TomD

Hey TomD !

OK you - dig out her passport again - look at all the stamps. Somewhere there, is an I-551 stamp - check the dates on THAT.

The VISA stamp that expires on 26 april 2011 was just to get her into the country - the I-551 stamp validates her VISA to be used as a temp green card for 1 year.

So - whatcha (SHE) got ?

I'm off to Wuhan tomorrow, be outta pocket for 48 hours or so.

Darnell,

I got it now. She has the I-551 in her passport and its stamped and states that its good for one year. So Now I just need to get her a SSN and we are good to go. Have yourself a safe trip.

I believe you do not need to worry about the expiration date of the visa. that date is the time by which she needed to enter the USA. she should now have an

I-551 stampp in her passport, as has been prvoiusly noted by Darnell.

When You Have Your Visa - What You Should Know

If you are issued an immigrant visa, the consular officer will give you your passport containing the immigrant visas and a sealed packet containing the documents which you provided. It is important that you do not open the sealed packet. Only the DHS immigration official should open this packet when you enter the U.S. You are required to enter the U.S. before the expiration date printed on your visa. When traveling, the primary (or principal) applicant must enter the U.S. before or at the same time as family members holding visas.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2991.html#17

Sun&Moon, Thanks for the info. That makes sense to me now that you explained it. I know they will not give her a 10y Visa until we are married for 2 yrs.

Thanks for the help as Always VJ rules.

i wouldn't worry about it, for now -

as

there's a stamp IN yer passport, that validates the VISA to be used as a temporary green card, I-551 document, for 1 year.

and

2 weeks past yer POE date, YOU can go into the SSA office, apply for a SSN, in person, face to face.

with those 2 things, one of which you already have - you can work.

Thanks Darnell, How are you doing? My wife arrived in the US finally on Feb 2, 2011. Life is now much better.

My question now is about her VISA. It expires on April 26, 2011. Its a CR1 VISA so why is it only for 3 months? Do you have a link were I can read about renewing it. I am Clueless on this. Do I have to visit the nearest USCIS Office to get this renewed? Anyone else? Thanks for the help.

Well its been a while since I have been on the site. I just had to get away for a while and do something else to get my mind right. Not sure that happened but most of this is behind me now. I just wanted to extend my congratulations to all of those who have interview approvals, Visas in Hand and perhaps Significant other already in their arms. I am still waiting but it should happen this Feb 2.

I also wanted to thank all of you great VJ members who helped me and listened to my jabber during this lengthy VISA process. I will not name anyone specifically because there are so many people who helped me and I would be afraid I miss someone by mistake. You know who you are and I am sure I was not the only one who was helped by you.

I started out this process with only 1 kayak and now I have 3 ... Hope she doesn't let the fact that she cant swim keep her away from the water ...

Hope everyone has a Super 2011!!! And may the memories of this roller coaster VISA ordeal fall to the wayside. Can wait to get her here and show here why all of what we just went through was worth it. I will be back to document her arrival but I might be a day or two late with that Of course I am expecting her to be delayed as she goes through customs just enough so that she misses her flight. That would be par for the course right... Till then

OH I forgot ...Today is our 1 yr Anniversary...

I would suggest that you call the NVC on Wed. and ask them. They will let you know. You should be able to get Case Complete this week. Once your case complete you will be put on a list for Embassy interviews. These interviews are usually scheduled they first 2 week of the month. How ever every Embassy may be different based on their particular workload. Your almost there. Just do some review and prepare for the interview as it will soon be upon you... You should also check VJ forum for country specific information.

I just went to the payment page and got the "Sign In Fail" !!

Does anybody know what's next and how long the process will be?

Thanks in advance

-Michael

SIF!!! Congratulation but you still need to wait until Case Complete. Which should only be a few days away . Once you have that you will be place on a list for interview. As you get your complete status is might take you till March to get you interview. The first two week of each month are typically used to schedule interview so it depends on where you fall. Your right on the line... So its wait and see.. Good Luck..

That AVR means they have everything,,,and everything is normal,,,but if you hear something like "AWAITING something from the,,etc" only then worry!!

You should go to the Philippine forum and see whats going on. Really you should have know about the NBI Clearance. Also check out the NSO requirements for Marriage certificate & Birth certificate. Better have that with your wife on the interview if you didn't already turn it in. You can see all this and more on that forum and on the embassy site.

General Information:

Who Can Apply For An Immigrant Visa <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3202.html>

How Does NVC Process Approved Petitions? <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3225.html>

What are the Immigrant Visa Categories? <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3203.html>

Updating Personal Information:

§ Registering Derivatives <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3232.html>

§ Petitioner, Applicant, Lawyer and Designated Agent <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3233.html>

§ Reporting Name Change, Birth, Death, Marriage, Annulment and/or Divorce and Correcting Date of Birth, Gender and Priority Date <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3236.html>

Issues Affecting Eligibility:

§ Who Are Not Eligible To Be Issued an Immigrant Visa <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3208.html>

§ What is the U.S. Domicile Requirement for Petitioners <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3207.html>

Filipino Spouses and Fiancé(e)s <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3204.html>

Priority Dates <http://travel.state.gov/visa/bulletin/bulletin_1360.html>

Child Status Protection Act <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3228.html>

Diversity Visa <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3241.html>

Returning Resident <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023/general-information/returning-resident.html?>

Requirements:

Documentation <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3217.html>

Medical Examination <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3218.html>

Fees <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3220.html>

Specific Requirements:

§ Fiancé(e) <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3204.html>

§ Follow-To-Join <http://manila.usembassy.gov/follow-to-join.html>

§ Adoption <http://manila.usembassy.gov/adopted-children.html>

§ Reinstatement of Visa Applications <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3222.html>

Interview:

§ Preparing for the Interview <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3219.html>

§ Immigrant Visa Appointment <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3238.html>

§ Rescheduling Appointments <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3235.html>

§ After the Interview:

Ø When the Visa is Issued <http://manila.usembassy.gov/after-the-interview.html>

Ø Visa Refusal <http://manila.usembassy.gov/after-the-interview.html>

Ø Administrative Processing Information <http://travel.state.gov/visa/a_zindex/a_zindex_4353.html>

Ø Ineligibilities and Available Waivers <http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/ineligibilities/ineligibilities_1364.html#1>

Forms and Packets <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3224.html>

Frequently Asked Questions <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3201.html>

Contact Us:

By Fax <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023/contact-us.html>

By Email <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023/contact-us.html>

By Mail and Telephone <http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023/contact-us.html>

Goodluck

thanks M7 and the same to you.

Look for a Feb Interview date ...

Goddd! I want SIF and CC so bad right now. Why is it taking so long...

well the good news is if your Time line is correct and you got a SIF on 1/3 then I would guess you are going to have a Case Complete by the end of the week. That means that you could be getting a Feb interview day. So hang in there.

From Negros Occidental...

Lived in Australia for 12 years and now in California.

Sorry EVERYONE for the late congratulations but I have been on vacation!!! haha Congratulations to all of the Dec Interviewee's who were approved. Good luck in finding a flight to the USA for your partners. Its a busy time and I hope you get seats easily.

It amazes me how fast things change or should I say how much they change. Looking at the interview list I realized I only knew a few of the members. Guess many have moved on. Which is a good thing I guess... Here's to a great 2011!!!

:dance:

Guys,

Funny question maybe, but what is DOS anyway?

Anyone wondering what a particular abbreviation/acronym stand for can look here.

http://www.visajourney.com/content/us-immigration-glossary

Hope everyone is enjoying the holidays. I know I am Now I just have to wait for her to get here on Feb 2, 2011. After all this that seems like a short period of time.

SEASONS GREETINGS EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! We got a dusting of Snow last night which was a nice touch... Now I have to go visit people and see what gifts they got...

Thanks for the Congrats Glenn & Bryan and to you TravelingNomad congrats as well. I hope Feb gets here ASAP!!! ...

I was looking at Kayaks over the weekend in the Knoxville TN area and visited with some friends. I left on Friday and I didn't have a chance to speak with my wife but was able to break away and monitor emails from my friends computer. There was no information about her receiving the Courier package so I was thinking things are moving slowly cause of the holidays. When I got home on Monday my wife calls me. That's how we have worked it because she has no home phone and if she is at work I don't want to disturb her. So she calls and is really excited cause she has her VISA package in hand. It was delivered Saturday evening! Whoa! The kicker is that is was delivered by an Embassy Employee and not a courier according to my wife. Isn't that nuts. For those who don't know or haven't followed my trials and tribulation I was pi$$ed for the last month about the poor service I felt the embassy was providing. I made phone calls, sent letters and emails inquiry's to my State Congressman and Senators office. They were telling me there was not much they could do, yada, yada .. I told them that they have been in the spotlight enough these past few years and it was not for good press. I told them they could try, that's doing something. I am not speaking directly to them mind you, but to their aids. It might have been a coincidence ( I like to think it was me ..Feeds my ego ) because I had already been waiting 6 weeks for the Embassy to get off its A$$ but within a week of my contacting them my wife got her VISA and it was delivered by and Embassy employee.

So if you take anything away from all of this it in my view should be don't give up. These people work for us and they need to be reminded from time to time that everyone has a boss.

Someone else ask how long doe it take to get a response should you mess up in the interview and not have all your documentation. Well for us it was 6 weeks...

HAVE A GREAT CHRISTMAS and remember its okay to lose faith in the government but never lose faith in yourself. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Oh I got an email from American Airlines and they are offering a 20 % discount till Dec 30. This is the code for that Promotion Code: LNGK5QA66EL6

A bit of bad news guys. My husband's dad died last night. My husband did not receive his resident card or social security card yet. He wants to travel back to Guyana to make arrangements for the funeral. I'm not sure how to proceed. Does he file the I-131 and schedule an infopass? :( :help:

Oh No. I am so sorry for the both of you and your husbands family. I lost my mother 3 years ago and it really affected me more than I would have imagined.

I agree with Emily. You have several months which you can use the Visa for but just in case make a phone call. I would also have documentation of your father in-laws death with your husband so that he can show anyone who may ask or not believe. I also think you can get a discounted ticket if you speak with the airlines. Again My Deepest Sympathies to you and your husband.

Tom about time...CONGRATS!!!

Thanks I & G I agree with that!!! haha

I was looking at Kayaks over the weekend in the Knoxville TN area and visited with some friends. I left on Friday and I didn't have a chance to speak with my wife but was able to monitor emails. There was no information about here receiving the Courier package so I was thinking things are moving slowly cause of the holidays. When I got home on Monday my wife calls me. That's how we have worked it because she has no home phone and if she is at work I don't want to disturb her. So she calls and is excited cause she has her VISA . It was delivered Saturday evening! Whoa! The kicker is that is was delivered by an Embassy Employee and not a courier. Isn't that nuts. For those who don't know or follow my trials and tribulation I was pi$$ed for the last month about the poor service I felt the embassy was providing. I made phone calls, sent letters and emails inquiry's to my Congressman and Senators office. They were telling me there was not much they could do, yada, yada .. and I told them that they could try, that's something. It might have been a coincidence ( I like to think it was me ..Feeds my ego ) because I had already been waiting 6 weeks for the Embassy to get off its A$$ but within a week of my contacting them my wife got her VISA and it was delivered by and Embassy employee.

So if you take anything away from all of this it in my view should be don't give up. These people work for us and they need to be reminded from time to time that everyone has a boss.

I am just happy that its finally done. She will now get her CFO and look for a plane with an empty seat using the ticket I got for her earlier. I will now be silent..haha :dance: maybe and wait for her arrival in January sometime.

Tom I am soooooooo happy for you!! I just logged on to see what was going on with your case!!! :dance: :dance:

Now all of us pretty much are done with the process, so glad that it turned out ok for you and your wife Tom!!!! I hope and pray she will be here by Christmas so you can spend it together!! YAYYYY!!!! (F)

HI Emily!!! Thanks, I don't think Christmas will happen as its only a short time away. This will give her a chance to get all her time in with her mom and other relatives as they all seem to live within feet of one another. I told her to take all the time she needed and to not worry about me. She will have plenty of time to do that soon enough.

Its such a relief to have this over. She still want to wait till she has the VISA in her hand. I can say that I blame her. Then she will quit her job. I think she is looking forward to that also but after 20 yrs there she will have mixed feelings I am sure. She still has to go to Manila and do her final act and get her CFO & Stamp. She will then go to the travel agent and they can look for a empty seat then. Never know someone might have a change of plans.

Finally seems they like to process in their own time.. gladd to know this Tom. Which one of the offices did you use? i tried the office beside the Nashville Public Main Library 6 months ago but were of no assistance.

I never went down to the Office I called them on the phone and then emailed them. I don't know if they really did much or not because the first response I got back from them was We are working on it from the Embassy. Which to me is a canned answer. But then 2 days later BAM. Who knows right... I don't think she will make it here by Christmas. Her ticket is with American Airlines and when she spoke to the travel agent in Manila she was told all flights are booked through December. That's okay with me. I am just happy that she has the approval now the wait doesn't seem so bad. Its the not knowing that's maddening....

Great news Tom! Hope the last little details get cleared up quickly and you can be together soon!

OBX & LADYDARE thanks yes the last little bits are basically paying the PI government to be allowed to leave the country. so that should be a slam dunk. I am sure they will make sure you do it right

SEASONS GREETING EVERYONE!!!!!!!

glad to hear about it tomd!!! ummm..... hapi 4 u,,,

Thanks nix & lai,

Yes CFO and Ticket. The ticket has already been paid for because I got it for her with plans that she would be traveling Dec 1. Now she need to go and get the departure date changed. I told her to make it to fit her schedule because I am sure she will suddenly have lots to do.

Well in reality she still needs her VISA Package because I dont think its been delivered to her yet. I received notification of the approval through the Senators office here in Tennessee and not the Embassy. Funny how the Embassy would tell them but not me don't you think... So much for Government service.

Are you in the USA now? Enjoy your Christmas where ever you may be. I Hope to be with Annie but lets see.

Congratulations Tom....It's finally over.

Yes I cant wait but until she gets here its not over. She still has some country things to do that they established in the Philippines. Some Counseling BS its all about $$$ and a stamp to leave the country which is put on her passport. again $$$

I think that's it. I don't know if she can accomplish this before Christmas. I am sure she is now in a panic... She also will be feeling pressure because even though she will not admit her mistake she is afraid to make another one that will delay the process.

I have a question for anyone who has lived in the Philippines. I am in my early 30s and all my life my parents, peers, coworkers and friends have urged me to start saving money as soon as possible for retirement. So shortly after getting my first job I started a 401K. In addition, I have other financial sources that I invest in. I know at some point I will no longer be working and need money in order to live (this is a fact). So I save some of my money. But Filipinos don’t seem to embrace this same idea. My ex is a Filipina and her parents spent money as they made it (according to her) and then suddenly “retired” with no savings what-so-ever and expect other to support them. Is this common practice in the Philippines? I mean, do Filipinos just assume they will work forever so no savings is needed?

I don't think its an assumption its a way of life. Its the culture. Its what has evolved because of how things are and it works for many many families. Spending habits are individual practices. Just like here . I saved always even as a child . My sister spends much more and I know others who spend it all. Same goes with other characteristics. We are all different because of our experiences and up bringing. Be glad your a saver it will pay dividends to you in the end. Just don't let others know how much or they will want some of it.

Hummm someone said they don't know any American who don't have a savings. Maybe it's your circle of Americans that you know who are not impoverished and in need. Many are even worse off they have large debt. Trust me there are some (more than you may think) totally dependent on SS when they retire. Many are dependent on the Welfare system as they go through life. Savings is something each of us do as we see fit. If you don't have discretionary income you don't save. If you don't have desire to you will not save unless its forced upon you.

College educations are not even a guarantee of getting a good job. You have to pay somebody at time to get a good job. There are many college grads who cant find jobs or work at places like Jollie B.

From what I see most of the people in the Philippines rely on family not only in retirement years but through out their lives. That's why family is so important to them as it is instilled in them at an early age. Thats also why so many wives push their husbands to give money to their family member and they has such a feeling of obligation even when its not their money being given.

My wife has worked for the same place for 20 yrs. When she retires she will get a lump sum pay out of 500,000 peso which is a little over $11,000. I don't know if they even have such things as 401Ks there. Not many to use it. Those that would don't need to worry anyway.

My wife gives money away at Christmas time. Not in large amounts but in 20, 40, 80, 100 pesos. The hundreds those in special need or close family members. I was surprised by it and even more surprised at how many came by to get theirs. She has done this for many years now. I could tell that she felt good doing this. She even gave her mother money to give out. When I spoke to her about it she told me I know my limit. ha ha Of course as a Westerner I looked at it totally different. I couldn't see the need and felt some pride was missing as I would not be in line. Then again I didn't have a need either. I don't know if its all good or not. I do know that its the way it is in many countries that are impoverished.

GUESS WHAT !!!Got this today!!!

Control No: 35820

Reference: XXXX

Date: December 15, 2010

This is in further reply to your inquiry of December 8, 2010, regarding the visa concerns of your constituent, TomDXXXXXx.

We are pleased to inform you that an immigrant visa was issued to the applicant today, December 15, 2010. The visa packet will be delivered to the applicant’s designated address by guaranteed courier service.

Immigrant Visa Correspondence Unit

Consular Section

U.S. Embassy, Manila

1201 Roxas Boulevard

Manila, Philippines

THIS E-MAIL IS UNCLASSIFIED AS DEFINED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 12958

VISA APPROVED !!!!!!!!!!!!

Now she just need to get her CFO and Ticket. She might make it here by Christmas... :dance:

I know this thread is all but dead but what the hey!!! I got this information today...

Control No: 35820

Reference: XXXX

Date: December 15, 2010

This is in further reply to your inquiry of December 8, 2010, regarding the visa concerns of your constituent, TomDXXXXXx.

We are pleased to inform you that an immigrant visa was issued to the applicant today, December 15, 2010. The visa packet will be delivered to the applicant’s designated address by guaranteed courier service.

Immigrant Visa Correspondence Unit

Consular Section

U.S. Embassy, Manila

1201 Roxas Boulevard

Manila, Philippines

THIS E-MAIL IS UNCLASSIFIED AS DEFINED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 12958

VISA APPROVED !!!!!!!!!!!!

Now she just need to get her CFO and Ticket. She might make it here by Christmas... :dance:

Got this from the Senators Office today

Control No: 35820

Reference: XXXX

Date: December 15, 2010

This is in further reply to your inquiry of December 8, 2010, regarding the visa concerns of your constituent, TomDXXXXXx.

We are pleased to inform you that an immigrant visa was issued to the applicant today, December 15, 2010. The visa packet will be delivered to the applicant’s designated address by guaranteed courier service.

Immigrant Visa Correspondence Unit

Consular Section

U.S. Embassy, Manila

1201 Roxas Boulevard

Manila, Philippines

THIS E-MAIL IS UNCLASSIFIED AS DEFINED IN EXECUTIVE ORDER 12958

VISA APPROVED !!!!!!!!!!!!

Now she just need to get her CFO and Ticket. She might make it here by Christmas... :dance: