Dean/Gra

Thanks!

Approved and out the door by 10:30AM.

08..patrick808......10-18-06..10-30-06..01-24-07..03-08-07..2006-800xxx..

09..Joone745........10-20-06..11-01-06..xx-xx-xx..03-09-07..2006-800xxx..

good luck patrick808 its ur big day! and then Joone745, good luck to u on friday!

edited 4 typo

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Hi all,

Well the visas were finally released from the embassy!!!!!!!!! Delbros texted Jasmin 4pm on the 7th...she should have the visas in hand on friday (shes in Cebu). Its finally almost over...we are now trying to find flights for a decent price...its hard now because of peak season and holy week coming up. We are SOOOOOOO excited!!!!

Sky....loraine doesnt always answer...sometimes its "Sandy"...try to be patient (haha)...i called the embassy monday...they said no update still with consular...then on wed...the visa is released already!!

Sillygirl...please update to reflect we are off of AR!!!!!!....visa released march 7th...we'll let you know when visas are in hand.

Jazzy

CONGRATULATION!!!! WOW! That was close, but i know you guys are happy now. Have a great life, and may God bless you both.

Dean and Gra

CONGRATULATIONS JAZZY!!!!!!

Mark, She can go at anytime to get her physical if you are concerned. My Sweetie is going a month early. All you need is the Interview letter, and the other items for the Medical, such as pics and passport.

Dean

Have you checked this site? VisaAppointment... i never waisted my time or money calling the embassy about the interview. based on time lines, the interview is approximately 4 months after the Embassy receives the petition from NVC. Ken

Does anyone know when Manila gives out new interview dates?

There is also a phone number to the Department of State, somewhere in this thread, that you can call on the 15th. They usually have it and will give you the info before the website has it posted, or at least that was the way it happened in Feb. I called the number on Valentine's day and found out we had an interview schedule. It was a fantastic Valentine's gift.

Best Wishes in your journey, Dean

Ken, the phone number I was referring to is the Department of State, not the embassy. I think it is in Maine. There is no charge except for the long distance charge of course, and usually you can get right thru.

Dean

Hang in there everyone, it is worth it!!!!!!

I would like to anounce the birth of our baby daughter Shari Michelle on Sunday March 4th. Marivic and baby are resting and doing very well. We even have several filipino nurses who are spoiling my wife and baby ;-)

With AOS and Baby we have not been that active on the forum but I do read and try to catch up on this board, good to see so many approvals and to those who are still waiting, hang in there, it is worth it!!!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!! WOW, that was quick work.

Dean

Does anyone know when Manila gives out new interview dates?

There is also a phone number to the Department of State, somewhere in this thread, that you can call on the 15th. They usually have it and will give you the info before the website has it posted, or at least that was the way it happened in Feb. I called the number on Valentine's day and found out we had an interview schedule. It was a fantastic Valentine's gift.

Best Wishes in your journey, Dean

Good Day and Hello!

My Fiance (Mirasol) and I (Scott) are relatively new to VJ, but really have found it to be a lot of help. Thank you to all who post great information here.

A little about us....I am from California and my honey is from the Davao area. We filed K-1 visa back in October 2006 after a LENGTHY Philippine Anullment process for my honey. We got our NOA2 on 1-17-07 while I was visiting her in the Philippines, which was very nice as we could celebrate together. I remember it so well because according to the USCIS site it said now processing in July and we were not till Octover, so I was shocked when I got the email that its approved already. My honey was sleeping and I woke her up for the good news.

Then the not so good news came a few weeks later. Her packet arrived at the NVC and I called to inquire about whether it was sent on the USE in Manila. I was politely told that our case had been placed in "Administrative Processing". I asked what that was and how long it will take. The nice woman said, "I don't have any more information and I don't know how long it will take." What? No more infomation? How can that be? She just said sorry and told me basically, "Don't call us, wait, and we will let you know when it has been forwarded." I was in shock and panic. Luckily, I called back every week and on my second call the guy was nice enough to tell me its just "normal" security checks, but still no clue when it will be forwarded to the USE Manila. I kept calling every week and finally I received the good news that it was forwarded to the USE Manila on 2/23/07. We are just anxiously awaiting notification of her interview date.

In the meantime we are reading this site over and preparing documents for the interview. Hoping she can be here by this summer.

Thanks again for all your great information and assistance.

Scott and Mirasol

Welcome Scott and Mirasol, You have indeed struck the gold mine of info for the Philippines visa for k1 k3. All of the people on this thread are very nice and very helpful. If you would post your timeline on this thread there is a nice lady that will post them along with everyone elses and we can all kind of guess at when the next event will take place. Yours being of course the USE Manila actually getting and then giving you and appointment date.

In the meantime I would suggest you look at "Sheriff Uling"'s signature. There is a wealth of information in there, such as the letter you get from the embassy will tell you that when you make the bank deposit for the interview the bank will stamp the DS156 form, which is not correct, they will stamp the DS157 form. Also "Sillygirl" has a great post on the medical your fiancee will undergo in Manila, and from what others have posted, it makes it takes all the guess work out of it.

The resident CEO of this thread is "Patiently Waiting", who is currently on a much needed, uhmmmm, vacation. She will be back in a couple of weeks to answer any and all questions with a great deal of knowledge and patience. In the mean time there are a number of people on here that are very knowledgeable about this whole process. So ask away on the questions and someone will have the correct answer for you.

May God bless you on your journey.

Dean

I recently purchased a e ticket from NWA, I would appreciate and response from anyone who has letft Manila recently using a eticket. Will they accept a printed copy of the ticket at the Manila airport or is it necessary to pick up copies of the ticket at the local NWA in Makati

thanks

steve

Hi Steve, I have flown NWA several times using e ticket to and from Manila. There is no problem at all. When you go into the area where you get the boarding pass and check your luggage do not get in the reallllly long lines to your left, but rather go all the way to the right where the business class and first class passengers check in. There will be a line there but it moves fairly rapidly and someone will approach you to look at your ticket and probably put a sticker on your shirt with NWA on it. You continue thru the line and before you get to the luggage check there will be a self check in machine, this is usally manned by NWA personnel.

Good luck on your flight. Fortunately going back to US is not as long as getting to PI.

Dean

i agree with Mike (dims)! Print out that pdf, it can come in really handy. I didn't know about coming in after lunch, as i came in the morning. the whole process took me about 3 hours.

If you have old xray films, you could bring those.. but you don't need to. Just tell them you don't have any

If you can bring a friend (who's also getting a medical), do so! Otherwise, better bring something to entertain yourself with. The waits can be pretty long.

Hi Iya,

Just curious since you had your medical. Are there really a lot of people line up for early morning schedule? Are you allowed to bring a bag where you can put your celphone.. etc...USEM interview doesnt allow you to bring any though except whats needed for the interview. I certainly would print sillygirls medical exp as others who had their med says its very helpful. hope to get a response.

Gra

Hello guys, thank you so much for the advices and replies. I just now got back from Manila and already done with my medical appointment. My medical schedule is supposed to be this March 22 but then I decided to go for an early appointment (March 1-2). The hospital's staffs were all very nice. They treated us well. The nurses were all very nice. The reception staffs always make sure that the forms are properly and correctly filled up. They always reviewed the correct dates and spellings of names and other info based from my passport. I got my X-ray negative on the second day and no problems. I arrived 9:00am for my immunization and releasing of my x-ray and immunization records. I really didn't wait very long, since the first day. My name was always called early. There were many people waiting there for their results. I talked one of them. She arrived early than me but I got first called and got my x-ray and immunization results. I asked her what took her so long, then she told me that she undergo sputum test. Well she told me the reason and I would like to advise those of you who smoke, you better quit smoking because it can delay your x-ray results. Smoking can damage our lungs,well everyone knows that. They also asked always your first day of your last menstruation and if you are allergic to any food and medicines and what are the medicines you took. Goodluck to all of you for your coming medical appointment. I am now preparing myself for interview. Just always pray to God. Make Him a partner in our life. He will give us strength and confidence in our goals and dreams in life. I am really nervous for my coming interview but I should always be positive, confident and make sure everything are prepared. Goodluck and God Bless us all in this journey I can't really wait to be with my hubby. I Love You sooooooo muchhhhhh precious sweetheart

Hello,

I have an early appointment 7:30. Is it advisable to go at 9 am? or 1 pm? i dont want to bring any food with me but would like to bring chocolates in case i get hungry though.

Anyway, thanks for sharing your experience.

Yes, thats what i also heared from the ones who recently had their medical, in fact ive been thinking about that. Its a first come first serve basis anyway and i'll keep you posted what i come up with. I might be seeing someone from the other forum as well on that day, it would be nice to expand Vjers in person. We will see, okay. I will PM you so we can text ahead and meet okay?

Gra

i'd actually like to reiterate that i came here for visa information and options, not an analysis on my relationship and certainly not to be called names.

i'm aware that i'm young. i know that it's not considered wise to be getting married so young. but i either do this, or i stay here for another two years. and for the risk of sounding like a stupid teenager to all of you, who'll probably think i'm blowing everything out of proportion, i'm not going into why i can't stay here.

all i came here for was some information on what to do, because i didn't know where else to ask.

i looked into student visa options while i was still in school, and my parents said they wouldn't pay for it.

i don't know how much my boyfriend is paid, but i know it's a lot more than $8 an hour. =/

it's perfectly alright for some of you to blame my hormones for this, i expected it. but that does not make it true.

thank you for your time.

I really would like to say something about your case and i thought you said "ideas appreciated" but reading from the ones who responded to your post and your reply didn't quite match at all. Darling, the people whom you are asking opinions or "ideas" doesn't mean something bad on you, for all they care BUT these are people who are steps ahead of you and they know what they are talking about( especially for the visa information).

You decide at the end what path you are going to take... either go for the K1, CR1 or student or whatever... but just know that there are risk in everything you do. One major thing might hinder your application is your age. US goverment is weeding out people that eventually becomed a public charge later. And they will also question if you really have a geniune relationship with these man or not or else they will put you under administrative review and hold your application. You think about that and you decide.

Vic and El,

Well pray for you guys. Keep holding on and well hope for the best to come.

BTW, El has grandparents at CKJor? I am going there these coming weekend to visit my aunt too. Such a nice place!

Gra

They say on the list of requirements for the interview that they need proof of payment for the visas at the bank.

What does the bank give out as proof? Is it just a receipt?

Thanks

I've never tried it, but: DS-157 Form – Applicants should also complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Supplemental Application DS-157 Form. The form is provided at the bank where fees are paid. Applicants must ensure that the back of the DS-157 Form is machine-validated with check-rite. There are a list of Banks that perform this validation on the Manila US Embassy website. Cost is $100 USD.

They say on the list of requirements for the interview that they need proof of payment for the visas at the bank.

What does the bank give out as proof? Is it just a receipt?

Thanks

I've never tried it, but: DS-157 Form – Applicants should also complete the Nonimmigrant Visa Supplemental Application DS-157 Form. The form is provided at the bank where fees are paid. Applicants must ensure that the back of the DS-157 Form is machine-validated with check-rite. There are a list of Banks that perform this validation on the Manila US Embassy website. Cost is $100 USD.

Thanks for the info.

Hi Marivic,

Im grace and i am having my medical on the 19th as well but i might be there in early morning. we could meet at SLEC if you want, that would be nice. My interview will be on April but i'd rather get medical early. Nice to know i could possibly meet from Vj also. I ask PW if she is coming to get her medical early but she told me that she might get hers on the 26th so such a bummer!!!! Keep in touch and we'll meet okay?

Gra

Sayang, I want to do it sana on March 19 but it's too soon after my holiday. Dyahe naman ako sa boss ko if I'm gone for a long time. I might go on March 26 and 27.

Ohhhh.... okay... cguro may hangover pa si PW sa date na ito. OKAY..... Wish ko lang ma meet kita in person.

Sillygirl, the list is all yours (and thank you so much). PW temporarily signing off..... :energetic:

Sillygirl,...... ikaw na naman chairwoman ngayon.... Way to go girl!!!!

Warning: Intensity 9.9 around 2:00 am Manila time.... PW..... ingat ingat... Hehehe but most of all...MAG ENJOY KA DAY!!!! Awwwwww

01..Robhankins......09-01-06..09-22-06..xx-xx-xx..02-26-07..2006-761xxx..OK..Mar 02/04 days/??

Las Pinas

Congratulations ROB and LILIA!!! Have a happy life together!!!! God bless to both of you!

Have a safe trip Jinky!!!! Have a happy life together with your Steven. God bless your trip!

Congratulations to both of you!!! God bless for a new life together.

PW,

Im glad to see your post here... and2 ka pala... hehehe... i thought a strong intensity earthquake has started already... or maybe later?.. enjoy...lol

Really hope to meet you in person!

Gra

Hello ! Anyone from this list plans to have medical on the 19th of this month? I would like to keep in touch and meet with you. It would be nice to see anyone from this list while i have my medical on that day and expand our VJ friends by meeting in person . I hope i can get your response. Thanks!

Gra

Goodluck on your upcoming interview too!

39..B&N.............11-03-06..11-29-06..01-24-07..03-26-07..2006-824xxx

40..Alanlvsjudy.....11-06-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-27-07..2006-824xxx

41..EllaJosh........11-14-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-23-07..2006-834xxx

42..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-27-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx

43..wthornton.......11-28-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-04-07..2006-842xxx

44..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx

45..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-11-07..2006-845xxx

46..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..02-28-07..04-11-07..2006-845xxx

47..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx

48..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-13-07..2006-852xxx

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! To everyone that has passed the interviews. Good luck on the rest of your journey, and may God bless you and your new familys.

PW, please update our timeline. Gra received the packet 4 on Feb 27th.

Dean

Hello Everyone, I find myself here with nobody to talk to about this and hope that some of you possibly will be able to shed some insight into this serious issue for me. My wife has been here now in the USA for 18 days. I have tried to be the best husband that I can possibly be. I take her places, out to dinner and even cook gourmet dinners for us. I am an indepenent broker and my office is in my home. My day's are somewhat busy and sometimes hectic from 8:00am to about 7:00pm Monday through Friday. Since my wife arrived here, I have made a point to take a few hours away from my work. My wife seemed to be sad and unhappy over the last few days. She is not the type of person to say what is bothering her or complain. I finally got her to tell me what is bothering her. It seems that she is feeking lonely and scared. She has made numerous comments that our neighborhood is very quiet and she rarely sees anyone outside. She relys on me for transportation, as she has not taken her driving exam yet. I live in a community next to the ocean, so its about a two or 3 mile drive for shopping, dining, etc. The biggest problem she describes to me is she is scared here. She isn't sleeping at night. She says it is because she is scared, as she hears noises above the master bedroom of which is upstairs. She thinks it is a spirit or a ghost walking around up there! I am serious, she thinks this. I hear things also and I have explained to her that it is the rustling of the very tall Palm trees outside our house. It is always windy or breezy here, as our house is a stones throw from the Atlantic Ocean. My wife is a smart person and well educated, so that isn't an issue. I respect her culture and beliefs and know that this fear is real to her.

This is serious and to the point that she wants to return to the Philippines. She is lonely and scared and I just don't know what to do. All of you have become like an internet family to me, so I am hoping that possibly some of you can share experiences or shed some insight into this issue for me. I am very frustrated, as I don't know what else to say or do. You can send me a private message if you prefer. Thanks, Glenn

Glenn, I too am self employed and we plan on my sweetie working with me as she was doing something very similar in Philippines. I can recall when I went overseas during my military service period, and was very uncomfortable about everything when I was off base. It is just a matter of time for her to settle down. In the mean time try to keep her occuppied. Is there anything she can do to help you? Do you have a yard, perhaps she likes to garden. Let her cook all the meals, or most of them. If you work out, get her to work out with you, that way she will be tired and perhaps not hear the trees rustling in the wind. In short try to keep her busy and tired at the end of the day so she can rest.

As the others have suggested try finding other filipinos for her to visit with and they will be able to help her get over this initial period of fright. Another thought is to help her get a job, even if it is part time, just to keep her occuppied.

Good luck, and let us know how it turns out as all of us will be going thru the same thing soon.

Dean

On my Sweetie's BC there is a typo in her name. Her name is Gracia, but it was spelled Garcia on the BC. Her family went to court and had her name changed to Gracia from Garcia when she was 21 yo. We have read many people have been put on AR because of a discrepency in the BC. We have court documents confirming the legality of changing the name as well as baptismal and other evidence that she never used the "Garcia" name. My question is, would it be beneficial to get an NBI and CENOMAR under the "Garcia" name as well at the "Gracia" name? We would not, of course, offer this evidence unless it became apparent that the CO was having a problem with the change on the BC. Thanks for your answers in advance.

Hi,

In regards of your problem i suggest her to go to a public notary place where they can do an AFFIDAVIT OF DISCREPANCY. The lawyer can make that AFFIDAVIT letter stating that GARCIA & GRACIA is the same person on the the benificiary or in the petition. That's what we did and i consulted a lawyer in the philippines and i also here in US that handles immigration cases. This is not a big deal unless she's late registry then that's a problem. In the philippines alot of people had this problem this is a clerical error. She cannot change it because it's in the file already... i hope i can help im on the same boat..

Maylet

The issue we tried too get past was her mother used her father's name even though they never married and also her mother's age was not correct on my fiancée BC.

As far as I know her mother and father’s BC are correct.

But at our case of being already under AR do you think there is any point of fixing now?

If you don’t mind me ask. Question: How much did you pay a lawyer too look into this and correct this problem if we need too fit it? You can PM that too me if needed.

Thanks Victor

Hi Vic, The court thing was done in 1996 by her parents. I do not have a monetary amount they paid at that time.

We got a CENOMAR and NBI clearance in the wrong name as well as the correct name to try to cover all the bases. We also got a Certificate of Discrepancey.

Dean

Congratulations and God bless you! Thanks for sharing!

Hi Kevin, Sorry to hear about you and your lady. Since you posted this I've thought about it and read all the replies. My Sweetie and I have had a long discussion about this, and tried to put ourselves in your position. It is difficult and painful to even think about this situation happening to us. You see I cannot live without my Sweetie. If she would not move here, and that was the only reason, then I would move there but living without her is not an option.

There are a few rules I try to live by. One is to pick your fights carefully, don't be hasty to engage in any and every battle that comes along. When you do enter a fight, make damn sure you are willing to pay any price to win. Count the cost BEFORE you go into it, but also count what it would be like to live without the victory.

Another rule is: if it is worth living for, it is worth dying for. Three things, God, Family, Country, in that order of priority are worth livng and dying for to me. If my Sweetie told me the same news you have just received, and the only reason was she was scared to come the USA, then I would be on her doorstep as soon as possible. I would stay there until we worked it out or they killed me. As I said, I can't live without her, and don't plan to live without her. I would beg if that would do any good, I would beg her father, her brothers, or anyone else that I thought might make a difference. Because love is not love until it you give it away. Every day I want to make my Sweetie feel like the most wonderful, most beautiful, most fantastic lady in the whole world, because to me she is. Every day I want to make her the happiest lady in the world, those are my goals. I am not ashamed to say these things to you and the rest of the world, because I want everyone to know how much I love this lady, and will do whatever is necessary to be with her the rest of our lives.

I was looking forward to meeting your fiance as our interviews are on the same day as you know. Keep in touch, and hang in there. If you really love this girl, then fight for her.

Dean