George and Movi

im particularly living in north richland hills, texas.... anyone near from me,,, contact me guys,,,hehehehehhe

Hi Rose, duol lang ta kay Grapevine kami. Gikan ko sa Gensan.

Nia sad me sa Texas mga gwapa, sa Hurst, Texas north of Ft Worth and 20 mins south from DFW International airport. Hola me kung niay duol diri or manganhi mo aron kita-kita ta ninyo... Cebu diay amo sa Pinas.

Maayong Pasko diay natong tanan!

-Marie-

Hi, duol lang diay ta. Naa lang kami sa Grapevine. Gikan ko sa Gensan.

In the Phils where LRT, MRT, buses, jeepneys, tricycles, trisikad and even habal-habal are available to take us around even to the most remote areas, it did not occur to most that learning how to drive is necessary specially when most can not afford to have a car of his own to drive.

While still in the Phils, my fiance taught me how to drive ONCE..I was using a big car with manual transmission. I had difficulty how to change gears manually without looking at the stick, while at the same time my left foot was on the clutch and my eyes were focused on the road and of course with the proper timing of my right foot on the accelerator. To me it was like doing a tango,cha-cha-cha and twist all at the same time. It was so complicated for me, specially with somebody giving orders who made me so anxious and confused. It didnt last for 30 mins, he was already yelling at me. We were both disappointed and in tears I told him "I will not learn how to drive anymore, if you're the one teaching". That ended it. As soon as he head back to the States, I hired an instructor. He was exactly opposite my fiance. He was so patient in teaching that it seemed I was learning so slow. As soon as I learned the basics, I decided not to attend the sessions anymore but learned on my own and later was driving all over the city back home. As soon as I got my EAD here, I decided to learn the parallel parking by watching the you tube.( I didn't finish my lessons in Phils so didnt get to know how to do the parallel parking).

I really admire the husbands who patiently taught their wives how to drive. It has worked for some but not in our case. I learned through youtube hahahaha!!! I personally think that Filipinas can be taught how to drive. However, one needs to have the attitude and the determination to learn, otherwise, even if she has a nice car and the best instructor, she will never learn at all.

Good luck to all Filipinas! We can do it.

My children and I came to the US on K2 and K1 visa and we filed for AOS within one year from the medical examination conducted in the country of origin. Here is our experience, it might help you in addition to all the helpful tips and info that was given by those who posted their replies.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/273926-k1-and-k2-aos-no-need-of-another-medical-exams-in-us/

hi everyone,

done medical but so sad, i will be undergo sputum, anybody here have the same recent situations in here, they found lesion on the right lobe of my lung suspicious of tb, not sure why i got it,i went to work in singapore i didnt have prob with my medical. is it wise to go to other local doctor to have check/opinion before going to a 3day smear tests?

Hi, I understand how you feel. My daughter was required by St Luke's to undergo the 3 day sputum test. It turned out to be negative and we waited for 6 weeks and then the culture test turned out to be negative also and she completed the medical exams at St Luke's..and we all left for the US together.

I know its the anxiety of waiting that is unbearable.Its a stressful experience. Just hang on there. You're not the only one who is going through this.

Goodluck and be strong!

Hello to all VJ members,

I would to ask if anyone here who has same case as mine, that has a child age 17 or 18 yrs old. that were included in your K2 visa application??

Also I would like to know if they will also be interviewed by consul at the embassy and what are the required documents needed?? or if you have any experiences can you share it to me please.

Many thanks & I will appreciate your reply and comments!!!

Hi, my kids were 19 and 17 and were included in the fiance petition application. I scheduled an appointment for interview of the three of us in the same date. Of course, they need to appear for an interview before the consul and they are also required a medical examination. Pls just check on the net what are the forms required to be filled out and the docs required. In my case, aside from the forms, I presented their birth certificates in NSO paper and brought some pictures. Better bring those pics of the children and you together, which were taken during important events like baptism, birthdays, Christmas days, holidays, your vacation together, school activities and graduation pictures too. In my case, I was even asked for pics during their baptism but I didnt bring one, however, I have some other pics when they were younger. This is done to establish the authenticity of the claim that they are your children.

My kids were also asked some questions but only basic information and whether they are already married and whats their plan when they get in the States.

Good luck!!

We went to the civil surgeon here in Muncie Indiana and they wont sign my I-693 form because i need to pay them $200.00 for that. And i asked them even if they only transfer my vaccination in that form, do i need to pay $200 and they said yes bacause its the company's policy. What a freakin scam!!! and they keep insisting that how can they fill up the physical part of the form,if the doctor didnt perform that. and i explained that all i need is for them to transfer it, and this went on and on until i finally gave up and walk away.

this is stressful guys. I was soooo frustrated about it, i will send my DS 3025 form i will just wait if they will send a RFE for that. im just crossing my fingers....

Hi, yes its really frustrating that the civil surgeons will require the applicants to pay for a service which they will not do at all(imagine $200 even if they will not conduct the medical exams at all)..I called different offices of civil surgeon and finally I was able to get hold of one who does it for $50..but then when we got in the clinic, they insisted that they will do the physical exams and would charge another fee. I presented the note from the USCIS and so they finally agreed to just consolidate the vaccination report.

The USCIS said they have no control on how the civil surgeons will conduct their business and how much they should charge

Hi everyone, I am posting our experience during the AOS interview to help those who came to the US with a K1 and K2 visa and filed for AOS within a year from the date of their medical exams from the country of origin.

The interview was swift. My children and I were asked information which was already answered on the forms submitted. I was asked to show proof that my husband and I are still living together. I presented two mailing envelopes addressed to me and to both of us with the same postal address and three letters addressed to me from the Board of Nursing and the CGFNS. We were told that everything was in order and complete except that we are required to submit a vaccination supplement. It was emphasized by the Officer that no additional medical examination or tests be required of us. The only thing required is for us to submit another form of the Form I 693 and for the civil surgeon to consolidate the vaccination administered in the country of origin and in the US.

Prior to filing the AOS, we called the USCIS, regarding the form I 693, we were told that since the medical exams was conducted within a year then, we do not need to submit another I 693. Our vaccination in the Phils and in the US was consolidated by the County Public Health office and we submitted the same when we filed the AOS.

However, during the interview, the Officer apologized for such misinformation and emphasized the need to fill out another form I693 but not to undergo another medical exams. He even provided us a list of the civil surgeons and a print of the directions/map to the civil surgeon's office.I called so many civil surgeon offices but they are not willing to consolidate the vaccination, unless we undergo another medical exams which of course involve costs ranges from $125 to $325 each person. Wheeww..there were three of us and it means a waste of money and time which is not necessary at all. They insisted that our medical exams conducted in the country of origin was for our visa purposes only and coming to the US, thus, once in the US and have to adjust status, there is need for another medical exams. It was a conflict of views from the USCIS and the civil surgeons. I tried my very best to explain what we really needed and finally convinced them. I filled out the Part I(personal information), and the civil surgeon's office filled out the Part II vaccination section and Part V the certification or signature of the civil surgeon. The form was put in a sealed envelopes and we were provided our own copies.

As soon as the Officer received the form signed by the civil surgeon, he told us that the whole family is approved and that we will be receiving the green cards within 3 weeks. What a relief! saved a lot for not allowing myself to be persuaded by the surgeons office staff to undergo medical or physical exams.

Thank you.

here's what i did...

Step 1: fill up the pink form

Step 2: go and fall in line to screening area B (CDLI)

Step 3: CDLI Payment ( Area B ).. windows: 25,26,27..

DONE!!!!

will be back after two weeks to get my annotated MC... :dancing:

Congratulations on the annulment. I understand the excitement and joy upon holding that decree. My annulment took five years before it was finally completed and final. Thanks to the slow wheel of justice and the bureaucracy in our judicial system, indeed it is "JUST-TIIS".

Goodluck on your new freedom and life!

My wife is already signed up for a review class that starts on Aug 9TH

this will put her in a position so she can take the nursing boards in Dec.

the review class is only p13,900 & we have already put a deposit down on it so why not just get that out of the way. If there is a delay in her getting her CR-1 visa atleast she will be able to earn money & support herself.

I don't expect her to be here with me until next July. (I just today received her G-325a & the affidavits from our sponsors) so why not use the remaining time there to study for the NCLEX?

at that time if she feels really good about taking the NCLEX she can take it there. If she still feels that she needs more time to prepare then I guess she waits until after she arrives here.

I am the kind of guy who likes to get things out of the way so i really want her to have the NCLEX over & done with if she can, but i will try to read between the lines when talking to her about it so that i mite understand how she really feels about it.

thanks

piglett

Your wife as you said, already signed up for the review classes. So if she has already completed all the requirements of the PRC that will qualify her to sit in the Nursing Board exams this December or November, then she go for it- take the exams and be a Registered Nurse in the Philippines. Of course, her next step is take the NCLEX. Let her check the site of New Hampshire Board of Nursing on what are the requirements for a foreign nurse to have a license in the state. And let her comply with all the requirements.

While waiting for the visa processing and approval, she can utilize her time preparing for the NCLEX. She need not enrol in a review class for the NCLEX .She can either take the NCLEX in the Phils or in the US, whichever she finds convenient and taking into consideration the timetable to apply and be authorized to take the test and the time that she has to leave for the US to be with you as well as the cost.

In my case, I took the Nursing Local Exams in the Phils and have a license before I entered the US. As soon as I arrived here, I applied for the NCLEX. I did not enrol in any review classes nor online classes, just did the self review and passed the NCLEX on my first try.

Am glad that you're a very supportive husband to be the one checking and for all these. Goodluck to you and your wife.

This is one of those questions where how I end up doing it probably doesn't matter, but just in case it does, in case somebody had an experience...

I am filing an AOS (i-485) for a K1 and a K2. I was planning on submitting each package in one envelope and then putting both envelopes into one bigger envelopes.

Then I thought of the cover letter. Should I have two cover letters, one in each envelope, perhaps briefly referencing what's in the other envelope, or just one in the big envelope, stating separately the contents of both K1 AOS envelope and K2 AOS envelope, or maybe even two, both in the big envelope, so that the opener will know right away what's in each smaller envelope.

Filed AOS for myself(K1) and my two children(K2)at the same time. The three files were put together in one envelope. We only made one cover letter.However, each case was separately clipped with a paper fastener and we issued one check for each case. This was the instructions of the USCIS as we called the office before we mail the documents.

Facebook is a personal account of an individual. Each has options on how to manage the FB account. Posting pics is one's prerogative. Its your choice! Getting married does not mean that one loses his or her individuality or freedom. You still have the right to do on how would you like to manage your account unless you allow the other person to control you. As you said, the FB was your means of getting in touch with your friends and relatives, so why not do it..However, since you decided to close your account, the next question is "Are you happy with your decision?"...If it has affected your choices in life then its a big deal!

Hi, Im not a US citizen but heres my opinion about this topic, me and my husband who is currently a CW4 in US army has provided everything for me, i have my filipino food every week, i have my filipino channel since i came here, he send money to my mom every month. he pays all the bills, he dont allow me to work because he wants me to stay at home and now having a baby. when he buy something he always ask me whats my opinion or if i like it, we never debate or argue, just be supportive and not destructive. and i even have my monthly allowance even im staying at home. yes me and husband will provide college education for the child future, but most of the talk he wants to do it by himself.

You may not be earning but you are taking care of the household, taking care of your family and soon to be baby, then, thats fair enough that your husband provides you with all your needs and the niceties of life. Both of you has his/her own respective roles to be performed as family. The allowance you receive becomes your own money, and it is always fun to utilize your own money wisely - either spend or save it. Enjoy being a mother. Its a joy to be at home and take care of your child and witness the important moments in your child's life as she/he grows.Good luck!

My husband and I are joining our funds for bill paying.

Right now as I don't have a job he pays everything. We have a joint account and he has a separate account (soon i'll arrange my own separate one but it's pointless when I don't have an income yet ).

My plan is to have our income go into the one account, and have a set amount sent to our individual accounts for personal spending. I don't like the idea of using my husbands money to get my hair cut and dyed (when a cut would do), or buy silly little things that I want but don't actually "need". He has no issue with it but I like the idea of spending MY money on his presents, not his money to buy him a present

I personally believe that if one member of the family earns more, then they should spend more on bills. It doesn't really apply to our situation but for example my in-laws.

My MIL pays the mortgage and FIL pays elec, gas, water etc. They 50/50 split the bills which i don't agree with because she earns about double what he does. He completely supported the family while she went to school and stayed home with the kids but she's a ###### and doesn't think back to everything HE did for HER. it's always about her. The reason it's like it is now is because she LOVES to spend money and when they had a joint account she often forgot to pay bills (she told him she would pay them) or spent too much from their joint account and they got over-drawing charges and late fees etc.

Anyway. As always it's a personal decision. Like you said family is impt to me too. I want my family (kids) to know our home is the FAMILY home, it's not "mum and dad's house". I want my family to know if they need help to come and ask and I'll do everything I can. I don't want my kids paying ridiculous amounts back in student loans when I had 18 years to save money for them... even longer if you start planning in advance. I think they should have a sense of responsibility though and work while studying (part-time or casual) but I think I should have SOME money to help them out. I also want my kids to work hard for scholarships too... education is important to me. Just $50 a month is just over $10k in 18 years. Instead of looking at a tax refund as a new TV it could be seen as a nice chunk to put to savings.

Im glad to hear abt your belief that if one earns more then has to spend more on bills. Thats logical for the common good of the family! Its for that reason that residents are taxed according to how much one earns. Its interesting that people are smart enough to learn from other people's way of spending or financial arrangements, just like that of your inlaws. I agree planning in advance is very important. Thanks for sharing your ideas.

This is our financial set-up and agreed decision

- All incomes are our money

- Home expenses are paid by us ( we combine our monies)

- Buying small stuff or using credit card (no more than 100usd)doesn't need to ask but at least letting each other knows about it for budget purposes

- We are saving for education of kids (though we don't have kids yet)

- Sending money/helping the family is only when they're really need some help not because they want some money (we don't really send money but gifts on occasion).

Thanks. Saving makes a big difference in a couple's life. Keep it up.

My husband and i have joint account. We pay our bills and everything out of that account. When i started working he asked me if i want to have my own bank account since i am earning my money,because he said if i want to ,he has no problem with it. But i said no, because to me as a couple we should share everything.

We don't have kids but if ever we will have one, we should definitely send him or her to College.

It depends on you and your spouse on how will you manage your expenses. You just need to talk on how you do it.

Thanks for the reply. Its interesting to know that what you have been practicing is similar to most in the Phils. Its a good start for the couple to have an agreement on financial issues as it defines the responsibility and accountability of each, coz there are times that this may start a conflict between spouses.

Yep. Unfortunately, a lot of family members who remain in the Philippines have come to rely on their 'rich' relatives living abroad. It's difficult to balance between truly helping them versus being an enabler.

Thats true.. there are some who are always expecting "hand-outs", and somehow using "emotional black mail" if the relative or family member will not send. Little did they know, that one needs to work real hard to earn every single cent be it here or anywhere.

The U.S. has a long tradition of self reliance and when combined with many of the social safety nets, including student grants and loans, having to rely solely on family doesn't really apply to most Americans. That is the big difference I see between American families and Filipino families. I think both cultures have pros and cons with how that works out for families. In my observation, many American families are not as close, while many Filipino families have a tight bond that isn't easily broken. I personally would rather my family members rely on each other for support than have to go it alone or find other ways. So you and your spouse can create whatever works for your family, depending on what you and your spouse's priorities are.

Thanks. Yes, I have witnessed the difference of family ties or bond of Filipinos compared to most American families that I met here. Most Filipinos believe that Family is the top priority, so if there is anybody to help anyone then it is the family members. Although, there are only few instances that it somehow makes the family members an enabler.

It all depends on the values of the family itself... if the family values education more than a new car or ones personal image, the child will go to college paid... In the US so many people are too worried about themselves and not thier children...

Sorry junior.. we cant send you to college because we spent the money on vacations and designer clothes or nights out to outback... there are some really selfish parents here... as well as selfish spouses... remember the US is a country of consumers.. They consume everything in sight and dont care about the consequences

thanks for the reply..yes, the family values matter most in every decisions.

I don't think there is a "norm" or "custom" in the US anymore. Every couple does what suits them. I could give examples from myself and people I know and every single one does it differently. Thats the US.

Personally, I take care of 100% of all expenses and financial management in our home (but my wife is 100% included in all decisions). While we are just newlyweds, I don't expect this to change. We do not and cannot have any children so the topic of education for children is not in our realm.

I'm in no hurry for my wife to work but when she is ready and if she wants to then I will support her decision 100% and help her anyway I can. What is more important is that she learns and understand life here and gets accustomed to things.

Some families provide for the childrens college, some do not, Some may "help out".

Some families have two incomes, some do not.

I don't think its relavant what others are doing, this is soemthing you should discuss with your loved one so you both know what each other has in mind and know what to expect from and for each other, that way there are no suprises later.

Sorry - I think I might have just said alot of nothing!

Thanks for the quick reply..I agree that spouses should agree on the terms. I was just thinking there might be some customary practices here. Over in the phils, most parents do all they can to send their children to college.

I have my two children under K2 underwent medical exams at St Luke's. I just presented their passports, 2x2 ID pics, copy of NOA2 and copy of the appointment confirmation from the US embassy. The information given by the poster above is quite comprehensive. Just follow them.

Then during the interview, be sure to bring the birth certificate then some pics that would show your fiance with the child taken years ago during birthdays, family activities or graduation or other special occasions. I was even asked for a pic during baptismal but I havent brought one. But it was ok.

Good luck!

Hi,

Im just curious, just wanted to know from the US citizens on how much or to what extend are you willing to support your spouses? I mean what is customary here? Do you expect to manage your finances separately or have a common fund? What about the household expenses, who pays? or is there any customary sharing of expenses? How about sending children to college, do parents here normally provide for their children's education or let them work to send themselves to college?

Thanks.

To all, Thank you for such informative replies. Surely, we will be submitting our application for adjustment of status. My two children who are both holding K2 traveled with me and we will all together submit our papers by next week.

Have a nice day!

Hi everyone,

Is there any limitations on when can a K1 visa holder apply for adjustment of status granting that the

marriage with the petitioner took place within the 90-day period upon entry in the US.

Thanks.

hi. i'm an LPR (came to US on K1). i'm now here in PI to get my 2 kids who are below 21 yrs old (on K2).

my question is, will i need a Cenomar (certificate of no marriage) for my 20 year old daughter for the interview? i hope to be able to get the interview/visa stamping done with no problem as she is aging out in july. we need to do her AOS soon as we get back to US.

please help.

thanks a lot!

My daughter was 19 years old during her interview last January. I was with her during the interview and she was not required to present a CENOMAR. However, so to lessen your anxiety, you can bring secure one for her.

Goodluck!