Skeeter211

Our interview for AOS is tomorrow afternoon in San Jose, CA. Praying we're approved!!!!

Scott and Mirasol

I heard a rumor that the department of state was sooooo much faster, but....we recived approval 3 weeks ago and not a peep...automated NVC guy says they have no record of our file and then asks if I want to hear that in Spanish.

Anyone else stuck after the NOA2? Any luck with calling a live person even though automated guy says "stop calling we don't know who the heck you are"?!!

It's not uncommon to get stuck in the NVC for weeks after NOA2. My Fiance, now my wife, had her approved petition held in NVC for "administrative processing" for about 4 weeks. I called them once a week and asked the status, but could never get much information. I did manage to get a nice gentleman one time that told me it's just normal processing and not to worry. I was told just to wait it out. I think the phone number is in Sheriff Uling's K-1 Visa Guide (a must read for everyone in this process) if you want to try and call also. Unless you hear that there is a problem beyond "administrative processing", I would not worry. Be patient and good luck!

Scott

Ok. Thanks for all your recent responses to my last post. Well, I received my NAO2 on September 29th. I just recently completed my I-134 Affidavit of Support form and all the necessary documents I am suppose to mail to my fiancee. Well I had a few questions:

1. I am able to buy my fiancee an airline ticket? If I can name some website where I could buy her the ticket with my credit card and send her the e-ticket information.

2. After I mail her the Affidavit package, does she have to do anything special.

3. When does my fiancee get her passport? Does she get it before her embassy interview?

All responses will be greatly appreciated.

1) I would not buy her a ticket until you have at least received an interview date, but even then it is risky. So many things can go wrong and cause a delay. A delay could cost you big money in changing a flight date if the visa is not issued in time to make the flight. My personal opinion is not to get a plane ticket till after you have been approved for the visa, but I know some people have made guesses as to when they would receive the visa based on their interview date. If you are right in your guess you are lucky, but if you are wrong it can be a big problem. Good luck!

2) By "Affidavit Package" I am assuming you mean the I-134 affidavit of support. As long as it is complete in all the requirements, there is nothing additional she needs to do accept to submit it during the interview. Make sure you include copies of tax returns for the most recent year as well as W-2 forms for the same year. The exact requirements to be submitted with the Form I-134 are listed in the instructions. Include those items with the form you mail to her and she should be fine with no additional work needed.

3) If your Fiance doesn't have a passport already, she must get one as soon as possible. She needs to have a passport before her medical exam and interview with the embassy. Without the passport, she cannot have the medical and interview and therefore no visa can be issued. She must go to the DFA (Dept. of Foreign Affairs) and apply for the passport. It takes a bit to get one so start right away on that. Don't wait!

Best wishes to you and your Fiance!

Scott

Mirasol went to CFO in Manila and there was no waiting area inside. The USC cannot attend the seminar. I don't recall exactly how long it took, but it wasn't all day....maybe 3-4 hours. I walked down the street a little ways and found an internet cafe to surf the net while I waited. It passed the time quickly.

Scott

my fiancee has tb and it is cured she has xrays that shows it has not gotton any worse. are w elooking at any problmes?

Three words.....Early Medical Exam! If she has a positive TB test in the medical, they will likely require additional tests. Waiting for the last minute to do the medical exam at St. Luke's might jeopardize your interview and resulting visa.

I can't speak to whether your case will result in a denied visa. I think it depends on what happens in the medical. I believe I have read of situations here before where a person with a past case of TB was given medication that "cleared" it up and they were able to get the visa. I also know that TB is a disease that can cause visa denial. To be honest, I am not sure of the specific facts of either case, but wanted you to know there is hope. I am sure you will get the response you need soon.

Good luck!

Scott

Hello Friends.... Just wanted to update that Mirasol got her EAD on 9/29/07 and applied for her first US job with Target the past Friday. She was called the next day to come in for an interview on Monday, 10/8. She did great and was given a conditional job offer on the spot at the interview. We were both so very happy as this was her first application and interview and it was a success. She had heard from friends that Target took 90 days to hire and others told her they were refused as they did not pass the "tests". She was so nervous and worried about being able to understand the interviewers if they spoke slang or too fast for her, but she did well and I am so very proud of her. GREAT JOB HONEYKO!

We have our interview for AOS on 10/25/07 and are praying for a green card without any problems. Other than that, I have been off work for the past three weeks with a back injury and being sick with the bronchitis that's been going around here. Hopefully, I can be back to work this Sunday.

Hope all of you and your families are doing well. Good luck and God bless to all those with upcoming interviews and/or medical appointments. Be prepared, strong and confident and you can make it through.

Take care all!

Scott and Mirasol

We met unexpectedly through this online dating stuff called CB, he's about to quit and its my first time to log-in...from then on we talk for hours and so. Computer (via internet) and celphone became our life, we talked everyday! When we first met personally we knew by heart we are really meant to be together till the rest of our lives...and here we are happily married, no more miles separate us!!!

I wonder how many of us here are products of CB???

--Mae

Well...while my wife and I both had profiles on CB....we actually met through "the other guys" at filipinaheart.com.

Can someone check out my timeline and tell me if I am on track and if I should be expecting EAD soon?

If you read your own VJ timeline, it states the following:

"Based on timeline data, your EAD may be adjudicated as early as September 15, 2007*.

If this date has passed by more than 10 days or your application is past due per USCIS processing times then you should consider calling the USCIS to inquire on your petition. If you have been approved please update your timeline."

Since we are now into October 8th, I would say you are outside the normal limits of time for an EAD.

As far as your I-130, I cannot comment because we obtained a K-1 and did not go through that process. Your I-485 doesn't seem too long to me as you had an RFE to deal with that lengthens the time of processing, but that is only my opinion. Not really sure how to answer, but maybe someone else can help too. I just wanted to give you some feedback since you asked.

Is it normal to get the EAD before we've had our interview?

Yup....It's normal. That is one reason (the main reason IMO) why people file for their EADs as a part of the process. Sometimes the interview and approval of AOS come quickly and the difference in time between the EAD and the green card is minimal. Other times, it's a big gap because of an application processing problem, or maybe a name check delay. The EAD is meant as a bridge to allow immigrants to work during the period their AOS is processing, so it makes since it would arrive first in most cases.

Thanks again Scott and Mirasol. We went in Santa Cruz and Monterey yesterday and due to over excitement I forgot to take Mirasol's #, it was too late when I remembered, was hoping to meet up with you, its beautiful where you guys live I love it.

Awwww...that would have been so nice! I guess it probably happened that way for a reason anyway as I had a recent back injury this past Saturday and have been down in bed ever since. Just now starting to get up and move a bit. We would have been stuck at the house, but it still would have been nice to meet up.

Thank God for my loving wife who has been here taking care of my every need. You never realize how much you use your back muscles until it hurts so bad you can't use them. Mir has such a giving heart and she is truly the love of my life! Can't tell her enough how much I love her.

Anyways....I am sure another time will present itself to meet up with you and Byron.

Take care and God Bless you and your family.

Scott and Mirasol

One other thought.....I know money is a tight spot, but an immigration attorney would also be very good here and I think we would be remiss in not at least saying it as necessary advice to the OP.

Are you all trying to tell me that a woman from the Philippines would be too ashamed after a rape to disclose it to her American husband after it happened?

The answer to your question is "Maybe". But perhaps it'd be best to discuss via a seperate thread if you wanted to explore the cultural nuances to this, rather than subjecting the OP to this.

Neither you nor the OP need worry about what I am 'subjecting' him to. It's nothing compared to what the CO may do. My questions are designed to make you THINK about what's likely in store at the interview. It's not doing anybody any good to sit here and pat him on the head and wish him good luck. After all, he asked us what is likely to happen. We'd be doing him a disservice to be less than honest.

Consular Officers at high fraud posts are trained to look for signs of immigration fraud. That training includes questioning the visa applicant in a manner which will yield pertinent answers. If shame over a rape is a cultural norm (to the extent a woman might not tell her husband) then the CO will know this. But you can bet your bottom dollar the CO will still question the woman to see if the shame is real or not. It's their job.

If you think I'm turning up too much heat on the OP, then there's little hope for him when he really gets into the kitchen.

I agree....I can't see them getting around the issue of the child's paternal origin with the CO. I think they must understand that they are in for a hard road ahead in getting her a visa. I don't think anyone here would recommend representing anything but the facts of this already complicated case to the CO as that would only tangle the web more than it already is. In my opinion, the only choice is to tell it like it is and hopefully she is strong enough to convince the CO of her sincerity. Honestly, I am no expert, but I feel the odds are against them in getting a visa with the facts presented.

At the very least, I would expect a very tough interview. Even giving her the benefit of the doubt that she is just naive and made a lot of mistakes here, she has to contend with the fact there have been others before her that set the stage. Sadly, they have tried to get marriage based visas while carrying on a secondary relationship with another man or woman at home in the PI. I don't envy the CO that will hear this case.

Just another thought to throw out there. Being that the OP can't go to the PI for financial reasons at the moment and likely could not be at the interview, what if they just cancelled the petition for now and waited it out a few years. It might let some time pass, which could help in a few areas. One, it would allow them to see how there relationship is going to pan out after such a traumatic event. Many relationships fail from the fall-out of a sexual assault...even from a known perpetrator. It would also allow him to hopefully make more visits to her and build a better case that they both really love each other and its a bona fide relationship. Maybe I am off base here, but its worth some thought I think so I put it out there for consideration by daveg and discussion by others.

Any way you look at it, its a tough road ahead.

PS...The longer one waits to turn the rapist guy in, the less plausible her story will be to police AND to immigration. If you are even contemplating that possibility, she needs to gather up the mustard and cut it ASAP.

I believe the question was whether your divorce had to be final before MEETING someone new, which is different than actually being divorced before filing the K-1 petition. Yes, you must have a final divorce decree before you can file the K-1 petition, but the USCIS won't deny a petition based on the date you started your new relationship. I was separated from my ex for almost 3 years while we went through the divorce court proceedings and I was also with my current wife, formerly a K-1 applicant, for 2 of those 3 years. Never was even brought up at any time during the K-1 process that I was still technically married at the time I met my current wife.

Scott

Speaking for us and each case can be different....it was the actual card attached to the "approval notice". Took about two days to arrive after the approval notice email was received. You're really close!!!!

Scott

Hi guys.... Just dropping by to say hello to everybody.

I finally got my EAD at the mail last week and I'll be off on my AOS interview this coming Monday. Wish me luck pls

Hi Gracy and Byron! Congrats on the EAD and good luck on the AOS interview. We got our email saying EAD was approved, but its not arrived here yet. Our interview isn't til Oct. 25! Hello to everyone else too!!!

Ingat!

Scott and Mirasol

Thanks Scott and Mirasol. I tired calling you guys but the phone was unattended, I'll try again later.

Just got back from our AOS interview, the lady who interviewed us said the greencard will be mailed in 10 days. Im really happy

YAY!!!! Really happy for you both! We got your missed call yesterday and message, but it was late already. We will talk again soon. Glad to hear your good news on the interview. We got our EAD on Saturday and we're gonna be there in our interview soon too! Now you can relax for a year and a half.

Scott and Mirasol

Don't you think it is odd that your wife was raped and you did not go to her side?

Well that's the one part I do understand. He said he can't afford it and can barely makes the poverty guidelines as a spoinsor if I remember correctly. Not everyone can afford to fly on a moments notice to another country. I don't think that is unusual. However, as has been said....more visits right now certainly won't hurt their immigration case.

I agree that the question of when the OP learned of the rape would be a very valid queston for him and the CO. Whether she wanted to report to police or not, one would think she would have told the man she loved right away of such a traumatc event in her life. Then again, I am sure she was too scared to tell him too.

Just my opinion so take it for what its worth as I am a cynical person by nature, but....

Bottom line is....I think there is a lot of question in people's mind here about whether this was a rape or a woman that cheated and accidentally got pregnant. The latter would call serious questions as to the validity of your bona fide relationship. Because of that you both will need to be prepared for some heavy duty questions from the CO at interview time. I don't know that a letter from you is going to relieve her from a grilling by the CO about the origin of this baby and how it came to be. I would not put it past the Embassy to do a field investigation and contact people she knows to see if there is any discrepancies. It seems she knows this guy that "raped" her and if I were the CO, I would want to interview family and aquaintances to see if there was any lovey lovey between them.

If I were you and this guy raped my wife, I would insist she go to the police and turn him in. This guy committed a crime and RAPED her!!! He is not to be protected, she is the one. If she can't do that, maybe there is a reason why? If she has a big family there with her, what's to worry about him threatening her? She is coming here to the states anyway. Maybe her family can hide her in a far away relatives residence till she get's her visa if she is scared?

A rape report/investgation will help the CO clear it in his/her mind what happened. Without it, I believe you are inviting questions and cynicism into the room with her. The CO's are already very cynical as it is because of all the fraud there. Admittedly, we don't know the whole story here from this thread, but something doesn't seem right to me. I think another red flag to the CO will be that the child will go to the parents of the "rapist". I just see a lot of problems ahead in getting a visa approved, but that is ONLY my opinion. Only God and your wife really knows what happened at this point.

If your wife was truly a victim of a rape, then I am sorry for you, for her, and for her unborn child. It's hard to be objective when you are close to the situation. You love her so much and want what she says to be true. I pray to God it is true and she has honest intentions as I am sure that I, nor anyone else will not change your mind at this point, based on what you have already said about believing her.

Skeeter211 also laid down logical points in different perspectives here

i admit, it really is dubious

neenuh....thank you for having the courtesy of not slamming my post with your own views. I respect your opinions as well. I understand that rape is a total crime of violence, regardless of whether she knew the perpetrator or not. The decision is up to the OP as to what he believes and what he will do. In that respect it is "none of our business". Having said that, this board runs on 80% opinions and 20% facts most of the time and I guess I did contribute to that tonight.

I will only stick my nose in one more time where it probably doesn't belong.....As you said, what happens to the child is a prime concern, which is another red flag for me. Giving the child to the parents of the "rapist" so that he can support the child and hopefully take care of it? Why not adoption so the child has a chance away from this "RAPIST" as he is called. I wonder what the CO would have to say about that in the interview?

To Daveg....my heart really goes out to you bro. You are in a very very sad situation for everyone involved. Please don't interpret my opinions in the wrong way. It's obviously your marriage and your decision. I just hope you think long and hard about it. I am sure you have, so that is all the more reason to have different points of view to examine. Good luck and best wishes with whatever happens from here.

Scott

I don't know how long it will take to get an interview. I would contact the Embassy as soon as possible.

the child will need to have a medical. your wife's mom or dad can represent her at the child's interview. appyling for the visa is basically the same as for a K-1, would not need the DS-156k submitted. if traveling with anyone other than your wife, believe a travel permit would be needed from DSWD.

My friend just called USE and give the interview schedule after 2 weeks, as long as the kid will follow within a year is fine, same as k1 need to send the Affidavit of support also,need medical too.....

as what the others say need DSWD permit if the kid will travel with relatives

Yes, i checked this out too since i also have the same concern with my daughter. the kid is allowed to follow within one year from the time the k1 visa was approved for the fiance.

We are also using K-2 follow to join for Mir's daughter. We emailed the USE and asked about whether the K-2 is good only for the 1 year period or if it just has to be issued within one year and then the visa is still valid for 6 months after issuance like the K-1. Here was the response from USE Manila.

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

Reference: (Child's Name/K-2 Recipient)

Date: September 20, 2007

Dear Mr. XXXXXX:

This is in reply to your inquiry of August 10, 2007, regarding the derivative fiancée (K2) nonimmigrant visa case of the referenced individual.

Please note that under U.S. immigration law and regulation, the issuance of a derivative fiancée (K2) nonimmigrant visa must follow within one (1) year from the date the fiancée (K1) nonimmigrant visa was issued to the principal applicant.

In this case, Mirasol XXXXXXXX was issued a fiancée (K1) nonimmigrant visa on May 8, 2007.

(Minor Child K-2) should apply and be issued a K2 nonimmigrant visa (if qualified) before May 8, 2008.

If found qualified, the K2 nonimmigrant visa is valid for six (6) months from the date of issuance. The validity of a visa, however, may be limited by a medical restriction or other considerations and would be less than the usual 6 months.

We hope this information will be helpful to you.

Immigrant Visa Correspondence Unit

Consular Section

U.S. Embassy, Manila

1201 Roxas Boulevard

Manila, Philippines

Telephone: (632) 528-6300

Fax: (632) 528-6471

THIS E-MAIL IS UNCLASSIFIED AS DEFINED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 12958

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

So the K2 must be issued within 1 year, but you have up to 18 months to travel under normal circumstances. Hope this helps!

Scott

For those who have experience with NWA.........How many in kilograms allowed for check luggage? and how many for carry on?

I want a simple answer and not a link

salamat

Here you go:

http://www.nwa.com/travel/luggage/checked.html

Now THAT'S funny!!!

Just my opinion so take it for what its worth as I am a cynical person by nature, but....

Bottom line is....I think there is a lot of question in people's mind here about whether this was a rape or a woman that cheated and accidentally got pregnant. The latter would call serious questions as to the validity of your bona fide relationship. Because of that you both will need to be prepared for some heavy duty questions from the CO at interview time. I don't know that a letter from you is going to relieve her from a grilling by the CO about the origin of this baby and how it came to be. I would not put it past the Embassy to do a field investigation and contact people she knows to see if there is any discrepancies. It seems she knows this guy that "raped" her and if I were the CO, I would want to interview family and aquaintances to see if there was any lovey lovey between them.

If I were you and this guy raped my wife, I would insist she go to the police and turn him in. This guy committed a crime and RAPED her!!! He is not to be protected, she is the one. If she can't do that, maybe there is a reason why? If she has a big family there with her, what's to worry about him threatening her? She is coming here to the states anyway. Maybe her family can hide her in a far away relatives residence till she get's her visa if she is scared?

A rape report/investgation will help the CO clear it in his/her mind what happened. Without it, I believe you are inviting questions and cynicism into the room with her. The CO's are already very cynical as it is because of all the fraud there. Admittedly, we don't know the whole story here from this thread, but something doesn't seem right to me. I think another red flag to the CO will be that the child will go to the parents of the "rapist". I just see a lot of problems ahead in getting a visa approved, but that is ONLY my opinion. Only God and your wife really knows what happened at this point.

If your wife was truly a victim of a rape, then I am sorry for you, for her, and for her unborn child. It's hard to be objective when you are close to the situation. You love her so much and want what she says to be true. I pray to God it is true and she has honest intentions as I am sure that I, nor anyone else will not change your mind at this point, based on what you have already said about believing her.

Ok less than 24 hours till the interview. We will talk extensively tonite. We will roleplay I will play the nasty CO role. Hopefully she gets the nice one, but just in case. Besides 6x checking the documents and roleplaying. Praying, Working What is one to do while waiting to hear the news? What did some of our Experience VJeers do?

How about some breathing exercises and RELAX!!!

I know its tough, but have faith that it will be okay. Good luck and take care!

Scott

My sweetheart and I stayed at Jony's Beach Resort during both our trips to Boracay and really enjoyed it. It's a smaller place right on the beach. Nothing fancy, but it is clean, fairly well maintained and not terribly expensive compared to some there. I think it was about 80$ per night there with free breakfast included, but its off season now so its probably cheaper. You can find them on the web in any sight that sells hotels for the PI. I used travelmart.net the first time and asiatravel.net the second time. Shop around because sometimes you can find better deals depending on the website.

Ingat!

Scott

Mir just went to the mailbox and her EAD Card was there!!! Now we just need to get her a job!

Scott

Hi guys.... Just dropping by to say hello to everybody.

I finally got my EAD at the mail last week and I'll be off on my AOS interview this coming Monday. Wish me luck pls

Hi Gracy and Byron! Congrats on the EAD and good luck on the AOS interview. We got our email saying EAD was approved, but its not arrived here yet. Our interview isn't til Oct. 25! Hello to everyone else too!!!

Ingat!

Scott and Mirasol