Derrel & Lai

March 27, 2008

I got my fiancee a WAMU ATM MasterCard with her sending me a copy of her passport. She uses it in PH to withdraw money. Only 1% foreign transaction fee. WAY better than Western Union or Xoom!

My two cents

-Derrel

March 11, 2008

my console told me that everything is okey your paper is okey they just need some documents verification which i believed they double cheak and i was ask if i paid the delbros 650 for visa verification so i called debros today and they said on march 3 they forwarded doc verifcation to NSO then they said it will takes 4 weeks then NSO will forward to USEM , and paid the 650 last jan 29.... i dont know who cause the delayed on doc verifcation its delbros or USEM...

Nut,

I posted a description of the Document Verification process here: DVR @ USEM

I know this doesn't make it any quicker, but at least you can know where things are. We're in the same boat.

- Derrel

March 11, 2008

Good luck! I am sure you have read a lot. I suggest you have your financee go for an early medical. I did not as I lived with her in Cebu for months before and she was healthy. I ended my assignment and moved back to USA. She recieved "something on her x ray" at her medical which now after a week of check ups appear to be nothing negative. Do not take anything for granted and I suggest as Nscrnut advised, do not make any plans for her return until you get through your interview. I chat with quite a few going through this and it seems if you have close dates something may happen. Just relax and make sure she gets through her medical and interview. I now am very relaxed and not anctious as I am tired of let downs.
Expedia had good rates through this weekend along with Philippines airlines for roughly 1,200 round trip. If you find a friend to go with you can get buy one take one on PAL business class for 2k each. Whew much more comfortable.

Take care and good luck again! Be parnoid now and you will do great. take nothing for granted!

Note: peak season begins Mar 16... prices JUMP after Mar 15.

- Derrel

March 11, 2008

we were approved! i got the call from Jennilyn at 10:15pm 3-4 (oklahoma)/12:15pm 3-5 (philippines).
she said it went smooth as glass. (thanks to VJ) we were exactly on the money w/ all the paperwork & interview prep.(mock interviews we prepared for practice). Jen said she will make an interview experience thread when she gets home to Cebu.

special thanks to all that gave us extra personal support & personal advice via pms during this part of our journey...Lucy C, Gary C, Sheriff Uling, charlesandnessa, Mister Fancypants, almaty, illumine, YuandDan.....and above all Captain Ewok for providing all of us w/ this fantastic site to help everyone during this process.

late congratulations, you lucky dawg. We gonna celebrate together when our ladies get here!!!

THE PARTY'S ON!!! :dance:

- Derrel

March 11, 2008

ty143arceli,
Since I have researched this document verification process farther than most I will try to answer your questions in order.

It does appear they pick petitioners at random. The documents being verified are the documents supplied by the Philippine National Statistics Office (NSO).

I call the first of every week to find out if the doc verification has been returned from the NSO. You can try calling Grace in the consular office, but she will only tell you if you are in doc verification or waiting for the consular officer to review. The phone number is 011-632-301-2000 ext 5184. Waiting and calling once a week is about all you can do.

I have called the USEM, DOS, DELBROS, and the NSO. Noboby cares that the system is flawed. Contacting your Senator or Congressman will neither help nor hinder your case. But, the more people who contact their Congressmen will make them more aware of the situation. Your Congressman can request a status on your case, but has little or no control over the consulate.

DELBROS's function in the doc verification is to receive the text verification of early paid doc fees and relay the information to the Embassy. A Tertiary report by another VJ member is that the Embassy contacts DELBROS to send document verification request to the NSO.

The doc verification information has been on the USEM website since December. The website also states a two week delay. Unfortunately, most of us do not fall under the conditions listed for doc verification.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023.html

edp and all....

Your research has been very helpful. I am hoping that this post will become invaluable to all who are battling with document verification.

Here is the MOST IMPORT THING I have discovered.

ON MONDAYS.... Delbros has a representative that recieves all of the requests for document verification from the USEM for the previous week. These requests are delivered by Delbros to the NSO. The NSO has a dedicated group that handles these verification requests for the USEM. Ones marked with a pink sticker are considered urgent and important, and are handled on a priority basis. On the Friday, after Delbros has delivered the DVRs, an employee of the USEM will go to the NSO and pick up all of the DVRs that have been processed since the previous Friday. These are returned to the USEM and sorted out to each particular case worker for each visa case. So, regardless of your interview being on Monday or Thursday, your document verification did not get to NSO until the next MONDAY. And you MAY not get your verification done in the one week, it may take up to four.

I can tell you that I got this information from a very reliable and top level source @ the USEM.

I can also tell you that the USEM and the Consulars are aware of some glitches in the process of paying Delbros for early verification and it not happening.

While I do work for a large package express company, I can assure you that Delbros is a LOGISTICS company, and NOT a package/parcel 'express' company. They may make your delivery, but it is because of the chain of custody, to prevent fraud.

I hope this helps explain some of the confusion of Document Verification Requests.

- Derrel

March 4, 2008

INTERVIEW AT EMBASSY : VISA APPROVED
March 03 interview.. fiance said she had about a 5 minute interview and was approved..

nice news...

Congratulations... Now pray for Lai and me.

- Derrel :dance:

March 4, 2008

Hi to All,
God is Good All The time, All the time God is Good !!!!!

I passed my Interview this Morning..

I just wanted to extend My Heartfelt Thanks to everyone!!!

Gudluck to our Journey

Best Regards,

Sonny&Pia

Congratulations... now pray for those left... Lai, Mar 5... (5:30pm Texas time Mar 4!)

- Derrel

February 27, 2008

how are they pronounced?

This link will give you definition and pronunciation.

FIANCE

- Derrel

February 27, 2008

WOW!!! They don't allow the USC in the interview any longer? My how things have changed. I sat in the interview with my Fiance and the Consul. I would much rather be there then anywhere else, but if I can't then I would be sitting on pins and needles in the hotel. I don't feel comfortable around Manila enough to get out by myself and I am not much for drinking anymore. I guess I am pretty boring. Oh well.....wishing everyone good luck on their pending interviews!!!
Scott

Sorry, Scott... not all of us go to Manila for the interview. I personally could have (financially), but that would have consumed my remaining vacation days, added a couple of grand in expenses, and I'm confident the outcome will be the same, even without my personal appearance. So, I guess I should have pointed my thread to those of us unable to attend the interview.

- Derrel

Good question! I'm just thinking about that..my fiance interview is tomorrow, but i will just stay at the apartment waiting for his phone call,and also staying on visa journey site while I'm waiting..this site is more interesting rather watching TV

Wow.... TV or netsurfing.... hmmmmm.......

Hopefully, a meaningful and real life awaits you very soon!

- Derrel

February 27, 2008

1- How do you know your first fiance sent the petition ?? maybe he just didnt do it but said he would..

And he wants to file for k-1 visa this coming September. Does the 1st petitioned will affect this second one to us?He received NOA1 last august and nothing hear from him..just the last word"im just going to ignore it!

Quick to judge, slow to read...

- Derrel

February 27, 2008

I'm curious as to what activities you have planned while your fiancee is being interviewed at the embassy. I've had offers that include a prayer vigil to massive doses of adult beverages at a local establishment.... Not sure which one gets my vote yet. How about your plans?

- Derrel

February 22, 2008

I would surmise that if every petitioner/beneficiary was upstanding and honest, like ALL of us VJers, then there would be NO NEED for document verification.

What makes you think all VJers are upstanding and honest???? There have been many threads here that would dispute that assumption. There's no honesty filter applied when someone registers an account here.

Where's the little emoticon that does "tongue in cheek?"

February 21, 2008

This document verification thingy sounds like another way to charge money Everyone is getting rich off the process and the participants are the ones suffering.

The document verification is required by the US Embassy Manila. I would surmise that if every petitioner/beneficiary was upstanding and honest, like ALL of us VJers, then there would be NO NEED for document verification. While there is rampant graft and corruption associated with many official transactions, I would not consider the US Government to be an instigator of such malfeasance.

Instead of "verification thingy sounds like another way to charge money", why don't you offer suggestions, remedies, or ask valid questions as to the method of making this "document verification thingy" function as obviously someone in government thinks it should run?

I called Grace @ USEM and did get verification of the forwarding from Delbros. Now we are waiting on NOS. I suppose if I were there, I could grease someone's palm @ NOS to get it moving.

- Derrel

February 21, 2008

Hi Everyone,
My fiance was approved for his K-1 visa and is on his way over here to the US on March 4th. I am just wondering how much the next phase of paperwork will cost us? I've been reading and it looks like it could be a couple thousand. Is that true? How much did you pay? And are all of the fees due during these next 90 days when he is here on the fiance visa?

I appreciate any advice you can offer.

Thanks,

Katie

Supplemental question... I have a K-2 coming with my fiance... What are the charges for the child's AOS, and what additional items will be required?

- Derrel

February 19, 2008

Hello Everyone,
This is my first post on this website. My question is regarding my fiances 10 year old son. She was married to the boy's father and divorced him 3 years ago. I included her son's information on LINE 13 of the I-129F petition. I also included a letter that states that she has full custody of her son. So, do I need to do anything more to insure that her son can come with her when her K1 is approved? Will the boy get a K2 or K4 automatically? She will not leave Russia without her son and I would not want her to leave him either. He is only 10 years old and can not fend for himself. She is concerned that I have done something wrong. Please help...

Thank you,

Brian

Brian,

I'm not a Russian lawyer, but I play one on TV... :lol: But seriously.... You would need to make sure of the family law practices and policies of Russia. If it is anything like Philippines, the mother generally has near absolute responsibility of the children, except when it suits a wealthy, vindictive father to play spoiler. I wish I could point you to a website that might have that information, but you might consider googling Russian Family Custody Law. Generally speaking, the US Embassy doesn't "care" that you are bringing the child of your fiancee. But, airlines might, and Russian boarder agents might. Get your ducks in a row, have all the papers you need.

my two cents

- Derrel

February 16, 2008

What is document verification, another way to fleece us for money

I think it is another way to certify that only those legitimate beneficiaries get the approval requested. Document verification would help ferret out fraudulent papers.

Or, I guess you could be pessimistic and conclude it is another way to be fleeced of money.

- Derrel

February 12, 2008

congratulations happy trip

A song gets stuck in my head.... When I rode SuperFerry... "Super Ferry... HAPPY TRIP!" :lol:

February 12, 2008

Hi Everyone!!!!
Woohoo!!! Good News! I got a call from my fiance earlier that the embassy was already processing and printing my visa...then after 30 minutes the embassy called me to pick-up my visa on thursday, hehehe!!!

I'm so happy! Yey, I can make it on my saturday flight, woohoo!!!!

God is good! Thanks for eveyone who congratulated me and for those who helped me thru our visa journey....

God bless all VJers!!!

Congratulations. Party @ your place???? :lol:

- Derrel

February 12, 2008

Could you put a little more detail in your replies? Here's what I'm looking for: How long does it take for Delbros to deliver to what area? So, if you are in Metro Manila, could you add that? Or if you are in Cebu, or Mindanao? That way, we can all see how long to deliver to different areas.

Thanks so much for your participation in our quest for the Visa!

- Derrel

February 12, 2008

Hey Everyone!
The last few days I have been scouring the internet for deals on one-way tickets from Manila to the United States (more specifically Salt Lake City). Her interview date is March 4 and I want to buy the tickets shortly after that (or when she gets her visa) for around March 20th or maybe a week later. I've noticed a lot of folks have purchased their tickets, and I was looking for some good advice on where to get a good deal. I have noticed a lot of the discount sites don't do one way trips from Manila. Also, if you know of any good travel agents, let me know as well. I am just looking for some direction here.

Thanks!

I used a local (Dallas) travel agent that I used for a trip last June. I was particular in that I wanted one way, ONE STOP, with POE being Dallas Fort Worth (DFW). With those criteria, I got a fare of $1674 for her and her son. This is for March 15. Yeah, we don't have visa in hand, but I needed to book now. You see, PEAK AIR FARE SEASON FROM PHILIPPINES BEGINS MAR 16. Same flight the following weekend is about $300 PER PERSON higher!

Also note, some online very cheap fares are NON-REFUNDABLE, NON-CHANGEABLE...

- Derrel

February 11, 2008

hi guys!
question here...

i know for a fact that we have to pay in peso at SLEC. What exchange rate do they use?

also, in paying for the interview fee at BPI, can we pay in dollars? or if we have to pay in peso, which exchange rate do we have to use? BPI's exchange rate?

thanks :-)

Thanks derrel. I appreciate your insights :-)

the reason why i posted my question here is to find out how VJs scheduled for March interview paid the fees.

by the way, i am aware that peso is the medium of transaction here in phil. really no need to explain how money is changed and used here. i was asking about the exchange rate because i am taking the money out of a dollar account. so when i go to BPI, i will have dollars in my pocket and not peso. On that case, it should be okay with BPI if i pay in dollars.

But with SLEC, they would require the peso equivalent. This is why i asked for the rate. Maybe someone who went to SLEC recently for medical exam noticed it posted somewhere.

:-)

Did you know that you can type in a google search the following?: "100 usd in php" and it will give you a fairly current exchange rate? Read the disclaimers for more info.

- Derrel

ps... you can also type 145.71 USD in PHP and get that rate, or any amount you so desire. It just seems easier to put 100. Heck I even put my 2 cents in and get back .81 peso.

February 11, 2008

How would you know if you passed the medical exam? Will you know it right after the medical process? What should I bring to my medical aside from the payment? Any help will be much appreciated, I will have my early medical on Feb 19-20...

If you are wheeled away in an ambulance, you probably didn't pass. If you are allowed to escape you probably did pass. You can get more information from other threads, not just the March 2008 Interview Dates, since some of our folks at VJ have already gone through the process. Do a little search at the top of the forum list. Lots of help there to tell what to bring. But do bring lots of patience and a happy disposition.

- Derrel

February 11, 2008

is document verification can be paid any branches of metrobank..

From the USEM website:

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.

- Derrel

February 11, 2008

<td>Names </td>

<td>Interview</td>

</tr>

<td>Beauty & Ben

</td>

</tr>

<td>peewee & mike

</td>

</tr>

<td>Maricel &

Tim </td>

</tr>

<td>eloesa & charlie

</td>

</tr>

<td>Neren & Nathan

</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td>shane & allan

</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td>Bing & Mike

</td>

</tr>

<td>Lenie & Jeff

</td>

</tr>

<td>Apple & Andrew

</td>

</tr>

<td>Jennifer &

James </td>

</tr>

<td>Cynthia &

Denis </td>

</tr>

<td>Jennibeth

& James </td>

</tr>

<td>Gem & Mike

</td>

</tr>

<td>Charry & Marc

</td>

</tr>

<td>Marnelle &

Shawn </td>

</tr>

<td>jennilyn &

mike </td>

</tr>

<td>Leisley &

Derrel </td>

</tr>

<td>Chay & Al

</td>

</tr>

<td>Vivian & Kirt

</td>

</tr>

<td>Amy & Ronald

</td>

</tr>

<td>Karen & Richard

</td>

</tr>

<td>Raxie & barry

</td>

</tr>

<td>Leah & Curtis

</td>

</tr>

<td>meziel & anthony

</td>

</tr>

<td>Ana & Tim

</td>

</tr>

<td>gen & mike

</td>

</tr>

<td>analise &

ram </td>

</tr>

<td>Maymay & Jim

</td>

</tr>

<td>Gretchen &

Chris</td>

</tr>

<td>Maria & Mike

</td>

</tr>

<td>FRANK & MAY

</td>

</tr>

<td>Heidy & James

</td>

</tr>

<td>Daisy & Mike

</td>

</tr>

<td>Jeorgina &

Richard </td>

</tr>

<td>Diocel & Bryan

</td>

</tr>

<td>Diocel & Bryan

</td>

</tr>

<td>xxxx & xxxxx

</td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td>ruth & neil

</td>

</tr>

<td>Iris Luisa

& Thomas </td>

</tr>

<td>jill & jack

</td>

</tr>

<td>Zaher & Paul

</td>

</tr>

<td>Christine

& James </td>

</tr>

<td>Mia & Nik

</td>

</tr>

<td>Agatha & David

</td>

</tr>

<td>Jocelyn &

Frank </td>

</tr>

</tr>

<td>Jovy & Wayne

</td>

</tr>

</table>

February 11, 2008

hi guys!
question here...

i know for a fact that we have to pay in peso at SLEC. What exchange rate do they use?

also, in paying for the interview fee at BPI, can we pay in dollars? or if we have to pay in peso, which exchange rate do we have to use? BPI's exchange rate?

thanks :-)

There is probably a better thread to get this answered, but Lai paid all fees in pesos. Exchange rates are not established by the place where you make a purchase, but by where you exchange your money. So, if you go to Jolibee, and pay 125 for a meal, you didn't negotiate the exchange rate, you simply paid in pesos. Same for when you go to SLEC. You are in the Philippines. All legitimate business transactions are done in pesos, with the exception, of course, of money exchange. If you exchange at BPI, you will pay BPI's rate, American Express, you will pay their exhange rate. Ahkmed's Money Exchange and Air Con Service of Pasig City, you will pay Ahkmed's exchange rate (and SOMETIMES Ahkmed has a better rate than BPI, but you take a bit more risk!)

Just my two cents worth, uh... I mean 1 peso......

- Derrel

Sign In

Profiles

Forums

Partners

Immigration Wiki

Guides

Immigration Forms

Times

Gallery

Store

Blogs

Posts posted by Derrel & Lai