Fogi

On 1/12/2020 at 7:30 PM, Jpoy said:

How long do you think the process is? And how easy/hard is it to schedule an appointment at the embassy to apply for CRBA? Thanks!!!

The process for us was just under 4 weeks from mailing stuff to CRBA in hand. If you're not married, they will ask for DNA. That can make it longer. Also a little longer for passport and SSN if you need those. 

The paper work is easy, I sent the packet and had an email with an appointment within a few days, appointment was within 2 weeks. Asked for DNA, did DNA the following week, CRBA came the week after, and the passport a few days later. As soon as we had the CRBA I went and got a SSN at USEM (no appt needed). Card was delivered to the Philippines 2 weeks later. 

CRBA - 3-4 Weeks

Passport - 5 weeks

SSN - 7 weeks

Time frame will vary, i also paid for expedited testing kits to/from the USA. I had heard St. Lukes is slow.  That added some cost, worth it to have the stuff in hand. 

1 hour ago, Greenbaum said:

 

The immigration officer may ask a few questions but nothing like the interview but we have seen some who they wanted to question further but that is so rare. She shouldn't have any problems. My wife and 2 children came through LAX and had no problems.

 

My wife went through LAX and I planned a 4-hour layover which she used every minute of that time to go through immigration, retrieve her luggage, go through customs then walk to another terminal not to mention stopping for a bite to eat as they were quite Hungary. They had little time at the gate before boarding. So your recommendation should be adhered to in my opinion.

We found a very inexpensive last minute flight 2 days after she received the visa, but it only had the 2.5 hour connection. She had fun ordering room service and watching American TV for a night, wasn't the worst thing to have happen to her. She was then 3 hours early for the flight the next day. We got lucky she was able to catch the first flight out the next morning for no additional cost. 

2 hours ago, Rami91 said:

what other details, the interview was on April 2018, the counselor liked out story and told my fiance that everything is fine but we need to give you the ds-5535 and we filled it and send it to them and every time we email them, they tell us to wait for background check 

You didn't mention that you provided the info, only that you received the DS-5535 and you emailed them numerous times.

Have you emailed since it says expired?

6 minutes ago, Rami91 said:

it says created. everything was fine until the counselor gave us the form DS-5355.

You will need to give more detail to get answers from the experts here (not me). 

My fiance entered through LAX about 6 weeks ago. They didn't ask anything except the normal questions everyone gets about drugs, produce, etc.  Make sure she has 3+ hours between flights. My fiance had 2.5 hours, missed her connection, and had to spend her first night in the US in a hotel in LA. 

6 hours ago, APA said:

There seems to be 2 schools of thought on this, with some posters giving answers supporting the VJ Petition Guide and some answers contradicting it. Some of you say to provide as much evidence as possible to avoid RFEs or adjudicator doubt and some say to only provide what is asked for and hope for the best. Personally, I’d tend to err on the side of caution and provide overwhelming evidence initially. 

 

I’m a USC and my fiancé is Cambodian. We have been living together for 8 months in Cambodia and by the time I return to the US in April it will be 1 year. We’ve taken several trips within Cambodia and have traveled to 3 other countries together within the last year. I have a certificate of residence, 1 year visa(with entry/exit stamps showing a long presence here), work permit, driver’s license, receipts and certificate from a language school I attended, a couple’s gym membership, lots of photos of us in Cambodia and abroad, and receipts from our trips(tickets, accommodations, visa stamps, etc.). From my perspective, I have overwhelming evidence that we exceed the meeting requirements. The rest of it is just proof of a normal relationship. I’m a bit ocd with organization so I plan to organize all of this into an easy to read and comprehensive file. I don’t want any RFEs and I want the IO to be satisfied that this is legit before we get to the interview. However, I’ve seen a few posts that say too much info is a bad thing. What’s the best way to do this - more info or less info? 

Someone has to look at everything you send. Don't waste their time with chat logs and a million pictures. Your passport is your best piece of evidence. Add some pictures and anything with both your names on it (receipts, leases, etc.). My $0.02 on the evidence. 

12 minutes ago, Bhabiedoo said:

Is there any specific POE for my fiancee guys? i want to book the ticket right now since 2go said i will get the passport in a couple of days. any other tips on the way or when at the POE. anything will be greatly appreciated guys. Thank you.

No, she can come in anywhere the international flight will land, make sure you leave her 3-4 hours for immigration. 

My Fiance went through LAX, we left her 2.5 hours, she missed her connection. Her first day in the USA was at the Hilton LAX, without me. 

8 hours ago, Jfresh26 said:

Do you have any recommendations on places that hire US citizens? I know it can be difficult as I cannot speak tagalog

6 hours ago, user555 said:

If you do get a Alien Work Permit, are you willing to work for $1.75/hour? The company has to apply for the permit for you. 

http://www.ble.dole.gov.ph/downloads/issuances/DO 186-17 Revised Rules For The Issuance Of Employment Permits To Foreign Nationals.pdf 

 

http://boi.gov.ph/ufaqs/14-as-an-investor-what-visa-can-be-issued/ 
Work Permit section
In general, a foreign national seeking employment in the Philippines, whether resident or non-resident, must secure an Alien Employment Permit (AEP) from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

A local employer who wishes to employ a foreign national must apply on the foreign national’s behalf with the DOLE for the permit. The petitioning company must prove that the foreign national possesses the required skills for the position and that no Filipino is available who is competent, able and willing to do the specific job for which the foreign national is desired.

As 555 said, it's hard because you have to do a job no Filipino can do. You can also get one if a company shows you're an exceptional talent and no Filipino is as talented as you are at your craft. 

2 hours ago, Catalyst2020 said:

Hi,

 

I just received my K1 visa stamp on my passport. But the Petitioner's middle name and last name are slightly misspelled. 😕

 

We really wanted to get married before Christmas. Can I proceed anyway or would this cause a problem upon my arrival to the US?

You need to have it corrected before you travel, contact the embassy. 

On 12/15/2019 at 2:09 AM, Jfresh26 said:

Hello, I am currently in the Philippines with my fiancée. I am wondering if I can apply for Alien Work Permit while we wait for our NOA2? Will I need to go to DOLE in BGC? Has anyone done this process before? Thanks in advance 

I was able to get one because my company was new to the Philippines and no one there could do my job. It's hard to get one unless you're there to train or you're an exceptional talent. 

1 hour ago, ram1009 said:

Yes, most know the FEDS are paid to drag their feet as much as possible but being located in the Philippines provides even more opportunities.  We did get an e-mail this morning from USEM providing a tracking number and 2Go location where it has been sent.  Unfortunately, that location no longer receives PP and so there will be further delays while it is forwarded to a different 2Go location.  There's just no end to this.  I'm sure the airplane will be delayed for something.

For sure the plane will be a little late leaving NAIA, it's Asia's answer to O'Hare. 

I agree with your gripes, this should be a much quicker process when an American is petitioning a loved one. 

8 hours ago, ram1009 said:

We still do NOT have our visa.  2Go is unresponsive to e-mail and previous phone calls to USEM on different subjects were useless.  Nothing is simple in the Philippines.

 

Here's the latest wrinkle.  In a phone call we were told that "ISSUED" status does not mean the visa has left the building but rather that it is in the final stages of processing.  We are still waiting for a "RELEASED" status.  Has anyone seen a "RELEASED" status?

Yes, you said it changed to issued on 12/10. You still have a couple days to go before it will be shipped/ready for pickup (whichever you chose). This is the process. Patience. It sucks, we all know it sucks. This isn't the Philippines, this is the US government. 

3 minutes ago, Hank_ said:

I'd like to explore Batangas .. not too far south from our home.

 

 

I've explored Batangas, you're not missing much. Batangas to Manila isn't a heavy lift. I'd do the hotel thing if she was more than a few hour commute away. Our place was in Baccor (sold already), I could recommend exploring SM Molino and various Jollibees 😉

20 minutes ago, Hank_ said:

It can be up to 10 days from issued for those "not so close to Manila"    

If my fiance had lived outside of Manila I'd put her up at one of them cheap hotels for a week and had the visa delivered to MOA anyway. After petition fee, medical, visa, and flights, what's another $200 for hotel and food to get that visa in hand a little sooner?  She can verify it's correct and then book flight. 

My fiance was in province visiting family, commuted to Manila for the visa, went to CFO same day, then commuted home. She must really love me. 

Yes, 3-4 days after issued if when 2GO will contact you, at least that's how it was for us. We had hers sent to MOA. Approved on Thursday morning, issued on Friday morning, ready for pickup the next Wednesday. 

My fiance went through LAX 2 weeks ago, immigration was slow. It was a major holiday weekend, so perhaps they were not fully staffed. She had a 2.5 hour layover and missed her connection. To be safe, go with 3.5 or 4 hours. She can always grab a coffee or food to kill time. 

I would recommend not going early. My Fiance arrived between 10 and 11 AM, she was out by 4 PM. Don't add stress to an already stressful process. Get a good nights rest. In a process that takes 6+ months, what's a few hours...

6 hours ago, ram1009 said:

We still do NOT have our visa.  2Go is unresponsive to e-mail and previous phone calls to USEM on different subjects were useless.  Nothing is simple in the Philippines.

What's the status? Did 2Go send text? 2Go did not text us until they had it ready for pickup. 

MOA Pickup was quick for us, Visa interview and approval on a Thursday, was able to pick up the next Wednesday. 

7 minutes ago, PWB said:

I realize that having the Visa in hand is the best plan.  In my case I felt it was important to attend the interview because of a few unique situations and being there was the best way to go.  My thoughts now are what happens after the review period for the culture.  Will she ever be able to get a Visa.

If it comes back clear she will be able to interview and get a visa after the 12 weeks is up. If it comes back positive you're looking at the 12 weeks plus another 6 months. for TB treatment. She will be able to get a visa either way. 

Try refunding your flights, some airlines have a flat tire policy and will re-book or refund your flight for no cost. 

38 minutes ago, visaq123 said:

i’m confused on number 38 for the affidavit of support. Am I supposed to be giving my fiancé a weekly allowance??? Obviously he will be moving into my house and he has his own money he is bringing, so how do i fill that out?

Not applicable for K1. Mark N/A

Issued on 11/15, ready for pickup on 11/19, picking it up 11/20. 

Booking flights 11/21

Wahoo!

4 minutes ago, billding said:

What was the status then? At NVC?

Yes.

3 hours ago, Hank_ said:

 

There is no benefit in calling NVC for the MNL# as SLEC asks for a copy of the NVC letter/email to complete the medical.    

 

NVC will not respond to the email request until your case file is shipped .. so be patient.

My fiance was able to complete the medical before we received the email with the MNL# from NVC. She used a screen shot of the CEAC website with the case number at SLEC. Not sure if it'll work for everyone. Worked for us. 

Called for case # week of 10/21 - can't remember exact date

Medical 10/28-29 PH Time 

NVC Email 10/30 PH Time

We noticed the same with my fiances PSA birth cert. We had it fixed quickly for a small "fee." Though it appears not to be an issue, the is common in the Philippines.