mrdb52

These government forms always confuse me. My filipina wife and I want to bring her adult/unmarried son under 21 years of age to the US. My wife entered the US over a year ago on a K-1 visa and her son was listed on her K-1 application. On the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative, on line one, do I list my wife's name as the petitioner or my name? Any other advise in this matter is greatly appreciated. Thanks

confused david in Ohio

I must the the only one who really likes forex's service. I have sent over 10 boxes from Ohio over the years. Once the box makes it to California and loaded on ship, I can watch it progress on forexworld.com using the box's tracking number. It kept me informed of all delays (customs inspections in both California and Philippines). Once the box hits Marikina, I'd inform the receipent to be on watch for delivery. Boxes arrived in perfect condition. I always pity the delivery persons cause my wife & kids lived on a mountain in Lower Kalunasan in Cebu and the heavy box would have to be hand carried from the road down a long long hill. The delivery persons always got tipped....and well deserving tips too. Sorry for your bad experience, but mine has always been well received. I recommend them without reservation.

David & Norma in Ohio

Can you send both in together at the same time ?

Yes, we sent both at the same time.

Seperate money orders.

And always register your package and return envelope.

Last July, we filed our papers for Report of Marriage ($25.00 fee)and Process of admentment of passport ($20.00) (for name change on passport) as required on the Philippine Consulate's website.

We did the same thing and they didn't give my fiancee (now wife) any problem during her interview last November. I'm not quoting policy, just our experience. david & norma

Hello ronron,

This is what our AOS timeline looks like so far...

28Apr11 Mailed AOS packet.

05May11 Check cashed. $1,070.00

09May11 Received I-797C, Notice of Action...Biometrics appointment in Cincinnati on 20May11 at 10:00 AM.

10May11 Received I-797C, Notice of Action...I-485 Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status

10May11 Received I-797C, Notice of Action...I-765 Application for Employment Application

20May11 Biometerics interview (fingerprints & photos) @ USCIS Cincinnati

28May11 Received I-797C, Notice of Action...I-485 Application to Adjustment sent from Chicago to California Service Center.

Hello Natashia,

We mailed our AOS packet on 28Apr11 to Chicago also. 9May11, we received our first I-797C Notice of Action, notifying us of our Biometerics appointment (fingerprinting and photos in Cincinnati). 10May11, we received two more NOAs saying they received our I-765 & I-485. Today, we received another NOA saying our I-485 has been transferred from Chicago to USCIS in California.

Hope this helps you. We just watch our mail...lol.

David and Norma (Cebu)

We mailed our AOS packet to Chicago on 28Apr11 via registered mail and the check was cashed 5May11. Then 9 & 10 May, we received 3 NOAs. Biometerics appointment this Friday in Cincinnati.

Last one I used expired 31 December, I don't think there is one for January. I sent funds last week and paid full fees.

My finacee's interview was 19Nov10 and she had her visa in hand on 29Nov10. She is also from Cebu.

Yes, I see I got yhat email today too.... that's the way it usually works...as soon as you send the money the coupon arrives...lol.

For the Holidays, Get 50% Off Your Next Transfer

Xoom is offering a 50% discount on your next money transfer to the Philippines just in time for Holidays. Just enter coupon code FIFTYXMAS on our payments page. This offer is valid until Dec 31, 2010.

I get their emails also and I have not seen a discount code for December either.

I have used Forex's services over 10 times and never had a problem. Tracking your box online is a nice feature too (forexworld.com). Sometimes it takes just as long for the box to travel from LA to Marikina, Ph (Manila)as to go from Manila to Cebu. Currently I have two boxes enroute...stats look like this:

23Oct10 Dropped box off at store.

01Nov10 Box arrives in LA.

04Dec10 Box arrives in Marikina, Ph (Unloaded warehouse)

06Dec10 Box departs warehouse (loaded container)

So, anytime within the next two weeks the box should arrive in Cebu and another week or so for it to arrive to it's destination.

Hope this helps.

david in Ohio

My fiancee's interview was on 19 November, 2010 and her visa was in her hands on 29 November, 2010. She is also living in Cebu.

From what I understand, you can't just walk in....you need to show a confirmation email of your scheduled appointment. My fiancee called for an interview several times before her medical exam and was told her packet was not there. She completed her exam on 14Oct'10, then on 18Oct'10 she called for her interview and was scheduled for 19Nov'10. Received her visa ten days later. Good Luck.

My fiancee's interview was 19Nov'10 and her visa was inhand 29Nov'10...hope this helps.

Hello Lisa and Jay. I can give you our experience. Once Norma received her copy of the NOA-2, she called the embassy (thinking she could get an interview appointment) and they told her they didn't see her on the computer. I told Norma that she had to complete her medical exam before the interview. So, on 14 October...Norma passes her medical. 18 October, Norma calls the embassy and received an interview date of 19 November. Today, Norma received her visa! Be patient, it took 3 (7 AM)calls to get the appointment and good luck. david

Can someone please post info on your experience from the date you called to schedule your interview in Manila until the actual date of the interview. We will be calling on Tuesday to get an appointment. Just curious as to how far in the future they are setting appointments for interviews. Thanks for your input!!

My finacee Norma called USEM yesterday, her interview date is 19 November. Here's hoping you get yours too.

One more vote added...good luck. And, of course, enjoy all the pleasures he brings to your life. david

I personally don't recommend Cherry Blossoms Hotel. I stayed there 5 days in Mar'10 and took home bedbug bites (about 20) all about my shoulders and arms. david in Ohio

Thanks Nik+Heather, your reply is what I am looking for. Turtle Bay sounds like something I need to research. I have googled and read quite a bit on Hawaii weddings, but knowing someone's firsthand knowledge is worth more than any online research. I would not have thought of things you mentioned on beach weddings. I was stationed at Camp Smith in 1972-75, my favorite spot was Hanauma Bay. So, I'll be showing Norma some of what I remember. TWOLS, this has nothing to do with our fiancee visa application. Any additional info would be appreciated. If you prefer to email me personally, that's good too. mrdb52@yahoo.com

Thanks again.

david

The port of entry is not a concern. Recommendations/suggestions from those who have brought their fiancee to Hawaii and married there before proceeding to mainland is what I am looking for. Don't look into this that deep, please. Thanks.

Hello Fellow VJers. It won't be until March 2011, Norma and I are considering marrying in Hawaii before coming to Ohio. Has anyone here done this? Any suggestions/recommendations you can give would be appreciated. david

My Sweetheart called from her cellphone last week and got through okay. She called before 8:00 AM.

My fiancee keeps getting a busy signal whenever she tries to get a hold of the embassy to setup an appointment for inteview. Do you really have to use a landline to get through the USE Manila's line? Thanks!

And don't gift wrap anything! You'll get extra security check if you do.

david in Ohio