Ray-J

luuuuucky!! good luck to ya, hope you all can make it outta there before they come up with some other bs way to squeeze more money out of ya. dont forget the 750php each for terminal fee to leave... made that mistake my first time leaving the PI and was a hassle to scrounge up the money, almost missed my flight.

Yeah, I made the same mistake here in January. The airline helped me out. I have that covered this time for all of us.

Good Luck Ray_J..I know its a trying time but You close!

Yep, so close now. CFO seminar is now done. Amy is cleared to leave. We ran into a couple who went through a CRBA with their child a while ago. We learned about a 3,000 Peso fee from Philippine Immigration for an exit stamp because Serena was born here, despite her being a USC. This is one thing that I didn't know about and didn't account for. Thankfully, my mother is with me and has my back. I just have to light a fire under some backsides at the embassy to get her papers and passport here before we leave.

what is this?

Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for US bound

one of the requirement for the CFO

I researched this requirement also. From what I've been able to find out, it's not required for a K-1 visa. It's only for couples who are married already.

Ray-J, Ouch on SM Bicutan 2go being out of business but "Hurray!!" for being able to pickup visa at embassy; very good news. Yes, have had the unfortunate experience of dealing with NSO and BCs for months on ende. Experience a bit different than yours so I can't provid any pertinent advice except to keep asking-and persistentlly--until you find some who can help you or seems to be able to provide the correct information. Hopefully, Ms. Guzman is that person. I am hoping it all works out for you and your family soon. --RK

Visa in hand now. Picked it up at the embassy but had to insist that I was told I could do so if I brought in the receipt. I also had to show my passport at the embassy. Ms. Guzman assured me again today that the embassy will accept a civil copy on security paper because they know the NSO is so slow and Serena is still so young. We'll see what happens on Friday. I'll keep everyone posted. In the mean time, I think we'll try to get the CFO seminar out of the way either tomorrow or Thursday (Tuesday here, now).

Ray J are you and your family coming back together? Through Chicago? Thats awesome if so. I would love to accompany my girlfriend and son from Russia but I guess I will be waiting for them in JFK =)

Well, that remains to be seen. We still have to go through Serena's CRBA interview on Friday. We're cutting it close because it takes two weeks to get an approved CRBA documentation and US passport to Manila from Phoenix. However, we now have Amy's visa in hand. I was able to pick it up from the embassy because Amy forgot the receipt from the visa fee. So, if you want to get your visa at the embassy, forget the visa payment receipt at home "accidentally." But, tell the person who helps you that you were told by the gentleman at window 46 that you could get it if you bring in the receipt. I'm going to state that I know I probably got really lucky by being able to pick it up at the embassy.

Okay, VJ'ers... here's where I'm at in the process now. As most of you might know already, we passed the embassy interview. We had specified for her visa to be held for pick-up at 2Go at SM Bicutan. However, when we went there to check on it we found out that location had gone out of business. This prompted me to make another trip to the embassy to inquire about our options. Amy forgot to bring her visa payment receipt to the interview, which they never asked for. This worked out in our favor because the embassy never sent out her visa for delivery due to no proof of payment. They told me that all we have to do is bring the receipt to them and we can pick-up her visa from the embassy. That was relief number 1 today.

I had a bit of frustration again with the NSO (National Statistics Office (for those not familiar with Philippine government)). We've been having issues getting Serena's birth certificate from them. The NSO says that her BC is in a verification period and that they wouldn't be able to release her BC until Nov. 22. The problem is that we're supposed to leave on Nov. 11 and Serena's CRBA interview is this coming Friday. When I was at the NSO this past Friday, they told me that if I came back with the civil copy they'd be able to release the BC. That proved to be false. I asked to speak to a supervisor. The supervisor I spoke with directed me to go back to Manila City Hall and speak to Ms. Aurora Guzman (very nice lady). She was the one who gave me hope that everything might actually come together. She said that the embassy knows how slow the process is in the Philippines and will accept a civil copy if it is printed on security paper. I had to pay an additional fee for copies on the security paper and was asked to return the next day. I'll be glad to be done with this 3-ring circus governmental system.

Okay, VJ'ers... here's where I'm at in the process now. As most of you might know already, we passed the embassy interview. We had specified for her visa to be held for pick-up at 2Go at SM Bicutan. However, when we went there to check on it we found out that location had gone out of business. This prompted me to make another trip to the embassy to inquire about our options. Amy forgot to bring her visa payment receipt to the interview, which they never asked for. This worked out in our favor because the embassy never sent out her visa for delivery due to no proof of payment. They told me that all we have to do is bring the receipt to them and we can pick-up her visa from the embassy. That was relief number 1 today.

I had a bit of frustration again with the NSO (National Statistics Office (for those not familiar with Philippine government)). We've been having issues getting Serena's birth certificate from them. The NSO says that her BC is in a verification period and that they wouldn't be able to release her BC until Nov. 22. The problem is that we're supposed to leave on Nov. 11 and Serena's CRBA interview is this coming Friday. When I was at the NSO this past Friday, they told me that if I came back with the civil copy they'd be able to release the BC. That proved to be false. I asked to speak to a supervisor. The supervisor I spoke with directed me to go back to Manila City Hall and speak to Ms. Aurora Guzman (very nice lady). She was the one who gave me hope that everything might actually come together. She said that the embassy knows how slow the process is in the Philippines and will accept a civil copy if it is printed on security paper. I had to pay an additional fee for copies on the security paper and was asked to return the next day. I'll be glad to be done with this 3-ring circus governmental system.

As one who's just completed the interview with his fiancee in Manila, age isn't an issue as long as both parties are over the age of consent.

Cute Lil Girl .....Ray_J!

Thanks, Tom. She's even cuter now.

Are the medicals and interview dates assigned or do you get to choose what dates you will have these on ?

Is there a time clock that starts ticking with you get the NOA2 ?

I am trying to extend our interview date because I just found out I can make another trip to see my financee.

I'm in Manila with my fiancee now and went through her interview with her. If you look on your NOA2, you'll see that it has a 4 month validity window. The interview needs to be done within that time frame unless the petition is extended. Extending the petition deadline is not a problem and is considered a routine process by the embassy. The interview is pre-scheduled, can be chosen based upon availability (either online when you register the visa fee as being paid or by calling the embassy) while the medical at St. Luke's Medical Extension Clinic is first come, first served. Ideally, the medical should be done at least 2 weeks prior to the interview. However, we didn't finish our medical until the day before the interview. SLMEC gave us a sealed envelope to give to the embassy during the interview. With that, we had no problems.

@John&GG: Double Hurray's (Hurray! Hurray!!) for passing interview!!

The reason I asked about CFO is that I saw (and responded) to your other post about CFO. Plus, if it helps, using tips from previous CFO attendees, Inday and I used following strategy: Inday went to CFO seminer loaded with every single document she brought to U.S. embassy interview plus my tax forms/transcripts (for my proof of singleness) plus my education transcripts. That strategy and a respectful attitude towards the CFO counselors helped considerably. Inday said the counselor took one look at the 4 pound pile of documentation she had brought--and the rest was easy.

Again, congrats on passing the interview. 'Tis a great feeling!!!

--RK

I wonder if the Letter of Intent to Marry would work in this situation; especially since it's addressed to the embassy.

GG passed her interview

The CFO thing I really don't know yet. She has to go back there.

Congrats to the hard head and you.

I have to do CRBA as well, Are you planning on getting a DNA test prior to the CRBA interview just in case the consulate decides DNA is the only way to prove if your daughter is yours? Just curious.

I've researched what labs the DOS uses and their fees and turn-around times. I have the money saved just in case they require it, but will not order it unless they consulate requires it. As with visa petitions, every case is different. In our case, Amy hasn't been with anyone else but me and this is her first child.

Congratulations Ray_J way to go! i am right behind you hopefully! Ray_J how did you apply for Serenas CRBA?

Thanks, Tom. By the way, where have you been all this time anyway? Serena's CRBA is pretty much a more straightforward process then what we've had to go through with USCIS/NVC/USEM. Although, you do need to make an appointment online by clicking here. As you might expect, there are a lot of documents that you have to gather. The burden is on the USC to prove paternity if the child is born out of wedlock. I have to prove the existence of a relationship prior to conception, physical presence at time of conception, provide medical records of Amy's pregnancy, a birth certificate on NSO paper, and... a signed affidavit of parentage and support. I've heard horror stories of some cases requiring a DNA test, but there's no doubt Serena is my daughter. They say it can take 2 weeks to get the paperwork, since it comes from Phoenix. I'm also applying for her first passport to make POE easier.

I have great news... APPROVED!!!!! :dance: The next step is Serena's CRBA interview on Nov. 2.

Immmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Backkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk!!!!! Congratulations to you both and ALL the May 2011 Filers that got approved!!! I see it is too Many to name individually But you know who you are!..........................Congratulations Ray_J on the Birth of your daughter Serena! Hope Amy and baby and ................YOU is doing ok! And to the others that havent got approved yet, Hang in there, its coming!

Thanks, Tom. I have even better news... APPROVED!!!!! :dance: The next step is Serena's CRBA interview on Nov. 2.

had the interview Friday at the usem and we got approved!!! i'm sure it really helped i was there for the interview, but i think even if i wanst she'd have been just fine. it was fast too.... we were only interviewed for maybe 3-4 minutes and then she told us congrats and good luck and wait for the visa to arrive. didnt ask for any pics, chat/phone records, paycheck stubs, tax forms, ect... hopefully we get the visa this week while i'm still here cause if so, she'll be coming back with me.

hopefully a few more will get interview's and approvals this week or next, cause this is a stressful process that shouldnt feel like waiting for the next Haley's comet.

Congrats!!! Our interview is on Tuesday. Where are you staying here? I'm in Taguig City at Acacia Estates. I have a rented condo. I hope and pray for our approval, too. Our case is a little more complicated due to the arrival of our daughter. She just turned 3 weeks old today. She's so precious. Her CRBA appointment is on Nov. 2nd. I'll keep everyone posted how things go.

GG passed her medical and now just has her interview left on the 20th. Oh and plane ticket since she spent nearly all of her money. >.<

Yeah, we're in the same situation due to Serena's early arrival. The money I sent Amy for the medical was spent on supplies for the birth. I have to cut the budget in half for our wedding ring set to pay for the medical. This is the last hurdle before the interview on the 18th. We plan on taking care of this tomorrow.

Man! Oh, man... I'd forgotten how long of a flight that was. I'm happy to say that we made it to Manila safely and that I've had a chance to hold my little angel. She is soooo precious. I'm also happy to be with my love, but haven't had much time to spend with her yet. She's been busy taking care of Serena. Amy's sister is here with us for the night tonight. I know we'll have plenty of time to get reacquainted.

Man! Oh, man... I'd forgotten how long of a flight that was. I'm happy to say that we made it to Manila safely and that I've had a chance to hold my little angel. She is soooo precious. I'm also happy to be with my love, but haven't had much time to spend with her yet. She's been busy taking care of Serena. Amy's sister is here with us for the night tonight. I know we'll have plenty of time to get reacquainted.

Well, friends... the time is finally here. In about 12 hours from now, I'll be getting ready to get in a van to take my mother and I to the airport. I've been preparing for this all day and I'm still not finished. Laundry is finally done. I'm just about finished packing everything. The car is mostly loaded up. Dishes still need to be finished, but only have a small amount to do. And, the last thing I need to do is sweep the floors. Then, it's off to the Chicago area where I'll wait at my mom's place for our ride. Oh, on top of that, I still have homework to do for school... and, it's due tomorrow night while I'm on the plane. I'm not going to be getting any sleep tonight. However, it'll help me adjust to the time difference. It's hard to believe that I'll be with my mahal soon.

Well, friends... the time is finally here. In about 12 hours from now, I'll be getting ready to get in a van to take my mother and I to the airport. I've been preparing for this all day and I'm still not finished. Laundry is finally done. I'm just about finished packing everything. The car is mostly loaded up. Dishes still need to be finished, but only have a small amount to do. And, the last thing I need to do is sweep the floors. Then, it's off to the Chicago area where I'll wait at my mom's place for our ride. Oh, on top of that, I still have homework to do for school... and, it's due tomorrow night while I'm on the plane. I'm not going to be getting any sleep tonight. However, it'll help me adjust to the time difference. It's hard to believe that I'll be with my mahal soon.

The interview went well I guess. There were no problems mentioned. All the questions went fine. They did not say if she got the visa or not. all they said was they have to process the paperwork and wait. They did take her passport. So I think that is a yes?

I would think so. Congratulations may be in order.

So guys....originals or copies of paystubs, NOAs and receipts for the interview??

At this point, I would make copies (or scan them into your computer) for yourself and send originals.

for those of you who's fiance(e) has already done the med exam in the PI, did your fiance(e) do the pre-registration via the slec website? mine did that and i'm just curious if it was at all a time saver or not? she's at her exam right now, hope i can get a text from her soon for an update. i can tell by chatting with her earlier she's a bit stressed, poor gal probably didnt hardly sleep a wink. sounded like she wasnt too fond of the area at all and said the lotus garden is pretty noisey. not sure if we'll stay there next week when we go for the interview...

I pre-registered Amy for her medical, but she hasn't gone yet. I think she's allowed by me to wait a while to go considering she just delivered our daughter. Our interview isn't until 10-18 anyway. I think we'll be fine as long as we get it done before the 72-hour mark prior to the interview. I'll be arriving in Manila late night on the 10th.

hello Ni-ing!

noticed you said "sending in packet 3 today". what does that mean? coz as far as i understood beneficiaries from the Philippines don't have to send anything to US Embassy Manila prior to interview. Everything will be submitted/hand delivered during the interview. or am i mistaken here? Or maybe it's different with BKK embassy?

anyone, please shed some light on this... please... I am preparing all my documents and taking all of them with me to interview. correct? Nothing to mail to embassy prior to my interview, right? Thanks everyone!

Yes, other embassies have different procedures. My guess is that all embassies will eventually do away with the packet 3 and adopt USEM's method. For Manila, nothing is mailed and should be brought with you to the interview.