terps76

Thanks you guys!

I got my CR-1 green card last May 2007, my husband and I are planning to go back in the Philippines this March to have our church wedding since we only have a civil marriage in May 2006. We will be staying in Manila for only 3 weeks. Am I free to leave USA with just my green card or do I need to go to immigration office and inform that I will be leaving the country? Do I need any other documents to be able to return without any problem?

Thanks in advance to those who will read and respond.

I just want to say thanks again for all the help from the VJ seniors specially to PW and Sheriff. I am finally here in California with my hubby. :dance: Good luck to all the members waiting for their approval. Stay positive and keep praying.

I hope the VJ members here in California will have a get together soon.

Congrats Kim!

Good luck and have a safe trip to America:)

win and abby

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

Congratulations! You truly deserve it!

Thanks for all your help to me and my husband

Have a safe trip and happy life with your husband!

win and abby

And to ABBY-> Have a safe trip!!!

Helen

Thanks Ate Helen! Good luck in your interview.

I agree with Ate Helen. If you had an abortion better seek consult with a psychiatrist to evaluate you further prior to the medical exam. If during the medical exam you were asked about it better not lie, if not asked then dont give any other info.

There are some changes in the body when one gets pregnant and from what I learned before there are pigmentation in the areolar region which is a sign of previous pregnancy. So even after delivery this change will remain and is permanent. Perhaps this change occur during the 6-8 weeks of pregnancy. Though most doctors dont check that but this is one sign to look for, so if one has this sign but without a child then a doctor can tell you had a previous pregnancy(miscarriage/abortion).

DaveandFleur,

I think your friend will fall on this category: Physical and Mental Disorder With associated Harmful Behavior. This category requires EVALUATION. Panel Physician will determine if the applicant have:

a. a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior; or

b. a history of a physical or mental disorder with associated harmful behavior such that the same or a different harmful behavior is likely to occur in the future.

Harmful behavior- for purposes of this examination, a dangerous action or series of actions by the alien that has resulted in injury (psychological or physical) to the alien or another person, or that has threatened the health or safety of the alien or another person, or that has resulted in property damage. In your friend's case-> abortions-> caused injury/death to t

he fetus/baby.

Physical Disorder - will depend on the Manual of International Classification of Diseases, Injuries, and Causes of Death evaluation of her (ICD-9 or subsequet revision).

Mental Disorder - will depend on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders evaluation of her (DSM-III-R or subsequent revision).

Required evaluation is necessary (Psychiatrist). I will not elaborate on how they do evaluations. But for reporting results of the evaluation: She will be categorized as Class A or B. Better to be placed on Category B (with History and.... not likely to recur/unlikely to recur, etc...).

A clearance from the Psychiatrist that condition is unlikely to recur is necessary for the Panel Physician to complete their medical exam and forward their results to USEM for the interview.

Hope this info helps.

Helen

I had my seminar after my medical exam last February 19, so I went at PRISM without my passport.

I brought 2 valid ID and photocopied it, NSO marriage certificate original and photocopy, 250 pesos, some pictures of you together with your husband/wife(what i showed them are pictures from the ipod since i dont have wallet picture), if you have photocopy of the first page of the passport better bring it as well..

While I went at the CFO yesterday, I brought the original and photocopy yellow certificate from PRISM, my passport, photocopy of the immigrant visa and photocopy of the immigrant data summary, valid ID and 400 pesos. It is better to come in the afternoon since few people go at that time, as advised by the employee there. I went there at around 2.45pm and was done by 3.20pm. They attached a green certificate on my passport and a sticker, they also gave me a handbook for Filipino overseas.

You don't have to make a photo copy of the DS-156 to make 2 identical bar codes...just click 2 sets of copies when you print it Thank you for the information about the currency accepted at SLEC.

I have another question with regards to CFO My fiancee is going to CFO seminar after her early medical (that is the only way...she cannot do the other way around...not much time...medical is her priority ). Will they admit her at the seminar without her passport? If so, what documents she needs to present? We understand that if we go thru this way we will need to go back there once we have her visa and passport to have CFO stamp.

Thanks!

Coco Puff

Yeah, I agree with PW, there has been a lot of complaints with delbros lately.

In our case, our visa was delivered by delbros last friday, march 23, without even receiving a text message nor an update in their website that our visa is out for delivery. We received a text message last Monday, 3 days after delbros has delivered our visa, that the visa is out for delivery....

Hi,

That's very odd...all you need for the name change on the passport is the NSO marraige certificate....the CFO seminar IS NOT NEEDED!! However, she can take the cfo seminar at any time...then just go back and get her stamp when you recieve the visa, thats what we did. Jasmin got a brand new passport with name change, of course that was in Cebu....but definately the cfo is not required.

Jazzy

I wasnt required to attend the CFO as well when I had my name changed last July. However, maybe their policy changed since when I attended PRISM last Feb 19, I was able to know somebody who said that DFA asked her to attend the counselling before she can get a passport. I thought she has a special case and didnt asked for more info. But it seems like it that they do require it now since it happened to Starprog too.

Mira is APPROVED. YEAH. We were not prepared for the number of people waiting to get into the Embassy. I thought we would be there all day. I was impressed by the way they moved applicants from one section to another and I was surpised that we were finished at 11:10am. Hope Mike n Jennie and 2hearts have the same news. Post more on the interview later when we climb down off cloud9. hehehe. :dancing: :dance:

Congratulations! :dance: Enjoy the rest of your vacation

Have a safe trip back home

March is fast approaching, I am not sure if someone has posted about the new advisory of the u.s. embassy regarding electronic device effective March 1, 2007. Before there is a counter wherein electronic devices such as PDA, laptop, MP3 and cellular phones can be left but now their policy is changed. They are not allowing anybody to enter the premise who has any of the device mentioned.

So better leave your electronic gadgets as this will cause so much hassle and additional stress during your interview.

U.S. Embassy News Release

February 12, 2007

U.S. Embassy Visa Applicants:

Cell Phones, Electronic Items No Longer Allowed in Consular Section

For the safety and security of all applicants and employees, visa applicants are no longer permitted to bring cell phones or other electronic devices into the U.S. Embassy Consular Section. Effective March 1, 2007, applicants who have such devices on their person will be denied entry to the Embassy grounds.

There will be no storage facility for cell phones and electronic devices at the Embassy; applicants for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas should leave their electronic equipment in a safe location off Embassy grounds during their appointments. This policy includes both cell phones and electronic items such as PDAs, laptops, and MP3 music players.

This new policy will also help speed applicant processing to their interview appointments. Applicants should be aware that if they miss a visa interview appointment; they will have to reschedule through normal procedures. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the cooperation of all non-immigrant and immigrant visa applicants.

All other processes and requirements for applying for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas remain the same. Information on the application processes can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s Web site at http://philippines.usembassy.gov.[/i][/i]

terps76....

Can you tell us the name of the agency. I assume the taxes was added on top of the $500? And how do you get a first time immigrant ticket? Thats a great price!

I will need a flight for April goin to LAX for my wife.

Thanks and best wishes to you!

Mike

Yeah its a great price and I called several agencies and the price difference is around $70-150. My mother-in-law wants to buy my ticket in LA but it cost $780++, so she asked me to buy the ticket here right away. I just hope our visa will come on time

The agency is Manila International Travel and Tours, its along Bay View Hotel, exact address is Ground Floor Ermita Center Building, Roxas Boulevard. Look for Ms. Joanne at tel#5211312. I just asked her about the first time immigrant rate and thats the price she gave me $500+ $107(gov't tax) + 1620pesos(phil. tax). I asked her how much the difference is with the regular fare and she says its $80-100. Your wife needs to bring her passport and the US visa but since my passport is at st lukes already I just provided them with a colored photocopy of my passport and I will fax them the immigrant visa as soon as i get it. The fee is valid from March 16-31, it was cheaper between March 1-15 but no more seat available. Just give her the tentative date of her ticket cause their prices are still lower than others.

Good luck to you

I got my airline ticket today for March 19 via Philippine Airlines. The ticket cost $500 one-way POE:LA ($80-100 cheaper than the regular ticket since I got the first time immigrant ticket) plus $107 for the government tax and 1620 for the philippine tax. I searched several agencies and Im glad to find a good deal and a trusted travel agent as endorsed by our bank.

:dance:

Congratulations PW and the rest who got their interview for april. Good luck!

Oakwell, its been nice meeting your wife at the medical exam in st lukes. Good luck on your interview.

good news Jazzy and congrats!

Mira is going for her medical on Monday, maybe they will see each other. Good luck.

I went at st lukes for my medical exam at 7.30am and was finished by 12.15pm. The long wait is at the 5th floor where physical exam is done, but its still okay though i was able to finish by lunch time. Thanks PW, jazzy, vhi and soulmate for all the info and help. The guideline made by sheriff did a lot of help too , thanks. To those who have shared their experiences, thanks too. I prepared for my medical certificate and histopath results so that everything went well.

I'll be back tomorrow for the result at 9am. Good luck to those who will have their medical exam and interview.

i just want to congratulate all K1 and K3 who are included in the new list of Manila Embassy interview date.

HOpe next time they will included IR1 and Cr1 too

GUDLUCK TO ALL..

HI!

We are on CR/IR too, theres only a few of us at the manila embassy thread but you are most welcome to join. PW and some others are really helpful to assist us throughout the process even those who has gone thru it like Sheriff Uling. Good luck:)

INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Called NVC just now...CR-1 interview for Milah Jean is March 15 at 6:30 am!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Get ready CR-1s with case completed in November!!!! Praise God!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YAHOOOOOOOOOOO! we got our interview date too. March 2 at 8:30 am with October NVC completed date. PW UPDATE US, PLEASE - been waiting to say that. time to PM the fellow members to check with NVC

oopsie, i meant November NVC completed date - got too excited thanks to all that helped. and thank you God!

Thank God. Thanks for everybodys support! :thumbs:

Thanks Micheal and Milajean for the quick post. Good luck to all of us!

My baby's coming home....yahoo :dance:

Wow, we have a doctor in the house, Dr. terps76. Can I have a pre-St. Lukes medical with you?

Sure anytime you are ready

is any vj members going to the philippines in march?

Hi! We are waiting for our interview date now since our case was completed in Nov. We are expecting to be scheduled by March, my husband will be going back to support me on our interview. :dance:

Good luck with your interview hope it goes smooth. We will be flying back on March 5 staying til March 26 to for vacation to visit the family.

Thanks

Enjoy your vacation

Although I am a doctor, I can only share what I am thinking the way Starprog describes it. Its hard to make a concrete diagnosis without seeing the lesion myself. Since you say that she has this pimple like lesions for awhile, with recurrences and affecting most of her family then I considering acne conglobata vs. furuncle(boils). I would still suggest for you to tell your fiance to seek consult to a dermatologist who will identify the lesion and the predisposing factors causing its recurrences.

Okay, well I googled and read about acne conglobata, and that didn't match at all. But I found Hidradenitis suppurativa, and it sounds pretty close. Although I'm not sure why I was able to rid myself of the boils without treatment. That is why I think it's caused by something in her environment. Anyway, I'll ask her again to see a doctor or dermatologist, after she takes care of some immigration paperwork that is urgent. Thanks for the info.

Your welcome Gary. Hidradenitis suppurativa is occasionally associated with acne conglobata.

Good luck! !

is any vj members goingto the philippines in march?

Hi! We are waiting for our interview date now since our case was completed in Nov. We are expecting to be scheduled by March, my husband will be going back to support me on our interview. :dance:

Jazzy good luck in your interview on the 8th. Thanks for keeping the CR/IR peeps optimistic with regards to our interview.

God bless!

Okay, I have a question. This may be difficult for anyone to answer, but her goes. Fely is plagued by frequent boils (she call them pimples) on her back. Her entire family gets them, but they have been particularly bad for her since I visited her last May and we both had them. I believe I caught them from her (through intimate contact). Since I have returned to the US, I've stopped getting them (though my scars remain). She goes through periods when she has none, then suddenly several break out. I believe something in her environment is causing them (maybe the water?).

I have been trying to get her to go see a doctor. Probably a shot of penicillan would make them go away. But the scars will remain for a long time. I am now worried, after reading about other's visits to Saint Lukes, that these scars may cause a problem for her when she goes to her medical. These boild are communicable though contact.

The scars that St. Lukes watch out for are cuts that appear to be a "slices" in the following places:

It is hard to make a concrete diagnosis without the physical exam(1) wrists - for sign of suicide attempt

(2) arms - for sign of drug use

(3) abdomen - for sign of caesarean cut and stretchmarks [especially for single ladies who claim not to have given birth]

(4) "down there" - for sign of childbirth

The St. Lukes doctors also routinely ask patients to show them scars left behind by chicken pox.

Does Fely live near the former Clark Air Base? There was an issue there before about toxic wastes left behind by the Base. I would suggest a visit to the dermatologist to identify the cause of the boils or pimples and to prescribe medicines.

I should not worry about the scars at the back Gary. They can be explained away as "galis" (translation? scabies?). Lots of Filipinos get "galis" while growing up. I know I did yaiksss!!!

I agree , you need not worry about the scars since it is not self-inflicted and was not caused by any post-operative procedures. It will just be noted as part of the physical examination.

"Galis" or scabies in English cant explain your condition, Filipinos mistakenly use "galis" in general to describe any skin lesion.

Although I am a doctor, I can only share what I am thinking the way Starprog describes it. Its hard to make a concrete diagnosis without seeing the lesion myself. Since you say that she has this pimple like lesions for awhile, with recurrences and affecting most of her family then I considering acne conglobata vs. furuncle(boils). I would still suggest for you to tell your fiance to seek consult to a dermatologist who will identify the lesion and the predisposing factors causing its recurrences.

The important things is that the doctor already made a report or interpreted that film already and has forwarded it to the embassy. Even though the film is lost the doctors report is much important and what is needed to be seen. Only the radiologist will need these for future reference if there was finding, otherwise they wont need it.

Yes Jo ..no fun at all there ..whew im glad its over!! I drop my papers in the releasing counter at 5:am and they called my name at 2:40 for vaccination and wait another 21/2 hour before they release my paper and give my x-ray result! :

My son had to do another x-ray 5x different position and taht means expose himself to the radiation .they do that to make sure what is ''suspicious abnormalities''that they saw before..and Thanks God everything is clear and they even told my son Ok your a ''very healthy boy u can go to USA '' ,W e start Robin's paper at 8 and were done at 5:30!!

Im just glad its over and I thank God for that!Thanks for your prayers Jo..

Glad to see familiar faces from VJ and WOF members!They are all so nice and sweet!

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oops, let me post again

I am glad to know that although it took a while, your medical exam has been finally finished.

I would like to share some information so that others will understand how we come up with ancillary procedures before making a diagnosis. I have been seeing several people saying "suspicious abnormalities" are seen in their chest X-rays. It is a standard procedure that once this has been seen several films should be taken in different positions to confirm that the suspicious abnormality are not the active form of PTB. A radiologist will report something suspicious if some haziness(whiteness) is seen especially in the upper lobes of the lungs. If in the additional films taken the whiteness or haziness is still visualized by the radiologist, he then can make a diagnosis based on Chest Xray as PTB. If your son had that(TB) before and has been treated, a scar in the lung may be seen. Hence additional films are again necessary but the findings will say something like "no significant chest findings" rather than a "normal chest finding" . You need not worry about radiation since most of the tertiary hospital now especially here in Manila uses a better machine unlike the older manual type which has increase scatter radiation. It is not true anymore that only 3 chest X-rays are allowed per person in a year.

It is a different story if a person has a cough with a "suspicious findings" seen in chest Xray, this would require several other test like sputum exam and skin test. If it turns out that the other tests are negative, then the patient may have acquired pneumonia which can treated by antibiotics and with a repeat chest X-ray suspicious findings will no longer be seen. But of course you still have to see your doctor so they can examine you for your other presenting symptoms and consider another diagnosis. If it turns positive then triple anti-Kochs(TB) medications should be initiated immediately.

Good luck as you in the rest of your journey!

God bless!