But I have not been with them for 6 years....so no one can be sure if they have any records.

My parents are cleared by the NBI and Police Offices. No record.

Frankly, all their NSO Birth, Marriage certificates are true.

However , I am not sure what other circumstances can prevent them from getting an immigrant visa.

Help! :help: Any info will be needed. Please. Thank you.

March 20, 2007

Hi Meuxna and Mike,

The 2 importany milestones you indicated is correct.

In addition to the 2nd milestone:

She can apply for US citizenship 90 days before that 3 year requirement of being a Permanent Resident (PR).

Example: If the date on her 1st (conditional) greencard says : PR since MAY 1, 2007,------she can apply or file the N-400 (Citizenship) application on Feb , 2010 (just count the 90 days backwards-----).

The counting for US citizenship immediately starts on the date the 1st greencard (conditional) is granted-------------

So let's say Lorna's greencard says "PR since May 1, 2007" (the important basis for counting), and you both applied for removal of the "conditional" status sometime in 2009 (between February to March 2009 supposed to be-----------she's eligible to apply for Citizenship on February 2010 (which is 90 days before her 3rd year as a permanent resident).

Always remember this May 1, 2007----the date on the 1st ever greencard. This is where you refer to for counting. Always.

To summarize, Look at the future greencard date of PR (1st or conditional): Since you've been married way before-------just count the 3 years from that.......ignore the date of removal for "conditional".

As long as you're both still married, just count 3 years from the 1st greecard date.

And again----she can apply for US citizeship 90 days before the "3 year requirement"

I know about these through 1 of my buddies who went through the same process.

ANother FYI: When you apply for removal of conditions,-------they take away and destroy Lorna's 1st greencard-------however, when they issue the 2nd greencard (without the conditional), the date written on the 2nd one is THE SAME as the 1st.------is RETAINED.......actually no difference at all.

I've compared my buddy's 1st greencard with the 2nd.........well... :unsure: I wasn't able to tell the difference.

On the 1st greencard-----it doesn't it even say that its a "conditional" card.

ONLY the cardholder (and US homeland security) knows that its a "conditional" greencard. Other people would not be able to tell the difference.

Well..... :blush: if others can-----they're good......coz I wasn't able to tell the difference recently.....

Hope this helps, Mike.

Francel (F)

Thank you so much meauxna, Jewel and boiler!
Now I understand perfectly....

And meauxna,

Thats exactly why I asked... the shorter length of time the co-sponsor is obligated the better.

Take care,

Mike

March 20, 2007