FATE's BLESSING

Thanks so much for the response. I will tell mom to start gathering the requirements needed, we will give it a try even we do not have any "ties" to show. There's no way that the title of our house be transfered to mom coz my brother and his wife made the property as conjugal although technically the house is for mom. Mom has a multi entry visa in Singapore that is good until 2014, she used to visit my brother and his family in SG. Maybe we can use it as support to proof that she normally visit her children and grand children and she always return in Phils. at the right time.

Greetings!

You do not need to do anything except guide your mom back home.I am hoping for the best but, it is very important to have a strong ties.

tips: pasted from US EMBASSY ,MANILA

Visitor Visas for Business/Tourism (B-1/B-2)

The vast majority of nonimmigrant visa applications received at the U.S. Embassy in Manila are for tourism or business travel.

B-1 visas are for business, including such things as a need to consult with business associates, negotiate a contract, buy goods or materials, settle an estate, appear in a court trial, and participate in business or professional conventions or conferences; or, where an applicant will be traveling to the United States on behalf of a foreign employer for training or meetings. The individual may not receive payment (except for incidental expenses) from a United States source while on a B-1 visa.

B-2 visas are issued for general pleasure/tourist travel, such as touring, visits to friends and relatives, visits for rest or medical treatment, social or fraternal conventions and conferences, and amateur/unpaid participants in cultural or sports events.

In most instances, consuls will issue a combined B-1/B-2 visa, recognizing that most business travelers may also wish to travel for tourist purposes.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please check the Nonimmigrant Visa Application Procedures page. In addition to the basic documentary requirements, as specified on the application procedures Step 1, the interviewing officer may request the following documentation:

1. Evidence of ties and financial status of the applicant, or the applicant’s parents, if minor, in the Philippines .

2. If the purpose of the travel is for:

Business – a letter from the U.S. organization indicating the purpose of the trip, the intended length of stay, and the firm’s intent to defray costs, if applicable. Applicants traveling on business for a Philippine-based employer should present a letter from the employer outlining the travel and business plans, including dates of travel.

Pleasure – documents concerning purpose and length of the trip and ability to cover the costs of the trip.

Personal/domestic employee – please refer to the Traveling with Personal/Domestic Employees page for more information.

Medical Cases such as Treatment or Donation of Organ, Bone Marrow, etc. – please refer to the Medical Cases page for more information.

Emergency Cases such as:

Visiting an Ailing Family Member – an up-to-date statement from a U.S. physician indicating the condition of the patient, including contact information so that, if necessary, the consul may contact the physician.

Attending a Funeral – provide a death certificate or other documentation of the family member's death.

3. Proof of travel medical insurance for applicants who might be at risk of requiring medical care while in the United States

Notes:

In certain cases, additional documents may be requested.

All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted, unless specified. The applicant must submit these documents to the interviewing consular officer during the interview. The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit does not accept documents before the interview. Any documents received will not bereturned and will be destroyed. Please note, however, that presentation of the documents will not guarantee visa issuance. Applicants must still qualify under INA Section 214(b).

The following documents are not considered helpful:

In general, affidavits of financial support will be of little value to an applicant (exception: a student visa application must have an affidavit of financial support). The affidavit of support is a requirement only for immigrant visas. The interviewing officer is less concerned about how the applicant will be supported during his/her stay in the United States than in whether s/he has reasons to return home.

Letters of invitation (except for business travel).

Purchase of airline ticket. This should not be made until a visa has been issued and the applicant is in receipt of the passport with the visa in it.

Hi to all. Were planning to invite my mom to come here in the US for 2 or maybe 2 and a half months for a visit. We have no idea how the B2 visa works. To all filipinas who already experienced to invite their parents here for a visit hope you can guide us guys on what to do. How we can start this process? How long it normally takes? Do we need to fill up any forms? What documents we will need? We are aware about the show money but my worry is that I don't think my mom can have a "ties" to show. Technically speaking my brother bought her a house and lot last 2008, but as far as I know it is under my brother's name since all the payment was taken out from his bank account. My husband and I are planning to send my mom an invitation/sponsorship letter. Is there any form that we need to fill up and send to mom? If there is, where we can get it? We also planning to make an overseas call to US Embassy to get info but I wanna try getting info here first. I am sure a lot of filipinas here have already experienced to invite a family/relative for a visit. Need your help guys. Thanks in advance.

We wanna start the process this month. We are hoping that by August we can get mom. I am pregnant and I want my mom to be here before my delivery which is on Sept. Have a good life to all.

Hi to all. Were planning to invite my mom to come here in the US for 2 or maybe 2 and a half months for a visit. We have no idea how the B2 visa works. To all filipinas who already experienced to invite their parents here for a visit hope you can guide us guys on what to do. How we can start this process? How long it normally takes? Do we need to fill up any forms? What documents we will need? We are aware about the show money but my worry is that I don't think my mom can have a "ties" to show. Technically speaking my brother bought her a house and lot last 2008, but as far as I know it is under my brother's name since all the payment was taken out from his bank account. My husband and I are planning to send my mom an invitation/sponsorship letter. Is there any form that we need to fill up and send to mom? If there is, where we can get it? We also planning to make an overseas call to US Embassy to get info but I wanna try getting info here first. I am sure a lot of filipinas here have already experienced to invite a family/relative for a visit. Need your help guys. Thanks in advance.

We wanna start the process this month. We are hoping that by August we can get mom. I am pregnant and I want my mom to be here before my delivery which is on Sept. Have a good life to all.

forgot to add this for the details:

check out this info: http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/ under "visit the US"

Thanks Zen Den for the reply. I checked the link u posted and it says there that for a tourist visa show money is necessary. It so nice to know about this. We thought that since my husband will be sending mom a sponsorship letter she won't be needing any show money at all. We have no problem giving her show money anyways. By the way my mom is 56 y/o. I am wondering what "ties" she can use coz she has no business and not employed for a long time now. My brother is the one supporting her. And last 2008 my brother bought her a brand new house but I think the house is under my brother's name, even though technically it is mom's house. Arrgghhh don't know what document she can show. She has definitely no interest of staying here in the US longer than 3months. She just eager to visit us here becoz of her new grandchild. She's doing the same when she visiting my brother and the family in Singapore she only stayed for 2months. Sigh! Hopefully we wont have any problem when we start the process. I truly miss my mom.

P.S. Your baby is so cute and healthy. Were praying for a healthy baby too. Regards to you and to your family.

Hi to all. We are planning to invite my mom to stay here with us for 2months. I am pregnant right now and my due date will be on September. We want to get her before my due date. We want to start the process by next month. What are the things we need to do? We need guide. Thanks.

I had my interview last thurs. May21 and I passed.

Got my visa packet yesterday May27. I know my question is too shallow, maybe I am just paranoid hehe....

Have a question regarding Visa Packet coz it says do not open the yellow envelope. Is it normal that the envelope has a certain part with a cut meaning we can see the documents inside? I did not open or even attempt to open the envelope it still fully sealed though I got confuse with the part that has a cut.

Also, May I know if your given name on your visa includes your middle name?

Coz on my Passport its surname/ given name/ middle name

Ex. Gomez/ Jenny Lara/ Reyes

…..then on my Visa its surname/given name but its written this way

Gomez/ Jenny Lara Reyes - This is fine right? I made a research and I think I should not have to worry about it but just want to double check hehe...

Your good to go, sis!

The cut is normal. You may see the papers inside but don't take a peek to much, maybe you could tear the cut. They would think its tampered.

They are much paranoid than us. Hehehehe.. Don't forget to take a CFO seminar before departure. You will need that plus a CFO stamp.

You cannot board the plane and be on an international flight if you didn't took the CFO seminar and have a CFO stamp on your passport.

Best wishes in advance and happy trip!

Thanks ToddnCezy hehe just wanna make sure coz I don't want to have any prob.

Yes sis I will attend the CFO seminar on Monday...You keep safe and happy! Thanks again!

I had my interview last thurs. May21 and I passed.

Got my visa packet yesterday May27. I know my question is too shallow, maybe I am just paranoid hehe....

Have a question regarding Visa Packet coz it says do not open the yellow envelope. Is it normal that the envelope has a certain part with a cut meaning we can see the documents inside? I did not open or even attempt to open the envelope it still fully sealed though I got confuse with the part that has a cut.

Also, May I know if your given name on your visa includes your middle name?

Coz on my Passport its surname/ given name/ middle name

Ex. Gomez/ Jenny Lara/ Reyes

…..then on my Visa its surname/given name but its written this way

Gomez/ Jenny Lara Reyes - This is fine right? I made a research and I think I should not have to worry about it but just want to double check hehe...

THANKS GUYS YOU ALL ARE SUCH A GREAT HELP

I'LL TAKE UR ADVISE ...GO TO QC!

to:ccndyeth thanks for guiding me how to get there

Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary (for USA bound emigrant); IS THIS ALSO FOR K1?

Guys have a little question regarding how the name written down on our visa?

On my PASSPORT its written this way: surname/given name/middle name Ex. Gomez/Jenny Lara/Reyes

On my VISA its only surname and given name but mine is written this way: Gonzales/ Jenny Lara Reyes - This is fine right? I made a research and I think I should not have to worry about it but just want to double check hehe....

Guys I need your advice regarding CFO seminar.....

Where is best to go? TAFT or QC?

Any other tips to share aside from knowing your fiance mom's maiden name?

Thanks in advance!

NOTED ... Thanks guys!

When traveling from Philippines to U.S. on PAL, you are allowed to check-in a maximum of two pieces of free baggage with no one piece exceeding a dimension of 62 inches measured by length+width+height. And both pieces together cannot exceed a total dimension of 107 inches. Also, each piece should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in weight. If any piece exceeds the 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in weight, then you have to pay an excess baggage flat rate of PHP 7050.

You are allowed to carry one piece of free carry-on baggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the plane and the piece must not exceed a dimension of 45 inches and not exceed 15 pounds (7 kilograms) in weight.

In addition of your free carry-on baggage allowance, you are also allowed to freely carry the following items onboard the plane: a small handbag of personal items, a coat, a blanket, and reading materials.

When traveling from Philippines to U.S. on PAL, you are allowed to check-in a maximum of two pieces of free baggage with no one piece exceeding a dimension of 62 inches measured by length+width+height. And both pieces together cannot exceed a total dimension of 107 inches. Also, each piece should not exceed 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in weight. If any piece exceeds the 50 pounds (23 kilograms) in weight, then you have to pay an excess baggage flat rate of PHP 7050.

You are allowed to carry one piece of free carry-on baggage small enough to be placed in the overhead rack or under the passenger seat of the plane and the piece must not exceed a dimension of 45 inches and not exceed 15 pounds (7 kilograms) in weight.

In addition of your free carry-on baggage allowance, you are also allowed to freely carry the following items onboard the plane: a small handbag of personal items, a coat, a blanket, and reading materials.

Laptop bags with the pc's are considered personal items as well. I was able to bring mine onboard with no problems, when I went to the Philippines last year.

From the Philippines to Las Vegas, Los Angeles or San Francisco

USD200 if you travel between:

26 December - 31 January

16 March - 31 May

01 - 31 August

USD150 if you travel between:

01 February - 15 March

01 June - 31 July

01 September - 25 December

Had my interview last thurs. (May 21), like you I am also a bit worried coz my flight was already booked. Yesterday around 6pm got a text msg from Air21 saying they will deliver my docs soon, got a follow up text this morning and got a call from them around 11pm then in less than an hour I received my visa. My friend Ruby we have the same interview sched I asked her today if she receive her visa, she said not yet! My friend Maricel had her interview last fri (May22) and she received her visa today. Don't worry I'm sure your wife and daughter will receive their visa soon so you can all be together. Good luck!

hey guys just thought id ask.. how long does a person normally have to wait to recieve her visa after passing the interview and was given a pink slip.. My daughter had her interview last fri(May 22), i tried to check it online via Air 21's website with the tracking number but it says.. tracking number not found.. (sigh). Sorry i know this is shallow question for some but im afraid lang that it will take about a month again, just like mine..(got a white/blue slip that time so it got minor delays) not sure with the powerful pink slip.. hehe. pls enlighten us. thank you so much. God Bless you all.

GREAT! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

PINK IT IS!!!! Visa approved! Woot! It sounds like she had a nice interviewer. Man I wish I could've been there with her just to share the experience and observe this whole crazy process.

Thank you Lord! And thank you all who offered kind words of encouragement.

Here's a brief synopsis of our timeline:

Jan. 2, 2009 Sent I-129F Petition

Jan. 5, 2009 USCIS recieved I-129F

March 13, 2009 USCIS approved Petition and forwarded to NVC

March 30, 2009 Petition recieved by NVC

April 19, 2009 Embassy Package recieved

April 28, 2009 Interview Scheduled

May 8-9, 2009 Medical Exam Passed

May 26, 2009 Embassy Interview Visa Approved

June= Baby's coming home!

Christopher

thanks shawns40. right, my fiance told me that it is summer there right now. i guess best to just stay home if its too hot outside. then go out once the temperature goes down.

Not sure about the baggage, my asawa flew Northwest. We are here in Vegas also, once you get here and settled in, maybe we could all meet and have lunch or something. Be prepared for the heat, it will be hot until at least the end of Sept. Hope you have a safe trip.

when i had my medical test, i heard from the staff of SLMCEC and even to the guards that monday is the busiest day. so my suggestion is tuesday, then they will ask you to go back on the next day. good luck!

Hello..

just want to ask everyone who had their medical at SLEC, what day is the best day to do medical?

planning to do it on June 18 and 19 which is Thursday and Friday..

ur response is much appreciated..

thanks

be there before 7:30...goodluck!!!

what's the best time to go at the embassy for an 8:30 am interview? Wish me luck guys!!!

Hi guys! just wanna ask if im missing documents i will need to bring on my interview on August 15 for k1..(GOd help me on this day!!intervene with pre-screener and consul who will do the interview!In Jesus Name!AMeN)

For now here are the Documents I have...Please let me know if im missing anything, i wanna be prepared!!!

*Im done with my medical and i already paid my DV!

THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH!!!

NOTARIZED I-134 FORM

EMPLOYMENT CERTIFICATE

- INCOME TAX RETURN(2007) FORM 1040

- W-2 WAGE AND TAX STATEMENT 2007

- BANK STATEMENTS

- BIRTH CERTIFICATE(NSO)

- CENOMAR(NSO)

- NBI CLEARANCE

- POLICE CLEARANCE

- DS-156 NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION – 2 copies

- DS-156K NONIMMIGRANT FIANCE(E)VISA APPLICATION – 1COPY

- DS 157 SUPPLEMENTAL NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION- 2 COPIES

- PHOTOS

- CARDS

- EMAILS

- CHAT LOGS

- LETTERS OF INTENT TO MARRY

- PHONE CARDS PRINT OUT RECEIPTS

- BOARDING PASS FROM OUR VACATION

- DELIVERY RECEIPTS WHEN MY FIANCE SENT ME FLOWERS

i think that would be all. may magaassist naman pagdating nyo sa loob ireremind kayo regarding sa ds forms. napakasmooth naman ng process basta all ears ka lang pag may nagaannounce ng mga names and all eyes ka din lagi sa queuing borad. if i were u iorganize mo na yung mga documents na dadalhin mo para madali pag may hiningi sila sayo. lahat ng ds forms pagsamasamahain mo, ur cenomar,bc and nbi originals ang kukunin nila, ayusin mo na yung mga attachment mo sa evidence of support, evidence of genuine engagement, evidence of the meeting prior to the petition. do not forget to bring 1 valid id and ur appointment letter. GO GO GIRL. GOOD LUCK. GET THE PINK SLIP. JUST RELAX EVERYTHING WILL BE FINE!

Went to USEM manila wearing a presentable blouse,jeans,sandals and i brought a warmer but never had a chance to use it. Pink is right okay lang naman ang lamig sa embassy. Goodluck!

oopppsss...upon reading this concern...nagworry tuloy ako kase last thurs. during my interview they got the original copy of my BC and my CENOMAR. At first photo copy lang sinasubmit ko then the pre-interviewer said they need the original copy. I asked him if they are going to return it once they sent the visa packet and he said NO, it will be their copy and they are not keeping any photo copies of NBI,BC&CENOMAR. Wahhhh does it mean I have to get original copy again to NSO office for the sake of CFO seminar?

Ask lang kunti, ang CFO ba,hinihingi yong original birth certificate?

salamat sa reply in advance

PRISM Taft asked me for the photocopy of my BC. Just bring the original in case they would want to see it.

~Chinook

yup, ako din hiningan ng BC sa SMEF. Another papers that they asked are NSO MC, Passport, Divorce Decree and hubby's BC.

im not sure, but i think an ID like passport and NBI will support your photocopied BC... although its best parin to have an original BC when get here sa states. just for your convenience. you'll need it during AOS, and when you want to Amend your passport. although they want a photocopy, mas mabuti na yung certified copy (coming from the original) good luck!!!

to ronmay: thanks for the response. sis my fiance have an original NSO copy of my BC, gave him a copy the last time we saw each other. how about the cenomar is there any particular situation I will be needing it when I get there in the US (like the chapel or courtyard or church do they need orig copy of cenomar as part of a requirement for getting married) coz what I have here is only a photo copy.

oopppsss...upon reading this concern...nagworry tuloy ako kase last thurs. during my interview they got the original copy of my BC and my CENOMAR. At first photo copy lang sinasubmit ko then the pre-interviewer said they need the original copy. I asked him if they are going to return it once they sent the visa packet and he said NO, it will be their copy and they are not keeping any photo copies of NBI,BC&CENOMAR. Wahhhh does it mean I have to get original copy again to NSO office for the sake of CFO seminar?

Ask lang kunti, ang CFO ba,hinihingi yong original birth certificate?

salamat sa reply in advance

PRISM Taft asked me for the photocopy of my BC. Just bring the original in case they would want to see it.

~Chinook

yup, ako din hiningan ng BC sa SMEF. Another papers that they asked are NSO MC, Passport, Divorce Decree and hubby's BC.

you can check this link

http://www.seatguru.com/articles/tsa_prohibited_items.php

Hi Guys! I just need your opinion regarding the things that I am going to bring to US. I will start packing tomorrow, so I just want to know if what I will bring are allowed to US.

Here's the list:

Electronic Gadgets

- a big laptop with malfunction screen (my first laptop, I want to bring it because I haven't extract my important files, my fiance can fix it for me)

- small laptop (which I will use during stop over)

- portable hard drive

- USB

- digicam

- cellphone

- gameboy advance

Clothing, shoes, and bags, accessories (kikay things), and some very few jewelry

Perfume(mine and my fiance), soap and shampoo (I need to bring first those things because I have sensitive skin, I will try to look products that will suit my skin)

*** I want to bring food such as dried mangoes and polvoron, as well as chicharon... (I will sealed it very well)

All my electronic gadgets would be in my carry-on bag except for big laptop. I will bring also a small bag aside from carry-on bag (where I will put my passport, wallet, compact powder, lip balm, small perfume, hand sanitizer and planner).

Okay... Do you think all those things that I will bring are okay with immigration? I am afraid some will not be okay to them and they will throw it.

I will really appreciate your suggestions and comments....

DONE WITH MY CONSULAR INTERVIEW THIS MORNING.

MY VISA WAS APPROVED. I AM RELIEVED NOW.

AT LAST, AFTER 3MOS. & 2 WEEKS MJ AND I WERE

DONE ON OUR FIANCE VISA JOURNEY. THANKS FELLOW

VJ's FOR ALL THE SUPPORT. WE CAN ALL MAKE IT!

Good day to all my fellow vj's. I will be flying to Las Vegas on June 4.

To those who went to US just recently, guys please give me ideas on how the excess baggage @PAL seems like. If ever let say I will exceed the allowable kilos (I know I am entitled to a total of 46kg for a check in baggage;2 luggage each should not exceed 23kg and I can bring a 7kg hand carry) how much would it cost me? And is it depends on how many excess kilo I will have or PAL has a fix rate? If they have a fix rate then I would rather have an excess of at least 7kg and up hehe to maximize the fee. Thanks in advance!-JEN

hello.... i am engaged to an american citizen who is a filipino by birth, he acquired his citizenship through naturalization. i am set to have an interview in manila this coming june 5, 2009. i am just so nervous because my situation is so complicated and i am so afraid to be denied because i really really really want to be with him and start a family there in the US. the situation is like this my family is all in the states and i am a nursing graduate i am so afraid that they would deny me because they would think that this plan of marriage is fake. my papers are all complete but my fiance's income last year did not reach $18,000 because he was laid off from work but he started to work again in a residential care home we calculated it both and his income for this year would reach 18,000 .... my papers are complete. for my evidence of genuine relationship i have mountains of phone records that we always talk everyday we talk for about hours even if he's at work, i have 100 pictures printed out with dates on it on his 2 visits which were november of last year and march of this year. i also have his 2 statement of accounts in the bank, i got 3 western union receipts which prove to say that he's sending money for the interview and medical expenses.

guys help me... do u think i have a big chance that i would be granted an non-immigrant fiance visa? please help...

Just done on my interview yesterday. Yours will be on June 5. I felt the same way like you hehe. Are you done with ur medical test? On the day of ur interview, make sure you bring with u all the required documents and do not forget your appointment letter, BDO receipt and (2) visa photographs also bring 1 valid ID. Be there atleast an hour ahead or if you can make it earlier the better. For the EVIDENCE OF A MEETING PRIOR TO THE PETITION and EVIDENCE OF A GENUINE ENGAGEMENT you can bring any of this: your pics, photo copy of itinerary tickets, boarding pass, hotel bills, telephone bill, cc bill, receipt of remittance, cards etc. For the AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT the purpose of this is to prove that you will not become a public charge. A copy of the your fiance most recent Federal income tax return (Form 1040) should accompany the I-134. On our case, my fiance gave me a copy of his employment letter and a letter from his bank so included this 2 letters.

Regarding the interview, my experienced yesterday was very smooth and easy. The questions are all basic. They only asked about me, about my fiance and about our love story. I noticed some people they've been asked many questions and their interview took almost 10mins or maybe more. Mine I'm done in 4-5mins i guess. You should help yourself to relax. Keep positive and everything will be alright.

To all my friends and VJ

Thanks for all your support and help!!!!

My wife passed the interview today. We pick up the visa on saturday and now can begin to live our dream. Sasha, I am still here for your and I did meet JB here on Monday. I have not heard any results from him regarding his wihte denial. However, we aare all here together. i will still be here to offer support and advise

CONGRATULATIONS....