lee&jeniebee

Ever since payxibka moved our "Types of income for I134" thread to the US Embassy and Consulate Discussion, we have not received any more responses. Is it possible to just leave the threads where they are? Does payxibka do anything else other than moving threads?

I have seen a few times when moving a thread has been warranted but most of the time it's just rude and a way to show power. So many people stumble onto this site just wanting help and hoping for answers, so I wish some of the "payxibka" would just chill!

For July of this year? Thats quite close, I really really wish you luck.

Yes, July of this year and ya know, I still have hope for that date. We are ready to fly into action when NOA#2 arrives (this site has been very helpful) my employer and bank have stated they only require 24 hours to provide I-134 evidence letters, I already have my tax info. Jenie Bee has everything ready too. We are READY!! I also have my congress and senator info ready so at 5 months + 1 day if no NOA #2 they will get the fax, email and phone call. hahahaha

If everything goes poorly, well it's a small wedding plan and we can move the date back. Also we will have something more elaborate in the Philippines in 2012.

We have (or now, had) our venue, caterer, dj, and photographer booked for 11-11-11. Since I can't afford to lose our money with a last second cancellation, and the way things are going at VSC, we have had to move the wedding I contacted all our vendors today about a May 4th wedding, so hopefully all will be understanding and let us change our reservation. I mean, its not like 11-11-11 will be a hard day to re-book!

I'm very disappointed that we had to do this, and I'm STILL stressed out that things will get even worse and May 4th won't be late enough either. This is all really getting to me, honestly. I won't likely be back to Atlanta until I have my visa, so I'm feeling very homesick (as it is my home) and beaten down. I know we'll still end up together no matter what, its just so frustrating and so UNFAIR.

I know how you feel, we are planning a July 9th wedding but I have been doing the math, even if the NOA #2 arrives in early May, it will be difficult to pull off. My work no longer allows vacation in August and September, so I am really hoping for the best here..

hi,

can anyone help us with some points before we file for our application...

my fiancee is currently working in saudi arabia but her permanent address is in the philippines...we are confused on what address to write in the I-129f form, and in her letter of intent as a beneficiary??

or what is the best way to do, since she will be going home this may and we will be processing everything in the Philippines, but as of now she is still in saudi arabia and im about to mail my petition....

thank you so much

Just use her address in the Philippines, in 5 months when this is all being adjudicated, she will be in the Philippines so no worries. Unless she is going back to the Middle East?

OMG we also got a "touch" today!!!

About a month ago I read a post or two about "nesting" and now as time is getting closer the magical arrival date, the idea is becoming more important to me. I am wanting to hear some ideas about how to make my fiancee feel more at home when she is here. First let me tell you what I have planned so far: Just a week or two before her arrival I am renting a newer nicer apartment or duplex, the ones I am looking at are easy walking distance to my work. Rather than completely outfit the new apartment my thinking is I will move in the basic furnishings and when Jenie Bee arrives we can complete the decorating furnishings together. The idea is to make it more "our home" not her moving into my house. Just a thought? I have made one picture collage of Jenie Bee's family. I will have a jacket for her at the airport (going from The Philippines to Oregon even in the summer will be a real climate change) and a cell phone of course. Oh, I have scouted out one Asian market that has filipino food items, will be looking for more in the Portland area. We will start planning a 2012 vacation to visit her family immediately. So what kind of "nesting" prep for the BIG day are you doing? What are your ideas?? I am all ears!!! Lee

To My Fellow VJers,

I just need to get this off my head so I'm asking for your thoughts and opinions regarding this matter.

Here's our scenario in a nutshell:

2002 - 2006 - We met in the university, in Manila. We became a couple. Graduated in 2006.

2007 - 2010 - We tried to do business in Manila but return of investment is very slow and we are getting older hence the dream of settling down.

June 2010 - He went back to NY (he is a USC and his family is based there, he just went to Manila to study college) to find a job so we can settle there for good. He

wasnt able to find a job right away until after 7 months.

Feb 2011 - He got employed, a full time job where he earns above the 125% poverty line. He got another job, a part time job in his dad's business.

So basically, he has two jobs that earns above the 125% poverty line for a household of 2.

My concern is this: We don't have ITR papers to show the consulate as he just started working. My interview at the consulate will be approximately around August 2011 so by that time we can only show letter of employment and pay stubs, and some money in the bank. I've read some refusals due to lack of financial documentary requirements. I'm extremely bothered by this. Please shed me some light.

I am pretty sure you are ok. You will be able to document at least two "quarters" of petitioner earning more than the 125% poverty level. Be sure to have a letter from both employers even if one is his dad.. Good luck!!

And this from USCIS: http://www.uscis.gov...ources/A2en.pdfCan my fiancé(e) work in the United States while on a

fiancé(e) visa?

After admission, your fiancé(e) may immediately apply for permission to work by filing Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, with the USCIS Service Center having jurisdiction over your place of residence. Any work authorization based on a nonimmigrant fiancé (e) visa would be valid for only 90 days after entry. However, your fiancé (e) would also be eligible to apply for an extended work authorization at the same time as he or she files for permanent residence. In this case, your fiancé(e) would file Form I-765 together with Form I-485 as soon as you marry.

Thanks Mari, you are "Johnny on the spot" with that information, see why I posted my question here.... COOL!!! Lee

Hi guys, we are getting there!! A friend of mine has offered to put my lovely Jenie Bee to work in her law office when she arrives and can work. I had not figured on filing a form I-765 for EAD until AOS, however would it be possible for her to get the EAD when she arrives, point of entry would be Portland, OR. Any thoughts on this? Do you think it's just better to wait until AOS and not monkey with the EAD until then??? I have done some research but I am confused.. Lee

Hi! I was wondering if anyone know cheap or reasonable flights from the US to the Philippines, roundtrip? My fiance is planning to visit sometime in May-June and we're trying to look for a cheap ticket. Would it be advisable to book this advanced? Lay-overs are okay, as long as it doesn't last for a long time.

Thanks for the help.

My favorite is Hawaiian Airlines, they are the lowest price I could find, the only down side is on your way to the Philippines you will have an over night in Hawaii. Your return is only a small layover. You can book direct with Hawaiian air, you don't need a broker like price line or expedia.. I hope this helps.. Lee

I just want to say hello to all of our December family here, several times a day I check this thread for updates and information, it helps keep me company. What a dramatic and scary last couple of days it has been. I woke Friday Morning and heard “earthquake” and “tsunami” and my heart jumped and my eyes glued to the TV news and it only took a few seconds to figure out it was Japan, not near the Philippines. Then an email from my beloved Jenie Bee, everything was ok again, but not really.

It’s a small world, lives are precious and although my kids and I are safe as with the love of my life in the Philippines, my heart goes out to our friends from Japan in harms way, and also their loved ones whom are out of danger but in great pain, praying and hoping for the best.

This is a difficult journey we have chosen, so much time apart, and so many miles, but I always like to make the most of things. When we make it through this “visa journey” and we are together, our bond will be stronger and please Lord, should I EVER for one second take for granted my lovely wife, reminded me of this time and this trial we experienced in the beginning of our life together!

Godspeed to all of us, especially those directly affected by the tragic events we have been watching unfold.

Lee

PS: Keep up the good work December filers!

PSS: Jenie Bee I love you, can’t wait for our video chat date tonight!!

Hello,

I have been to the Philippines 3 times already but never needed to bring large amounts of cash so never bothered with traveler's checks. If I ran out of funds I used my ATM and all was good.

This time, I am going there to bring my fiancée back to the USA with me and we will have need of a larger amount of cash. I don't want to carry more than 1000 USD with me for obvious reasons. I wouldn't do that if I were traveling to Boise, Idaho either.

Has anyone used American Express Traveler's Cheques or something else? I want to protect my money as well as have it accessible when I need it. I will be in 3 different provinces and do not want to carry the cash to any of them. ATM's are out due to high transaction fees with low maximum withdrawal limits.

Can I just cash a travelers cheque into pesos at a BPI, BDO or China Bank branch for any reasonable amount? (Not more than 2000 USD maximum)

Thanks in advance!

I used travelers checks before I used an ATM/debit card, I can live with the ATM fee, it's just so much easier than the "monkey business" of using travelers check..

We submitted our I-129F and got the NOA 1 in Dec, 2010 and we do not have a reply. I am curious why some people are getting their NOA2 from filing in Jan/Feb 2011???? WTH??? And they have beneficiaries in third world countries. Can anyone explain this to me? I was told they process them in the order they are received. We even tried an expedite and was denied so now we get to lose out on $30,000 because they decided not to grant it. I am very disheartened by this whole process.

You wrote: "And they have beneficiaries in third world countries" For the purpose of "K" family visa's I don't think it matters what country you are from, nor should it. I am happy for the January filers that got the super fast NOA # 2 wish it could have been me...

Everybody in this website always states that the fees they are required to pay are high. So, I decided to do some simple calculations. I have filed my I-129F for my fiance as well as her three kids. First, I paid $340 in December 2010 to USCIS. I have read posts from senior VJ members that each petition takes about 20 minutes to review and approve or deny. $340 for 20 minutes of service, after the file sits in a pile for 6 months. The case gets transferred to NVC. NVC performs one manhour of work on the file. Then the case gets transferred to the Embassy where two manhours are spent working on my file. I then pay $1,400 for the visa fees and $800 dollars for the medical. After the POE I pay $3,400 for the Adjustment of Status which takes another 2 manhours. Then I pay $400 for lifting of conditions which takes 1 manhour. Now lets add it all up! I come up with $6,320 in fees. Now lets add up the services that were provided. I come up with a whopping 14.3 manhours to provide all services. I will round up to 15 manhours required to perform all services concerning my entire case. I then come up with $421 per manhour. Keep in mind that everything that USCIS and DOS provides is done so without intent to make any profit; a zero sum balance. Lets say that on average that each US Government Employee who handled the case makes an average of $30 per hour. Now, we know that the US Government is taking in $421 for every $30 that is going out. That leaves a net positive cash flow of $391 per manhour worked. Remember that the US Government operates on a zero sum balance sheet; no profit. I am not making any judgements. I am only doing simple math calculations. Can anybody disagree with my numbers? Let me know if you come up with different numbers. Am I making the process too simplistic? Am I not conservative enough in my calculations? Input please.

Your math is correct; I read what you wrote and want to laugh or cry or something??? HOWEVER look on the bright side, look at the high quality speedy service you are getting!! The time between NOA #1 and NOA #2 is only 5 months. Wait, did you say that whole I-129f approval thing really only takes 20 minutes??? Hahahahahahaha I will stop now. Have a good weekend all! Lee PS: do you think CO's read these posts?

good for you?i think you generally over analyze,and you have at least 3 more months to go,you need to slow down or else youll get the VJ syndrome

Ok, I am pretty sure that I have the "VJ syndrome" you see for the last 10 days I have been looking at IGOR's list and we were at first #177, then one day we were at 174 (yes!!!) now today 10 days later we are at #180, yes, it's a true case of VJ syndrome! So is there a cure???? Lee

I'm a Dec. filer at the Calif Service Cnter. I know it's unfair, but I'm so happy for those Feb. filers who already received their NOA2. I was wondering how USCIS process our petition, do they go alphabetically? Also, I'm pretty sure I make the poverty income requirement, however I have F*&7 up credit, I was wondering if this is going to be an issue? Thanks ALL, Godbless!

I don't think that credit is an issue, from my understanding you either earn the 125% of poverty AND can prove that with tax returns, pay stubs and letter from employer, or you don't. If you don't I understand the Manila Embassy does not like co-sponsor, so you would have to have other assets to bring you above the $125 % of poverty.

How is my answer on this guys?? Anyone else? Just have not heard the credit issue before at all..

Lee (fellow December filer)

Hello, well I am biased because most of my life I have lived in Oregon, but I have lived in Vermont and Georgia as well. I like to go camping and hunting and explore new places and Oregon is difficult to beat. We have mountain ski resorts for playing in the snow and beautiful ocean beaches and coastal areas to explore. My favorite part of Oregon is the vast desert of Eastern Oregon! You will find the cost of living a little higher here mainly due to the housing being more expensive than mid-west, however it's not crazy expensive like California and parts of Washington. Yes, it rains a lot in western Oregon in winter and spring, but it's easy to deal with compared to snow and Ice. Our Summer and Fall here in Oregon are tough to beat, warm days, but refreshing at night. When you visit here, check out the coastline, the Mt. Hood wilderness area and beautiful Bend in Central Oregon. Good Luck!!

Lee

Hi!

This is my first time posting, I've lurked and looked for some time . . . My questions is about a woman that I met on the net who lives in the Philippines. She seems like a fine, upstanding and honest woman who made a mistake about 10 years ago. I'll call her 'Jane' for now . ... .She's the youngest in a family of 9 sibiings, with 6 of them being step sisters and brothers. Unable to secure a position using her math degree, Jane become involved in a marriage to a Japanese fellow. They were married in the Philppines. He initiated the divorce after 2 years in Japan, 3 years after that she was laid off when economy started to sour. She was doing some kind of QA in a LCD factory . . .. She now believes that she is not divorced, and is unable to remarry without an anullment. She was not arrested, deported or caught up in a sting. She has been living in limbo for 5 or 6 years, unable to move forward because of her current marital status. An american friend of mine who lives in the philippines said his fillipino wife is 100% sure she must get her marriage annulled because Japan and the Philippino Goverment exchange update each other on marriage statuses or something to that effect. Some of her friends who did this had to get annullment. From reading this forum (thanks!) and others, it appears that are at least two ways out of this mess - with the first being the most likely:

1) Jane was married in the Philippines, and divorced in Japan. Her husband initiated the divorce, the english translation of the divorce says he initiated it. There is a section in the Family code that says that if this is the case, she is free to remarry. I've read here that there is a necessary court document that must be file that essentially demands the NSO to issue a CENOMAR - or something to that effect.

2) Since the US recognizes Philippine Marriage AND Japanese divorce, a K1 fiance visa can be issued to her. The K3 visa cannot be issued, because obviously she can't get remarried in the RP if #1 is not true. No CENOMAR issued or needed. I've read mixed results on this tact, and it appears to be heavily dependent on the 'luck of the draw' as to how the issue handled at the embassy.

How will the interview process proceed around this issue, what disclosures are required?

Does anyone have the number of a good family attorney in manilla that we could seek some advice on this matter?

Even if we don't hit it off, which I hope we will . . . she is very ashamed of what she did . . . . I'd hate to see this stunningly beautiful and intelligent woman not accomplish what she dreams of. I'd love to just get her started in the right direction, and find some kind of relief her situation . . . .

I'm visiting the Philippines in a week, and visiting her and others as well . . . I'd sure like to give her some good news . . . but she seems to be prepared for the worst . . .

Any ideas? Suggestions? Contacts? Send me a private message if you feel that's the best way.

Thanks for this great forum and for your help and consideration in this matter . . . .

The Poodle Guy

Poodle Guy,

Ok, my take on this is that your information is correct in that the US will honor a legal divorce from Japan, the question would be: does she have documents to support the divorce or can she get such documents? After you spend some time with her in real life if she turns out as special as you think she may be, it might be best talking to a lawyer, that would be a lawyer in the USA, who knows US Immigration law... Lee

As far as vaccinations I've asked this question many times and I think what I understand is that yes you can get vaccinations ahead of time. Not from the consulate approved medical offices, but from your family doctor, or whatever is available in the country of the beneficiary.

My fiance doesn't have any medical records, so we'll probably end up getting a couple of the more important shots at the "centro de salud" (sort of like a cheap clinic for those with social security)

If you do get shots beforehand make sure to bring those records with you when you go for the interview.

I've also been told though that no shots (or only a few very important shots) are required for a K1 visa.. I'm not exactly sure which it is. But since a K1 visa is not an immigrant visa the vaccination requirements are a little bit different. The beneficiary will still have to get the vaccinations at some point but it can be done in the US.

There is so much conflicting information because I can't seem to find a spot that just has all the info needed. I can only find bits and pieces of info here and there.

But what I've written above is my understanding. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong!

My findings so far is just what you have said, it's a gray area. In the past it seems that vaccinations was not a factor until the AOS but it now seems the powers that be are pushing to move this forward to "before POE" and I can see the logic in that. I just wish they would publish clear instructions on this matter, I don't want my Jenie Bee to get stuck with a bunch of needles only to find at the medical exam they are unacceptable. Nor do any of us want a delay in the arrival of our loved one because of vaccinations. So for now I will just keep the research going and post any new information? By the way, thank you so much!! Lee

Thanks for all of the very cool information December Filers! I hope that I am not going to "beat a dead horse" here but I am confused about the vaccinations. Jenie Bee and me (don't you love that!) we are mostly ready for NOA #2 however in reference to the vaccinations, Jen can not find the record from her childhood, and she will need some on the list anyways. Should she start getting them now or can they be given at the medical exam?

There are a few of you who really contribute to this December Filers thread, thank you again, I know it takes a lot of effort but it's so very helpful!

Hello, just want to say thank you for inviting Me & Jen to this thread, the information here is really great!!

Sounds almost to good to be true, but I will sure give it a try! Thank you so much!! Lee

"Front loading" your I-129F seems like a bad idea to me, provide what they require and nothing more. Just think if you are the person to open and process the packet, looking for the required information but you have to keep together a bunch of "mumbo jumbo" as you look for what is required. Keep it simple, organized and as easy to get through as possible. Take this with a grain of salt, I am waiting for NOA#2 hahahahaha

To all Vj members,

I apologize to all of you my vj friends for the LATE posting/sharing my interview here. I hope you understand me guys but i know you all understand

As I’m done with my interview last Dec 15, 2010, I want to share my unforgettable experiences.

4:00am arrived at USEMBASSY manila

5:30am the guard informed us (all immigrants that scheduled 6:30am) to get inside

the guard took my 1^st appointment letter (emailed by NVC) together with my new appointment sched which I did online

Then I waited 15 mins to get inside..we lined up inside the immigrant section. The lady asked me if I have ds230 printed then I said yes then she took it and give me my number. (6016) unforgettable # hehehe

As my number appeared on flashboard I go to window 22…

Pre-screener (she is Filipina) she is so nice. I felt comfortable talking to her. She asked me the following:

• Who is your petitioner?
• How old are you?
• What is the name of your petitioner?
• How old is He?
• Is this your first to be married? How about Him?
• Do you have any kids? How about Him?
• Do you have any photos together?
• Do you have a copy of your Certificate of marriage?

She is so nice. She said her good luck for my final interview.

I waited 10 mins for my name to be called to fall in line in finger scanning in window 15. The lady asked me to state my fullname and my date of birth. After that the lady that assisting us (doing the finger scanning) told me to go to waiting area for final interview.

After 15 mins my number flash on to window 44. She is American, I think her age is 26-30 yo. She let me raise my right hand and swore that all i will be stating is true. There are the questions that she asked me:

• Who is you Petitioner? His name? His age?
• What is your name? Your age?
• When did you get married
• Are you living alone? (in this question she asked me took me for another interview) which took me almost 4 hours (coz there are some questions concerning my nephews.

She told me to wait outside for my name to be called. I was so worried coz I’m expecting the magic coming from her “visa approved” I didn’t heard those words. But I thank her instead.

My name was called at window 33 (If im not mistaken) the guy told me that I need to have another follow-up interview. So i went to the office that the guy instructed me to go. There are lots of offices inside in the corridor I saw the lady approached me asking my name. And she let me go inside her office..she gave me 2 pages of questionnaires (back to back) all my hubby’s infos and mine too. It focuses on my information about me, my parents, my sisters, brothers, nephews etc.

The lady forwarded me to a guy in the next door. He asked some questions about my nephews which I answered and defended. At around 2:30 he forwarded to American Consul (guy) for interview. He let me swore that the statements that I made is true and correct. Then he told okey “tapos na tayo” (We’re done). Then the guy that facilitated me took me to exit door. While we’re on the corridor I asked him if hows my interview and he told me its okey I’m sure you’ll do fine and I think your visa will approve soon just wait for the a call from embassy to informed you. I was not happy enough I left the embassy not sure of the status of my visa. Finally my day is done at 3:30pm. As I went home I told to my husband about what happen in the whole day of my interview day. The following Monday, Dec 20, 2010. My husband called up usembassy manila to know the status of my visa. As I saw him (in webcam) smiling while talking to live operator. Then after he put down the phone, he said its approved! Thanks God!!! The operator told him that my visa is just printed as of today, December 20, 2010 and need to wait for 7 to 10 days to be delivered. Yehey!!!! :dance::dance::dance:We’re finally done with our visa journey. :dance:

I’m so thankful to vj site as well as vj members. Thank you so much guys. You’re all part of our journey. God bless you all!!!:D:D:whistle::whistle:

That was a really great description of your day, I am so happy it was approved and thank you for sharing!! Good Luck!