toolinchains28

Thanks for all who responded. I will mail the forms today.

Thanks lucy4.

Hi Everyone,

I'm hoping someone can share their knowledge regarding this inquiry.

Thank you.

I have a couple questions regarding income portion of form I-864.

#23 Individual annual income

Should I put gross or net income for the year 2012?

#25 Federal Income Tax Return Information

My total income, adjusted gross income on IRS Form 1040 includes my husband's because we file joint tax. The thing is I am not including his income since it's not needed. My question is, do I just reference the total income in our 1040 but just use my income portion? For example, in our tax form, our total income is 85,000. His income is 45,000 and mine is 40,000. So do I just put 40,000 even if that is not in our 1040 form? Aside from our 2012 1040, employment verification, and paystubs for 6 months, I'd be sending copies of my w2 for the past 3 years as supporting documentation.

Thank you in advance.

Hi Everyone,

I know it's kind of a late post but I just want to give an update that my sister came to visit me this holiday. She only stayed for two weeks as she still has school startinf second week of January. Even if she only stayed just in time for Christmas and New Year, we had a great time together. So for everyone who responded on this thread, just want to say how I thankful I am. All the advice you gave helped us so she can get a tourist visa.

To everyone else who is considering applying a tourist visa, don't lose hope. As long as your goal is simply just to travel and enjoy US tourism, and nothing else you'll be ok. And another important thing is to have solid documentation that you can afford your trip, good financial records and has strong ties to your country, etc then you have nothing to worry about. Also, it doesn't hurt to pray.

Hi Everyone, I just want to give an update that my sister got approved for a tourist visa. She applied Feb or March I think. Our original plan is for her to come here april or may but the date given to her for her interview is June. She's getting her visa next week and since her classes will start in two weeks, our plan is for her to visit me during her school break to give time for christmas vacation. We are so excited. I already told my boss I am using all my paid vacation leaves in December.

So i just want to thank everyone for their advice.

Sorry, but that attitude that if one wants to improve one's life financially, then it is OK to be a visa cheat, does not resonate well...that is NOT a justification for abusing the visa privilege, but your opinion no doubt reflects that of many Filipinos, which is why so many get refused....because so many have indeed used a tourist visa for that purpose. I see NO justification for abusing the visa privilege....none...under any circumstances...but as long as others think 'hey, who cares?', then those same individuals should not whine when their relatives or spouses get denied...because the VOs, by law, must assume that the applicant will be taking a hike (and having that famous 'mind change' during baggage claim) and based on the historical abuse pattern by so many from the PI, well, don't be surprised. I am truly sorry you see nothing wrong with lying to obtain a visa.

There is nothing in my post that says I support circumventing the immigration laws just to get a better life. My statement, was a response to yours when you say far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI."

Your statement which I find to be true most of the time, does not apply to everyone else. Some people are already doing ok financially in the Philippines just like my sister so your statement doesn't really apply to her nor to me.

"No offense, but I guess this really applies to those who are searching for ways to better their life, financially, which I consider to be perfectly alright." What I am referring to to be perfectly alright is when someone wants to improve their life financially, but I am not ok with lying to obtain a visa. This is the sole reason why it is harder for people to apply for tourist visa, even if they do not have a hidden agenda and their bonafide reason is just to travel.

Sorry if it appears that I am ok with cheating on visa, maybe it is my poor choice of words, or poor organization of thoughts, I don't know, but I do not support abuse of visa privilege, this has been giving Filipinos a bad name and it's really sad because not everyone is an opportunist.

Anway, thank you all for your response, all of you are being helpful. Happy New Year to all! Peace.

Hi I'd like to give my input too. These that I quoted so far are what I find important. You see, no matter how many times you try to explain that your sister wouldn't want to go TNT, the COs won't ask you about it. All they'll look at is financial situation and how much can she prove that she'll come back to the Phils. Her being a fresh grad soon is a point against you, really. (I can feel you saying "she wouldn't want to live in the US!!!"... the COs won't assume that)

The reason I quoted "before graduating", is because despite her still 1 year of college, it's already a good enough situation for her not to return to the Philippines. I myself will graduate by 2013 and have several friends who have applied for a tourist visa this year. Those who have never had a history of travel were denied and yet they showed proofs of ties (parents' bank certs, cert of enrollment, residential proof, the likes). I agree with the bold text in the 3rd quote that it may be good if she can 'show' that her fees for the next sem are paid for. But I know that's quite odd and difficult to do but maybe her administration can do something about it.

I dunno, I guess when one is no longer a minor, it's more difficult to prove you're coming back to the Philippines if you don't have strong evidence to show for it [good travel history, employed, have filed ITR]... As the last quote said, parents' situation is relatively meaningless at this point.

I'd say, think of all possible ways for her to prove that this is only for a tour. Evidences in documents and not by essay. The CO normally doesn't ask lots of questions in interviews anymore -- they only look at what you submit and ask follow-up questions. Kudos though for being a great sibling! We don't have similar situations but I have a Kuya who cares for me as much as you do your sister. Best of luck to all of you and I do hope she can get that tourist visa!

P.S. btw, i did my first international flight alone at 19 years old. Like her, I never commuted in the Philippines ever (at that time). And for some reason, i find that traveling this way is still much safer than local commute. )

Hi ellione28, thanks for your response. Her enrollment I believe is on May 2012, and my parents always pay in full every enrollment. I'm just not sure how this will help us because I want her to be here April or May which is before her enrollment. I guess it's normal that older siblings always look out for the younger ones. I am the eldest and I didn't have a Kuya. I have always wanted a kuya so I look up to my older guy cousins as such.

Letters from anyone are ..... letters....they prove nothing and are not enforceable....sadly, far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI....and the VOs know this. School fees are a pittance compared to a new life in the US. Your parents' situation is relatively meaningless for her.

And how did you acquire a GC?

I have a long time boyfriend who I went to the same university back in the Philippines. My boyfriend is a pure Filipino but has a dual citizenship. Our original plan is to look for jobs immediately after our graduation, and settle down in the Philippines, since all our friends are back home, my boyfriend is in a band, and a lot of other factors.

Fortunately, we both got jobs immediately after graduation. Unfortunately, my boyfriend's job back then doesn't pay well. He works as a graphic designer but since he's a recent graduate, it's understandable that he will have an entry level salary. I am earning 3x more than his, which I don't really mind, but it was a big deal for him. I guess it's a man's ego that urged him to try his luck here in the US.

He came here in the US and within 2 months of looking for job, he got into another graphic designer position which pays really well considering that he already had some work experience aside from his degree. After saving enough money for a year, he came back to the Philippines, officially asked my parents for my hand, and sold me the idea of living in the US. This is how I got my GC, because I married a US citizen (or dual citizen).

Don't get me wrong, I want to be able to go to America so I can see the places I've only seen in movies, but living here is just not something I have initially considered. I understand your statement to be true most of the time, "sadly, far too many young and single Filipinas have 'forgotten' to return to whatever situation they had in the PI..." No offense, but I guess this really applies to those who are searching for ways to better their life, financially, which I consider to be perfectly alright.

Just like my sister, I had a great life back in the Philippines even if it's a third world country. We have two maids back home (for those of you who don't know, it is normal for a family with both working parents to have a maid. You don't have to be rich in the PI to be able to hire a maid), my parents have stable source of income, and I drive my own car in which my dad bought for me as a graduation gift. Financially, I honestly had a better life when I was in the Philippines. Although I earn dollars now instead of pesos, living here in the US is just really expensive. I guess you cannot really compare it to the Philippines. I guess I have everything, except I am away from my boyfriend back then. And because I love this man, even if it did hurt my parents in the beginning, I chose to uproot my life and start over here in the US. I have no regrets about this, but I guess my point is that not everyone who goes to the US would forget their situation in the Philippines. If my husband should have a better job opportunity in the Philippines, I would prefer for us to just settle there. But since he is thriving in his career now and I am married to him, I am all out to support him and stand by him.

Sorry for the long post, I guess I just want to share that every case is different. My problem is how my sister can prove she has enough reasons to go back to PI.

I sympathize with your situation and I can only offer speculation on how to help. What concerns me is that she will be applying right before she's due to graduate so school won't really be a reason for her to return. It's too bad she didn't try earlier when she still would have had to return to class. Does she have post graduation plans? Does she have a job set up? I think it's worth it to have her apply but in addition to her documentation of school (which may or may not help) I think she should also bring evidence of her parents ties to PH. Ex. Parent's Proof of income, bank accounts, land ownership etc. I have heard that when a child is applying for a tourist visa sometimes they look at the parents ties to the home country. Your sister might be just beyond the age where they would consider those ties but it would be worth bringing along. You said your sister hasn't travelled before but have your parents been out of the country?

Just some thoughts.

Wishing you luck!

Thank you all for your response.

My sister is still going to return to class. Her senior year will start June 2012, and she is to graduate March 2013. I am hoping to have her visit me either April or May 2012 during her school break, before she starts her school in June.

She wanted to apply for internship in ABS-CBN and GMA (television networks in the Philippines) as soon as she graduates since she is studying Broadcast Journalism. I honestly don't see her as someone who will settle down here, because as I've said she has a good life in the Philippines. She has excellent grades in college, so I don't know if she should bring this with her as well.

My parents have been out of the country, Hong Kong and Singapore. My father went to Australia once to visit his parents. Other than that, they haven't been to any other places. I think so too that having my sister bring my parents' documents showing their ties to the Philippines will also be helpful. I hope my parents' documents will be enough coz my sister is still a student and doesn't really have documents with her other than birth certificate, school ID, and school registration.

I'm a Legal Permanent Resident in the US and I want my sister from the Philippines to visit me here. Here is my sister's profile:

Female, Single, 18 years old (will be 19 in two months)

Currently in college pursuing her bachelor's degree

She will be in her 4th or final year in college in June 2012

Does not have a bank account, since she's still a student, although my parents in the Philippines have bank accounts, property, car, and other vehicles in their name.

She is a very sheltered girl. She is already in college but doesn't ride the public transportation, my father still drives her to and from school, and to wherever she needs to go. In the Philippines, this is kind of a big deal, especially if you're living in Manila since public transportation is the main source for anyone to go to places. Her travelling alone here in the US really frightens her because she will be riding the plane on her own, but this is something she is willing to do just so she can come visit me. And besides, being on the plane is the only time she will be alone, as soon as she gets to the airport, I will be there to pick her up. I am 8 years older than her and I haven't seen her in 3 years, and we just miss each other.

I want her to visit me for one month, preferably during her 2 month vacation from school. Either April or May 2012. It will be my pre-graduation gift for her. I want her to have a vacation here in the US before her final year in college. I will be financing everything. I have a stable job here in the US that pays well. I live in Southern California and her itinerary will include all tourists spots in Southern California, and then we will be flying to Las Vegas, and New York. I just want to show her how despite the recession, America is still one of the best places you can go to.

I understand that the US is kinda strict about issuing tourist visa to high fraud countries like the Philippines, but what are her chances of getting approved for a tourist visa?

It is obvious that she won't go TNT, because although the Philippines is a third world country, she has a great life there. She's in a great school, and have a good life ahead of her. She will not overstay, my parents will kill me if I let her stay here for more than a month since her school year starts June 2012. Are these enough reasons for her to get a tourist visa?

Thank you so much in advance.

That is the crux.

They're coming from the Philippines.

which country are they from?

They're coming from the Philippines.

Hi Everyone,

Is it better to petition unmarried children over 21 if you are a US citizen or a permanent resident? How long is it gonna be if you're a US citizen and how long if you're a permanent resident?

I'm just confused when I checked the processing times for California Service Center. I have the information below. It doesn't makes sense that permanent resident appears to be faster when it comes to petitioning children over 21. Or maybe I just don't understand the processing timeframe. Please help.

Classification or Basis for Filing: U.S. citizen filing for an unmarried son or daughter over 21

Processing Timeframe: September 27, 2007

Classification or Basis for Filing: Permanent resident filling for an unmarried son or daughter over 21

Processing Timeframe: May 7, 2010

Thank you in advance.

All of us have different ideas, opinions and experiences regarding this matter. Let me share my story.

I married a USC and got here in the US just last year. My husband is Filipino but he was born here so he is technically a US Citizen. We were schoolmates back in college as we attended the same university in the Philippines. I always send money to my family back in the Philippines $700 every month since I started working here. This is not an issue between me and my husband at all. The money I send home is just to help the education of my three siblings (two brothers and one sister) who are all in college. They are studying in the best universities in Manila just like me and my husband used to be so that means really expensive tuition fees! When we were kids my parents had planned our college education as they put high regard in education. All four of us have college education plans. When I was in college I was able to use my college plan for the first two years and my parents were so grateful they have a college education for all of us so they won't have to worry about tuition fees. On my third year, the company that my parents purchased our college education plans filed for bankruptcy. My brother is about to enter college and we had a huge financial crisis because of the expensive education. I guess we can all just transfer to state college that offers less expensive tuition fees but my parents were really determined to send us to the best universities even if it means killing themselves to work. My mom is an educator and my dad worked his way up from becoming a regular laborer to becoming a businessman. We are doing just fine in terms of food, clothing, we have our own house, our own car but education expenses is really giving us a hard time. My college tuition back then is about 70,000 pesos every year (right now it is about 130,000 pesos a year or more for each of my three siblings) and this does not include books, allowances, projects etc. I finally got my bachelor's degree, thanks to my parents who never gave up on me and because of the loans we have from banks and financial institutions. My brother had no choice but to quit school for one and a half year. He worked to save enough money to enroll himself the next year. I then started working in the Philippines, I have a really good job that pays well. Out of my paycheck, I give my parents 20,000 pesos every month to help my brother get back to school and I have second brother who is graduating from high school so he is going to college too. So I have two brothers in college and one sister who is in a private all girls high school. The 20,000 pesos I am giving my parents is a great help to send all my three siblings to good schools. At that time, I was thinking I do not want to get married first as I really want to help my siblings finish their education.

To cut the story short, I have a boyfriend who I love very much and we decided to get married so he petitioned for me and I am now here in the US. Even before getting married, he knows our situation that I am helping my siblings with their education. Back in the Philippines, I give them 20,000 pesos a month so he is aware that I am still going to support them once I get here. I got here through a K-1 visa which means I have to wait for my greencard to be processed so I can start working. For about 7 months I was not working and during this time, I am not sending any money to my family because I do not have work so my parents are taking all kinds of loans to send my siblings to school. Once I got a job, I send them money to pay for all the debts they have and to help my siblings. My parents are really thankful that I am helping them and I am so much happy to be helping my family. I know the sacrifices my parents have to do to pay for my college expenses and I am lucky that I have siblings who understand the value of hardwork and money. They are thankful that they are able to go to the best schools with my help. If not for our failed education plans, I would not be sending this large amount of money to the Philippines because they do not need any help on allowance, bills etc. The $700 I send every month is to pay for about half of my siblings' education expenses. My parents can work as much as they can but they still need me to help them send my siblings to these expensive universities. Me and my husband have no issue over this as we also prioritize education that much. I am blessed with my husband who understands my situation. He can take care of us financially and the only reason I am working right now is to help my siblings finish their education.

Once my brother graduates, I will be sending lesser money. Once all three of them graduates, I don't think I have to send them any more money.

can someone verify if this is dr. arnold's most recent mailing address?

Dr. L. E. Arnold

4534 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 114

Austin, TX 78745

i just received a phone call from dr. arnold's office and so stupid of me to not verify his mailing address. please help, i want to send the package to them this afternoon.

thanks

i haven't received a call back from dr. arnold's office. i called them yesterday 12:30 in the afternoon and today 8:30 am (california time) and i haven't heard from them. i'm running out of time and i need to submit my aos package. i have read from other posts that they call within the day but they haven't.

ooops i just received a call from them. but i forgot to verify their mailing address. can someone tell me if this is dr. arnold's latest mailing address? i know there are other members who had posted his address, but just wanna make sure if this is correct:

Dr. L. E. Arnold

4534 Westgate Boulevard, Suite 114

Austin, TX 78745

i haven't received a call back from dr. arnold's office. i called them yesterday 12:30 in the afternoon and today 8:30 am (california time) and i haven't heard from them. i'm running out of time and i need to submit my aos package. i have read from other posts that they call within the day but they haven't.

hi,

i am currently filling up my aos forms. do we need to notarized the affidavit of support form for aos just like what we did in form I-134 when we were just applying for my k1 visa?

hi,

i am currently filling up my aos forms. do we need to notarized the affidavit of support form for aos just like what we did in form I-134 when we were just applying for my k1 visa?

Hi Everyone,

I am filling up the forms for my AOS and remembered that when we were processing my K1 visa, both my husband and I filled up the G325A Form. I'm just wondering if I, the beneficiary is the only one who needs to fill up the G325A Form for my AOS or my husband, the petitioner, needs to fill this up again?

Thank you in advance.

thanks kid brooklyn and Aarti Hartfield.

On Form I-765, Question Number 1 asks for your name. On the right part of that, it asks "Which USCIS Office?" and "Date." I am filing my I-765 along with my entire AOS Package in Chicago Lockbox Address so I'm not quite sure which USCIS Office this form is referring to. Is it the California Service Center or the nearest local office in my area which is in San Bernardino, CA?

Thanks in advance.

i am filling up the forms for my aos and some of the forms ask for my alien number. is this the receipt number (starting at WAC) or the case number (starting at MNL) i had when i was still applying for a k1 visa? do k1 visa holders have alien numbers?

In Part 3, Section B of the I-485 form, it asks to list husband/wife or sons and daugthers. Me and my husband do not have any child yet so I only put him on the space. There is this question at the right part asking if the person you have listed (in this case my husband) is applying with you. I am quite confused with this question. Do I choose "Yes" because he will be my sponsor for my Affidavit of Support or do I choose "No" because he already is a US citizen and he does not need his status to be adjusted?

I hope you can help me on this.

Thank you.

In Part 3, Section B of the I-485 form, it asks to list husband/wife or sons and daugthers. Me and my husband do not have any child yet so I only put him on the space. There is this question at the right part asking if the person you have listed (in this case my husband) is applying with you. I am quite confused with this question. Do I choose "Yes" because he will be my sponsor for my Affidavit of Support or do I choose "No" because he already is a US citizen and he does not need his status to be adjusted?

I hope you can help me on this.

Thank you.