Some Useful Links

[July and Randy 0]

Free online passport photos made easy.

http://www.epassportphoto.com/Wizard.aspx?country=US&photo=0

[simplynice12 1]

http://cgifederal.force.com/

new link for scheduling of interview...

Thank you for the very useful links!

[marklovetina 52]

hi guys!

This link are for Pinay VJ members looking for friendship and same help to process their visa immigration here in USA, if bickering, vulgarity, drama, and other nonsense topics are not your cup of tea, there is another group where all that are pretty much frowned upon. These are mostly girls originally from PL who wants to have a group just like when PL started. Here you'll find help 24/7 without drama or negativity. It's called Happy Ladies and here's the link:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/211136955590279/

thank u!!!

[AlohaBabes 5]

this is the most recent version of the K1 form

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction%20Packet%20_3__rtf2_005.pdf

[DaRoq 36]

The links to the Embassy Letter have changed:

Visas > Immigrant Visas > Forms & Packets

K1/K2 Interview Preparation Instructions (English) (PDF - 287 KB)

K1/K2 Interview Preparation Instructions (Tagalog) (PDF - 296 KB)

[Robb&Ann 101]

No...

[Bugs 455]

For the NVC:

Checking on your embassy case number:

It will take 7 - 10 days business for NVC to receive your file from USCIS after you receive the NOA2, then another 2 - 5 business days for NVC to get your

file in there system and get the MNL # from USEM. Call after 4:45 PM eastern time for shorter wait times K1's are not tracked through the AVR, ever. They

are processed like an immigrant visa, but they are NOT immigrant visas, so they fall into a completely different class of their own. Therefore you need an

operator. To get there:

1-603-334-0700 Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time)

Press 1 for English

Press 5 for an operator

NVC CONTACT INFORMATION:

Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3177.html

E-mail: NVCInquiry@state.gov I highly recommend you email NVC for the MNL #, even if you call and get it, this will give you a correspondence from NVC

with the MNL # for future reference. The email request for your MNL # is also a great way to track when your file is forwarded to USEM as NVC will not

reply to the email until that time.

REQUIRED SECURITY INFORMATION:

You are required to provide the following security information with each inquiry to receive a case specific response:

* NVC Case Number or USCIS Receipt Number (Place in the subject line of the e-mail).

* Petitioner's name and date of birth.

( NOTE: If the visa petition is employment-based, include the employer's company/organization name instead of the petitioner's name and date of birth. )

* Principal Applicant's name and date of birth.

--- Use this site to check When your file ships from NVC to USEM: State Dept. visa tracking: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx?

Manila Embassy:

NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR MNL # (don't need to wait for the letter from the embassy )

(NOTE: When getting NSO certified copies of your Birth Certificate get a few extra copies for bringing to the States with you. You will need them from

time to time)

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023.html

Once you have your MNL # :

You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee with cash or debit card at any Bank of Philippine Islands. Before going to the bank, you must print the

applicable U.S. visa application deposit slip available below on this page. Take the printed deposit slip with you to pay your fee. If you print a deposit

slip in advance of the day in which you plan to make your payment, please take note of the expiration date on the deposit slip. If the expiration date

passes prior to using the slip to make your payment, simply return to this site and re-click the appropriate link below to generate a new deposit slip.

Bank agents will NOT accept payments based on expired deposit slips. Upon receiving of your payment, bank will issue you a receipt. Save your receipt. It

cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your receipt number.

http://ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-paymentinfo.asp

Select the deposit slip that matches your visa application fee from the list below. Values are shown in U.S. dollars and native currency. This page has

more information about the different visa application fees. (you may have to change the border from .75 to .25 for printing for it all to print on one page

(you can change the border by choosing page preview from the file menu), also some have been asked at BPI for three copies of the deposit receipt, why I

don't know)

http://ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visafeeinfo.asp

For K-1 the fee is $240

After you have paid the visa application fee, keep the BANK receipt for your records. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule

an appointment without your receipt number.

If you have an account with either Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) or BancNet you may choose to pay your visa application fee online using their online

bill pay services. Click on either of the links below if you are a BPI or BancNet customer and wish to make an online payment.

If you are paying for more than one applicant, please DO NOT make a lump sum payment for all the applicants. A UID/receipt number is required for each visa

application fee payment for EACH applicant for scheduling an appointment. After you have paid the visa application fee, please keep the fee receipt for

your records.

Receipt Format

Note: If you have a Bank of Philippine Islands receipt, your fee receipt number should be your passport number. If something other than your passport

number appears in the circled area on the graphic, use that information as your receipt number. This receipt number verifies your payment and allows you to

schedule your visa interview When scheduling online with the embassy you need to use the receipt number as shown on the payment receipt from BPI. You can

schedule the interview online or by calling the numbers listed below.

Scheduling Interview

Once you have registered you can then schedule the interview. If you have not received the letter from the embassy USEM will not schedule the interview on

the phone. I recommend scheduling your interview online as there are no issues do so, here is the link: https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/

Priorty Date ; this is not used by USEM with the K-1 visa. Just the same you can't leave the space blank so - - - You will not find the priority

date entered on the NOA2, you will only find it in the email from NVC when you get your MNL #, or the NOA1 itself (the received date). Odds are you could

use any date being its not used by USEM

LETTER FROM NVC WITH MANILA NUMBER or CONFIRMATION EMAIL FROM SCHEDULING ONLINE

When you get the letter from NVC stating the MNL #, scan and email a copy to your fiancee to bring to St. Luke's. Or simply forward the emmail from NVC

with the MNL # to your finacee. Or once you schedule the interview online and get the confirmation email from the embassy, bring copies of it to SLEC for

the medical.

Make sure to print three copies of the interview confirmation letter/page (if you scheduled online) as you will need two for St. Luke's and the other for

the embassy.

(open all of these links then save them to your bookmarks so you have them for easy access)

Embassy Instructions Letter

(This is the Instruction Letter from the Embassy - you need to complete everything listed here)

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3224.html

** The embassy instructions letter is 9 pages long!! MAP on page 8 for SLEC & USEM!!

_ When completing the forms do not leave any blanks, if the question doesn't apply put N/A or UNKN (UNKNOWN)

In English: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction_rtf2_rtf2_001.pdf

In Tagalog: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/K1instructionTag%20rtf3%20_2__rtf2_013.pdf

(The DS-156 can be difficult to complete sometimes, if you have issues try a different browser.)

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/

Information for meeting the Poverty Guidelines and using additional assets (it may be referring to the I-864 but its valid for the I-134 also):

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3183.html#22

Poverty Guidelines: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

Embassy (Manila) Phone Number (and email)

local number: 632-301-2000 extension 5184 or 5185 ( 011-632-301-2000 ext 5184 or ext 5185 )

(632) 982-5555 or (632) 902-8930.

** (214) 571-1600 or (646) 254-3546 (these are USA numbers)

NEW EMAIL ADDRESS

In order to serve our visa applicants more efficiently, we have created this new e-mail address: IVMNLAppointments@state.gov , for early appointment

requests and visa scheduling issues. Please note, however, that early appointment requests will be approved on a case to case basis (i.e., aging out

cases, or in cases involving personal or medical emergencies), and only if visa interview slots are available.

For other immigrant and K visa concerns, please send an e-mail to IVManilaReplies@state.gov

.

To enable us to electronically sort the messages and provide better, more timely responses, you should follow the instructions below.

The subject line of your email should indicate the visa applicants last name, first and middle name (ex. DOE, John James), case number/USCIS receipt

number, visa category and priority date.

Messages should be limited to 500 characters or less. The mail size should not be more than 15 KB.

Do not submit documentation or attachments with your message as our system is unable to receive inquiries with attachments.

Do not send your inquiry more than once as duplicate inquiries will congest our system and delay our response time.

Income and Co-sponsor

The petitioner's income MUST meet or exceed 125% of the I-864P poverty guidelines for the number of persons listed on the tax return plus those

petitioned for the K-1 visa. http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf This isn't horseshoes - close doesn't count.

Co-sponsors with the K-1 visa normally are not accepted at USEM, there have been exceptions but normally the embassy will deny the visa if a co-sponsor is

used to meet income requirements. Exceptions that have been accepted use a family member as the co-sponsor (a friend will not be accepted), use the I-864

along with the required I-134 (and supporting documents; tax return, W-2, pay stubs...) for Evidence of Support.

********

IN A HURRY?

Usually visas are printed and passports returned through 2GO in 7-10 days. If you need your passport soon and you will be staying in Metro Manila, it may

be a better idea to pick it up from the 2GO outlet at SM Mall of Asia. Passports are usually returned a day or two sooner.

If your visa has been approved, ask the consular officer for instructions on how to pick up your visa at Mall of Asia. theyll hand you a sheet of paper

with instructions, and youll be on your way!

Pick up your visa at MOA! -> -> http://blogs.usembassy.gov/philippines/?p=1533

********

INTERVIEW DAY: Remember no electronics are allowed in the embassy; no cell phones, no cameras, no memory stiks. And no food.

********

***

St. Luke's:

USEM recommends having the medical 7 - 10 days before the interview.

(GUYS if you are in the Phils with your Fiancee before the medical NO "personal" contact until AFTER St. Luke's is completed - as in KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS)

http://www.slec.ph/us-visa-applicants.shtml#required-docs

Have copies of passport bio page, copy of NVC letter when MNL# is assigned (I added this as SLEC has been asking for this letter or a letter from the

embassy that lists the assigned MNL #) confirmation page from scheduling interview online at embassy (or if the embassy mails a confirmation letter bring a

copy of that) (NVC Instructions Letter is for IR/CR-1 visa), and of course the 2X2 photos. (copy of annulment is asked for and a psychological evaluation

could be required if psychological incapacity is listed as the reason in the annulment)

PREREGISTER at St. Luke's website, it saves time when you arrive. http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/

Information from the embassy about the medical: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3218.html

The medical is normally a two day process, shots are given on the 2nd day.

~TB sputum notes; If you have to do the culture test, keep close track of the visa validity date (when you receive as it is tied to the initial medical

date, so you will be short of the 6 months, you may only have 90 to 120 days before the visa expires.

~TB treatement notes; If you have to do the 6 months of treatment you will have to pay for a second medical at completion.

***

CFO:

ALL exiting required to attend.

There have been changes regarding CFO so for sure read through their website.

Update: Please check the schedule of the counseling session before proceeding to CFO because it is country-specific and the slots are LIMITED; 15 per

session (two sessions per day) for Manila and 12 per session (only one session a day) for Cebu. It is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

CFO Online Registration Form: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/pdf/downloadable%20forms/registrationform.pdf Complete this and print a copy to bring to the CFO seminar, it will save you time. It has been posted recently that even if you complete the online form you will still be required to complete

another form at CFO... not sure why.

http://www.philembassy.no/sites/default/files/downloads/new_gcp_flyer.pdf

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348:fiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140

Required documents & "OTHER DOCUMENTS" they ask for at CFO: originals & copies of; CENOMAR (CEMAR and marriage certificate if married), certified birth certificate. Passport and copies of bio page of passport, visa page from passport, pictures together. From USC (copies of) - bio page of passport, birth certificate, divorce decree (if been married before) are the most common requests. The "other documents" clause can be ANYTHING with those nit-wits at CFO.

When you get to the 3rd floor, You'd be asked to fill up an Information Sheet. (Yes, you have to fill it up there, It's not the downloadable one on the CFO website.) Make sure you answer ALL questions/fields. Rendering this incomplete will be one of their criterias for you to be "HELD/ON HOLD" for one on one counseling.

Information Needed on the Form:

- Basic Information about you, the fiance(e)/spouse (Name, Address, Birthday, etc.; Your Birthplace is important too, specify which

city/town/area/province)

- Basic Information about your petitioner (Sometimes you are going to be asked for the Birth Certificate copy)

- FULL MAIDEN NAME of fiance(e)/spouse's MOTHER

- Contact person in the Philippines, specifically immediate family as in Father, Mother, Siblings.

- Landline Number of Petitioner. (I know, I know, most of you guys don't use landlines now. That's what was running through my mind too.) If no landline is

available, Landline of Petitioner's Nearest Relative or Petitioner's Neighbor.

- Petitioner's Educational Attainment, Degree/Course, Occupation

- Information on Petitioner's Divorce/Annulment/Death of previous wife or husband. You must have a copy of the Divorce Decree/Death Certificate.

- ZIPCODES. Both the petitioner and the beneficiary. Never forget to write those down.

** From the Family Code of the Philippines: it's 21-25 years old for advice and 18-21 years old for consent. (Some are posted on VJ that they were not

asked for this, yet others have been asked, so be prepared) Bring the ID of the parents, plus copies, postal ID should be adequate.

Examples (from Quezon City):

Advice of Parents: http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/parentadvice.pdf

Consent to Marry: http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/consenttomarriage.pdf

_ _ Additional CFO info:

Step 1 and 2 everyone there that day did. Step 3-7 is my wife's own individual experience that day after step 1 and 2.

1. Outside the CFO building everyone present that day was told to sign their online printed Registration form and paste one 2x2 photo onto it. (those that

did not have the printed online registration form had to fill out and sign one there and paste one 2x2 photo onto it,)

2. Go to Information Area where a guard asked them to leave 1 secondary Photo ID, then they were given a number, and instructed where to line up, and other

instructions etc.

3. Inside CFO hand in all photocopy of passport bio page, photocopy of visa, photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary, photocopy of CFO certificate. Same time

hand in Registration Form, passport with visa inside, original CFO Certificate.

5. Asked to give the second 2x2 photo which the CFO worker stapled to the stack of photocopies handed in in step 3.

6. Got CFO Sticker put inside passport and had original CFO Certificate stapled inside passport.

7. Secondary ID returned to owner when the individual returned the number to the guard at the information area in step 2.

TRACK YOUR VISA/PASSPORT AT THE EMBASSY

State Dept. visa tracking: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx? (not updated or as detailed as the USEM website)

Here is a link for requirements for receiving your passport with the visa, there are also options for tracking the status of your visa/passport is

currently. You can also change delivery options.

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-passportretrieve.asp#trackingoptions

If your application was temporarily refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you can now check the status of your application online.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/adminprocessing2.html

2GO CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR CHECKING DELIVERY

2Go customer service hotline (+632) 5287-136 is available Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

TRACK YOUR PASSPORT/VISA THROUGH 2GO

http://supplychain.2go.com.ph/CustomerSupport/etrace/index.asp Enter your MNL number or passport number or UID number off the embassy confirmation

letter (online confirmation page by bar code).

**

Travel Fees:

Travel Tax/Exit Fee for all those immigrating: 1620 Php (currently) Can be paid at the airport if its not included with the purchase of your airline

ticket. Counter is staffed 24/7 at NAIA

http://www.tieza.com.ph/pages-what-are-the-travel-tax-rates.php

Terminal/Airport Fee: 550 Php (currently)

POE Update

There has been a change regarding the I-94, you are no longer given this form during the flight to complete and turn in at Immigrations (POE).

Immigrations now stamps your passport and the I-94 is done electronically.

For you to get a copy of the I-94 for future requirements go this this website: http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-94_instructions/

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

What does the CEAC tracking website say when the embassy receives your case?

[Hank_ 9,171]

I believe it states READY, that is what I have read from others that use CEAC for tracking.

What did it state when you checked it?

[Ryan H 3,790]

Thread closed to additional discussion; pinned topics are meant for information and not general Q & A. If you have a question, please start your own thread.