des

there are big community of pinoy here in our place or all over illinois i think coz last xmas party we are more than two hundred dumalo sa party mga out of town din sila every year giangawa dito yun 13 yrs na ata thsi yr and super saya lagi...heheheh

Hi! anyone here living in Carbondale,Illinois?

we'll be in Il. this coming 13-20 i guess... specifically in naperville i think. an hr drive to chicago... though my husband will attend some schooling for 2 days and perhaps drive to michigan in a day or two so im not sure if i could ever meet you guys there... hopefully i could find some pinoys there... my aunt live/work there and we went to this small pinoy karenderia in chicago and saw a bunch of pinoys... God bless all!!!

There is a popular Filipino Store near to the USCIS Application Support Center at 888 South Route 59 Suite 124 Naperville, IL 60540-0962.

Naperville is considered a suburb of Chicago, so hopefully some VJ members can help more.

Oopppss...I'm in Grayslake...

hello,

Any Fil. living in Carbondale, Illinois or nearby our place?

There would even be competition between states to offer the best health care to encourage business's to come there. This is the way to go, don't scrap the way we do things now - just fill the gaps so everyone gets taken care of.

What about the lack of efficiency? There's got to be a standard to ensure that not more than a set percentage of expenditures go towards red-tape - so that the money actually goes towards care. That would be the way to bring the cost of our system under control. I'm tired of paying for all this nonsense bureaucracy the private sector has built.

Hi everyone! Any filipinos here living in Southern Illinois?

Have a great day. God bless.

I work in Moline and live 45 minutes away. As I mentioned in another Illinois post there are already four pinays in our little town and soon to be five.

cool..count me in

Hi everyone!!! I'm living here in Southern Illinois. May Filipino Association ba dito? I want to join if meron

There are Fil-Am communities in Streator, IL and Peoria, IL too. The Fil-Am communty contact info for Streator can be gotten from the Philippine Food store in Ottawa, IL. My wife has the phone number for the communty in Peoria.

We still have not found one for the Quad City area yet.

im far from streator and peoria..

Hi everyone!!! Anyone here living in Southern Illinois.

I am living here in Southern part of Illinois).

Meron ba kayong alam na filipino association dito?

I want to join para ma meet ko mga kababayans natin dito.

God bless and Happy New Year.

Hi to all VJ members!!!

I would like to seek advice from you guys

We went to SSoffice and unfortunately they didn't issue me a SSN. I brought with me my marriage contract, birthcertificate and passport with visa with my MAIDEN NAME on it . I'm K3 by the way (but my name on my passport and visa is my MAIDEN NAME) .The lady there told me that I need to wait for my permanent resident visa to be approved with my new name or MARRIED NAME before they can issue me a SSN. Once the permanent resident visa is ok, they can issue SSN with my MARRIED NAME on it.

Also, Do I need an SSN before I can get a driver's license?

Lastly, can I work immediately once I have an EAD?

Advise pls

Thank you very very much.

You need EAD and SSN to work. Once you get your EAD you can go to the SSA office and get an SSN.

Not sure about the driver's license. You may want to check with your local DMV.

thank you very much zee bee for the immediate response

No issue in FL. Just the eye test.

Hi guys! Want to seek advice from you...

Do I need SSN before I can get a driver's license?

We went to SSoffice and unfortunately they didn't issue me a SSN. I brought with me my marriage contract, birthcertificate and passport with visa with my MAIDEN NAME on it . I'm K3 by the way (but my name on my passport and visa is my MAIDEN NAME) .The lady there told me that I need to wait for my permanent resident visa to be approved with my new name or MARRIED NAME before they can issue me a SSN. Once the permanent resident visa is ok, they can issue SSN with my MARRIED NAME on it.

Lastly, can I work immediately once I have an EAD?

Advise pls

Thank you very very much.

Hi guys! I would like to seek advice from you.

We went to SSoffice and unfortunately they didn't issue me a SSN. I brought with me my marriage contract, birthcertificate and passport with visa with my MAIDEN NAME on it . I'm K3 by the way (but my name on my passport and visa is my MAIDEN NAME) .The lady there told me that I need to wait for my permanent resident visa to be approved with my new name or MARRIED NAME before they can issue me a SSN. Once the permanent resident visa is ok, they can issue SSN with my MARRIED NAME on it.

Also, Do I need an SSN before I can get a driver's license?

Lastly, can I work immediately once I have an EAD?

Advise pls

Thank you very very much.

oh ok..hehehhe

i thought it had something to do with it..

but the lady at ssa i can't get ssn if i'm not allowed to work..but when she saw my I-94 it worked!

Hi to all VJ members!!!

I would like to seek advice from you guys

We went to SSoffice and unfortunately they didn't issue me a SSN. I brought with me my marriage contract, birthcertificate and passport with visa with my MAIDEN NAME on it . I'm K3 by the way (but my name on my passport and visa is my MAIDEN NAME) .The lady there told me that I need to wait for my permanent resident visa to be approved with my new name or MARRIED NAME before they can issue me a SSN. Once the permanent resident visa is ok, they can issue SSN with my MARRIED NAME on it.

Also, Do I need an SSN before I can get a driver's license?

Lastly, can I work immediately once I have an EAD?

Advise pls

Thank you very very much.

No you need a SSN. How long have you been in the US? I've heard it takes around a month for CR1/IR1 if they checked the SSN box in their paperwork prior to immigration. If its been longer than that just go to the SS office and apply for one.

I HAVE BEEN IN THE STATES LAST 3 WEEKS AGO IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN DO IN OTHER TO HAVE IT EARLY. MOST OF THE WORK I HAVE BEEN APPLYING FOR REQUIRES ME TO PROVIDE SSN. PLS ADVISE ME.....

Hi to all VJ members!!!

I would like to seek advice from you guys

We went to SSoffice and unfortunately they didn't issue me a SSN. I brought with me my marriage contract, birthcertificate and passport with visa with my MAIDEN NAME on it . I'm K3 by the way (but my name on my passport and visa is my MAIDEN NAME) .The lady there told me that I need to wait for my permanent resident visa to be approved with my new name or MARRIED NAME before they can issue me a SSN. Once the permanent resident visa is ok, they can issue SSN with my MARRIED NAME on it.

Also, Do I need an SSN before I can get a driver's license?

Lastly, can I work immediately once I have an EAD?

Advise pls

Thank you very very much.

My experience with the SSN was not so good on that. I applied with my maiden name and got the card in the mail. However, when I went back with the Marriage Cert. to change my name in the card, they said that is was not possible because of my status, blah, blah. So, I still can't have a bank account on my married name, because I have a SSN card on my maiden name. Besides, I went to the bank to open a joint account anyway, but the "number" is not yet in the "system' (?)

I just gave up. Now I'm adjusting status and when things come through I'm going to change the name etc.

BTW I'm in Texas.

Oh, we have the same experience. Btw, did you see the link given by I Quit? That can be printed and shown to your local SSA office. With this experience, I think not all employees are aware about it, and unfortunately, both of us were being attended by them.

Good luck on your AOS

Hi to all VJ members!!!

I would like to seek advice from you guys

We went to SSoffice and unfortunately they didn't issue me a SSN. I brought with me my marriage contract, birthcertificate and passport with visa with my MAIDEN NAME on it . I'm K3 by the way (but my name on my passport and visa is my MAIDEN NAME) .The lady there told me that I need to wait for my permanent resident visa to be approved with my new name or MARRIED NAME before they can issue me a SSN. Once the permanent resident visa is ok, they can issue SSN with my MARRIED NAME on it.

Also, Do I need an SSN before I can get a driver's license?

Lastly, can I work immediately once I have an EAD?

Advise pls

Thank you very very much.

Hi Thai mom and to all VJ members!!!

I would like to seek advice from you guys

We went to SSoffice and unfortunately they didn't issue me a SSN. I brought with me my marriage contract, birthcertificate and passport with visa with my MAIDEN NAME on it . I'm K3 by the way (but my name on my passport and visa is my MAIDEN NAME) .The lady there told me that I need to wait for my permanent resident visa to be approved with my new name or MARRIED NAME before they can issue me a SSN. Once the permanent resident visa is ok, they can issue SSN with my MARRIED NAME on it.

Also, Do I need an SSN before I can get a driver's license?

Lastly, can I work immediately once I have an EAD?

Advise pls

Thank you very very much.

The reason SSA allows K-1s to be assigned an SSN without an EAD card has nothing to do with gettiing married.

The OIG report will explains why:

http://www.ssa.gov/oig/ADOBEPDF/A-08-07-17044.pdf

What I would have her do is correct the name on her SSN record and then request an SSN Verification Printout. That will give her some proof of her SSN and the name on record until she can be issued a card and then she only needs to apply for a replacement card, since the SSN record will have already been corrected.

RM 00203.510 D4 Correcting Numident Data When a Replacement Card Cannot Be Issued

If the alien does not provide evidence of work authorization or a valid nonwork reason, explain that no replacement card can be issued.

Although a replacement card cannot be issued, the Numident can be corrected if the alien has provided documentation supporting the change, e.g., a name change.

If the alien provides documentation supporting the change, process the SS-5 to update the Numident information but suppress the issuance of a card.

RM 00203.510 Alien without Work Authorization - Nonwork Need for an SSN:

http://policy.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0100203510#D4

Thanks for that very helpful information. I am even going to print it out to put with her "arrival" paperwork. Now to get her here. It's not exactly easy getting out of Bangkok these days.

Thai Mom

Hi to all VJ members. I'm a little bit confused coz while I was canvassing for luggage bags yesterday I was told (by the salesman) that a total of only 2 bags are allowed in PAL. One hand carry and one check-in luggage OR I can check-in both of those (2) bags if I want to. I rechecked in the website of PAL and in my own opinion I can have the following: (kindly correct me if I am wrong )

2pieces check-in luggage (each piece not exceeding 23 kilograms),

1 carry-on baggage (not exceeding 7kgs),

1 laptop with case (that I will carry on board)

1 small handbag with camera, passport and wallet (I will carry on board)so all in all I can have

5 bags without excess baggage charge if I meet the requirements below

For tickets issued on or after 01 July 2008, the following Free Baggage Allowance shall apply:For Journeys to/from the USA, Canada and Guam (Piece System)

Mabuhay (Business) Class

Maximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension of 124 inches (316cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Fiesta (Economy) ClassMaximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension 107 inches (273 cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Handcarried Baggage

Each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of carry-on luggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the aircraft cabin.The carry-on luggage must be within the following specifications :

size (length+width+height) shall not exceed 45 in. or 115 cm.

weighing not more than 7 kgs. or 15 lbs.

If carry-on luggage fails to comply with the required applicable dimensions and weight, carry-on luggage will be checked in and charged with the corresponding excess baggage charges (if applicable).

In addition of the free carry-on luggage allowance, a passenger is allowed to carry the following items onboard:

a laptop with case

a small handbag

a coat

wrap or blanket

a walking stick or a pair of crutches

a small camera or a pair of binoculars

a reasonable amount of reading materials

infant's food and carrying basket [/u]

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks and God bless.

Congratulations and welcome to FL. Where exactly u are here?

We dont have any baggage problem or maybe I didnt know..lol

I had liquids on my hand carry but I just need to put it in a zip lock bag.. Have a safe trip.. Von boyage..

Hi to all VJ members. I'm a little bit confused coz while I was canvassing for luggage bags yesterday I was told (by the salesman) that a total of only 2 bags are allowed in PAL. One hand carry and one check-in luggage OR I can check-in both of those (2) bags if I want to. I rechecked in the website of PAL and in my own opinion I can have the following: (kindly correct me if I am wrong )

2pieces check-in luggage (each piece not exceeding 23 kilograms),

1 carry-on baggage (not exceeding 7kgs),

1 laptop with case (that I will carry on board)

1 small handbag with camera, passport and wallet (I will carry on board)so all in all I can have

5 bags without excess baggage charge if I meet the requirements below

For tickets issued on or after 01 July 2008, the following Free Baggage Allowance shall apply:For Journeys to/from the USA, Canada and Guam (Piece System)

Mabuhay (Business) Class

Maximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension of 124 inches (316cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Fiesta (Economy) ClassMaximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension 107 inches (273 cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Handcarried Baggage

Each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of carry-on luggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the aircraft cabin.The carry-on luggage must be within the following specifications :

size (length+width+height) shall not exceed 45 in. or 115 cm.

weighing not more than 7 kgs. or 15 lbs.

If carry-on luggage fails to comply with the required applicable dimensions and weight, carry-on luggage will be checked in and charged with the corresponding excess baggage charges (if applicable).

In addition of the free carry-on luggage allowance, a passenger is allowed to carry the following items onboard:

a laptop with case

a small handbag

a coat

wrap or blanket

a walking stick or a pair of crutches

a small camera or a pair of binoculars

a reasonable amount of reading materials

infant's food and carrying basket [/u]

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks and God bless.

Im sorry to ask this but Im just curious, How many pieces of bags/luggage are needed by a petite filipina who will be migrating to US or other country? Im sure you wont leave the country without your bare essentials like shoes, clothes and others because you will have difficulty finding your size like a size 4 or 5 heeled shoes (like mine ) . And also , is locally made, hardside luggage a good choice? Have a blessed day/night to all vj members

si

mplygem

Gem, maybe you can check to see how much to ship the items so that they are here when u arrive.. it maybe less this way .. maybe dhl...

How many Bags allowed to travel to USA?

Hi to all VJ members. I'm a little bit confused coz while I was canvassing for luggage bags yesterday I was told (by the salesman) that a total of only 2 bags are allowed in PAL. One hand carry and one check-in luggage OR I can check-in both of those (2) bags if I want to. I rechecked in the website of PAL and in my own opinion I can have the following: (kindly correct me if I am wrong )

2pieces check-in luggage (each piece not exceeding 23 kilograms),

1 carry-on baggage (not exceeding 7kgs),

1 laptop with case (that I will carry on board)

1 small handbag with camera, passport and wallet (I will carry on board)so all in all I can have

5 bags without excess baggage charge if I meet the requirements below

For tickets issued on or after 01 July 2008, the following Free Baggage Allowance shall apply:For Journeys to/from the USA, Canada and Guam (Piece System)

Mabuhay (Business) Class

Maximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension of 124 inches (316cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Fiesta (Economy) ClassMaximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension 107 inches (273 cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Handcarried Baggage

Each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of carry-on luggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the aircraft cabin.The carry-on luggage must be within the following specifications :

size (length+width+height) shall not exceed 45 in. or 115 cm.

weighing not more than 7 kgs. or 15 lbs.

If carry-on luggage fails to comply with the required applicable dimensions and weight, carry-on luggage will be checked in and charged with the corresponding excess baggage charges (if applicable).

In addition of the free carry-on luggage allowance, a passenger is allowed to carry the following items onboard:

a laptop with case

a small handbag

a coat

wrap or blanket

a walking stick or a pair of crutches

a small camera or a pair of binoculars

a reasonable amount of reading materials

infant's food and carrying basket [/u]

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks and God bless.

The weight of the suitcase itself makes a big difference in the total weight. I used one big suitcase and a big travel bag...because the bag was a lot lighter, it allowed me to carry a lot more than the suitcase. Just a thought. Remember you can also bring a carry-on and a laptop case on board...I used all that space to the max

Saludos,

Caro

i think so..

gurl,

you'll be flying soon, pwede mo ba ako baunin??? hahaha jokiesss!! have a safe trip sherl and best wishessss to you... god bless you!!

nanz

sa bulsa ko gusto mo nanz?

www.manilaforwarder.com

Then click the box for Phil-USA shipment that page will give you all the details

thanks for posting the link!

Hi to all VJ members. I'm a little bit confused coz while I was canvassing for luggage bags yesterday I was told (by the salesman) that a total of only 2 bags are allowed in PAL. One hand carry and one check-in luggage OR I can check-in both of those (2) bags if I want to. I rechecked in the website of PAL and in my own opinion I can have the following: (kindly correct me if I am wrong )

2pieces check-in luggage (each piece not exceeding 23 kilograms),

1 carry-on baggage (not exceeding 7kgs),

1 laptop with case (that I will carry on board)

1 small handbag with camera, passport and wallet (I will carry on board)so all in all I can have

5 bags without excess baggage charge if I meet the requirements below

For tickets issued on or after 01 July 2008, the following Free Baggage Allowance shall apply:For Journeys to/from the USA, Canada and Guam (Piece System)

Mabuhay (Business) Class

Maximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension of 124 inches (316cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Fiesta (Economy) ClassMaximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension 107 inches (273 cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Handcarried Baggage

Each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of carry-on luggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the aircraft cabin.The carry-on luggage must be within the following specifications :

size (length+width+height) shall not exceed 45 in. or 115 cm.

weighing not more than 7 kgs. or 15 lbs.

If carry-on luggage fails to comply with the required applicable dimensions and weight, carry-on luggage will be checked in and charged with the corresponding excess baggage charges (if applicable).

In addition of the free carry-on luggage allowance, a passenger is allowed to carry the following items onboard:

a laptop with case

a small handbag

a coat

wrap or blanket

a walking stick or a pair of crutches

a small camera or a pair of binoculars

a reasonable amount of reading materials

infant's food and carrying basket [/u]

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks and God bless.

That new luggage allowance is sucks!

Hi to all VJ members. I'm a little bit confused coz while I was canvassing for luggage bags yesterday I was told (by the salesman) that a total of only 2 bags are allowed in PAL. One hand carry and one check-in luggage OR I can check-in both of those (2) bags if I want to. I rechecked in the website of PAL and in my own opinion I can have the following: (kindly correct me if I am wrong )

2pieces check-in luggage (each piece not exceeding 23 kilograms),

1 carry-on baggage (not exceeding 7kgs),

1 laptop with case (that I will carry on board)

1 small handbag with camera, passport and wallet (I will carry on board)so all in all I can have

5 bags without excess baggage charge if I meet the requirements below

For tickets issued on or after 01 July 2008, the following Free Baggage Allowance shall apply:For Journeys to/from the USA, Canada and Guam (Piece System)

Mabuhay (Business) Class

Maximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension of 124 inches (316cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Fiesta (Economy) ClassMaximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension 107 inches (273 cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Handcarried Baggage

Each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of carry-on luggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the aircraft cabin.The carry-on luggage must be within the following specifications :

size (length+width+height) shall not exceed 45 in. or 115 cm.

weighing not more than 7 kgs. or 15 lbs.

If carry-on luggage fails to comply with the required applicable dimensions and weight, carry-on luggage will be checked in and charged with the corresponding excess baggage charges (if applicable).

In addition of the free carry-on luggage allowance, a passenger is allowed to carry the following items onboard:

a laptop with case

a small handbag

a coat

wrap or blanket

a walking stick or a pair of crutches

a small camera or a pair of binoculars

a reasonable amount of reading materials

infant's food and carrying basket

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks and God bless.

she saved us $650 US.

Hi to all VJ members. I'm a little bit confused coz while I was canvassing for luggage bags yesterday I was told (by the salesman) that a total of only 2 bags are allowed in PAL. One hand carry and one check-in luggage OR I can check-in both of those (2) bags if I want to. I rechecked in the website of PAL and in my own opinion I can have the following: (kindly correct me if I am wrong )

2pieces check-in luggage (each piece not exceeding 23 kilograms),

1 carry-on baggage (not exceeding 7kgs),

1 laptop with case (that I will carry on board)

1 small handbag with camera, passport and wallet (I will carry on board)so all in all I can have

5 bags without excess baggage charge if I meet the requirements below

For tickets issued on or after 01 July 2008, the following Free Baggage Allowance shall apply:For Journeys to/from the USA, Canada and Guam (Piece System)

Mabuhay (Business) Class

Maximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension of 124 inches (316cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Fiesta (Economy) Class

Maximum of two (2) pieces with a total dimension 107 inches (273 cms) and no piece exceeding 62 inches (158 cms). Each piece should not exceed 23 kilograms (50 lbs)

Handcarried Baggage

Each passenger is allowed to carry one piece of carry-on luggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the aircraft cabin.The carry-on luggage must be within the following specifications :

size (length+width+height) shall not exceed 45 in. or 115 cm.

weighing not more than 7 kgs. or 15 lbs.

If carry-on luggage fails to comply with the required applicable dimensions and weight, carry-on luggage will be checked in and charged with the corresponding excess baggage charges (if applicable).

In addition of the free carry-on luggage allowance, a passenger is allowed to carry the following items onboard:

a laptop with case

a small handbag

a coat

wrap or blanket

a walking stick or a pair of crutches

a small camera or a pair of binoculars

a reasonable amount of reading materials

infant's food and carrying basket

Hope to hear from you.

Thanks and God bless.

I thought PAL had decreased their limit to 50lbs per luggage check in..

I remember my uncle traveling to Guam having 2 luggage totaling 100lbs.. 2 50lbs each..

This is PAL..

yup, PAL's free baggage allowance will be reduced to 23 kgs from 32 kgs for flights to/from the us/canada and guam

the good news is, the changes won't be effected till the 1st of July:)

- sue

Hi!

sorry to bother you.i've read from your post that you used PAL and my hubby will book me a flight with PAL as soon as I receive my visa. I passed the interview Sept 15(k3 visa) and i like to get an idea on

how many check-in luggage/s are free?weight and dimension?

how about the carry-on? weight and dimension?

i'm planning to bring our wedding frame from our wedding studio...kinda big... parang 24" tv ang sukat...

kindly give some advise.

thank you very much and God bless.

is it hard to travel alone to US for the first time? Will there be a chance that i may get lost or deported???

No it's not hard. Just be aware what to do & pay attention to the signs. I traveled alone too thru PAL & I wasn't worrying too much coz from Cebu to SFO, I've seen a lot of Filipinos & that made me feel at ease. You only have to deal with boredom during your flight coz it's long hours of flying...You'll be okay...

Hi my evilgirl and other vj members!

i've read from your post that you used PAL and my hubby will book me a flight with PAL as soon as I receive my visa. I passed the interview Sept 15(k3 visa) and i like to get an idea on

how many check-in luggage/s are free?weight and dimension?

how about the carry-on? weight and dimension?

i'm planning to bring our wedding frame from our wedding studio...kinda big... parang 24" tv ang sukat...

kindly give some advise.

thank you very much and God bless.

If you have any special dietary requirements, special meals are offered on Philippine Airlines international flights. To ensure its availability, please do not forget to call our reservations not later than 24 hours before your departure date.

Choices for Special Meals:

Child's Meal

Children 2 to 11 years of age are served a child's meal such as spaghetti, fried chicken, chocolates, cereals .

Infant's Meal

For children below two years of age, baby food are readily available upon request.

Special Meals due to Health Reasons

- Diabetic meal

- Low-Fat Cholesterol meal

- Gluten Free meal

- Low Sodium meal

- Western Vegetarian meal

- Asian Vegetarian meal

Special Meals due to Religious Reasons

- Hindu meal

- Kosher meal

- Moslem meal

Special Meals due to Personal Preferences

- Fruit platter meal

- Seafood meal

PAL website: http://www.philippineairlines.com/

Hi my destiny and other vj members!

i've read from your post that you used PAL and my hubby will book me a flight with PAL as soon as I receive my visa. I passed the interview Sept 15(k3 visa) and i like to get an idea on

how many check-in luggage/s are free?weight and dimension?

how about the carry-on? weight and dimension?

i'm planning to bring our wedding frame from our wedding studio...kinda big... parang 24" tv ang sukat...

kindly give some advise.

thank you very much and God bless.

They are not serving Philippine food. Usually a piece of bread and butter and small pack meal. You can choose either chicken, pork or beef meal according to their pre-packed meal. They also serve wine, juice, water, beer, coffee and tea during meal time but if you are thirsty during your flight, you can ask for drinks from flight attendant.

Usually their pre-packed meal consist of mash potatoes, macaroni/vegetable/fruit salad, piece of meat/poultry, olives, sausage/ham or bacon. It is not a big serving but enough to have something in your stomach.

Once you check-in and the PAL personnel will give you your boarding pass, ask them first if you could get an aisle seat, window seat or next to exit seat. It is better to get a an aisle seat so you don't have to bother your seatmate (usually if he/she is sleeping most of the flight) if you want to go to the restroom. Window seat is next to the window and exit seat is right in front of the first row seat.

If you have problem during the flight, you can ask for flight attendant assistant. They have medicine there that you can ask. They will give you blanket, socks and earphone to use during the flight. Better to have jacket because it will be cold inside. If you could bring cushion for your butt and use as a pillow, that would be nice. If you are carrying a shoulder bag, better to just put it beside you or infront of your seat so that you don't have to stand up and get if from the overhead compartment.

Good luck and have a safe trip!

I guess this is how the system goes:

1. We pay DV through Metrobank.

2. We inform Delbros through text that we have already paid for DV, after many hours of waiting, they will reply that they received the payment.

3. Delbros will inform USEM that we had paid the DV.

4. USEM will send a request to NSO that so and so's documents need to be verified. The requests are sent to NSO every monday.

5. USEM picks up the results of the documents verifed every friday and were sent to USEM.

The problem may occur when:

1. The applicants didnt pay DV in advance.

2. When the applicants didnt inform Delbros that they had paid DV.

3. When Delbros didnt inform USEM that the applicant paid DV already.

4. When there is a delay in sending requests to NSO and delay in picking up the results of DV

Numbers to call:

Delbros: 023392761 loc 104

USEM: 02-3012000 loc 5184 or 5185 look for Grace or Lorraine

I hope USEM can fine tune this document verification process soon! God bless you!

Hi chris-lei and to all vj members . need some help from you guys...

I just want to ask if I can pay DELBROS now even if I haven't set an appointment date yet with the embassy. I just want to make sure that all the documents are complete once I set an appointment date (maybe i'll call next week and set my appt. date 1st week of next month) and since most of the applicants are having problems with DELBROS I want to pay my document verification fee as soon as possible or one month ahead of my interview date. Is it okey if i'll pay Delbros before setting an interview date? Hope for your response.

HI des. I sent you a private message. Unfortunately, I can't paste my answers here because I forgot to copy paste it before sending it to you. Can you paste it here please for others members with similar questions to read? Thanks! God bless

Hi Daisychain

Thank you so much for the reply.

May HE continue to bless you for the all the help you've given us

Here's the personal message you've sent me :

#29-31. I'll give you an example. if you check "NO" to have you ever been in the U.S.", there's no need to put N/A or none on the fields below it (When? and How Long?). Don't leave the third page blank.There are more items there that you need to answer.

#39 - If your answer is NO, no need to fill up item #40.

Yes. After you pay delbros at metrobank, they will issue you a receipt. Don't forget to IMMEDIATELY text delbros for payment confirmation (follow the format in the website) otherwise they won't jumpstart your doc verification process. Do this ASAP - as early as a month before your interview as it takes NSO 1-4 weeks to process document verification. Keep the delbros receipt. The US embassy officer may ask you to produce the delbros receipt (at least in my case).

Yes. You can have your CFO seminar even if you don't have your visa yet. That's what I did. All I brought was the BC, MC and 2 valid IDs. Just to let you know though, you can have your CFO seminar after you get your passport w/ visa so you won't waste two trips. Immediately after you attend the seminar, you can already have your passport stamped.

#8 - According to a fellow VJ member (whose advice I followed), in the US, middle name is not the same as maiden name. I started a thread about it. Please check this: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=139139

Let me paste what the guy said: "Don't confuse a middle name with a maiden name. In the US a middle name is actually a second name while in the Philippines it's considered the same as the maiden name. The questions are not redundant and are really self explanatory."

Des, I replied to your private message but I'm posting this anyway for the benefit of other members who may have similar questions.

First off, I'm glad to know you're preparing your DS156 beforehand. I've seen a lot of people in the embassy who came unprepared and hence experienced considerable delay.

The immigrant visa ticket officer asked them to take their seats and fill out the form. Even though they were handed a number, the numbers were not called in chronological order. It depends on who finishes each process first. I also suggest buying a plastic compartment folder with labels. Btw, do not put your pictures in an album. I put mine in the smallest album i could find and it did not fit the window! The prescreener just asked me to take the pictures out. She'll basically ask two-four wedding pictures of you, your husband and the person who officiated the wedding. And two-four pictures of you with other people (friends, family).

DS-156

#14 - NONE. we don't have a national identification number. SSS # is NOT National Identification number. =)

#22 - Yes. You must provide a date, even if it's a tentative one. The girl beside me was sent back to her seat (her number relegated to the back of the line) because she didn't fill that part up. She was fretting about the fact that the immigrant officer insisted that she provide a date because she said that she didn't have any travel plans yet. It doesn't matter. They will still insist that you provide a date, even if you haven't formalized traveled plans. Should there be a delay in visa issuance, the immigration officer would check the date indicated in that item and advice the applicant to postpone travel plans.

#26 - permanently; will apply for permanent residence. "for the rest of my life" sounds a bit dramatic! heheh

# 27. What is the Purpose of your trip? - join US citizen spouse and apply for adjustment of status

#25 - emphasis on "who you will be staying with" OR visiting for tourism or business. the reason why they mentioned staying with, tourism or business is because the DS156 applies to all visa applicants - B2, B1, etc. etc. so basically it doesn't specifically cater to k3 or IR1. So you should provide the address and phone number of your US Citizen spouse.

#32 - K3 applicant; will apply for work authorization, employer unknown (if you do plan on working)

# 39. Was the Application Prepared by another person on your behalf? - if you filled out this form yourself, the answer should be NO

#40 - Unless you answered "yes" to the previous question (that someone accomplished the application for you), leave that part blank. The immigrant visa ticket officer and pre-screener separately checks parts left blanks. I left this part blank and I was never questioned.

As for 29, 30, 31, if your answer is "NO", no need to put N/A on the succeeding blanks.

Don't forget to answer number 37. If say it doesn't apply to you (i.e Fiancee) check NO and put "none" on the blanket next to it. Write down "U.S. Citizen" on the blank next to Husband.

On #9, put "none." According to a fellow VJ member, middle name in the US is not "maiden name" in the Philippines. You should write your surname prior to getting married on item 8 and "none" in item 9.

While lining up, have your application form ready. The guard will ask for an ID. The NBI clearance will do. While lining up at the immigrant visa ticket booth, have both copies of your DS 156 and DS 157 ready (the other one being a bank validated copy of course) plus your U.S. passport pictures.

DS 157

#1 - Married Name

#3 - I wrote it down in this particular format: First Name Middle Name Surname. You can write it down in this format too, if you'd like: Surname, First Name Middle Name. But it doesn't really matter since you've already indicated your last name and first names in items #1 and #2.

#10 - Philippines

#17 - High School and College.

Good luck on your interview and congratulations! Remember, even if other members (including myself) complain of bringing tons of evidence without it being put to use, better be safe than sorry. Don't hesitate to bring AS MUCH evidence as you can, even if you end up carrying two bags (like me! heheh).

Hi Daisychain and hello to all VJ members!

Wow! I am really impressed on how you replied kinda long but it is really a very BIG help to me and to other people applying for K3 . Thanks for the pieces of advice.

Just want to clarrify some more hehe

pasensya na kung makulit just wanna make sure that I will answer all the questions in the forms correctly

DS 156

#8 OTHER SURNAME USED (MAIDEN,RELIGIOUS....)

I applied for my passport 2 years ago when I am still single so in nos. 6 to 7 I indicated what is in my passport (my Maiden Name) but a bit confused if I have to answer #8 with NONE since I already indicated it in # 6 or should I still have to indicate my Surname prior to marriage?

# 29,30 and 31 PAGE 3 (the page with the barcode)

If my answer in nos.29-31 of pages 1-2 is NO then I will just leave the third page BLANK or do I have to indicate N.A.?

#39 Was the application prepared in your behalf?

If my answer is NO then I should fill up # 40 with my name address etc. ?

I also want to clarrify if I don't have to submit any documents to Delbros for the verification of my documents and all what I should do is to pay them through the accredited banks and follow the instructions on this site:http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwfdelb.pdf

and when I leave the bank, the only paper that will be given to me is the duplicate copy of the validated deposit slip?

Can I have the CFO seminar before the interview or even without visa at hand yet?

Thank you very much for the prompt response and hope to hear from you again.

i researched about it. I-130 is an immigrant visa petition, so it should really be yes. however, given the fact that other k3 applicants have answered NO while others have answered yes without encountering any problems, i don't think it'd be a big issue. it's pretty self-explanatory. we were granted a k3 interview because of the I-129F and the I-130, the immigrant visa petition, is a prerequisite for the filing and issuance of the k3. =)

Hi Daisychain and to all VJ members. I am a new member here and I just read some of your posts. I find it very helpful for me and to all applying for K visa. I have some confusions and clarrifications on what to indicate in some questions in DS 156 and DS 157.

DS 156 # 25- Name and Telephone nos. of person in US who you will be staying with or visiting for tourism or business

I'm a little confused with the wordings "visiting for tourism or business" but should I indicate my husband's name and telephone nos since I will be staying with him?

DS 156 # 40- Application Prepared by: Name___ ; Address ___; Relationship to Applicant:______ ; Signature of person Preparing form___; Date _____

I'm really confused with this coz I've read in other forums that the applicants write their own name, address, with date and signature in this portion but if I'm not mistaken in this forum someone answered None. Please help me

I should answer nos. 29, 30, 31 of the third page of DS156, Right???

JUST WANT TO CLARRIFY THE ANSWERS TO THE FOLLOWING NOS (DS 156): (got these answers from u!)hehehe

# 14. National Identification Number - answer must be N.A or None.

# 22. When do you intend to Arrive in U.S.? - indicate just an estimated date

# 26. How long Do you intend to stay in US? - permanently or for the rest of my life

# 27. What is the Purpose of your trip? - join US citizen spourse and apply for adjustment of status

# 39. Was the Application Prepared by another person on your behalf? - some say yes while others No ...final answer? hehehe

FOR DS 157

In no. 1, LAST NAME: since I am married I should indicate their my Married Name(Husband's Surname)???

In no. 3, FULL NAME: Do I have to indicate the following order: FIRST NAME , MAIDEN NAME, SURNAME (HUSBAND'S SURNAME)???

In no. 10 List all countries that have ever issued u a passport: Philippines (is this the correct answer???)

In no. 17 List all educ institutiions you attended. Incude vocational institutions but not elementary schools: So here I must not indicate my school in elementary but only my school when I was highschool and college???

Kindly help me please. Your replies are really big help!

Thank you very much in advance