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Markieboy

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  1. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from LeonoraRivera in How needy you are to have Filipino friends in your area?   
    My wife does not feel the need to have Filipino friends. Using your logic, if she does meet Filipinos...fine. But she doesn't feel the necessity of befriending another Kababayan.
    However, she prefers not to mingle with other Filipinos. Most, if not all, the Filipinos we met here are somewhat strange. What I mean by that is: some like to brag about everything they have, some have a feeling of entitlement, some are just tsismosa...and most have this crab mentality. I'm not saying that everyone is like this. In our experience, this was the case.
    My wife and I are definitely homebodies. We love spending time with each other. Our mutual friends are a select few. And it doesn't bother us one bit.
  2. Thanks
    Markieboy got a reaction from CherryBlossomAras in Correct Address Format for the Philippines   
    Your format is fine. I usually place the zip code after the country.
    Name
    Street number
    Baranggay
    City/Town, Province, Philippines
    Zip code
    This is how I address packages sent to and from the Philippines. I'm sure others have used other formats with no problems.
  3. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from JimyAnita in HOW TO TRACK YOUR CASE FROM NVC TO EMBASSY   
    Umm, sure there is! You call NVC.
    Applicant: I'm calling to find out the latest update on our case.
    Operator: Your case was completed and was sent to the Embassy.
    Applicant: Can you please tell me what date it was sent?
    Operator: Your case was sent on Wednesday, March 16th.
    Applicant: Okay, thank you very much!
    There is no assumption about it. Applicants can request the latest information from an NVC operator, which includes the date their case was sent to the Embassy. No, you don't have an actual tracking number. But you don't need one. You use the art of communication and the gift of common sense.
    Just because you were unsuccessful with it doesn't mean others will be. Maybe you didn't do it correctly. Many others have had success with it, including myself. And yes, it does make us happy!
  4. Like
    Markieboy reacted to N400-2011 in Passport for a child of Naturalized mother!   
    Your son is NOT a permanent resident anymore. The minute you became a citizen, so did he. I really wouldn't trust that he can travel with his UK passport and greencard. He is a US citizen.
    Thankfully, I had no issues getting my son his passport in 2011 (it was passport day so we could go directly to the passport agency without an appointment). Submitted everything that was required for my passport and card and for my son's. That was on a Saturday, and the agent told me not to bother paying for overnight or even to expedite it (wasn't travelling anyway) but we got everything back the following Wednesday (can only assume because it was passport day and the place was empty - nobody seemed to know).
    Hopefully it will turn out alright for his holidays.
  5. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from jo_islandgirl in Daughter of USC   
    I recently went through a similar situation.
    My wife had her naturalization on May 28th. Her daughter (my stepdaughter) fulfilled all the requirements of Section 320 of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Both of them applied for their passports at the Seattle Passport Agency. My wife had no problems with her passport application. She submitted her Certificate of Naturalization. However, the agent denied her daughter a passport. We submitted 1) her mother's Certificate of Naturalization, 2) her foreign birth certificate and 3) proof of permanent residence...her green card. Still, the agent requested more evidence. School records, baptismal certificate. Of course, we didn't have those documents (as this was not specified in the DS-11 instructions). He stated that if we couldn't furnish any of those documents, we would need to have her own Certificate of Citizenship or have a maternal dna test performed.
    Of course, I know that the agent is misinformed. I quoted Section 320 of the CCA of 2000. He still insisted on providing additional evidence. We did plan on have her own Certificate of Citizenship. However, we'll get our state representatives involved in expediting her N-600 application. Since there is no biometrics or civics exam (for minors), we hope to have her certificate issued ASAP. It really irritates me that one person's ignorance of the law will cause so much inconvenience to others.
    Right! The date on the Certificate of Citizenship should be the date the parent naturalized.

  6. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from Calypso in N-400 February 2013 Filers   
    Congratulations, forumsub & Calypso!
    Good luck everyone!
  7. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from Autumnal in Daughter of USC   
    I recently went through a similar situation.
    My wife had her naturalization on May 28th. Her daughter (my stepdaughter) fulfilled all the requirements of Section 320 of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Both of them applied for their passports at the Seattle Passport Agency. My wife had no problems with her passport application. She submitted her Certificate of Naturalization. However, the agent denied her daughter a passport. We submitted 1) her mother's Certificate of Naturalization, 2) her foreign birth certificate and 3) proof of permanent residence...her green card. Still, the agent requested more evidence. School records, baptismal certificate. Of course, we didn't have those documents (as this was not specified in the DS-11 instructions). He stated that if we couldn't furnish any of those documents, we would need to have her own Certificate of Citizenship or have a maternal dna test performed.
    Of course, I know that the agent is misinformed. I quoted Section 320 of the CCA of 2000. He still insisted on providing additional evidence. We did plan on have her own Certificate of Citizenship. However, we'll get our state representatives involved in expediting her N-600 application. Since there is no biometrics or civics exam (for minors), we hope to have her certificate issued ASAP. It really irritates me that one person's ignorance of the law will cause so much inconvenience to others.
    Right! The date on the Certificate of Citizenship should be the date the parent naturalized.

  8. Like
    Markieboy reacted to S & H in petitioning a stepdaughter   
    Hi, it shouldn't be a problem as long as the marriage occured before your daughter's 18th birthday. Your husband needs to file an I-130 form. It cost $420 and he will need to send a copy of the marriage certificate, his birth certificate (Proof of US citizenship), your daughter's birth certificate, and copies of any divorce/annulment documents. It can take anywhere from 6-8 months depending on the service center processing the petition.
    There is no need to apply for AOS since your daughter will get her temporary green card stamp in her passport upon arrival to the US. The actual green card will arrive in a few weeks.
  9. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from UK-USA-K1 in Passport Delimma   
    Sorry. I did not read your post carefully.
    The next best option would be to apply at your nearest post office...perhaps during your lunch break?
    You can pay the expedited processing fee. At least there is no 2 week restriction when applying at the post office.
    You will definitely receive your passport sooner than normal processing.
    Good luck with what you decide!
  10. Like
    Markieboy reacted to UK-USA-K1 in Passport Delimma   
    When I applied for my passport before my first international trip to meet my fiancee's family, I ordered my passport 3 months before my trip and paid the expedite fee at the post office ($60) and had my passport in about 2 weeks.
    Here's a link to the passport fee page at the state department website:
    http://travel.state.gov/passport/fees/fees_837.html#adult_ppt
    And here's a link to the page where they give the current estimated processing times:
    http://travel.state.gov/passport/processing/processing_1740.html
    Hope this helps. Best of luck to you and congratulations
    EDIT TO ADD: I want to reiterate the importance of reading the criteria of what to bring with you when you apply. I don't know how many times I've been at the post office and seen people turned away from the passport line because they didn't bring what they needed. You can find all that information on the state department by searching the proper pages regarding 1st time applicants.
  11. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from Caryh in Questions about my Wife's Philippines citizenship   
    Congratulations on your recent marriage!
    Your wife will first receive her permanent resident card (green card). She can be a permanent resident for years and years...and never apply for U.S. citizenship.
    However, if she chooses to become a U.S. citizen, she renounces all allegiances (Philippines) and effectively loses her Philippine citizenship.
    According to Philippines' Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act, you may then maintain your Philippine citizenship. Under their modified Oath of Allegiance, applicants for dual citizenship swear to support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Nowhere in the Oath is there any renouncing of allegiance.
    Hope this helps you some.
  12. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from Tahoma in Questions about my Wife's Philippines citizenship   
    Congratulations on your recent marriage!
    Your wife will first receive her permanent resident card (green card). She can be a permanent resident for years and years...and never apply for U.S. citizenship.
    However, if she chooses to become a U.S. citizen, she renounces all allegiances (Philippines) and effectively loses her Philippine citizenship.
    According to Philippines' Citizenship Retention and Re-acquisition Act, you may then maintain your Philippine citizenship. Under their modified Oath of Allegiance, applicants for dual citizenship swear to support and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines. Nowhere in the Oath is there any renouncing of allegiance.
    Hope this helps you some.
  13. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from brian@alejandra in Stupid is as stupid does!   
    Thank you for sharing your experience!
    Without a doubt, VisaJourney is a Godsend. I completely understand that you're a heck of a lot wiser!
    Charge to experience. Good luck with your journey!
  14. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from Autumnal in N-400 February 2013 Filers   
    Thank you, Roselinda!
    Not long at all folks! Keep on hanging in there!
    Good luck to all those with upcoming interviews and congratulations to those with oath ceremonies!
  15. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from Natsukiii in NSO Marriage Certificate - Help!   
    Being that I have OCD, I would want all the names to match on all civil documents.
    But according to NSO Philippines website, they state the procedure for correcting the bride's/groom's name on the marriage certificate.
    If I were you, I would contact or have someone contact your nearest NSO office to inquire. Much better to have that corrected early in this immigration process.
    I hope I helped you some. Good luck!
  16. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from NikLR in CR-1   
    I highly recommend reading this guide, if you haven't done so already.
    It outlines what documents to send, as well as the various steps through USCIS, NVC and USEM.
    I hope this helps you some. Good luck with your journey!
  17. Like
    Markieboy reacted to Chez&Rick in CFO Experience   
    I wanted to write about my experience at CFO for those spouse/fiancee who will get their Guidance and Counseling Certificate
    I just went at the CFO today, and received my Guidance and Counseling Certificate. I am from Cavite so i woke up at 2 o'clock in the morning, left the house at 3am and arrived there at 4:15 am. I dont want to take any chances of not getting any slot as they only entertain 15 slots in the morning and 15 slots in the afternoon.
    CFO is located at the Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue Corner Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway) Manila, Philippines
    When I arrived there, a lot of people are already there waiting. But i noticed that the line in the left side which is for spousal/fiancee counseling are more longer than the others but they are spouse/fiancee of different countries. I brought a folding chair with me because i know am gonna wait for hours there. But i suggest that if you are planning to go there for GC Certificate, might as well bring a biscuit and a bottled water with you because its gonna be a long day.
    You should bring with you the following:
    1. Marriage Certificate and a photocopy
    2. Two valid IDs, have it photocopied as well
    3. 400 pesos
    4. And supporting documents. Ex. photos of you and him, divorce papers (if applicable), and birth certificate of spouse.
    These supporting documents might be requested by your counselor. Because its gonna be a hassle if you are from somewhere far, so be sure you have these with you.
    This is only for spousal passport amendment requirement meaning you will need GC to use your spouse name on your passport.
    but for fiancee here is the link http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348%3Afiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140&Itemid=833
    both spousal and fiancee requirements are here.
    At 7 am, they opened the door and let us in. They took one of our IDs and will give you CFO pink ID that is for spousal and fiancee. We proceed to the third floor where forms will be handed out to fill in.
    Now, in filling in forms, be accurate. You should know your husband's information well like his address (if in military, it should be his resident address and not his deployment address), zip code, his/her mother's maiden name, telephone number, cellphone number. They will not issue your GC without filling in all the needed information.
    They will encode your name and take a picture of you for your GC certificate.
    Afterwards, your filled-in form will be reviewed and this is where the counselor asks for supporting documents if there is something amiss or suspicious in your form. So always be ready with your documents. The counselor will give an okay mark on your form and H mark if your are ON HOLD. On hold mark will be given a one-on-one counseling if you have a sensitive issues regarding relationship with your spouse or fiance or if you have a pending documents to be seen by your counselorr. You will be paying 400 pesos at the cashier (window number 5). Then you'll be given a receipt and go back to third floor for the counseling.
    When the counseling is done, you will go back to the first floor to window number 4, present your receipt and tell them you are done with the counseling. They will give your Guidance and Counseling Certificate. And you are done.
    I actually got my GC certificate at 2 pm. I was sooo hungry and tired.
    Now I believe that there is really no love without pain.
  18. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from klpv in refiling for I-130 at USCIS how long will it take to get approval?   
    For the I-130 petition, it usually takes about 1-2 weeks to receive the NOA1. It takes up to 6 months for NOA2. Some petitions are approved sooner...some later.
    IMHO, I do not believe it will be approved faster if you had a previously submitted petition. Supposedly, USCIS processes in the order they receive them (after background checks).
    If you don't mind me asking, what's the reason for refiling?
    Hope this helps you some. Good luck with your journey!
  19. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from N-o-l-a in help with mama   
    Decisions, decisions, decisions...that's a tough one.
    They entered into a relationship because of true love, of course!
  20. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from N-o-l-a in help with mama   
    Shhh...that's supposed to be a secret, Tahoma!
    I don't mind being a typical Kano, ignorant of tribal customs.
  21. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from beejay in 2nd Senator Contact   
    Seriously? You sent that?
    May I remind you that a congressional inquiry is just that...an inquiry. Their liaisons can get the latest status of your case. They cannot force USCIS to make a decision.
    IMHO, you should be more patient during this process. You're not the first person who has waited ~ 6 months for an approved petition.
    Good luck!
  22. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from NikLR in 2nd Senator Contact   
    Seriously? You sent that?
    May I remind you that a congressional inquiry is just that...an inquiry. Their liaisons can get the latest status of your case. They cannot force USCIS to make a decision.
    IMHO, you should be more patient during this process. You're not the first person who has waited ~ 6 months for an approved petition.
    Good luck!
  23. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from N-o-l-a in 2nd Senator Contact   
    Seriously? You sent that?
    May I remind you that a congressional inquiry is just that...an inquiry. Their liaisons can get the latest status of your case. They cannot force USCIS to make a decision.
    IMHO, you should be more patient during this process. You're not the first person who has waited ~ 6 months for an approved petition.
    Good luck!
  24. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from Mina90 in 2nd Senator Contact   
    Seriously? You sent that?
    May I remind you that a congressional inquiry is just that...an inquiry. Their liaisons can get the latest status of your case. They cannot force USCIS to make a decision.
    IMHO, you should be more patient during this process. You're not the first person who has waited ~ 6 months for an approved petition.
    Good luck!
  25. Like
    Markieboy got a reaction from Tahoma in 2nd Senator Contact   
    Seriously? You sent that?
    May I remind you that a congressional inquiry is just that...an inquiry. Their liaisons can get the latest status of your case. They cannot force USCIS to make a decision.
    IMHO, you should be more patient during this process. You're not the first person who has waited ~ 6 months for an approved petition.
    Good luck!
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