doug and leann

I took the TOEFL last Saturday. I think all areas were easy, but the Reading part was so annoying and yes, boring. I could have used more time on Reading though. The Speaking and Writing parts were so easy for me; did not have any trouble at all. I was so worried about not having enough time to prepare for Speaking.

I had to take TOEFL for Nursing School and there is no getting out of it. I went to a private school in the Philippines and I'm pretty good with speaking and writing in English. I just think it is stupid to take the test because I have already taken an English class here in the US and passed all of my Biology classes.

Just a side note: I think I use the English language way better than the average American who graduated High School here. It is pathetic how a school can just make you pay and take a test like that, it should be a case-by-case basis.

I am taking TOEFL for school. What did you think about it? How did you study for it? I am particularly concerned about the Speaking part because I would need more than 15-30 seconds to prepare for my response. To those who has taken this test recently, I need your input. Thanks.

They're closed today and tomorrow for Easter. I was just there 3 days ago for passport validity extension and renewal so it's your lucky day. hehe

Requirements:

Personal appearance

Filled application form (I suggest you do this ahead of time so you do not have to do it there)

Current passport

Copy of biological page of old passport (it's $0.25/page there)

$60 cash Application Fee + $6 Priority Mail Fee (OR $20 Express Mail Fee)

It's walk-in so no need to set an appointment. They start processing papers at 9AM, but I suggest you come in early around 8AM to be the first in line. They will be giving out numbers so be sure to be one of the first people in line, which is the window that says Legal Documents and Passports. I was 5th in line, so i was done in 2 hours including the wait time for my passport extension. Stay on the left side of the room so you'll hear them call out numbers. Once you're in, it will probably just take about 5 mins. They will ask you to remove your earrings. Then go to the Cashier window and pay the fees.

That's it, it's that easy and painless. The only downside is the release date of the epassport, which is 10 weeks. They stamped July 11, 2011 on my receipt and that is 12 weeks. So plan accordingly and do it as soon as you can depending on your planned travel to the Philippines. Good luck!

I have finally decided to go to the Philippine Consulate in LA to extend and renew my passport. According to the Consulate, you can do both at the same time and get your passport validity extension the same day. Passport renewal takes 6 to 8 weeks so I will be receiving it around the time I get back.

I asked this same question to the Philippines consulate in Las Angelas and I got this response.

"Per ICAO regulations, passports must be valid for at least 6 month from the time of travel. In your case, yes, you might encounter some problems since your passport will be valid for less than 6 months from the time of your return travel to the U.S. It is advisable that you have your passport renewed or extended for another two years."

I called and asked "Even if I hold a green card and I am a legal permanent resident" but he said technically I am still a filipino citizen so there "could" be issues since its less than 6 months left.

I could apply for an extension but this isn't an "emergency" just an inconvenience.

Renewing my passport in the Philippines was my plan, it was one of the things I wanted to do while I'm over there. BUT, I just learned that it takes a long time to even set an appointment. I tried to make an appointment with the DFA Passport Appointment System, but the next available date was June 2. In addition to this, you'll need about 2 weeks or so for expedited service to receive the passport. This does not give me enough time and I might get stuck there. After doing some research, as long as your passport is valid, you are good for travel overseas.

I am traveling back to the Philippines in May and returning back to USA on June 16.

My passport expires on Dec 6th and I don't have time to renew before I leave.

Will I be able to fly back out of the Philippines in June 16 and re-enter the US with less than 6 months left on my passport?

I am currently a legal permanent resident of the US.

Dude, you should be happy of the current result that sputum tests are negative. Did you know that TB is an infectious disease and caused by a strain of bacteria? Hence, the series of antibiotics she needs to take for months to prevent the bacteria from developing antibiotic resistance. If she stops taking the meds now (after 3 months of taking them), the bacteria could become drug resistant and it would be harder to treat it. As you said, it is mandatory to finish the medication to completely get rid of the bacteria. Please research about Tuberculosis before you make any decisions. It's your wife's life that's on the line. Plus, the US is very strict about infectious diseases like TB. If she stops medication right now, it might come back to haunt her. When she gets here, she will be required to get checked for TB.

How can it be illegal? It can be done as long as the passenger's name is on the ticket. My hubby bought my one-way ticket online in the US. He just sent the e-ticket to my email. Also, he copied his ID and credit card on a piece of paper and signed it. Some airlines require copies of the purchaser's ID and credit card. At the airport, they didn't even ask for it.

First, you need to visit your local college. You will start with enrollment and admissions. Next is that they will have you take a placement test, which includes math, english, reading, etc.

Once you pass the placement test, you will need to talk to an advisor to know where to start with classes. If you have taken college elsewhere, you might want to have your Transcripts evaluated. This takes time so I suggest you do that NOW. Check with your college about accredited evaluation centers.

You will take your transcript evaluation so the college can enter it into your records. Then you will know which courses are gonna be credited. You should declare your major as ADN (Associate's Degree Nursing), to be able to have a degree plan (classes you need to take).

It is NOT easy to get into the nursing program. You do not start right away. You will need to take pre-requisites, depending on what courses have been credited from your transcripts.

I have a Bachelors degree from the Philippines, but only a few courses were credited, like Math, English, etc... At first, I was going to do ADN, but I have decided to work on a BSN. It takes as long as ADN; and so I don't have to go back to school in the future for a Bachelors in Nursing.

Right now I am taking Anatomy and Physiology 1, Speech, and Psychology (Lifespan & Devt). A&P 1 is taking up so much of my time. It is a hard class. It might take about 4 years to finish just an ADN here, depending on how many classes you take each semester and with ALL the pre-requisites. In the coming semesters, in 2010, I will still be working on my pre-requisites. Yes, ADN programs only says it takes 2 years or 72 credit hours, but that does not include the pre-requisites yet.

Good luck!

Since you already have AP, why not give birth back home? It will save you money and it will also be less-stressful. You cannot be dealing with all of these stress factors when pregnant. I know you are worried about your AOS interview (if you are gonna have one), but that can be rescheduled right?

(Just my thoughts: Your case is longer than usual.)

I hope you will have peace of mind soon. Good luck on whatever you decide on.

could be Broas. visit their website. here's a link to Goldilocks USA bakeshop: http://www.goldilocks-usa.com/us-bakeshop02.htm

My hubby and I are finally goin on vacation. For locals and recent visitors to Orlando, FL, please give us helpful info.

We will be staying in Kissimmee. We have tickets to Universal Studios (the reason we chose Orlando) and to a water park. I came across Black Hammock Adventures and it seems fun; might go there.

Also, we MUST go to the beach. Like an ideal public beach where we can park, pick a spot and just enjoy the water.

Would also like to try their local food. A few nice restaurant/s that is/are recommended for visitors.

One more thing, Filipino food. Are there any GOOD restaurants and/or Filipino or Asian Stores in and around Orlando?

We appreciate you taking your time reading and responding to this.

I also went to a 2nd appointment/interview last Jan 7th. It was with the same officer as what the letter said. They just clarified one little thing about my previous visa. Took only about 5 mins. It actually depends on your paperwork and your case. Some told me about the "Stokes Interview", so we expected that, but I was just asked 3 questions.

At the moment, we are just waiting for the green card in the mail. Goodluck to you. Go over your paperwork and maybe prepare for a Stokes.

THANK YOU!!!

After going to the second appointment yesterday, I was only asked one simple thing, which could have been clarified 2 months ago during the interview. Nineteen minutes ago, I got an email from CRIS that they ordered production of my card yesterday.

We're so happy! From the bottom of our hearts, thanks to everyone who answered our queries.

After reading about "Stokes Interview," I am relieved that we could be questioned separately and/or videotaped or will be asked a few more questions togerther. Also, the reason for appointment is: Form I-485 Adjustment of Status. Does this mean it is only about the FORM, or is it about the entire application?

My interview was on Nov 13, 2008 and I have another appointment with the same IO in January. We are thinking it might be the lack of joint assets. We only had 2. So yeah dunno what to expect on that day.

Ok so we both show up, will be asked questions separately, and then they compare our answers. Would there be any other reason/s why we got another appointment? As far as I know, our case is simple. We went through the visa process smoothly.

At this point, can we still gather more joint assets and give it to them at our appointment? Please if there are couples out there who went through the same thing, we need your help. Thanks.

My interview was on November 13, 2008. Yeah, more than a month ago. We were only asked yes or no and basic questions. Officer Gallagher took my I-94 at the start of the interview and asked for copies of our joint assets (which unfortunately, we only had 2)

He only told us that he needed to go through our paperwork thoroughly and it would all be in writing from then on. Yesterday, we received an appointment letter stating: "Please come to the shown below at the time and place in connection with an official matter." The letter says to bring passport, D.L. and all documentation relating to my case. Bring all originals and blah blah blah....

My husband and I are clueless. We don't know what's going on. So I am starting this thread to ask for any input from you guys. If there's anyone who has gone through this, your response will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much. Merry Christmas!

I'm in Conroe. A few minutes north of Houston.

My legal first name is hyphenated. My future employer cannot do a check on me cause it shows that my Social Security Number is invalid. I just found out today that my first name on SSA's system is not hyphenated. But my Social Security Card bears my correct 1st name, it is indeed hyphenated. Now I need to submit an application to change this error. I am so pissed. I don't know if I can just tell my future employer to try spelling my name with no hyphen.

I just noticed that my first name in all the documents and papers from the USCIS (my visa, EAD card and NOAs) is NOT hyphenated. I don't know if this would be a problem in my immigration status. My passport bears my correct first name. I went through Guam (my POE) Immigration perfectly fine.

I totally hate it when people screw up like this.

Yes it is done by a civil surgeon. If you had your overseas medical within 1 year when you apply for AOS, then all you need to do is contact a CS to have your vaccines completed (if not complete) and that CS will transfer your data from your DS-3025 to an I-693A.

Also you do not need to file I-765 and I-131 with your I-485 unless you need them while your I-485 is pending.

The separate I-693A does not exist anymore (effective May 2008). It is now integrated with the I-693 as Part II, Item 5

Oh my bad. I wasn't aware of that. Thanks.

Yes it is done by a civil surgeon. If you had your overseas medical within 1 year when you apply for AOS, then all you need to do is contact a CS to have your vaccines completed (if not complete) and that CS will transfer your data from your DS-3025 to an I-693A.

Also you do not need to file I-765 and I-131 with your I-485 unless you need them while your I-485 is pending.

Nope. The one from NSO is fine.