BigFig94

Hello All,

I have a friend that is currently in the US on a J1 Visa and in training for hospitality Management. She is working for a large hotel chain but the Visa will expire in September. How can she cnahge the status to a work VISA and stay in the country to work after finishing her internship? I dont know if it is possible. Does anyone know of the process if it can be done? Anyone has gone through the same situation that can provide advice? I appreciate any and all advice. This site is awesome!

Thanks!

You bought the plane tickets before the visa was in-hand. Good luck with that one!

Yes I did and that was my choice based on the fact that we had everything covered but who knew how inefficient the NBI was? The fact they do such a poor job at communicating the proper information will cost me money and that is compounded by the fact they are so poorly staffed and cannot process the necessary paperwork in a timely fashion.

This could easily be avoided if the NBI would write on the initial clearance that the applicant needs to contact NBI for interview and final determination. Why in Gods name would they write "NO CRIMINAL RECORD?" Don't you think this is counter-productive and a waste of time and resources for the NBI, US Embassy and the applicants? Complete bureaucratic nonsense that could be avoided by being clear on what needs to be done.

So, me and hubby are thinking about to amend our taxes since I am now here.

Do you need the actual 1040 ( I think that's what you get a copy of when you file your taxes) or is a tax transcript enough to bring in to the people (H&R block) to get it done?

Anyone knows?

What you need to file your taxes are a W2 if you are employed by a company or a 1099 if you are self-employed and getting paid as a vendor or supplier etc. Any income is reported to the IRS on those forms and you should also get a copy to file your tax return. The 1040 Form will be supplied by the tax preparer using the income figures you provide. If you decide to do your own taxes the forms can be downloaded from the IRS website at www.irs.gov. Good luck with getting a nice return!

I am currently here in the Philippines with my fiancee. I arrived on the 26th of Sept with the single-minded purpose of being there to support her but also showing the American consular officers that I am serious about our relationship enough to travel across the world and be present for the interview. I had everything needed for documentation and more, thanks to the invaluable assistance from everyone on this website. We had so much documentation in case that there were 2 loose-leaf folders full.

We get to the Embassy before 6 and are admitted after a fairly moderate wait. My fiancee gives the necessary forms upon entry and we proceed to wait. She is then fingerprinted and then we get the pre-screening to make sure all the paperwork is signed and in proper order for the interview. The interview went very quickly and I can tell it was in no small part to my attention to detail along with my presence in the interview. Everything was going so well but the first hint of trouble was the interviewer asking my fiancee more than once about any legal problems that she may have had. He asked if she remembered anything, even a traffic ticket. My fears were confirmed when he concluded by saying the paperwork and interview were no problem but they needed more information about her legal issue (s) in the past. He then said a colleague would speak to us and provide more information.

I was starting to get steamed under the collar and asked my fiancee about any issues to which she only knew one. She had a civil case dismissed years ago in Koronadal and she had the court documents showing the dismissal. We were called to Line Y and the man at the window tells us that they need further documentation from NBI which is the Philippines version of the FBI. He then tells me we have to wait for a letter from the US Embassy and they will explain more to us with that letter. Now I am starting to see red so I tell him I waqnt to see the Consular Officer of the day as I am an American citizen and this is totally unacceptable. He tells me someone will call me. A few minutes later we are called to another window and speak to a Filipino that works for the Embassy who tells me it should not be a problem but will take two weeks to clear the matter. Now I go ballistic!

Let me preface this by telling you when my fiancee got her NBI Clearance it stated on the bottom "NO CRIMINAL RECORD." Now I am certainly not a linguist nor an English major but to me NO CRIMINAL RECORD means that she is clear and there should be no problem, apparently that is not the case in the Philippines as was explained to me by the next person I spoke to. I was so incensed by the vapid BS I was hearing that I asked again to speak to an officer. I was not given the Officer in charge but her direct report who told me that NO CRIMINAL RECORD in the Philippines is a bad thing means there are some issues which requires a letter of explanation from NBI. Furthermore NBI may decide they need to interview the person prior to issuing such clearance.

So now we go the next morning to speak to the NBI in Manila and they tell us that my fiancee only has that one case and when the US Embassy makes the document request they will issue the necessary documentation. I was also directly in contact with the Consular Officer who told me the Embassy was ready to release the VISA the moment they got the papers from NBI. Today after a visit to NBI and 4 successive phone calls to the US Embassy I am still in limbo with tickets for my fiancee and I returning to the US on the 14th. TEN DAYS later and still no word from the Embassy, no return calls from the Consular Officer, no information on why this moronic and completely avoidable issue will stop me from leaving the country with my future wife.

In closing I would like to know if anyone here has some insight on how I can make this happen without costing myself a small fortune to change all my flights. Oh and one more complication; the Embassy policy of sending the VISA to the beneficiaries address is keeping us detained in Cebu waiting for AIR 21 to deliver the VISA when the Embassy releases it/ So another question would be how I can find out if the Embassy released the VISA yesterday and it is en route. I would also suggest we add this to the Philippines K1 Visa guidelines as another possible pitfall to steer clear of. Maybe some other people can benefit from knowing the misfortune we are currently experiencing. Thanks again for all the help and good luck to all!

Hello Everyone,

I haven't had a chance to get on here much but with my fiancee's interview rapidly approaching in Manila, I thought I would pose a few questions about proof of relationship. Just wondering since I will be at the interview with her if I needed things such as phone bills? The reason I am asking is because most of our conversation is in chat messages since I got her a computer more than a year ago. I went back to my phone provider and they want 50 bucks per month for bills that are older than they have available online. I think it is an incredible rip off but I will do it if necessary.

I also made many calls through Yahoo Voice prior to her being in an area where there is DSL. I also cannot get those records it seems. I can however show the charges made through my checking account for Yahoo at ten bucks per recharge. It does not show who I called but it shows the money being deducted. I also have many Moneygram receipts showing the money I sent to pay for her school and all living expenses. I also have receipts showing large boxes of food and items for living that I sent in the last 18 months. I will be giving her the engagement ring when I get there so that is also proof.

Am I mistaken in thinking that so much proof is not necessary given the fact I will be there? I feel that flying across the globe to be present at her interview should show a commitment level on my part and be constituted as proof of our relationship. I would appreciate any input on this matter because I don't want to caught with less than I need but at the same time I don't want to be paranoid and bring several reams of documents. Thanks in advance for all the input folks, all of you are a fantastic resource!

Once again thanks to everyone for being helpful. This website is an invaluable resource for all but the sharing and caring of all members is what really makes it special!

This has probably been asked and answered many times in many threads but I am not sure how to use the search feature on these boards so bear with me please. My paperwork left the NVC on the 25th of July. How do I know when it is received in Manila USEM and what is the next step? Do I call the 800 number and schedule the interview? Thanks everyone!

OK Folks I want to revive this one more time. I read in some paperwork from this site which was very well put together, that having the petitioner at the interview doesn't actually assist the interview. This pertains to the USEM in Manila. My fiancee wants me there so I will go but if I wont be allowed in the interview how effective can I be? I don't have a problem making my point when I am in front of people so I am confident I will help her fly through the interview so my question is if everyone who has been through Manila thinks I will be allowed in the interview. Thanks again everyone and please let me know what you think!

This is what I did last year (July '09) for my fiancee (now wife!) for our K1. Unless the rules have drastically changed, this is what you can do.

Once you get the NOA2 (approved), shortly after you will get a letter from the NVC stating your K1 visa has been approved and sent to the appropriate embassy (Manila). This letter will have a case number assigned (example MNL-xxxxxxx). Wait about 7-8 days to allow the embassy to receive the approval package from the NVC. You can then call the embassy (the 1-888 toll number) to schedule an interview. You need to send your fiancee the 134 package for her to take to the interview. Send FEDEX, UPS etc. These are important documents not to be trusted with standard mail, especially the Philippine mail system. Impress to your fiancee the importance and to take special care to keep the 134 package safe/secure. Remember your personal and financial info is in these documents. 1 week or so before the interview she can do the medical and CFO stuff. I did not have to pay the NVC any fees. The embassy does not send out a package to her, it is just a letter. My fiancee did get a letter explaining what she had to bring to the interview.......she got it 2 weeks after her interview! That is the Philippine post office for you. Info what to bring is on the USEM Manila website (http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwhnv01.html).

I just scanned my copies of the embassy letter, confirmation interview emails etc and emailed them to my fiancee which she just printed out. She needed them for the medical and entrance to the embassy. Make sure she has I.D.

My memory (like my 401K) is shrinking but this should help out.

Best wishes

Thanks for the reply, I really appreciate the information. My intention is to be in Manila for the interview and I hope to bring my girl home. I read where you can write a special request to the Consular Officer to get the visa directly from the consulate because I will have plane tickets for both of us. I will also bring an updated package with me to Manila for the interview with all the documents needed for a positive decision. Thanks again!

NVC reviews and bundles up the I-129F petition, sends it out to a US Embassy.

And that's about it.

Sure, more stuff to do when US Embassy Manila actually receives the casefile, opens the casefile in Manila -

but for NVC? Nah - that notice is 'informational' only.

If you'd like to read a bit - this is a good piece for 'casefile status' - see

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/264972-shortcuts-when-checking-for-updates-from-the-nvc-and-dos/

Good Luck !

Thanks for the reply. I thought what I was thinking was correct but when it comes to government bureaucracy one never knows!

OK now I have my approval for the original application and I received a letter from the NVC giving me a case number and a receipt number for our application. I was reading the time-line posted by EWOK.

My question is do I have to wait for the NVC to send me a form and pay them a fee and then they send my fiancee a form also? Is that the process for a K1 or am I confusing it with something else? The letter says that they will forward the package to Manila and my fiancee will be contacted by the USEM there. Am I missing something? I didn't think we had any paperwork to do until the interview. Thanks again everyone!

Hi everyone, i have a quick question for those of you have your K-1 approved.

My K-1 was approved on 22nd June 2010 at my local counsulate. However, i have notice that my status on the USCIS website has not been updated since February (when i get my NOA2). Is it anything i should be concerned? I am so confused

Thank you for your help!!!!!!1

I have the same situation. My Application was approved on July 19th and my status is still "Initial Review" I am assuming that USCIS is not updating the website regularly.

USCIS website has a change or "touch" on July 19th but the status remained the same. Yesterday I got both letters in the mail. The NOA2 from VSC saying I am approved on July 19th and a second letter from NVC saying the package got there on July 22 and would be heading to Manila shortly!

I just wanted to thank the owners of this website and all the contributors/members. The information here is invaluable in assisting anyone in being successful at the immigration process! I followed everything I read here and am now half way home!

You need to give her your '09 Income Tax Return because the CO will ask for it. If she doesn't have it and the CO requests to see it, she'll be asked to return and go through what I did.

Basic ones, really.

What is your name?

When is your birthday?

What is your petitioner's name?

When is his birthday?

What's his job?

Does he speak Tagalog? (He saw a chat log where Jordan called me a loca loca)

It took about 3 minutes or so. The CO will tell you whether or not you're approved at the end of the interview. She'll basically have to go back to her seat and wait again. If she lives in Manila, it usually takes 3 days but due to backlogs, the guys who passed the interview on the same date as mine received their visas 8 days after the approval. It varies. I'm hoping to get mine this week so I can leave mid-August.

Remind her to take the CFO seminar before she leaves.

Hi everyone! First of all god luck to you on the interview, I am sure you will be approved but it cant hurt to bring as much evidence as possible. Better to have too much than be missing something! I highlighted what you said at the end of this because I told my fiancee something about a seminar she needed and a stamp or sticker that would be put on her passport so she can leave the country. Is the CFO Seminar what I read about and if so what exactly is it?

Thanks

Thanks for all the great answers! Does anyone know if they allow the petitioner at the interview in Manila? My plan is to definitely be there and get that visa then take my fiancee back home with me!

Hello Again Everyone! I just had another question and I will also give you the reason for the question. My fiancee is in school finishing her Masters. She has an exam scheduled Sept 26 and I believe she may go into October to finish her Masters courses. My question is this: based on the current trend at VSC it appears that we could possibly be scheduled for an interview in August or early September.

Can we schedule the interview for a time when I can go there for the interview and wait on the visa and then we can travel back to NY together? For instance if we ascertain that she will finish school in the middle of October can we make the interview for the end of October or does the USEM just put you on the schedule according to the order paperwork is received? Thanks again for all the great information on this website!

I apologize if there is a thread on this already but I cannot find any search box. My question is this: I want to fly to the Philippines for my fiancee's interview when it is scheduled. I was wondering if anyone has any input on if that helped you or not or maybe it didn't make a difference. For your reading pleasure I have included a poll although I think they are silly! Thanks for any answers in advance folks!

The application process to bring my fiance is chugging along, and from the timelines I have seen here, it appears she will be ready to have her medical in early August, and interview by the end of August.

She will be travelling from Davao to Manila, so I am anticipating her having to make at least two trips. The airfares are reasonable enough (1800-2400 pesos each way with a little advance notice), but I know very little about the hotel situation around St. Luke's and USEM.

I know there are plenty of 'tourist class' hotels in the area, but do Filipinas tend to stay in the same hotels? Are the nightly rates the same for a Filipina as for a tourist? (I know the $45 to $65 per night that I am quoted would be beyond the budget of most Filipinas.)

So, my question is two-fold. First, what hotels are recommended, and second, how can a better nightly rate be secured by a filipina (if possible)? I am willing to pay the regular rate if needed, but would be quite upset to learn that I am paying twice the rate that is normally charged.

Thank you all, and thank you for all the help everybody's posts have given me. I have been silent on this forum thus far, but the advice and support offered has proven to be invaluable.

I stayed in Manila this past February and I used the Lotus Garden Hotel in Ermita. Rooms were clean and it is good for what my needs were which was basically a place to sleep and have a shower with hot and cold water.

This is a link showing reviews on Trip Advisor. Lotus Garden Hotel Review

I booked the room online and it was no problem at all. You can probably book it and send her cash to pay for it when she is there.

If you look at Google Maps you will see this hotel is very close to the Embassy and from what I have read here, St Lukes is also very close to the Embassy. There are plenty of cabs and she will have no problem getting around. My girl is also from Mindanao but the western side nearer to General Santos City. Hope this helps! I am hoping to be there with her for the interview by September! Hope this helps!

CONGRATULATIONS! BEST OF LUCK TO YOU BOTH!

If a pick-up request is granted you won't get the Visa at the interview. You would return after they contact you to say it's ready, usually within 2-3 days.

Thanks for the info but I was wondering if you address the letter to the consul general and what do you address that person as? Honorable Mr or Mrs Whomever? I am going to try and email them to ask the question and see what kind of response I get.

Thanks again for the help!

"If you want to pick up your Visa and/or request expedited treatment of an approved Visa, you must submit a written request to the Consular Officer at the time of the Interview."

Hello Everyone!

This was the last line on the Embassy info page for USEM in Manila. I will be at the interview flying from NY and will stay 2 weeks with the intention of waiting for the visa to come in the mail so Gloria and I can fly to NY together. I was wondering if anyone wrote this request in Manila and how they did it and, of course, what the outcome was. It would be much easier if I could get the visa right at the interview and then we could make a scheduled flight back to NY. Anyone out there try this and have success? Thanks in advance for the information. This website is great!

Hello and thanks in advance for any response.

I have seen a lot of ads online for different agencies (most with a lawyer) that process the K-1 or K3 visas. Most offer different levels of service and help. The premium package usually includes assistance with everything up to and including obtaining the green card. Does anyone have any direct experience with these agencies. Is there any web site that might review these agencies?

Hi Newbie! I was looking into the same thing and then I just did it myself. There are a lot of resources on this website that give you insight to what others have done successfully. Unless you have some unique situation like a criminal record to deal with, I think if you just read the requirements here on this site, follow the instructions on the Immigration forms and provide the requested documentation you will be fine! Good luck and welcome to the site!

You can use the Skype record exporter found in the link below to get your Skype records.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/256765-overwhelmed/

Thanks very much! Do you know if there is a way I can export Yahoo voice records? I do more calling on that.

My fiance and I have been talking for over 2 years now. As most of you know here, we talk on line more than emails, and have talked virtually twice a day everyday for all this time. I know we will print out all our emails. But, to print out all our talking... whew. it will be volumes (even if we edit personal things)

We have been approved and our paperwork is on its way to NVC. I know I need to update letter of intent, I-134, etc. When I sent in the paperwork, I selected random talking, printed it out and took a screen shot of all the others, saying all the others are available if necessary for additional evidence. What would be most appropriate. Perhaps random from the date of sending paperwork and screen shot of the folders of talking? I think it will take reams of paper...(smile)

Thanks

Barry

Good Question Barry as I have done the same thing essentially. For me to save and print all of our IM conversations would be volumes also with editing. I even wanted to get phone records but I call a lot using Yahoo and Skpe and there are no records I know of. I do have some emails from 2006 which I submitted and I am planning on being there for the interview. I feel that will lend a lot of credibility with me traveling half way around the globe to be at my fiancee's side!

I put mine in a 1 inch looseleaf binder with a clear cover. The application cover page was on the top and then I put separators inside that had pockets in them. I assembled in order of what they are looking for like proof of my citizenship, proof of meeting in person, proof of relationship. on each separator I had a shipping type label with typewritten list of documents inside each separation. That way they can find everything they need easily. Not sure if there is any preferred method so I did it in the most organized way I could so they could find the necessary documents. Good Luck!