AlaMike

18 hours ago, Howard L said:

Hello, Filipino beneficiary here.

 

My medical is halfway done, and after my interview, the CFO comes next. My fiancé and I have a 21 year age gap, and I’m only 20. I hear from others CFO will not like that.

 

I honestly am more scared of it than the interview, where I could be talking to American consuls instead, because what if the CFO officer denies a certificates based on that age gap alone? The reason I’m worried is because of experiences I hear from my fellow Filipinos. The CFO is the bigger battle to me because sometimes its also fellow Filipinos who drag down other Filipinos.

 

For those who know here, is there any tip or added step you guys could advise me? Additional documentation to show? Specific attitude? When to schedule even?

Don't worry yourself to much about the CFO. Some officers can be rude and try to use scare tactics. Just be confident in your answers and be strong. 

My wife went thru CFO a few of years ago, when you actually met face to face. They told crazy stories about foreign husbands (American) only wanting house keepers and sex slaves. Trying to find a reason for you to second guess yourself about the whole process. 

Also don't worry about age gap. My wife and I have about a 25 year difference. 

Just submitted I-751 for my wife. She was K1 visa also. If you need anything just ask.

Glad to see you are hanging in there also

Since we are in Alabama, the files were sent to Tempe, AZ.

Got my wife's I751 submitted now. Luckily. it was before the price increases in April. 

So now, we sit and wait.

From what I have been told, she will probably be a US citizen before the actual card arrives 

You are correct, I751 not I765

Perfect, I thought that but wasn't sure.

This is why I like this site. Simple and easy answers.

1 minute ago, Timona said:

So your wife already has a 2 year GC? Yes or No?

Yes, she has 2 year and we are adjusting to 10 year

While filling out paperwork for my wife's I765, I noticed here EAD was expired. Does this need to be renewed for work and travel, or does the 2 year Green Card work for this.

Are "ALL" Utah Zoom weddings registered thru the San Francisco Embassy? Alabama shows ROM reported to the Embassy in Washingtons DC .

Congrats and good luck.

But everyone warns... NEVER book flights or make hard plans on anything until the VISA is in hand and you have secured her CFO approval.

I downloaded the application then printed it.  Filled it out over time, then simply added all the info on the online PDF form and saved it. Then I could print the filled out copy if needed.

As most have said.. It is best to wait until you have your Visa in hand. 

I did the same thing you are asking about a couple years ago. I thought it would be faster to go ahead an get the CFO interview out of the way. Then just go back once she had her Visa. She was told that it was a waste of her time to be there without the Visa, so nothing was gained.

But, with covid and the changes in the actual CFO process most are done online now. 

Yes, same for my wife and son. Just show both passports. No paper and no exit taxes.

Not sure where you will be flying from in the US. 

I am in Alabama, round trip from BHM to MNL was about 1800 to 2000 for a flight that was around 24-26 hrs. There were some that were cheaper but I am not wanting a 43 hour flight with 12-14 hour layovers.

I found it cheaper to take a flight from BHM to SFO, then a 2 stop flight from SFO to MNL. In fact it was still about the same to take a non stop from SFO to MNL on Philippine Air.

Anyway check all search engines as well, Google filters out some available flights, I have found more accurate info on Edge.

4 minutes ago, beloved_dingo said:

Roy Moore is an objectively terrible person. I wouldn't vote for him if you paid me, regardless of what his party affiliation was. 

 

It's true that he's not a pedophile. He just really likes "barely legal" teenage girls. 

I like most flatly refused to vote democrat but also refused to vote for Roy Moore. Even being suspect of the allegations made against him. I did not agree with his "holier than thou" attitude and his personality was a rub in the wrong direction.

Fortunately, we righted the boat during the last election... even if I had to vote for an ex Auburn coach.    

The new I-128F form is different than when I filled it out in 2019.

Be sure your form is the most current (3-21-2022)

5 hours ago, Bugs said:

Sorry for the blank post above.  I accidentally quoted Palawan and for the life of me was unable to delete the quote or type anything. And couldn’t just start over without posting that.

 

Anyways, OP, keep checking the schedule daily.  The embassy posts many new interviews spots several times a week.  Granted, most are just a continuation from the 2024 calendar you saw, but every now and then they will open up spots for a lot sooner.

 

I originally had an interview scheduled for May 2024, but the other day, the embassy suddenly opened spots for Oct, Nov, and Dec of this year, and I was able to reschedule to one of them.

What site did you use to find the open appointment dates.

12 hours ago, Kirch said:

I messed up trying to register for cfo. Do I have to wait 15 days before I can try again? Please help 

Or just use a different email address.

I did this with my son, who was born in the Philippines. No need for outside "agents".

Just follow the instructions on the DS-2029, DS-5507 and DS-3053

But these forms MUST be filed by the US citizen parent. 

I assume you received the stamped copy from the Embassy in SF. They have sent the ROM to the PSA/DFA but it could take 6 months or more before it is officially registered.

5 hours ago, MarJhi said:

How much is your international rate plan on Verizon?

 

I have AT&T and it was about $10 a day, so for me it was cheaper to just get a local sim card while I was there.

The same @ 10 a day but I have use the monthly for 100. Plus, I don't miss any calls, emails or texts to my normal number.

My suggestion on flights (my experience only). 

Search for flights from MSL (Minneapolis St Paul) to MNL (Manila). I use Microsoft Edge search engine because it gives a better selection of flights. I have used Delta for all my flights but there are many others to choose.

You will see 3 options "best", "cheapest" and "quickest".  Prices will vary with each selection.

I try to choose the option with the shortest time that i can afford, usually around 24 +/- total flight time.

You do not want to have a layover in an airport lobby for 13 to 18 hours... trust me.

I try to leave the US on a Thursday, which puts me in Manila on Friday around 9-10 PM Philippine time.

I stay at a hotel close to the airport, all are just across the street from the terminal. I use the Holiday Inn only because I have points and the stay is free. Get a good nights sleep... you will need it. Then start the next day with my travels to the province of my wife.

But choose one within your budget and travel time. 

A few other tips...

1 - Take an extra pair of glasses or contacts. Keep them in your carry on... just in case.

2 - Do not wear "flashy" or expensive clothes or jewelry, it only draws attention. If your anything like me... 6' and 275lbs you draw enough attention as it is without looking like you have money.

3 - Keep your wallet, passport, etc. in your front pocket. Yes, there are pick pockets.

4 - Do not leave these items in your hotel room. As most hotels have great security, you just can't take the chance.

5 - Let your fiancé negotiate the price of things. Some but not all merchants see an American and the price goes up.

6 - Have an international rate plan added to your cell phone. They are not expensive and your regular phone and number work. Mine is Verizon and I had service everywhere there was regular service for local phones.

*** But most of all, have fun. See the country side, eat good food and live it up. You only get to go around once...act like it.

Maybe they are looking at building all the cars the same, as this would make them all the same and make them cheaper to build.

Then a person could pay for the options they want and for how long they want them. Making the more expensive models affordable to some that do not want all the "bells and whistles".  

Here in Alabama, heated seats are OK for a month or 2 but not all year. 

2 minutes ago, ar & rk said:

thank you! I think I may be in this same boat. An ITIN cannot be issued without a return unless there are some exceptions (that do not apply to our situation). I think I will have to wait for the open season then try to add my spouse to my health plan without an SSN. 

You can add to policy.

I have coverage thru my employer after we were married. They added as a life event (marriage). 

So no need to wait until you have ss#.