jandk

Hey there,

so, my move to the US is just around the corner (two more weeks ))), and John and I have been researching health insurance companies for me (us).

Since he just got out of the military, I will no longer be covered as dependant. He, himself, is covered through a Veteran's insurance or the Reserve which he joined after his discharge.

What kind of health insurance did you guys get when moving to the US? What's recommendable, esp. considering a possible pregnancy?

Btw, we'll be living in California (San Diego).

I would greatly appreciate your input!

Thank you so much!!!!

tell your husband to go through USAA its military only benefits, www.usaa.com even if he gets out of the military he can still obtain these services. You may not be able to get state assistance without it coming back to him, thats why they have the AOS form he filled out to show you wont be a public charge off .

The US embassy website for Manila has this in their required documents for the interview day.. im pretty confused... we are CR1 visa and this says this about having to bring an AOS.

"6. EVIDENCE OF FINANCIAL SUPPORT. Applicants must provide evidence that they will not become public charges (that is, dependent on government welfare and assistance).

 Form I-864 Affidavit of Support for visa applicants in the IR, F, certain E visa categories, and following-to-join employment (E) applicants complete with copies of the sponsor’s U.S.federal income tax return (Form 1040) and wage statements (Form W-2s). The petitioner must provide an Affidavit of Support even if he/she does not derive any income and even if a joint sponsor’s Affidavit of Support will be providing all of the actual financial support"

Good morning everyone. Well, me and my family are near the end of the line with our "Visa Journey." We have an interview on December 6th for the CR1. So, going over the required documents for this interview step, I read that we would need to provide an AOS. I already sent one into NVC and the list of documents they sent with the interview letter shows its been received, why would I need another one? And has anyone not brought an AOS to the interview and was it ok???

Cyaz

Congratulation :dance: :dance: hope you get your Interview date soon

heheh yeah we just got notice yesterday for our date its Dec 6th 2010. 6:30am

follow and read the instructions. its all in the email they gave you, in that PDF file.

Well, good news, received email from NVC with the interview date. 12/06/2010. good luck all!

CRBA interview passed

I need help. My fiance is totally different from when she was over there. I cant kiss her, barely touch her. She pushes me away. She has been here a month now, but she seems to be addicted to the cell phone and internet talking to some friends back home. She has told me that if we dont work out she would hide. They call it "T-N-T" If i should not marry her and I take her to the airport and she goes in to hiding will it count against me with the US govenment if I should ever find someone else? I know I am not perfect and I hope she comes around but I need to feel loved and just not giving all the love. I want to just cut off the cell and internet and just make it where she has to deal with me but that will cause more problems. I am so patient but I can only take so much. I dont want to be held liable if she skips out on her visa. Please help me!!! I do love her but I feel she dont love me.

MAN! I am sorry to hear that.. sounds like she is using you for citizenship.. to be honest without sugar coating the situation. This would be the case of sending her back and just explaining to the Immigration later on if there is a later on as to why you did what you did, you know what I mean?

Ok, personally i think this whole process is a load of #######, but i do understand the need for it.

Now Cathy and I were talking today and she had got a hold of some sample questions that were pretty basic. But it brought to light how yes we love each other, but there are alot of simple things that we dont know.

honestly there are some things that you just dont bother to go over until it comes up. and when you have a long distance relationship like this you just dont always have time to bring them up.

like how big a deal is it for her to know my exact address, she can tell you my email address with no problem, or my fathers address for that matter, i mean me and the guy hardly speak.

There were a few that got me upset like what plans have we made for the future, we talked so much about this but she was real basic about her response or what will she do when she comes here, again a real basic answer.

So how much should i worry about those quesitons and how detailed do the answers need to be? or am i making a big deal over nothing? i mean at this point after our talk i think she is waaaay more upset now.

Unfortunately these questions are there to prevent false immigrating purposes. Even though this is not your intention, its still a process in which Immigration takes seriously, and if you think about it, it not only gives you a little bonding 1-on-1 with your SO, but also the nation from potential problems.(Sorry to have to bust that speech out on ya but its true)

Dont worry so much, yes the previous poster mentioned that the questions are from the forms you fill out.. IF there is a real relationship then no sweat just roll with it man, and we will be here for you through it all! Take care!

my added scenario is that my fiance is pregnant and is due on Nov (would really like the baby to be born here in the US soil) thats not to mention that a whole another step and process I need to tackle if she gives birth in the Philippines.

hey I know this is a concern of yours for the child to possibly be born in Philippines, to be honest with you, its not a long drawn out process, it costs about 205$ for a crba and the child's passport. IF you are a US citizen and have the proof to back it up then the child is an US Citizen. Me and my wife are going through that with our son who is 4 months old and born in the Philippines.

Says File not found

Hey guys,

I just filed this month of october and i've received my NOA1 dated oct.20th. although i'm a little familiar with the process i would like to hear from the couples that have gone through it. From their days with the NVC to the medical in SLEC, dealing with the US embassy in Manila and finally to the interview. What should I expect? any tips on getting through smoothly and what not? I just want to see or feel how it will be once my husband and I are in that final stage.. Thanks in advance. God Bless

Jillymae

Well it does play its toll on life to have to wait through the process.. BUT good things come to those who wait, right?

Our process has been smooth, in between the times we were waiting for NOAs', an RFE, and things just waiting to get approved, we kept our sanity by pretty much skyping.. Now we are at the end just waiting for the Interview. All i can say is paperwork paperwork paperwork.. any questions let me know

How's it going? Thanks for your advice. We are going to get a civil wedding first and attempt to complete most of the Church requirements during that month, so that for when I go back everything can be panned out well and to minimize any last minute requirements.

Hey Mike-

Thats great to hear that your making all these plans almost reminds me of me, a year or so ago when I did this adventure. Like a previous poster mentioned, this process does take longer but not to much. If you look at my signature of events, You will see that its been since Nov 2009 until finally now we are just waiting for an interview. There was a time that I got the paperwork approved, and fees paid but after that there was nothing until august 2010. Thats because my wife was going to have a baby and I was going out there again, and I didn't want to have the interview while I was there, because 1. Wasn't prepared for the CRBA process for our son, and 2. JUST in case NVC needed more documents, I didn't want to be in Philippines and not have that with me.. So I waited until August to finish where I left off in April/May. Everything is almost done

Wow, 700 dollars, that's super cheap. I was thinking like I was going to have to spend about 5,000-7,000 dollars on the wedding. I guess we're going to have a very big and extravagant wedding. I can't wait. And I really want Cherry to have her dream wedding. She deserves it. and I want her family to be there for it; And of course her family will be my family too.

Me and the wife of mine are planning on another wedding when she finally arrives as well, just so we can do a larger one with my family and some of hers here.

Yeah about the price of the wedding, 700 usd for a wedding in our eyes is cheap, but of course its not to them. Got to love the American dollar. But 700 was an average wedding, covered all basis wasn't cheap wasn't off the wall elegant.

And when you said you got your Cenomar, do you mean you got your legal capacity? Because I cannot get a 'No Marriage" record here in the US in my state.

Mike, about this subject... Yeah Legal Capacity to Marry, you go to the US Embassy a previous poster said its by schedule now. But you go there a swear your single and they give the document needed for your marriage to take place in Philippines. As far as anything else needed for us I was set with just that. Things change from time to time, I would always check with the US Embassy Website tons of info for you there.

Also I don't understand the 21 day passport thing. Why do I have to update it? Is it required? and will I have problems with Philippine Customs in the airport when I arrive because I'll be staying for 28 days?

Ok here is the steps.. When you land in Philippines, your going to be walking to like an endless horizon.. kidding.. you will come to an immigration check point, a bunch of people in line, stand on the left side of the lines, because like the 4-6 lines on the far right is for resident immigration. When you get to that counter they will ask you for the information you filled out on the plane, as well as your passport, they will stamp your passport, that stamp there is good for 21 days. Yes, this part is going to suck... your going to have to go down there to the immigration office before that 21 days is up to renew your passport even if its just 7 more days in which your stay is going to be. I think it was around 60 USD for the stamp to extend to 54 days total.. I would advise that you go there maybe a week before the 21 days mark hits only because anything crazy can happen; storms, brown outs.. etc etc.. so its good to be on your toes. If you get that renewal you WONT have an issue, if you don't, then you can face fines and imprisonment(i don't know from experience, I just read that on the site and I don't really want to be in a jail there)

But that is pretty much it, if you havent been there before its a way different way of living, the people are great people(majority) When your leaving the airport try and get a metered taxi, if you catch a taxi at the airport you might have the option for a metered one. There pretty much no sense in driving there, transportation within is cheap. just be careful, when you hear Special when your wife gets a ride for you, be prepared to make a whole 2 dollars for that ride lol. Tricycles are fun to ride, jeepneys are pretty cool, cramped but cool. watch your wallet, fine jewelry. flip flops, shorts and a t shirt is the style pretty much. Dont drink teh water or have ice in your cup. I am not sure where your going when you get there. Mosquitoes aren't afraid of "OFF bug spray" either. lol not kidding. but if you have any more questions send me a message and I will respond promptly.

From what I understand, banks require a SSN card to open or add your name to a joint account. My wife was able to open a U.S. bank account without an SSN card. She originally came to U.S. on an H1-B, a work visa. Her employer contacted the bank and made it possible.

his fiancee can put him on her credit card accounts as an authorized user w/o ssn involved. Showing that there is a "REAL" relationship requires proof of her maybe helping the OP out with moneygram or western union xfers. also OP send your wife cards, hand written letters, tons of pictures of the two of you together. chat logs, video logs, phone records.. pretty much everything that it requires to maintain a relationship.

Goodluck ingat ka

MY QUESTION IS,WHEN A FILIPINA GET MARRIED HERE IN THE US,HOW DO HER NAME APPEAR IN THE MARRIAGE LICENSE. IN MY CASE I AM STILL USING MY MOTHERS MAIDEN NAME.AS A SECOND NAME HERE,AND MY LAST NAME WAS DROP OFF. FOR EXAMPLE. MY SISNGLES NAME IS: JANE BALANSAG ADELAN(JANE IS MY FIRST NAME,BALANSAG IS MY MIDDLE NAME,ADELAN IS MY LAST NAME) AND I GOT MARRIED HERE AND IT CHANGE IT TO JANE BALANSAG BROWNING (BROWNING IS THE LAST NAME OF MY HUSBAND). IM SO CONFUSE ABOUT IT. PLSS..SOMEONE MAKEME UNDERSTAND?

My wife put her dad's last name as her middle name and my last name as hers

I was looking at the requirements for the I-864 and it states that you need 6 months of pay stubs and/or employment letter if you believe any of these items will help.

I have a stable job with government and copies of pay stubs. My issue is with the employment letter. Being a government agency our HR department is less than cooperative in most manners.

My question is, do I really need this letter?

try looking up your job through www.theworknumber.com they have a part in there for immigration purposes it verifies your income and doh

Thank you everyone for you helpful and in-depth responses. With the K-1 Visa application requirements I misread or got confused with what is needed. That's great to know that the K-1 is now an option. I want to be with Cherry in the U.S. as soon as possible. The only thing is that we want to get married in the Philippines. I also would like to do this out of respect for her parents, family and friends. She is the only daughter in her family and this is a big life event that I know they all want to see. They're also going to be my family too so I want to share this special moment with them all. I also don't know if her parents will allow for her to leave their home without her getting married first. There are a really nice conservative family. I'll know the answer to this in a couple of hours once I talk to her. Is there a way to have a Catholic ceremony without making it a fully legal marriage. Once we are married legally are we ineligable for the K-1? I assume yes, but maybe someone here knows a loophole. I look forward to hearing back from you with your thoughts and advice about our options. Thanks.

Mike

Hey Mike good evening to you. I wanted to give you some input of what to expect from my perspective only because I went down this road your going through. So I went last year to the Philippines and my stay was only a month.. IT WAS A BUSY month indeed. We had to prepare everything ahead for this. First my wife had to get her Cenomar (Showing singleness for her part) She did that before I went there, because I believe there is a turn around time for 2 weeks.. maybe shorter, but you want to get that knocked out asap! Shortly after I arrived there I had to goto the Embassy I believe on Roxas blvd. in Manila and had to get my cenomar showing I am single and not married. I got the paper that day. Of course don't forget to goto the immigration office and renew your passport after the initial 21 days of being there. We didn't have a big church wedding due to the timing, because if it was in church there is a month full of things that would have been required to do and we just didn't have the time, so we went to a recreation hall that catered to Weddings, told them when and what we wanted.. overall i think we spent like 700 usd on the wedding that included everything, it was great. If you want to get suited up for the wedding get a barong and her dress, along with maid of honor and best man, god fathers, and god mothers, ring bearer and flower girl(s) at the malls there. not a bad price. We got married in her province so we had to setup marriage counseling before we got married it was quite interesting.. when they go around the room asking how many kids you want tell them 1,000,000 lol it was humorous. A couple days after the counseling, we were married and we signed the marriage papers it was a great time!! I would do it all over again if I could. But anyhow, after you leave she can take care of the rest like getting the NSO copy of the marriage certificate. IF you send her anything send her through fedex.. mail system sucks there. but fedex guarantee 3 day delivery to her door they even call her before they drop off. if you have any questions don't hesitate to ask add me to your friends I don't mind answering your questions.. ingat ka (take care)

Jason is a true-blue Pinoy and he should know.

OP: sorry for your situation. And we are wondering if you spent time knowing what we get when we marry a filipina.

Providing for her family is her joy and soul. Did you know it before?

Hey, I have a filipina here and am still learning it!

hehe very good! almost a 7th wonder of the world if you ask me.. I cant speak for all BUT I can say that pinay women show alot of respect as long as you respect them, some are naive, but talking talking talking really turns the picture to face the right direction.

your absolutely right..,instead of posting,just talk to her fiance and discuss the problem.

I have been raised that conversation is the key to a successful relationship whether its a personal relationship or business. Without that what's your foundation?

One inappropriate post removed.

i saw it post but VJ went down or something. So i didnt see it. it's ok. takes 2 to have a problem

well considering i am a male and a USC from birth I would find it hard to be part of those "Feathers from the same flock" I believe i have more dignity and respect for women and for my wife, if there was such an issue with us I would let her talk and ask questions as to why it is that she is acting the way she is. You cant really be that naive to say that this Jason guy is a perfect angel in this. He plays some part of this problem whether its him telling her and convincing her parents that he will be there to support her and them, or he thinks that she is only here for citizenship and not him so he hangs it over her head.. the way it sounds.. it sounds like she Values her family(which I dont blame) more because HE DOESN'T value her as much. Jason you expect her to change her ways.. what have you done to make a change? He seems to think that this pinay is his animal at the zoo, who doesn't have rights.. Jason, you bring her to the US of A guess what this is the land of the free. READ up on your culture more and understand that pinoy and pinay respect one another, they are there for one another and their families are valued at top priority.. if you cant understand and change accordingly to other people then stay out of the field and leave it to the men who can adapt to this way of living and diversity.

Anyone else who think and feels that Jason is in the right.. well consider the fact at the way he acts by displaying his thoughts on VJ.. MAKES you wonder if the reason why she doesn't talk to him and tries to hide things behind his back is because he puts fear into her and they have a relationship not based on trust, dignity, respect or loyalty. CHANGE yourself before you try and change others.

usually if the baby is born out of wedlock they do. also depends on how far along she is. they may delay the visa..

oh sorry i didnt noticed that i am holding a can too.. :P coz i am busy reading and eating my popcorn... :goofy:

lol silly

im done with topic but i will leave with this.. Jason, wish you the best in all your decisions, not everyone is meant for one another. I am sorry your going through this life event and hope for your well being that you find happiness. Take care all and GOODLUCK on your VJ!

i am not drinking i am eating a popcorn... u want some?.. :pop:

whats in the can there? im not a big popcorn eater though