Weatherman

Personal opinion: I would draft a letter and get the DA to sign it rather than going for an expungement of the arrest record itself.

You can always go ahead and get an expungement letter later if you really need it... but your concern is explaining the situation for the IO reviewing your I-175, and you need to file that soon, much sooner than a year.

I would check the "yes arrested" box, and then prepare and explanation of what happened in exhaustive detail as part of your submission for the I-175.

I would also draft a simple one page letter for the DA to sign, simply stating your wife was arrested for whatever offense, but that charges were dropped and she was not indicted or tried.

Good Luck, I'm sure you will be fine with no ill effects from her arrest.

Thanks to all who provide the information to help those that are following in your footsteps. VJ has been a true friend all along our journey...

I just wanted to share the evidence and the cover letter that I have modified from the generic draft that was posted here. We can file our petition in early June and I have been preparing in advance so we won't have to prepare in a panic, LOL. We are adding in the school stuff to provide some secondary evidence for my step daughter's portion of the petition. I do not intend to attach months and months of banking statements... I'm only going to submit one month's worth. I'm also not including any pictures or affidavits from friends, etc. I don't intend to add in any utility bills (cel fon, cable/internet, electricity), as they are all in my name. I don't want to overwhelm the IO, and I'm actually quite confident that our submission will be good to go. I have failed to update our new address with USCIS and plan to just submit the I-175 without having done so and allowing the petition to serve as address update. I would appreciate any concurring or counter opinions or comments. Thanks again to all for all the great stuff.

Dear USCIS Examiner:

Enclosed please find a JOINT I-751 petition for removal of conditions of permanent resident status regarding my wife, (wife full name), and her daughter, (daughter full name). Please also find a check for $465 + $80 + $80 = $625, the fee for this form and biometrics for both (Wife) and (Daughter). My wife and daughter entered the US on a CR-1 and CR-2 visa on September 6, 2008. We are all happily living together as a loving family and request that this petition be approved for removal of conditions on the residence of my wife (full name) and her daughter, (full name). Upon arrival in the US, we lived in Base Housing aboard (base and address). In March of 2009, (wife) and I Jointly purchased and we moved into our Condominium home at our current address (address).

Enclosed also please find copies of the following documents to verify the status of our bonafide marriage and ongoing family relationship:

• Permanent resident cards of (wife and daughter)

• Passports with stamped entry Visas of (wife and daughter)

• SSN cards for (wife and daughter) (includes the entire original mailed full form with address and actual SSN cards; added primarily as shared address verification)

• Hawaii Driver licenses (two) for (wife) indicating old and current address

• (husband's) Hawaii Driver license indicating current address

• Joint Federal Tax return for 2008 and 2009 Tax transcripts

• Closing documents for our Joint condominium purchase (shows both names)

• Joint claim for Hawaii Tax exemption for our condominium (shows both names)

• Deed for condominium (shows both names)

• (name of condo) condo maintenance fee cleared check from Joint (bank) account (one month only)

• Lease for (base housing address)

• Joint purchase contract for our 2010 (new car) (shows both names)

• (company) Auto insurance policy for our vehicles (shows both names)

• (company) Auto insurance card for our 2010 (new car) (shows both names)

• (husband's) and (wife's) Joint (bank) Banking statement (shows both names) (one month only)

• (Wife's) (company) credit card addressed to (husband) at our condominium (we got her added to the account and a card)

• (husband and wife's) Joint Ameritrade stock brokerage account (shows both names)

• Documents regarding (wife's) Stafford Fed student loan for (name) College

• (wife's) FilAm Phone club account statement

• (wife's) pay statements from her job at (employer) indicating direct deposit to our Joint NFCU account (three including one from each of our two addresses)

• (husband's) (work document) indicating (wife and daughter) as dependents and beneficiaries

• Documents regarding dental insurance and care (wife) received through (husband's) medical/dental insurance

• (company) receipt indicating (wife) as an authorized receiver of home delivery (1)

• (company) receipt indicating (wife) as an authorized receiver of home delivery (2)

• (bank) Share Savings account for (daughter)

• “Kama’aina Kids” afterschool care receipts for (daughter) and cleared check from Joint (bank) account

• DOE (Hawaii) school lunch payment canceled check from Joint (bank) account for (daughter's) lunch

• (name) Elementary PTA membership cards for (husband and wife)

• Easter card for (daughter) from her step grandmother (husband's mom)

You may feel free to inquire at any of the sources of enclosed documentation for validity of their statements, and you are always welcome to visit our home should you ever desire to do so. Please advise me if you have any further questions related to this petition. Thank You!

Sincerely,

signature

Husband full name

Just wondered if IO in Honolulu took their Xrays as they have been known to do.

Yes, they kept their Xrays.

ya the strange thing is i myself have never even noticed it and its an accidental scar gotten while she was an athelete in college, my wife said its very very light and its a single scar....i personally think the doctor made too big of an issue of it and didnt believe her explanation after all this is a physical exam, i didnt think a mental work up was part of getting a visa unless youre criminally insane........ anyways in the long run unless it delays her interview it will just be a momentary blip on the radar so to speak but if it does delay our being together after almost a year since we filed ill be a lil more frustrated

If what you say is true, and for the record i totally believe you, you have ABSOLUTELY NOTHING TO WORRY ABOUT AT ALL. The psych doctor will have her fill out some forms and then examine her by asking questions. Then s/he will prepare a 4 or 5 page preform report that says she is fine and is not a risk to herself or others. The only thing this will cost you is TIME and MONEY. It will cost you STRESS and FRUSTRATION if YOU choose to allow it to do so. If not, its only time and money.

I feel your pain, I personally know what I am talking about with the psych eval and form. Just tell your wife to relax, be honest, tell how the injury happened. EVEN IF SHE DID ATTEMPT TO HURT HERSELF, THAT IS NOT REASON TO DENY IF SHE IS NOW DETERMINED TO BE PAST THAT EPISODE AND IS NOT UNDER RISK FOR SELF INJURY OR HURTING OTHERS NOW. Read CFR re Medical issues for further info and WHAT THE ACTUAL GUIDANCE to the Medical and Consular Officials is re this topic.

The Sherriff is right... part of the Physical exam is checking for any signs of self mutilation or injury... it triggers an automatic Pavlovian "Send to Psych Eval" response in the Doctors. Think of it as a flow chart response. Scars near wrist or arm? Send ot Psych eval. Once she SAW the scar, your wife was GOING to get a psych eval REGARDLESS of her answers. She kept asking questions to see how much amplyfying info she could send to the Psych Doctor in the referral.

It is what it is.... and i would not be shocked if the CO asked about the scar at the interview.... maybe she will not, but all I'm saying is that it will be in the package the CO will be looking at when she asks questions at the interview. Make sure your wife answers everybody's questions re the scar the same way...with the truth, of course : )

Hang tough Bro, its gonna be fine!

We arrived via Hawaiian Airlines in Honolulu from Manila about 11:00 Honolulu time. We deplaned and went upstairs and outside to ride a little bus called the 'Wiki-wiki". This took us to the Immigration hall. There were staff people directing us where to go.. "First time Immigrants?...to the left, all the way down straight ahead". We went up to the counter and I gave the Immigration Officer all of our passports, including mine, my wife and daughter Visa packages, and the xrays. The IO had us sit and wait a minute, then called my wife and daughter (and I went along, LOL) up to the counter for biometrics( fingerprinting and signature). Then, he had us sit down while he went behind his booth and processed their case paper work. There were a few K-1s and some other IV being processed from the same plane as well. The K-1's went a little quicker, but maybe it had to do with the individual IOs.

Anyway, after about 15-20 minutes of him processing (I watched him read through the papers from the envelope, looking at the computer, writing on some forms, etc, then I KNEW it was ALL GOOD when I saw him stamp their Passports), he called us back to his counter. He told us we had to Remove Conditions starting at 21 months before two years expired, and had my wife and daughter both sign the form ackowledging that they were told they need to Remove Conditions. He confirmed our mailing address for Green Card, and told us the stamped visa would serve as that for the time being until they come in the mail. He said they may take up to 6 months to come. He also gave us some SSN forms and told them to apply. I asked about getting two numbers since we had asked for numbers on the DS-230. He said, "No, you can apply" I said "Ok", but I'm skeptical, hahaha.

***Personal Editorial Comment: After reading several experiences here on VJ, and having lived through it today, I am thinking the best way to get the SSN is to NOT ASK for one on the DS-230, and just apply and get one after getting to America. Just my opinion, but it would make sure you would not get two, and you would also KNOW that it was being processed at the SSN office instead of wondering when it will come in the mail and how long you should wait before going to SSN to apply in person anyway. YMMV and other opinions are just as valid. I'm not a lawyer or US immigration expert, so take this only for what it is... my opinion***

After clearing Immigration (Supervisor IO lady named Mary said "Welcome to America!!" as we were going down escalator) we went to go get our luggage and clear customs. The Customs and Hawaiian Airlines Staff had already collected our bags, cleared us through customs, and had our luggage waiting for us on a two luggage carrying racks!! WOW!!!! All I had to do was hand the Customs Officer the form I had already prepared on the plane...and I don't think he really did anything with it...it was just a formality that he figured he should collect it since it was out in my hand, LOL.

Now, for a little bit of feedback for the VJs to be aware of...

1. Some of the IO's are not clear in their questions or directions. Example: They asked my daughter (she is 9) "Can you write your name?" Of course she nodded her head..so he told her to write her name. Luckily, my wife knew he really meant SIGN her name and she needed to put her SIGNATURE...so they did not have to redo her form like they did for one of the other family's kids... he followed the directions and WROTE his name instead of SIGNING... so they had him redo when they noticed. They asked another girl who was clearing (a K-1)... "Do you have all your luggage?" She of course said "No", because her checked luggage was still waiting for her in customs, LOL. What they meant was do you have all your HAND CARRIED items that you brought with you from the plane into the Immigration Hall, which she DID HAVE. When she said "NO", he said, "Well get all your things". She got a confused look and i knew she was thinking, "How can I get my things from customs from in here??" They were just making sure we did not forget some hand carried item before we left the Immigration hall. I piped up to help clear that up before it got too comical or ugly.

2. One young lady and her mother were arriving 4 days AFTER their husband/father had travelled and cleared for some personal reason. The Husband had the Marriage Certificate with HIS package and there was not a copy in the wife/daughter package (***HOW does this happen???? I am amazed actually.***) So, all VJ should make sure they have a photocopy at minimum of all of their official diocuments like marriage, birth cert, etc etc in their hand carry just to make sure there are no problems at the end. I AM NOT SAYING TO BRING A HUGE PACKAGE WITH ALL OF THE EVIDENCE YOU BROUGHT TO THE VISA INTERVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT BRING A HUGE PACKAGE!!!!! They went to secondary and it looked bad for a few minutes that they would not be allowed to clear and enter because of a simple issue. They called the supervisors and they all worked it out...they ended up using daughter's Birth Certificate because it listed the Husband as the Husband of the mother and Father of the daughter. They were trying to find evidence of Husband/Wife relationship. If she had copy of Marriage cert in her hand carry... she could have showed it and the question could have been solved by the original IO instead of causing a freak out, LOL. I am quite certain that if they had been VJers, they would have had copy, LOL. In the end, everybody in our plane cleared, but the Wife/Daughter had to rebook their follow on flight since it took so long. The Hawaiian Airlines Staff were waiting for all of "Their People" to clear customs and took them to the ticket counter to rebook another flight. ***From the stories, it is pretty clear to me that all of the Airlines do this...they kind of serve as sherpherds from the background and come forward if their is a clearance problem for any of their flock, etc****

I also seems to me that the IOs are just trying to do their jobs and want to keep feeding the machine... collect the forms, get the fingerprints, check the forms and computer, stamp the visas, say "Welcome to America" and "Next, Please!". The sooner everybody clears, the sooner they can take a break and wait for the next plane load until their shift is over.

3. Throughout our IV Petition experience I have had the building feeling and now that it is complete I KNOW that the average VJer who comes here and researches and asks for help from other VJs KNOWS MORE ABOUT THE RULES AND THE IMMIGRATION PROCESS AS A WHOLE THAN MANY OF THE OFFICIALS WHO ARE WORKING TO PROCESS YOUR VISAS. So, that is a benefit of being a VJ and this forum...use it to your advantage and don't get freaked out or frustrated. Read the FAM 9!!! (Foreign affairs manual section 9, the "notes" have all the info) and the CFR. Make use of the resources available here.

Anyway, I'm glad we are here in Hawaii. I'm also very glad that I was with my wife and daughter as they entered. I'm also sure they would have cleared fine by themselves...just glad I was there, probably more for me, LOL.

Keep the faith...if you are honestly seeking Immigration Benefits for proper reasons and don't have personal history to keep you out, you will get approved in the end... the only difference is how much time and how many twists and turns your personal Soap Opera takes.

Once again, thanks to all, and keep paying it forward.

Good Luck and God Bless.

Well, we landed on Monday, we were met at the airport by my parents, my aunt and uncle, and my friends and their little daughter. There were some tears. We were exhausted, and we went home.

Riza already felt some homesickness yesterday. Today she went with my mom to visit a friend to plan the bridal shower.

The POE was pretty quick and easy. Possibly because I was there. She went with me through the resident's line. He asked a few questions and then ushered us through, no welcome to america though. Customs was pretty easy, they only asked what was in the balikbayan box. They never opened anything.

We had to pay airport tax for Riza, not for me. I think it's silly and a little petty that they make their citizens continually pay extra to leave.

We had to pay extra for our luggage on the domestic leg of the journey since we were over the luggage allowance. They let me check 3 bags though without complaining about that. Since it was a separate airline than our international flight, that's why we had to pay.

Welcome to America!!

"I think it's silly and a little petty that they make their citizens continually pay extra to leave."

I could not agree with you more.... its obviosuly not an airport fee, or everyone would have to pay. Its another way for the Phils Govt to take money out of their Citizen's pocket. Shameful.

wow that was quick.. amd hey, congratulations! from my family to yours.

Thank you Very Much!

Yes, the DCF chopped a LOT of time off of our timeline. We did not have to wait through the whole NVC process. I guess that is one benefit of being in the military stationed overseas... I'm not complaining, LOL.

Thanks again!

Well, we picked up our CR1/CR2 visas this am. Ate Grace and Ate Larraine and the CO working our case were all very helpful. Our story is unique from most of those here, but I will share the highlights in case it will help somebody else...pay it forward!!

I am military and my wife and I met overseas in a third country where we were both working. We got married in Phils last spring...but she and her daughter had to have medical exam prior to marriage because of military rule that says i have to ask permission to marry non US citizen. Part of the permission process is that wife and daughter had to have SLMC Medical Exam prior to permission request..its part of that package. Permission was granted, we got married in Phils, and then I filed our I-130 Petition via DCF at my duty station third country US Embassy..they sent it direct to Manila Embassy after checking via cables (its like official secure Email) with USCIS. We had to wait 2 months!!!! for the local Province where we got married in Philippines to finish sending off our Marriage License/Contract to NSO in Manila before we could complete the pre interview document gathering and interview scheduling process.

After NSO got the Provincial Marriage cert, it took another week or two for them to finish and create the Offical NSO Marriage License that US Embassy requires. Also, she needed this official License to get passport name changed to married name, and then get new name Police Clearance and NBI cert. After all that, they were ready for inteview. US Embassy sent the PKG 4 (letter really) and they went back SLMC for Visa exam...and SLMC used the same date as the first exam back in the spring as their official exam date.... I used the service available to schedule their appts. So, after the Visa interview, there was not much time left before the 6 months of medical exam would expire! Which in our case is true, it DOES expire in 6 months. Not sure if its a CR1/CR2 issue, or if all Philippine IV category medical exams expire after 6 months. Which means the Visa has to be used to enter the US BEFORE the 6 month anniversary of the Medical Exam.

The time was running very short and Ate Grace had me send a fax letter stating that it would expire. They expedited the final processing and let us pick up the visas at the Embassy even though I had already paid Delbros. I even got a refund of my Delbros fee...(less 20 percent, LOL). If you already paid Delbros and then for some reason don't use the delivery service, just show your DELBROS receipt at window 34 where you will pick up the visa...and they will sign the receipt for you. I took the signed receipt to the Embassy Pavilion DELBROS office and got the refund.

Then it was off to CFO to get the Stickers in the Passports. We took a taxi from Embassy to CFO Manila office. Wife already attended the seminar at PRISM Manila last week, so we had that certificate already. Pretty simple, but we had to have daughter 2x2 picture taken, and also had to have some Xerox copies made of the passports' main page and US IV page. No problem, there is a "right now" photo shop and xerox shop out the CFO door to the right. Only the actual immigrants are allowed in the CFO office, I had to wait outside with the others. It started raining, but there is a roof overhang that kept us out of the rain, and places to sit. It was actually pleasant and much better than being too hot! The process took about an hour from arrival at CFO to finishing with the stickers in the passports. Since it was raining, we took a cab back to the LRT station to head back home.

So, tomorrow we are off to the airport for our evening flight to the US.. POE Honolulu!! Because of the dateline, we actually get there the same calendar day, 8 hours before we take off. We leave MNL the 6th at 1900 and arrive HNL the 6th at 1100. It looks like we will have to pay the departure tax since I booked our tickets directly through Hawaiian Airlines website and have e tickets. The taxes shown on the receipt are only US taxes. After the rest of the adventure, P1650 x 2 is a piece of cake...I will make sure I have enough in my pocket, LOL. Yet another handy tip courtesy of the VJ community!! I have already started looking ahead at the Removal of Conditions info...and I am sure I will continue to do so in the future.

To all the contributors who make this Community such a PRICELESS resource: Salamat Po!!!

You are both allowed to bring two bags eaach and both bags are allowed to have 22 kilos per bag.

The reason it is limited to 22 kilos per bag is so the baggage handlers do not have to lift too much weight...its in their contract, especially in the US.

It may be more inconvenient to have to carry 4 bags instead of 3 between you and your son, but DO NOT exceed the weight limit of 22 kilos per each individual bag. You are entitled to both bring two bags of 22 kilos, so i recommend you use all of your allowable weight to bring as much of your stuff as possible.

You can also each bring one carry on bag, like a back pack, as long as it fits the carry on size criteria. You can look that up on line at the airline website also. I have flown around the world to various places A LOT... and i have never had a problem with a standard back pack as a carry on. For ladies, a small purse doesn't count as a carry on, so you can bring that and a back pack. I have also carried on a back pack and my laptop bag and not had a problem either...but you many not want to push it, LOL.

The POE IMMIGRATION personnel will not care how many luggages you have IF you have followed the airline rules. They won't even care if you bring a bunch of extra bags and had to pay extra bag fees. The Immigration people don't concern themselves with luggage. Their job is to inspect YOU and YOUR SON and YOUR PAPERWORK to make sure you have the proper visas etc to enter the US. You will have to fill out a small immigration form on the plane, fill up one form and include you and your son on the same form. No need for two separate forms. The flight attendant can help you if you have questions.

CUSTOMS personnel are the ones who will inspect your luggages. Their job is to inspect the STUFF and THINGS you bring into the US in your carry on baqgs and your checked in luggage. They may open your carry on bags or luggage to look inside the luggage, or they may not. Make sure you DO NOT bring any of the items that are not allowed to be brought into the US. Fresh meats or plants, exotic live animals, pirated DVDs etc etc etc are all prohibited. You will have to fill out a CUSTOMS ENTRY form on the plane in addition to your immigration form from the plane..so you will have to fill up two forms, one for immigration and one for customs. Only fill out one form for immigration and one form for customs, but include both YOU and YOUR SON on the forms. No need for separate customs or immigration forms for you and your son.

Good Luck, and have a Safe Flight!

Hello Weatherman,thank you soo much for ur info and advice this is really great and clear...God bless!!!

Irene

Hello Weatherman,i also want to ask if i can bring my perfume collection??like 10 diff perfumes and plan to put each on my seperate 4 bags..is that will be no problem???

Thank you,

Irene

Sure you can bring your perfumes. Just put them in checked luggage. You can keep them in one bag or split them up... whichever is easiset for you to pack. Just don't hand carry them...they are liquids.... and its better just to put them in your checked luggage.

You are both allowed to bring two bags eaach and both bags are allowed to have 22 kilos per bag.

The reason it is limited to 22 kilos per bag is so the baggage handlers do not have to lift too much weight...its in their contract, especially in the US.

It may be more inconvenient to have to carry 4 bags instead of 3 between you and your son, but DO NOT exceed the weight limit of 22 kilos per each individual bag. You are entitled to both bring two bags of 22 kilos, so i recommend you use all of your allowable weight to bring as much of your stuff as possible.

You can also each bring one carry on bag, like a back pack, as long as it fits the carry on size criteria. You can look that up on line at the airline website also. I have flown around the world to various places A LOT... and i have never had a problem with a standard back pack as a carry on. For ladies, a small purse doesn't count as a carry on, so you can bring that and a back pack. I have also carried on a back pack and my laptop bag and not had a problem either...but you many not want to push it, LOL.

The POE IMMIGRATION personnel will not care how many luggages you have IF you have followed the airline rules. They won't even care if you bring a bunch of extra bags and had to pay extra bag fees. The Immigration people don't concern themselves with luggage. Their job is to inspect YOU and YOUR SON and YOUR PAPERWORK to make sure you have the proper visas etc to enter the US. You will have to fill out a small immigration form on the plane, fill up one form and include you and your son on the same form. No need for two separate forms. The flight attendant can help you if you have questions.

CUSTOMS personnel are the ones who will inspect your luggages. Their job is to inspect the STUFF and THINGS you bring into the US in your carry on baqgs and your checked in luggage. They may open your carry on bags or luggage to look inside the luggage, or they may not. Make sure you DO NOT bring any of the items that are not allowed to be brought into the US. Fresh meats or plants, exotic live animals, pirated DVDs etc etc etc are all prohibited. You will have to fill out a CUSTOMS ENTRY form on the plane in addition to your immigration form from the plane..so you will have to fill up two forms, one for immigration and one for customs. Only fill out one form for immigration and one form for customs, but include both YOU and YOUR SON on the forms. No need for separate customs or immigration forms for you and your son.

Good Luck, and have a Safe Flight!

Hi Vj's somebody asked me if genital warts could affect her medical exam and getting visa?? thanks...

I dont know if it will affect her visa but its one of the things they look for during physical exam. They check for hemorrhoids, genital warts, evidence of delivery etc etc.

Regarding your discussions about medical exam. you mention about hemorrhoids if somebody has that could it be the grounds for medical failures?thanks for future replies.

They may EXAMINE for evidence of birth, hemmorhoids, and genital warts but i don't THINK that ANY of these are grounds for visa denial. Especially birth and hemorrhoids. BUT, if you say for example you have never given birth, and they see evidence of giving birth, then that may raise some questions in their mind... see?? The big problem that causes all of the extra review and very close scrutiny of all of the applicants here in Phils is the high rate of attempted marriage and visa fraud. The Medical examiners and Consular Officers are trained and CONDITIONED to look for attempted fraud in applicants. So, what may be innocent may be INTERPRETED as attempted fraud and could cause a problem. The story of the CO who thought the VJ was trying to bribe her because the son took money from the purse and put it in the window slot is an excellent example of this. The CO ASSUMED the worst even though it was completely innocent. But, giving birth, having hemorrhoids, and having HPV are NOT reasons to deny visa in and of themselves ACCORDING TO THE RULES THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO FOLLOW. Now, the reason they EXAMINE for Hemmorrhoids and lesions in that general area of the body is that at least two of the 8 diseases show symptoms in the genital or ####### area. So, they check those areas of the body and if they see something, they have to determine is this just hemmorrhoids or a pimple or an ingrown shaved hair or a bug bite, or is it really an indication of one of the problem diseases?

The criteria that are listed by me and another in different posts in this thread are the RULES that the Consular Officers must use to determine eiligibility. I know that I always feel better about these kind of things after i review the rules and then research as much as i can using google or your favorite search engine.

Good Luck and God Bless.

Just wondering if the CRs and IRs take longer to finalize after the interview than the K types. I have been tracking the time it takes for some of the interviewees to have their visas issued (Congratulations to recent visa recipients!!) to try and figure when our visa may come, haha. I bet I am not the first or last to enjoy this way of passing the time, LOL.

I notice that most of the very fast turn around times are for K-1 visas. Is this a known truth or is it just the way things seem to be going recently?

I am only talking about cases that get pink slips and are not waiting for DV or missing docs or something else. Thanks!!

Short answer: I don't think it will be a problem. Its not listed as one of the communicable diseases that will prevent visa issuance. The only reason i don't say "it WON'T be a problem" is because a) its St Lukes and B) its Manila Embassy. For some reason, both of these offices seem to go above and beyond on occasion. I copy below the list of what the Medical Officers are supposed to be looking for and reporting in thier report to the Consular Officers to help them make your visa issuance determination. I don't see HPV (human papilloma virus) listed. HPV is the cause of genital warts. I looked up the diseases I didn't know to make sure they are not related to genital warts or HPV. They are not.

Please tell your friend God Bless and Good Luck with the medical screening interview.

Please also note that any ADMITTED use of drugs by an applicant will be reported on the Consul medical report form and will be a reason for visa denial. It is my understanding that the Medical interviewer/doctor will ask applicants if they have ever used any illegal drugs or abused prescription drugs. The consul looks at medical interview admission of drug usage as if you had been arrested and convicted of using drugs. So, i guess Petitioners would be wise to find only true loves who have NEVER done ANY illegal drugs ever, and will be sure to tell the medical examiners that when they are asked at the interview. Which I am sure is the case, especially judging from all the wonderful and helpful people here. The only reason i mention it is because i know how some of the interviewees are nervous during medical exam day and they may accidentally answer the question wrong when its blurted out by the medical interviewer during the examination.

http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/ge...0&TYPE=TEXT

CHAPTER I--PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE,

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND

HUMAN SERVICES

PART 34--MEDICAL EXAMINATION OF ALIENS--Table of Contents

Sec. 34.2 Definitions.

As used in this part, terms shall have the following meanings:

(a) CDC. Centers for Disease Control, Public Health Service, U.S.

Department of Health and Human Services.

(B) Communicable disease of public health significance. Any of the

following diseases:

(1) Chancroid.

(2) Gonorrhea.

(3) Granuloma inguinale.

(4) Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.

(5) Leprosy, infectious.

(6) Lymphogranuloma venereum.

(7) Syphilis, infectious stage.

(8) Tuberculosis, active.

© Civil surgeon. A physician, with not less than 4 years'

professional experience, selected by the District Director of INS to

conduct medical examinations of aliens in the United States who are

applying for adjustment of status to permanent residence or who are

required by the INS to have a medical examination.

(d) Class A medical notification. Medical notification of:

(1) A communicable disease of public health significance;

(2)(i) A physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with

the disorder that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property,

safety, or welfare of the alien or others;

(ii) A history of a physical or mental disorder and behavior

associated with the disorder, which behavior has posed a threat to the

property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others and which behavior

is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior; or

(3) Drug abuse or addiction.

(e) Class B medical notification. Medical notification of a physical

or mental abnormality, disease, or disability serious in degree or

permanent in nature amounting to a substantial departure from normal

well-being.

Director. The Director of the Centers for Disease Control.

(g) Drug abuse. The non-medical use of a substance listed in section

202 of the Controlled Substances Act, as amended (21 U.S.C. 802) which

has not necessarily resulted in physical or psychological dependence.

(h) Drug addiction. The non-medical use of a substance listed in

section 202 of the Controlled Substances Act, as amended (21 U.S.C. 802)

which has resulted in physical or psychological dependence.

(i) INS. Immigration and Naturalization Service, U.S. Department of

Justice.

(j) Medical examiner. A panel physician, civil surgeon, or other

physician designated by the Director to perform medical examinations of

aliens.

(k) Medical hold document. A document issued to the INS by a

quarantine inspector of the Public Health Service at a port of entry

which defers the inspection for admission until the cause of the medical

hold is resolved.

Medical notification. A document issued to a consular authority

or the INS by a medical examiner, certifying the presence or absence of:

(1) A communicable disease of public health significance;

(2)(i) A physical or mental disorder and behavior associated with

the disorder that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property,

safety, or welfare of the alien or others;

(ii) A history of a physical or mental disorder and behavior

associated with the disorder, which behavior has posed a threat to the

property, safety, or welfare of the alien or others and which behavior

is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior;

(3) Drug abuse or addiction; or

(4) Any other physical abnormality, disease, or disability serious

in degree or permanent in nature amounting to a substantial departure

from normal well-being.

(m) Medical officer. A physician of the Public Health Service

Commissioned Corps assigned by the Director to conduct physical and

mental examinations of aliens.

(n) Mental disorder. A currently accepted psychiatric diagnosis, as

defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

published by the American Psychiatric Association, or by other

authoritative sources.

(o) Panel physician. A physician selected by a United States embassy

or consulate to conduct medical examinations of aliens applying for

visas.

[[Page 87]]

(p) Physical disorder. A currently accepted medical diagnosis, as

defined by the Manual of the International Classification of Diseases,

Injuries, and Causes of Death published by the World Health

Organization, or by other authoritative sources.

[21 FR 9829, Dec. 12, 1956, as amended at 52 FR 32543, Aug. 28, 1987; 56

FR 25001, May 31, 1991]

enjoy your stay and try to eat the super tasty BALOT!

LOL thats funny. My wife and daughter had some balot last night for a snack... I chose to let them enjoy it alone. I had some potato chips and yakult though, hahaha.

i guess you dint like too see this..

nice pic of balot, huh? very inviting..

hi sis envy...

just want to share something about balot. hehe. My husband never hesitated to eat balot and that was funny. he finds it weird.

...lol

On Tuesday the 26th, my wife and I took the jeepney from Meycauayan to Monumento and took the LRT to Carriedo station. We then took jeepney to the office of the Visa extension in Intramuros section of Manila.

We arrived around 10:15 am. I got an application from the desk near the door and filled it up and then got on one of the 3 or 4 lines to submit my application. The lines are clearly marked and the personnel are helpful.

Once i got to the counter, i was informed to make a photocopy of my passport photo page and the arrival stamp page from the photocopy machine guy right there in the office lobby. (That guy has a good business, LOL) It cost 2 pisos per page for a total of 4 pisos.

I got back in the same line to submit my application. The gentleman checked my passport in the computer system, reviewed my application and checked my photocopies. He made a receipt print out and told me to go to the next line over to pay my fees which was a total of 3030 pisos. Each application line has a partner cashier line. The lady cashier took my money and printed new receipt and then told me to go back to the original line I was in... he reviewed my payment receipt, stapled my application, photocopies and passport together, gave me a receipt for my passport, and then told me to claim my passport using the receipt at window 1 at 3:00 pm.

My wife and I went to Starbucks 1 block out the front door of the visa extension office and enjoyed some coffee, small snacks, and reading newspapers. Then we went and had lunch at Max's restaurant right across the street from the left side of the visa extension building.

I returned to the Visa extension office at 2:40 and checked at window 1, but it was not yet ready. They process the applications in batches, so if they tell you 3:00 you should wait for your batch. We left again and returned at about 3:35, and now the line was quite long with all of the 3:30 batch. By about 3:50, i got to the front of counter 1 and the gentleman had me sign his receipt and gave me my passport with the 38 day extension stamp.

All in all, the process was quite simple. I did notice some areas where it could have had some efficiency improvements, but the system does work well. I wish the CR-1 process was so smooth!!!

Weatherman,

My husband stayed here for 3 months and he just payed all those fee at once 3 days before he will goes back to US. and he payed Php 7000+ that includes everything. sadly, we have to pay penalty. And we had to go back the next day to get his passport with stamp and certification that he doesn't have hold departure stuff. Enjoy your stay here in the Phils...

Yeah, i did not want to have to pay an additional penalty fee or have any problems. I knew I would have to extend my visa and pay, but i also knew I would leave before the extension expires. I went ahead and took care of it, it gave us something to do other than obsess over when HER and our daughter's visa would come, LOL.

enjoy your stay and try to eat the super tasty BALOT!

LOL thats funny. My wife and daughter had some balot last night for a snack... I chose to let them enjoy it alone. I had some potato chips and yakult though, hahaha.

On Tuesday the 26th, my wife and I took the jeepney from Meycauayan to Monumento and took the LRT to Carriedo station. We then took jeepney to the office of the Visa extension in Intramuros section of Manila.

We arrived around 10:15 am. I got an application from the desk near the door and filled it up and then got on one of the 3 or 4 lines to submit my application. The lines are clearly marked and the personnel are helpful.

Once i got to the counter, i was informed to make a photocopy of my passport photo page and the arrival stamp page from the photocopy machine guy right there in the office lobby. (That guy has a good business, LOL) It cost 2 pisos per page for a total of 4 pisos.

I got back in the same line to submit my application. The gentleman checked my passport in the computer system, reviewed my application and checked my photocopies. He made a receipt print out and told me to go to the next line over to pay my fees which was a total of 3030 pisos. Each application line has a partner cashier line. The lady cashier took my money and printed new receipt and then told me to go back to the original line I was in... he reviewed my payment receipt, stapled my application, photocopies and passport together, gave me a receipt for my passport, and then told me to claim my passport using the receipt at window 1 at 3:00 pm.

My wife and I went to Starbucks 1 block out the front door of the visa extension office and enjoyed some coffee, small snacks, and reading newspapers. Then we went and had lunch at Max's restaurant right across the street from the left side of the visa extension building.

I returned to the Visa extension office at 2:40 and checked at window 1, but it was not yet ready. They process the applications in batches, so if they tell you 3:00 you should wait for your batch. We left again and returned at about 3:35, and now the line was quite long with all of the 3:30 batch. By about 3:50, i got to the front of counter 1 and the gentleman had me sign his receipt and gave me my passport with the 38 day extension stamp.

All in all, the process was quite simple. I did notice some areas where it could have had some efficiency improvements, but the system does work well. I wish the CR-1 process was so smooth!!!

Hi!

My fiance is on tourist visa too... he is been in the Phils. for almost a year now(September)...we renew his tourist visa every 59 days and in Cebu it will only take an hour for the renewal!

Hope you enjoy your stay in the Philippines!

God BLess!

I am very much enjoying my stay. Trying to remain patient with the post interview waiting : ) I would stay, but i have to be at work in Hawaii NLT 15 September, so we will see what happens.

I think Tuesday was extra busy since it was first business day after 3 day weekend. The US Embassy of course will only have 4 day work weeks for 3 weeks in a row because of two Philippine and 1 US Holidays on three consecutive Mondays. Oh well...that is the way it works.

GBU2!!

On Tuesday the 26th, my wife and I took the jeepney from Meycauayan to Monumento and took the LRT to Carriedo station. We then took jeepney to the office of the Visa extension in Intramuros section of Manila.

We arrived around 10:15 am. I got an application from the desk near the door and filled it up and then got on one of the 3 or 4 lines to submit my application. The lines are clearly marked and the personnel are helpful.

Once i got to the counter, i was informed to make a photocopy of my passport photo page and the arrival stamp page from the photocopy machine guy right there in the office lobby. (That guy has a good business, LOL) It cost 2 pisos per page for a total of 4 pisos.

I got back in the same line to submit my application. The gentleman checked my passport in the computer system, reviewed my application and checked my photocopies. He made a receipt print out and told me to go to the next line over to pay my fees which was a total of 3030 pisos. Each application line has a partner cashier line. The lady cashier took my money and printed new receipt and then told me to go back to the original line I was in... he reviewed my payment receipt, stapled my application, photocopies and passport together, gave me a receipt for my passport, and then told me to claim my passport using the receipt at window 1 at 3:00 pm.

My wife and I went to Starbucks 1 block out the front door of the visa extension office and enjoyed some coffee, small snacks, and reading newspapers. Then we went and had lunch at Max's restaurant right across the street from the left side of the visa extension building.

I returned to the Visa extension office at 2:40 and checked at window 1, but it was not yet ready. They process the applications in batches, so if they tell you 3:00 you should wait for your batch. We left again and returned at about 3:35, and now the line was quite long with all of the 3:30 batch. By about 3:50, i got to the front of counter 1 and the gentleman had me sign his receipt and gave me my passport with the 38 day extension stamp.

All in all, the process was quite simple. I did notice some areas where it could have had some efficiency improvements, but the system does work well. I wish the CR-1 process was so smooth!!!

i will accompany my fiancee to the interview in manila ,she thinks i should not where shorts .can i get some help.for me khaki shorts ,whit short sleeve and sandals ....for her khaki skirt ,nice shirt and sandals .we ar etotally capable of dressing properly ,but we come a long way and like to here some ones experience thank you vince

Treat this encounter as if it were a job interview.

I recommend that you wear long pants(jeans or khakis), shoes(any kind, as long as its NOT slippers or sandals), and a polo or collar shirt. "Designer" T shirt at the absolute least.

For her either: conservative summer dress, conservative skirt and blouse, or pants(jeans or slacks) and blouse. Shoes are good, nice sandals ok for ladies, but NOT plain old rubber slippers.

JMO...but making a good impression is NEVER a bad idea. DON'T go out and spend a bunch of money on an interview wardrobe, just make the best presentation with what you have available.

Good Luck!!

Like everybody has already said, one way is fine for K-1 etc and IR/CR-1 etc visas. Some don't wait, but its always good idea to wait until you have visa in hand before buying ticket!!! At least make sure the ticket you get can be changed in case you have a delay. There will be additional fee if you have to change. Never any delays dealing with Embassy, right??? LOL.

I think people want to make sure they can get a ticket so they can travel as soon as possible, but think about it, one person can usually find a seat pretty quick. Once you get notice from DELBROS the visa is on the way, you can book the seat and make your final preparations to leave bassed on when DELBROS says it will arrive.... allow a couple days extra to make sure you get it in time.

Where are you going in the US? There will be better deals on the various airlines based on where you will go in the US. Hawaiian Airlines and Philippine Airlines both have direct flights multiple times a week to Honolulu...Hawaiian is cheaper by about 100 dollars per ticket. Detroit?? Northwest Airlines is a Hub there. Houston? Continental. Dallas? American Airlines and I think also United. So, check around based on the airport you will fly into as POE.

BE CAREFUL!!!!: I BOOKED OUR TICKETS ONLINE VIA HAWAIIAN AIRLINES WEBSITE AND USED CREDIT CARD TO PAY. I MUST BE PRESENT (I am here with wife and daughter waiting for Visa to be finsihed and delivered) AND SHOW THE CREDIT CARD AT THE MANILA AIRPORT TO BE ABLE TO GET THE TICKETS!!! So, that is something to be aware of when you book your tickets. Perhaps you can reserve the ticket and then have your fiance remit you the money and you can pay in person at the airport for the ticket at the counter.

Or, You can shop for the best deal and then go to to that airline's office here in Phils if they have one (Hawaiian does).

Or, maybe your finance can get the ticket and then DHL it to you in Phils or he can pay in US and have you pick it up at the airport in Phils.

You can also check on travelocity or expedia to either book tickets or get a good idea of what airlines have flights available to your destination with an idea of the price.

Google "airplane ticket Manila-xxxxx" (xxxxx = your place in States) and I am sure you will get lots of sites that will help as well.

Good Luck!!

Question: What is the process or procedure to follow if the visa is not issued in time to travel to US before the Med Exam expires? Has anyone had or recall reading any similar experience to ours?? Thanks for any help!

In my humble opinion, the reason why K applicants are concerned about the validity of the medical is to avoid having to go through and pay a more expensive medical if they arrive in the US with an expired medical exam. A valid medical exam is required when K's files the I-485 to apply for AOS (Adjustment of Status) which is a requirement before receiving a conditional green card. Since your wife is CR-1, she does not need to adjust status. She will receive her green card a few weeks after she arrives in the US without having to do anything else (except to apply for SSN, State ID and DL).

Also, in the USCIS website it states that:

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...00048f3d6a1RCRD

"The results of the medical examination are generally valid for only 12 months. Applicants should schedule the medical examination as close as possible to the time they file for adjustment of status."

Thanks PinAy (hehe) Wife!

We are not going to worry anymore about the Medical Exam date.

FYI, we went and she had her CFO counseling at PRISM Wednesday and she has her certificate, now awaiting visa delivery to get the CFO stamp. Without this site, we would not have known that she needed one!!

I called and spoke with Larraine and Grace and they confirmed on Thursday that our case is proceeding with processing. The help call center could not confirm it because they apparently did not have access to the entire file. Grace suggested I call back next week to check up. She had initial interview 29 Jul and got waiver required white paper (which was actually a mistake), we returned together Aug 08 and CO changed decision said its now approved. We paid Delbros delivery fee on Aug 11. So, I guess our new interview date for time until delivery computation purposes is now 08 August instead of 29 July.

So, now we are just PATIENTLY (hahahahaha) waiting for processing to finish and delivery. Hopefully, it will come next week so we can travel together before I have to leave. On a bright note, I am enjoying my stay here in Philippines. I need to go to Phils immigration and extend my visit visa because my 21 days will expire 27 Aug.

Thanks to all the great posters and Good Luck to all.

Hello Everyone. First of all, this is a great site and I thank everyone for sharing their experiences and stories to help others along in the process!!

I am newly registered as a poster. My Filipina wife and I filed via DCF for CR-1 last April. Because I am military, she had to do SLMC Medical exam before we got married so that i could recieve permission from the military to marry her. We got permission and we got married in April. I filed Direct Consular Filing from my overseas duty station, pettition was approved and case sent to Manila. After pkg 4 came, she returned to SLMC to have med exam but they used the same basic exam and kept the same validity date of the exam of our premarriage exam which was March 7, 2008. Now the Medical exam will expire on September 7, 2008.

She had her Embassy CO interview originally on July 29, but was mistakenly disapproved and told to apply for waiver. We went back on Aug 08, 2008 when I got to Manila and convinced the CO she was wrong and the CO reversed her opinion with supervisor approval later that afternoon and called us to say it was now approved. Yes i know that is shockingly rare, but its true, LOL.

We returned Aug 11 to give her passport back to the Embassy IV section and pay DELBROS delivery fee. Now we are awaiting final embassy visa processing and DELBROS delivery of the Visa POE package. I am now a bit concerned that the processing may take longer than usual because of the intial disapproval and reversal to approved status.

Question: What is the process or procedure to follow if the visa is not issued in time to travel to US before the Med Exam expires? Has anyone had or recall reading any similar experience to ours?? Thanks for any help!