Skeeter211

I'll admit I am biased towards children coming at the same time as the parent, so sorry if it sounded like I was criticizing those who choose follow to join. whether choosing same time or follow to join the important thing is, in the end, to be together as a family.

As someone that did the follow to join, I did not take your's or anyone's comments to be criticizing those that do the follow to join. I just wanted to present another view from someone that did it. I also hope I did not sound judgemental towards your position either. As I said, there are valid arguments for doing both and the choice is up to the individual. I agree that family togetherness and reunification should be the focus even for those that do follow to join.

Scott

I could not agree more that each situation is different. We weighed out pros and cons too. My wife was like you in that she wanted to come first and get settled, find work, adjust to the USA, and then bring her daughter here. I was okay either way and we thought long and hard about the decision going back and forth several times about what to do. In the end, we decided to have her daughter come later.

I agree the time lost is time that can't be replaced. I guess we did not see it as a huge amount of time and knew they would still have constant phone and internet contact. Still, they do miss each other alot. Our initial plan was to file everything like a K-2, but in actuality we considered not bringing her daughter until 2009 under a new petition. We wanted to have the option for a K-2 though, so we filed it that way. We are glad we did because things are going well here and we decided not to wait that long for her to come here. We have scheduled the interview now and she will use the K-2 to come here for the start of school in 2008.

I know there are a lot of reasons for and against leaving a child behind to follow later. I don't fault anyone for deciding either way. It sounds like you have decided already to bring them at the same time as you will come to the USA and I am happy you were able to reach a decision. Just wanted to add my two cents in from someone that went the other way since it sounds like most people that have posted so far are against following later.

Scott

We bought Mir's ticket after her visa was already delivered and in hand. Did not want to risk it. I sent her the money and she bought it there because it was about $150 dollars cheaper. She said that she was even asked to bring her visa (to make a copy) by the ticket agent that sold her the PAL ticket. Not sure that part would happen if I bought it here for her though.

Another point is that for the Philippines, they are now doing an additional document check with NSO prior to issuing the visa that has delayed some people. This is new and only adds another layer of government that can slow things down. One government agency is enough. Now there are two having to work together in a timely manner. Good luck! I say buy it after or you are taking a big risk.

Scott

Here we go again blame the victim, You know for example: what where you doing or wearing to get raped? Or why were you in that part of the city at that hour to get robbed? Etc. now we want to blame a 19 year old who has had a little too much to drink for being eaten alive by a tiger in a zoo. So its another case of blaming the victim. Excuse me but people taunt animals all the time drunk or not in zoos. The problem is the animals should not be able to escape their enclosures. Beer and wine are sold inside the San Francisco Zoo, even my local zoo--Zoo Atlanta has bartenders setup through out the Zoo grounds serving beer, wine, and cocktails. So if drinking was the problem then why serve drinks in the first place--well that's just it its not the problem its the poor design of a tiger enclosure. Lets stop blaming the victim.

Assuming everything you have read in the media is true.......

I understand your point, but at the same time....people should be responsible for their own actions. There is surely some cupability by the zoo as there should be no way that this animal could get out......period. Secondly, if the zoo served ANY of the alcohol to the 19 year old, then they have another reason for blame.

At the same time, to say that the drunk 19 year old that was taunting a WILD animal has no responsibility for his own actions is simply not a responsible statement. The 19 YEAR OLD should have been responsible enough not to drink in the first place as he is not of legal drinking age. To excuse him simply because of his age and the "boys will be boys" attitude is an incorrect response as well. This is no doubt a very tragic event, but blame falls on both sides of the fence here.

The difference in your scenarios above is that a tiger is a wild animal with animalistic instincts and prey drives. It is not the human rapist or robber that has a criminal intent, so you can't compare apples to oranges.

Just my opinion of course......

Scott

I love Cathay Pacific so that is the only airline I use going to and from the RP

I agree...Cathay Pacific is far superior to PAL....more expensive, but better flights and service.

Scott

Well just to update, the USEM worked fairly quickly this time regarding my step-daughter's K-2 "follow-to-join" interview. I sent the request for the interview in the first week of January and we already have an interview date. She will have her medical Feb. 25 and interview on Mar. 3rd. We were actually hoping to time the interview in April or May so that she can wait to fly here just before school starts, but we'll work with it. She can still fly here the end of August and be okay for both visa and school think.

Hope everyone is doing well and a belated Happy New Year to ALL!

Scott

is it possible to apply for my EAD locally? (if i have my SSN already) or i have to send it together with the AOS first?

It must be filed with AOS. They no longer issue them at the local offices.

Scott

the DS Forms would be same, except DS-156k is not required.

I asked the about guardian of child attending the interview:

USER Asked: roy: My fiancée and I are considering having her daughter follow to join with a k-2 visa. Would she have to be present at the daughter’s interview or could it be a guardian? If they both apply at same time while my fiancée still in Philippines, can the K-2 visa for the daughter be extended beyond six months?

CONSUL: The K1 or K2 visa cannot be extended beyond 6 months from date of issuance. If the K2 will follow to join some other time, he/she should be issued for a K2 visa within one year of K1’s date of issuance. If the one-year window had lapsed a new petition should be filed for the child of the K1. If the daughter will apply as following to join, the mother is not required to be present during the interview; the guardian with proper identification could assist the minor child.

you might want to call the Embassy for more details.

thank you!

Scott

Look like we are on the same boat, we are also doing the K-2 Follow-to-join. We already got an interview date!

Case Number: MNL20067682##

Visa Classification: K1

St. Luke's Appointment Date: Tuesday, January 29, 2008 (7:00:00 AM)

Embassy Appointment Date: Wednesday, February 06, 2008 (7:30:00 AM)

We wanted to talk to you about how you did your forms, if you started them. We are running out of time to send them soon! We know the fees have changes.

We what to know if it the k2 that now needs to be on the forms. Like now her son needs to be named on it now correct?

We just have not done them in a year, now we get on the ball and do get it done fast!

Thanks Victor and Eldalin

Honestly....I don't really know either what forms will be required. I just sent the letter to ask for the appointment and will need to complete forms as well.

Will you go home for your child's interview and medical? if not, do you know what is required from the Embassy at the interview in order to allow a "guardian" to attend on your behalf? I know for a passport, my wife has to send a special power of attorney authenticated by the Philippine Consulate here in the states, so we just included the interview and medical on that too, but not really sure of the requirements.

Any help will be appreciated.

Scott

Well I know I said we were done with immigration for 18 months, but I guess I lied. I meant to say Mirasol is done, but we just started the process to bring her daughter here on the K-2 Follow-to-join. So here we go again for another waiting period courtesy of the USEM. At least this one SHOULD be a little easier time. We can't say we didn't know it was coming. hehehe

For those that have K-2's that are going to follow-to-join, the process was that I called the USEM and inquired as to how to request an interview for my step-daughter. They advised me to type a written letter notifying them that we are ready to proceed with the her K-2 and requesting an interview and medical appointment. It's not perfect, but it worked for me and was accepted by the USEM. Here is what I sent as a sample:

================================================================================

January 3, 2008

United States Embassy-Manila

1201 Roxas Blvd.

Manila, Philippines 1000

Attention: Operations Unit

RE: Request for Interview on K-2 Visa (Follow-to-Join)

Case #MNL2007XXXXXX

Petitioner: (My Name)

Beneficiary of K-2 Visa: (Step-Child's Name), Birthdate XX/XX/XXXX

Dear Sir/Madam:

We are writing this letter to notify the US Embassy Manila that we are now ready to proceed with the processing of my step-daughter, (Her Name), K-2 visa under the “follow-to-join” provision of her mother’s K-1 visa.

Miss (step-daughter's name) and her mother, (My Wife's Name), were petitioned and approved by the USCIS on January 17, 2007. Her mother was issued a K-1 visa on May 8, 2007 by the US Embassy Manila and entered the United States of America on June 1, 2007. Her mother and I were then married as required under the K-1 visa on June 18, 2007 making Miss (step-daughter's name) the step-child of the petitioner.

We are now requesting that (step-daughter's name) be scheduled for her medical exam and visa interview with the Embassy. Her ability to utilize the K-2 visa “Follow-to-Join” provision will expire on May 7, 2008 (one year from her mother’s visa issuance). We would request that she be scheduled for an interview date in time to have her visa issued prior to that date should she be approved.

Please send all correspondence to Petitioner at the address previously on file, and to Beneficiary at the following address:

(Insert Name and Address where correspondence will be received on behalf of the child)

Respectfully Submitted,

(Signature above typed name)

Petitioner

================================================================================

Hope this helps for anyone in our same position. Not sure it needed to be that verbose, but I called today and they said they received the fax and would schedule an interview within 50-90 days. So off to the waiting game we go again.

Take care!

Scott

I'm curious about marrying a foreigner but what if it doesn't work out? Do you only get 1 chance to bring someone to the usa for life? What if you get divorced can you remarry and go throught the whole process again? I'm just wondering if this is a one shot deal. Thanks for the advice. Newbie!

my advice is if your not sure the marriage will work , take some extra time to get to know your future spouse more , why think of divorce when the marriage doesnt even exist yet , marriage is a comitment and shouldnt be taken lightly I say if your thinking it might not work out eather get to know your fiance more or forget about marriage for now

I agree. If you are thinking of divorce already, you are not ready for marriage and definitely not ready for marriage to a foreigner.

Nothing says you have to find a woman or man from a foreign country and marry in two or three months....although some do. Take time and get to know the person you will join in a relationship with. If you can't go to their country and they can't come here very often, then spend every day talking and communicating online for a while. Ask a lot of questions. Online relationships are unique in one sense in that you can learn to communicate with your partner as that is all you have. You must talk and if you can't hold a conversation online for a few months without getting bored or tired, then its not the relationship for you in my opinion.

There is always risk involved in any marriage that one or the other will become either discontented and unhappy or unfaithful. You can never get around that. All you can do is to take the time to know that person intimately. Don't rush it. Those that rush off in a marriage to a foreigner have a bigger chance of being disappointed in the end whether its a divorce or someone just using them for a visa. Those that are truly in love, and most are, will take the time to get to know each other.....even if it takes a few years to get comfortable with each other.

In my opinion, a couple of months knowing each other and one visit to their country is not enough to really know someone....especially in marrying someone from a foreign country. There are so many cultural differences and things to learn about a person that it takes time. Each relationship will be different, so all I can say is take your time. Find the right one and not neccessarily the first one that shows interest.

Good luck!

I added my Medical Appointment date...

NAME.............NOA2.....MNL RECD....PACKET4.....MEDICAL....INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#

K1/K3

brentsheila.....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-04-08...2007-xxxxxx

huggyapple......xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-04-08...2007-xxxxxx

melkeikilani....10-16-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-820xxx

Edp333..........10-23-07....11-27-07....xx-xx-xx...01-30-08...02-06-08...2007-xxxxxx

Tanjay..........10-31-07....11-23-07....xx-xx-xx...01-28-08...02-04-07...2007-xxxxxx

TimY............11-02-07....11-26-07....xx-xx-xx...01-28-07...02-04-07...2007-819xxx

shiningangel....11-05-07....11-05-07....xx-xx-xx...01-29-08...02-05-07...2007-819xxx

bacbac..........xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-06-08...2007-xxxxxx

captainjeff228..xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-06-08...2007-xxxxxx

honeybear.......xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-06-08...2007-xxxxxx

Darling&RG......xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-06-08...2007-xxxxxx

ripolo78........xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-06-08...2007-xxxxxx

ILoveJoy........xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-07-08...2007-xxxxxx

Raquel1208......11-05-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-07-08...2007-xxxxxx

LuckyLalaki.....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-07-08...2007-xxxxxx

bluebelle.......xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-xxxxxx

mattandsherykl..xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-xxxxxx

todd1000........11-08-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...02-08-08...2007-832xxx

Sha&Scott.......10-29-07....12-12-07....xx-xx-xx...02-01-08...02-08-08...2007-844xxx

EternalLove.....11-02-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...01-30-08...02-07-08...2007-xxxxxx

nicks...........11-09-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-844xxx

cjthel..........11-13-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-844xxx

derrel&Lai......11-19-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-847xxx

niceguy26.......11-28-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-855xxx

MariEnMichelle..12-11-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-xxxxxx

Arrta...........12-13-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-851xxx

jfd.............12-19-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-xxxxxx

CR/IR

djturbo.........09-14-07....xx-xx-xx....xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2007-xxxxxx

Just saw this information posted on another thread and thought I would pass it along here. This text is now on the USEM website as part of the requirements:

"Applicants whose visa eligibility is dependent upon their marital status (i.e. K-1, K-3, CR-1, IR-1, F-1 and F2-B categories) will normally need to have their documents verified through the National Statistics Office (NSO) before the U.S. Embassy in Manila can issue the visa. Those with a delayed birth or death certificate or only local civil registrar copies of such documents may need to have their documents verified.

In order to avoid unnecessary delay in the visa issuance process, the U.S. Embassy in Manila strongly encourages applicants in the categories mentioned above to pay the document verification fee prior to their immigrant visa interview. Payment can be made through any Metrobank location. The cost of the document verification is P650 per applicant. For specific instructions on how to pay the document verification fee, please click HERE. If you are unable to pay for the document verification before your immigrant visa interview, you may be asked to pay the fee on the day of your interview. Please note that if you pay on the day of your interview, there will be a delay of one to two weeks in the processing of your application.

The link to the article on the USEM site is: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3219.html

The link to the Delbros page is above in the "HERE" link or at: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwfdelb.pdf

The link to the thread where I found out about this is here: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=99501

I don't know a lot about this as its all new information about requirements of the embassy. I read that you can call the embassy for more information on the fee. I heard of one case already where it caused a delay in the visa issuance and others are saying it will delay your visa if it is not paid in a timely manner.

That's all I know at this point.

Scott

Congratulations PW on the successful interview!!! I am so envious you got to be married in Vegas on 7-07-07....hehehe. I wanted to do that date too, but Mir didn't want to wait. (I tease her that she was afraid I will run away if we waited longer. ) We did get married in Vegas....just not on that lucky day.

Anyways...take care all!

Scott

Mirasol got her Green Card in the mail yesterday, 11/5/07....Woooowhoooo!!! We are both very happy and relieved it's over for another two years.

Congrats Mike and Marivic and all others recently approved for Visa or AOS. Good luck to those with interviews still pending. Take care and thank you to all that helped us along the way.

Scott and Mirasol

Mirasol got her Green Card in the mail yesterday, 11/5/07....Woooowhoooo!!! We are both very happy and relieved it's over for another two years.

Congrats to all others that have been approved and good luck to those with interviews still pending. Take care and thank you to all that helped us along the way.

Scott and Mirasol

PS....Neither of our names are on the mail box and the green card arrived just fine.

Thank you JoeMaria and vsmtghdy for the Congrats! Mir just got her "Welcome to the United States" letter, so we're hoping the green card will not be far behind.

Ingats All!

Scott

Congratulations to you both!!!!

Congrats to Sonshyne on the receipt of your green card and Good Luck to LuzyC and GaryC on your interview. You can do it!!!

Why do Canadians have to pay a fee while others don't?

They have to help pay for their half of the wall Bush wants to build around the USA.

6$ US for the I-94. That's all we paid.

So now I have a husband that claims he bought a cheap alien for 6$

My wife didn't pay anything for I-94 or anything else for that matter at POE. Must be a Canadian thing, eh?

Nope....vaccinations and x-rays are included in the cost of the medical exam and do not cost extra. No need to waste money getting them from her doctor. Honestly, I don't think they would be accepted if she got them from her doctor as I think they must come from a USCIS civil surgeon. I believe SLEC is the only place, just like medical exam must be done there.

I also agree.....fly her there to Manila on Sunday and get her to the medical Monday and Tuesday. The worst that will happen then is that she will have to explain her medical delay to the consul and her visa will be delayed until the medical results are received at the embassy. Do not miss the interview appointment.

Hey everyone....good news! Interview was today and we're APPROVED!!!! No more USCIS for 2 years!

Our appointment was at 2PM in San Jose, California. We arrived a bit early at 1:45PM and were called in almost immediately after getting to the waiting room. The immigration officer was an Asian gentleman and very pleasant. We exchanged greetings as we arrived in his office and then sat down. Something I was surprised about was that he never swore us in as I thought was done.

Anyways...the interview was super quick. He asked us for our identification and we provided it. He then confirmed our address and phone number. He then told us he had been sent our whole file and that he had most everything he needed. He quickly flew over the questions about previous criminal history etc. and then asked for our marriage certificate. Finally, he asked for the additional proof of genuine relationship and we provided him with a copy of our bank account statement with both our names on it, medical insurance enrollment forms and insurance cards in her name, cell phone bill in both our names, and some photographs of us together and us with my kids. He then stated that would be sufficient.

He concluded by saying that he would approve Mir's application for AOS today and that the fingerprints and name checks were all cleared. He told us that Mir should receive the green card in about 7 days. WOOOHOOO!!!!

Thank you for the well wishes. It's really been a blessing to have this board to learn about this process and to have others going through the same thing. Best of luck to all those still going through the waiting.

Scott and Mirasol

Im sorry Scott, I might have to broadcast it before you do hehehe. Was talking to Mirasol earlier and she said it went well, hurray ! Inggit naman ako sa inyo, buti pa kayo nakakapag Jollibee, layo Jollibee samen eh. Anyway congrats and I'll be in touch with you again guys.

Hi Ate Cora, was wondering about you too.

Someone let the cat out of the bag early! It's okay....I forgive you. It's good news anyway! We're APPROVED!!!! No more USCIS for 2 years!

Our appointment was at 2PM in San Jose, California. We arrived a bit early at 1:45PM and were called in almost immediately after getting to the waiting room. The immigration officer was an Asian gentleman and very pleasant. We exchanged greetings as we arrived in his office and then sat down. Something I was surprised about was that he never swore us in as I had heard was done.

Anyways...the interview was super quick. He asked us for our identification and we provided it. He then confirmed our address and phone number. He then told us he had been sent our whole file and that he had most everything he needed. He quickly flew over the questions about previous criminal history etc. and then asked for our marriage certificate. Finally, he asked for the additional proof of genuine relationship and we provided him with a copy of our bank account statement with both our names on it, medical insurance enrollment forms and insurance cards in her name, cell phone bill in both our names, and some photographs of us together and us with my kids. He then stated that would be sufficient.

He concluded by saying that he would approve Mir's application for AOS today and that the fingerprints and name checks were all cleared. He told us that Mir should receive the green card in about 7 days. WOOOHOOO!!!!

Thank you Gracy, Imaskin, and Ate Cora for the well wishes. It's really been a blessing to have this board to learn about this process and to have others going through the same thing. Best of luck to Ate Cora and all those still going through the waiting.

Scott and Mirasol

PS....I don't know what Gracy said about Jollibee cuz I only understand a few words of Tagalog, but yes...my honey did locate a Jollibee in California near San Francisco so we drove there after her interview for some Chicken Joy and rice. It was about 45 minutes away from the interview location, but Mir really wanted to go. I can't resist her charm! She just looks at me so sweetly and I melt. hehehe ILOVEYOUHONEYBUNNY4LIFE!!!

As far as documents to submit during the AOS interview....if we use an affidavit from a friend or family member to state that they have witnessed our marriage and validate that we live together in a matrimonial relationship, does anyone know if it is required to be notarized?

Thanks.

Scott

Tomorrow is our AOS interview. Praying for success! We will let you all know how it goes.

Scott and Mirasol