tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73931508226596816862024-03-13T07:23:32.767-07:00US VISA US IMMIGRATION JOURNEYFilipina US Visa Experiences, Adjustment of Status (AOS), Removing Conditional Status, US Green Card, US Immigration, US Citizenship, US Embassy, Philippine Embassy and Anything Related to Immigration.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger20125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-2726091896701914402009-12-15T22:08:00.000-08:002017-12-04T11:50:08.578-08:00New Site<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="Apple-style-span">Hi! Our Site Has Moved. We are now self-hosting at <a href="http://www.visaapplicationusa.com/">http://www.visaapplicationusa.com</a><br />
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See You There! </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-38030733005134816422009-10-20T09:28:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.234-08:00My U.S Naturalization TimelineBelow is <span style="font-weight: bold;">my</span> U.S. Citizenship Application Timeline. All applications have different timelines. Your application might be process faster or slower compared. It's a case to case basis.<br /><br />05-15-09: Mailed N-400 Application to Lewisville, TX<br />05-18-09: Delivered to TX Service Center (USPS tracking)<br />05-20-09: Application Check Payment was cashed out<br />05-26-09: Received NOA (Receipt) from USCIS dated 05-20-09<br />06-06-09: Received NOA Biometrics Schedule 06-12-09 USCIS Atlanta<br />10-06-09: Citizenship Interview USCIS Atlanta<br /><br />Passed and had sworn in as United States Citizen right after the interview.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-76773391018568062082009-05-14T03:57:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.280-08:00U.S Citizen Petitioner: Requirements in Filing K-1 visa<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-17216839848074330732009-05-14T03:52:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.204-08:00Tips For K-1 Visa Applicant<font size="2">If you are thinking of possibly applying for a K-1 Visa, and find this, you probably have questions about the K1 Visa process. It all starts with your initial filing.</font>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-21463323501454247412009-05-13T09:21:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.222-08:00Helpful LinksCheck out these helpful links to get more information about the U.S. Visa and Citizenship Process. Most links are for Philippines to USA processing. I will add more links soon.<br /><br />1. <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/" target="_blank">http://www.uscis.gov</a> - U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Website<br /><br />2. <a href="http://travel.state.gov/" target="_blank">http://travel.state.gov</a>- US State Department (Office of the Secretary of State) - Instructions, FAQ's, etc. for various visas<br /><br />3. <a href="http://manila.usembassy.gov/" target="_blank">http://manila.usembassy.gov</a>- Embassy of the United States in Manila, Philippines<br /><br />4. <a href="http://www.cfo.gov.ph/" target="_blank">http://www.cfo.gov.ph</a> - Commission on Filipinos Overseas (Pre-Departure Registration and Orientation Seminar)<br /><br />5. <a href="http://www.vitalrec.com/" target="_blank">http://www.vitalrec.com</a> - To obtain birth certificates in the USA<br /><br />6. <a href="https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/frmIndex.asp" target="_blank">https://www.ecensus.com.ph/Secure/frmIndex.asp</a> - request online birth, marriage, death certificate or CENOMAR.<br /><br />If you know some more helpful website for U.S. Visa and Citizenship Processing, please leave links in the comment section.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-87971328440148518302009-05-13T03:37:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.294-08:00The K-1 or Fiance' Visa Application ProcessIf you and your fiance' have decided to apply for K-1 Visa, you need to review the K-1 Fiance' Visa eligibility requirements and make sure that you are eligible. The K-1 Fiance' Visa allows the foreign fiance' of a U.S citizen to legally enter the United States of America in order to get married. A K-1 Visa holder has 90 days to get married in the U.S.<br /><br /><u>Steps in Obtaining a K-1 Fiance' Visa</u><br />1. The U.S Citizen files a Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Form I-129F, with the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office that serves the area where he lives.<br /><br />2. Once the I-129F is approved, the Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), Form I-129F, is sent to the Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) and it will be processed and will be forwarded to the corresponding US Embassy and Consulate where the foreign fiancé(e) will apply for a K-1 Nonimmigrant visa.<br /><br />3. The National Visa Center sends the foreign fiance' a follow-up application and further instructions. He or she will fill up some forms like Form DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application, Form DS-156K Supplement to Form DS-156 and Form DS-230 Application for Immigrant Visa and Alien Registration. The forms and instructions that NVC sends and their requirements varies a bit among consulates.<br /><br />4. The foreign fiance(e) fills out some more forms and present them during his/her interview at the U.S consulate in his/her home country. He or she will also have a medical exam before his/her interview appointment.<br /><br />5. Once the K-1 Fiance' Visa is approved, the foreign fiance' may enter up to into the United States within 6 months of the issue date. The K-1 Fiance' Visa is good for only one entry.<br /><br />6. Once the foreign fiance is in the United States, you have 90 days to get married.<br /><br />The next step after the marriage is the Adjustment of Status Application using Form I-485, for the K-1 Visa holder to become a permanent resident.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-65530682194328532412009-04-04T17:01:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.263-08:00Documents To Bring During K-1 Visa Interview<font style="color: rgb(0, 153, 0);"></font>Here are the list of documents you need to bring at the U.S Embassy during your Fiance' (K-1) Visa Interview. Please note that I base this list from my own experience, please check out the U.S Immigration website for the most recent requirements.<br /><br />1. For Applicant's Personal Identification<br />1.1. Birth certificate - make sure that you got the original birth certificate, or a certified true copy from the National Statistic Office.<br />1.2. Valid passport<br />1.3. CENOMAR - Certificate of No Marriage from the National Statistic Office.<br />1.4. NBI Clearance<br /><br />1.5. 2 Form DS 156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application)<br />1.6. 1 form DS 156K<br />1.7. 2 copies of form DS 157<br />1.8 Divorce or death certificate of any previous spouse for both the applicant and the petitioner<br /><br />DOCUMENTS FROM PETITIONER<br /><blockquote>A. <a href="http://www.visapro.com/Download/INS-Form-I-134.pdf" target="_blank">Evidence of financial support (Form I-134, Affidavit of Support )</a> *NOTARIZED<br />B. EMPLOYEMENT LETTER<br />C. INCOME TAX RETURN<br />D. BANK STATEMENT<br />E. <i>Divorce or death certificate of any previous spouse for both the applicant and the petitioner</i><br /></blockquote><br /><br />EVIDENCE OF MEETING<br /><blockquote>A. PICTURES<br />B. RECEIPTS<br />C. BOARDING PASS<br />D. REMITTANCES</blockquote><br />EVIDENCE OF ENGAGEMENT<br /><blockquote>A. RECEIPT OF ENGAGEMENT RING<br />B. PICTURES</blockquote>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-73238823706417201742009-03-15T12:51:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.275-08:00My Removing Conditions of Residency TimelineWithin the ninety (90) days before the expiration of your two-year Conditional Green Card, you can submit your applications for the removal of the conditional basis of your permanent resident status. Following the instructions in Form I- 751, we sent our at USCIS Texas Service Center.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">My I-751 Removing Conditions Timeline</span><!--sizec--><!--/sizec--><br /><br />4- 18- 08 - Sent I-751 Application to USCIS Texas<br />4- 23- 08 - USCIS Received Our Application (Domestic Return Receipt)<br />4- 29 -08 - Case Transferred to Vermont Service Center (USCIS Website)<br />5- 07- 08 - Received Biometric Appointment<br />5- 13- 08 - Received letter Green Card 1 yr extension<br />5- 17- 08 - Biometrics (Atlanta, GA)<br />3- 05- 09 - Received email from USCIS, card production ordered<br />3- 10- 09 - Received postal mail from USCIS, application APPROVED<br />3- 12- 09 - Received 10 years Green Card through postal mail<br /><br />This new green card is valid for 10 years.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-64324302861400281942009-02-14T11:29:00.000-08:002016-01-30T05:42:10.255-08:00Our K-1 Visa JourneyMy sweetheart and I did not hire a lawyer for our K-1 Visa Application. The K-1 Fiance' Visa process seems long because of the amount of paperwork and forms to submit. Add the number of appointments and the waiting period, the process can be daunting. But guess what? The K-1 Fiance' Visa process is really not hard. You can do entire K-1 Visa process without an immigration lawyer. I know several Filipino-American couples who done their application themselves too. The K-1 Fiance' Visa process is simple and easy to follow. You just have to comply with the requirements and be organize with yourself to keep a good track of the documents and steps involved in the process. You also need to make sure that you have ALL the documents required for your case. Some K-1 Visa applicants were put under AR or Administrative Review because of insufficient documents. That's why it is great to be resourceful, read and learn more about the process. If your case is complicated and if you don't have much time to do all the work, then it is best for you to get an immigration lawyer.<br /><br />Couples who are undergoing the K-1 Visa Journey can do research online to learn more about the whole process. The <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/" target="_blank">U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website</a> has the detailed instructions about the different application and the requirements. VisaJourney.com has a very helpful post about the <a href="http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=k1guide%20http://www.immihelp.com/visas/kvisa/k1-fiance-visa-application-process.html" target="_blank">Step-by-Step Guide on How to File for a K-1 Visa for your Foreign Fiance(e) </a><br /><br />During our K-1 Visa processing, I read a lot and searched a lot online. I found awesome forums where I can relate to other K-1 Visa applicants and compare our timeline. Though I know that every case is unique and that timelines are case to case basis, it feels good to connect and relate to fellow applicants. There are a lot things that I learned from them, especially from those Filipinas or couples who are ahead of us in the processing time. Learning about their K-1 visa journey has help me checked what other documents I might need, and what possible questions I'd get, learned about different issues and the possible scenarios that I "might" also go through. It was kind of funny because I gather other documents that I am not sure needed. Why? because I heard it from other applicants that some Filipino interviewer asked them about it, like Baptismal certificate and other stuff so I have mine ready. You can never be too prepared because when you want something so bad, you sometimes get scared to hear bad news. But it's great to have the documents that you "might" need, than not have it and need it.<br /><br /><iframe src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=philippines-20&o=1&p=8&l=as1&asins=1413300359&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=336699&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px; width: 120px; height: 240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe> The NOLO book Fiance' & Marriage Visas, A Couple's Guide to U.S. Immigration written by Attorney Ilona Bray has helped us a lot. My now husband, brought me a copy when he visited me in the Philippines. It was a big help for us, especially the line-by-line Instructions for K-1 Fiance' Visa Petition Forms and the other forms needed for the entire K-1 Visa Process. There's probably a newer edition of the book now.<br /><br />There were days that I got nervous, especially when I read "sad" news about other applications. But, I just remained positive about my case. When your relationship is genuine and your intentions are real, you already won half the battle. You just have to gather and organize all the proofs, and politely comply with the requirements. In short, there's nothing to worry about.<br /><br />Our K-1 Visa application was approved more than 6 months later. The U.S Embassy in Manila, Philippines sent my K-1 Fiance'(e) visa through Delbross mail. I got my Fiance'(e) Visa three days after my interview. You can read about my <a href="http://usimmigrationjourney.blogspot.com/search/label/K-1%20Visa%20Interview%20Experience">K-1 Visa Interview experience at Manila U.S. Embassy</a> and some of my <a href="http://usimmigrationjourney.blogspot.com/2008/05/tips-for-k-1-visa-applicants-during.html">Tips for K-1 Visa Applicants During Interview</a> and documents organization. I hope those will help you in your journey. Good luck!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-80773836992963802332009-02-14T04:05:00.000-08:002016-01-30T05:42:10.289-08:00Sample Letter of Intent To MarryDuring our Petition For Alien Fiance(e) processing, I remember myself and my then fiance' submitted a letter of intent to marry. You can read it in the I-129F General Instructions, #5. part B that says; <span style="font-family:courier new;">"Provide original statements <span style="font-weight: bold;">from you and your fiancé(e)</span> whom you plan to marry within 90 days of his or her admission, and copies of any evidence you wish to submit to establish your mutual intent; and."</span> You can check the most recent instruction for <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-129Finstr.pdf%20date:">Form I-129F, Petition For Alien Fiance'(e) here.</a><br /><br />Here is our Sample Letter of Intent to Marry. The body of our letter of intent is very simple. We wrote almost similar letter of intent. You can make it <span style="font-weight: bold;">a bit</span> longer. Maybe state your intention why and when do u plan to marry. It's up to you. I think the letter of intent is more into you and your fiance'(e) intends to marry upon the issuance of your K-1 visa, and that you intend to marry within the 90 days of the foreign fiance'(e)'s entry into the United States.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sample Letter of Intent To Marry</span> Fiance'(e).<br /><br />********<br />Date<br />Address (<span style="font-style: italic;">of the Petitioner or the foreign fiance'(e)</span>)<br /><br /><br />United States Department of Homeland Security<br />U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Address of the USCIS office </span><br /><br /><br />Dear Sir/ Madam:<br /><br /><br />I, <u>(<span style="font-style: italic;">U.S citizen petitioner OR foreign fiance's name</span>) </u>, do hereby state that I am legally able and willing to marry my fiance'(e) <u>(<span style="font-style: italic;">U.S citizen petitioner OR foreign fiance's name</span>)</u>, and intend to do so within 90 days of <u style="font-style: italic;">his/her OR my</u> arrival into the US using the K-1 visa.<br /><br /><br />Truly yours,<br /><br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">signature here</span>)<br />( printed name)<br /><br /><br />*****<br /><u style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Note</u>: Some couples had their letter(s) of intent <span style="font-weight: bold;">notarized</span> and I heard some couples did not. In our case, we just signed our letters and that was it.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-82511675694346436052009-02-07T06:55:00.000-08:002016-01-30T05:42:10.291-08:00Sample Cover Letter: Petition To Remove Condition of ResidenceBelow is a sample cover letter for Petition to Remove Conditional Status applicant. Please note that this sample cover letter for Petition to Remove Conditional Status is not required but in case you want to submit one for your application, this sample below is similar to what we submitted during our application process. I highlighted most of the things that you need to change. Letters printed in red, should be personalized.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sample Cover Letter: Petition To Remove Condition of Residence</span><br /><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Mr. and Mrs. ____</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Your Address</span><br /><br /><br /><br />U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">The Service Center that is assigned to accept applicants from your area</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Address of the Service Center</span><br /><br /><br />Dear Sir/ Madam:<br /><br /><br />Enclosed please find Form I-751, <span style="font-weight: bold;">Petition to Remove Condition on Residence</span> for my <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">wife</span>, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Name of Applicant</span>, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">A# ____</span>. My <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">wife </span>entered the U.S. on a fiancee visa. <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Her</span> conditional residence is based on our marriage and we are filling this petition together.<br /><br />We are enclosing the following:<br /><br /><ul><li><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">$</span>_____ Check payment for the Application and Biometrics Service Fee</li><li>Form I-751 Petition to Remove Conditions on Residence</li><li>Copy of <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">wife's first name</span>'s (Conditional) Permanent Residence Card</li><li>Copies of our Passport</li><li>Copies of our Identification Cards showing the same address of residence </li><li>Copies of our Drivers License<br /></li><li>Copies of our Joint Tax Return for 2006 and 2007</li><li>Copies of recent statements of our Joint Savings and Checking Accounts</li><li>Copies of my Life Insurance Policies showing my <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">wife</span> as the beneficiary</li><li>Copies of our Health Insurance cards</li><li>Copies of some postal mail correspondence from family and friends</li><li>Some of our pictures over the past two years</li><li>Notarized affidavits sworn to by my parents<span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);"></span> knowledge about our marriage<br /></li></ul><br />Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents and we agree to submit original documents at a later date, if required.<br /><br /><br /><br />Sincerely yours,<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(signature over printed name)</span><br />Name of Husband <br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">(signature over printed name)</span><br />Name of Wife, <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">A# _________</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-25036678084683326392008-05-14T06:19:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.227-08:00Guest MessagesThank you for visiting. I'm not so sure why and how you reach my <a href="http://usimmigrationjourney.blogspot.com/">U.S. immigration journey</a> blog but I am happy and very thankful that you are here. I hope you find our site useful. This blog welcomes all questions, suggestions and helpful comments. Please leave a message. I'd love to know and hear from my visitors but if you'd rather stay anonymous that's alright. Just know that I am happy for your visit.<br /><br />If you're one of my beloved kababayans, <span style="font-style: italic;">salamat po sa pagbisita. Sana makilala ko kayo at magkakwentohan tayo paminsan-minsan. Pagpalain Nawa!</span><br /><br /><!-- BEGIN CBOX - www.cbox.ws - v001 --><div id="cboxdiv" style="text-align: center; line-height: 0pt;"><br /><div><iframe src="http://www6.cbox.ws/box/?boxid=167897&boxtag=64e66l&sec=main" marginheight="2" marginwidth="2" allowtransparency="yes" name="cboxmain" style="border: 1px solid rgb(219, 226, 237);" id="cboxmain" scrolling="auto" width="500" frameborder="0" height="505"></iframe></div><br /><div><iframe src="http://www6.cbox.ws/box/?boxid=167897&boxtag=64e66l&sec=form" marginheight="2" marginwidth="2" allowtransparency="yes" name="cboxform" style="border-style: none solid solid; border-color: -moz-use-text-color rgb(219, 226, 237) rgb(219, 226, 237); border-width: 0px 1px 1px;" id="cboxform" scrolling="no" width="500" frameborder="0" height="75"></iframe></div><br /></div><br /><!-- END CBOX -->Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-2847090002994884402008-05-10T12:13:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.230-08:00Application For Removal of Conditional Resident StatusIf you come in the United States through K1 Visa, known as the Fiancee Visa, after your wedding you need to apply for your Adjust of Status using Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence. You can download application forms from the official <a style="color: rgb(102, 102, 204);" href="http://www.uscis.gov/" target="_blank">U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services website</a><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 153);">.</span> You can also download the instructions and the checklist as your guide in filling up the forms. You need to submit your application to the USCIS Service Center that handle applications from your resident address. You can find that in the form too. Then, you will have to have another Biometrics. Don't worry they will send you a letter for this, as to when and where. You may be called for an interview too. If your Adjustment Of Status (AOS) application is approved, you will be given a Green Card under Conditional status. That conditional resident card is good for two years. You can renew that card and submit your application ninety (90) days before it's expiration date. If you will be approved, your new Green Card or new Permanent Resident Card is good for ten (10) years.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-54826682586576216662008-05-07T10:39:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.246-08:00About UsHello! Welcome to our <a href="http://usimmigrationjourney.blogspot.com/">US immigration journey</a> blog. I am from Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines. My dear husband is a natural-born U.S citizen. We met in 2004, fell in love and started our K-1 Visa Process on May 2005. I arrived in the United States five days before Valentines day 2006. We got married on the third day of March 2006. I got sworn in as a United States Citizen last October 2009.<br /><br />When my sweetheart and I were just starting our paper works for my K-1 Visa, we were searching different information about the whole K-1 Visa process. I remember myself reading some amazing web sites that helpful people, who have gone through the whole K-1 Visa process<span style="font-style: italic;">,</span> have put together. Learning about their experiences, reading helpful tips and knowing the possible scenarios have somehow helped us in the process.<br /><br />This site contains information about our experiences, our application timelines (K-1 visa, Adjustment of Status, Removing Conditional Status, N-400 Naturalization), and links to visa information sources that we found useful and more online resources for my beloved <span style="font-style: italic;">kababayans.</span> We are hoping that we can pass all the help we can give by sharing our experiences to others who are now undertaking the same journey.<br /><br />I am the sole author of this blog and I am not very good in using proper English grammar. Sometimes I ask my husband if my English grammar is correct or not and when I do, he helps me a lot. But I don't bug my hard-working husband all the time. In most instances, I just go ahead and write things. So please excuse any grammar mistakes.<br /><br />Anyways, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions that I might be able to help. I would love to hear from you. I would also appreciate any helpful comments and suggestions. My husband and I both wish you all the best. May the good Lord Bless us all and grant the desires of our heart. Keep the faith burning!<br /><br />Thank You For Visiting and I hope you come back often.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-6285829447532010962008-05-04T12:12:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.250-08:00Tips for K-1 Visa Applicants During InterviewGetting anxious for your big day? Don't be nervous. The best thing to do is to have the right preparation. What preparation? Your documents and yourself. Just relax and try to make the Filipino Interviewer and the Consul happy with how you organize your necessary documents.<br /><br />Before you go to the U.S Embassy for your Fiance' (K-1) Visa Interview,<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">1. make sure you have all your documents, and make sure you have your documents neat, well organized, and presentable;</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">2. you can use side tabs </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;">(color coded or not)</span><span style="font-family:courier new;"> for easy reference.</span><br /><br />Before you face the US Consul, you will be called first in the Filipino Interviewers booth. When you get to the Filipino interviewer window,<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">3. Smile and greet your interviewer</span><span style="font-family:courier new;">.<br /><br /></span>Nothing better than a confident, warm smile. The Filipino interviewer is going to check all the needed documents.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">4. It will help you if you will have all my needed documents compiled in a </span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;">flexible plastic folder</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:courier new;">. </span><br /><br />Why does the folder have to be flexible? There is a glass between you and the interviewer and there is only a foot long and thin open slot <span style="font-style: italic;">(at the bottom of the glass)</span> where you will pass your documents. It's thin enough for only papers and flexible plastics to go through. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span style="font-family:courier new;">5. </span><span style="font-family:courier new;">Organize your documents well. Separate them by categories, for easy access. Stack all your identification documents, another group would be the proof of your relationship, and all the financial documents together.<br /><br /><br />6. Stack your documents well, possibly thin, maybe maximum thickness would be half an inch thick.</span> <span style="font-family:courier new;">Don't stack it too thick, remember the slot of the window is thin. If you can't help make them thinner, you can separate them, make 2 folders instead, just remember to stack them by category.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">7. </span><span style="font-family:courier new;">Do not use a thick and hard side binders because it will <span style="font-weight: bold;">never</span> go through</span><span style="font-family:courier new;">. Use button fasteners, instead of long fasteners or straight folder sliders</span>.<br /><br />I saw some applicants there had to take it off from their folders so that they can pass it to their Filipino interviewer.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">8. Another thing, have your pictures ready. Don't give the entire photo album, remember that it won't pass through the slit of the window glass. </span><br /><br />You don't want to annoy your interviewer for waiting on you taking your photos off your albums one by one. Some of them get annoyed or grumpy. I saw a lot of applicants that done that and some of them had a <span style="font-style: italic;">"not so"</span> pleasant experience from their interviewer.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">9. Most importantly, make sure that you got <span style="font-weight: bold;">all</span> the needed documents. Some applicants are put in AR </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:courier new;">(Administrative Review)</span><span style="font-family:courier new;"> because they lacked important documents.</span><br /><br />When all your documents are ready, the Filipino interviewer is going to tell you to wait for your number to be called. That's for your consul interview.<br /><br />When your number is called, they will tell you which room number to go. <span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br /></span><span><span style="font-family:courier new;">10. Smile and greet the consul</span></span><span style="font-family:courier new;">. </span><br /><br />He's going to make you take an oath, before the interview is going to start. You will see that the consul is holding your documents (those that you submitted to the Filipino interviewer). The consul also has the documents submitted by your sweetheart during his petition. Why I know? Because during my interview, the consul showed it to me. I had a wonderful consul interviewer, told me that he was impressed by the organization of my documents, and by how my sweetheart organized his. (He showed me that documents submitted by my then fiance').<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">11. When the consul ask you questions, don't be nervous. </span><br /><br />There's really nothing to worry about. Just relax and be truthful. The more you get nervous, the more you might mess up.<br /><br /><span style="font-family:courier new;">12. Remember important dates and information that were on your forms. </span><br /><br />The Consul will ask questions about you, your fiance' and your relationship. Some Consuls are going to ask more questions, while others will just ask 3 or 4. In my case, the consul only asked me 3 questions. I heard other applicants were asked a lot of questions by their assigned Consul. I think your paperwork helps a lot. Show them that you really mean business. Give them a Complete, Well-Organized documents along with the genuineness of your relationship and intentions.<br /><br />Most of the time, the U.S Consul will not tell you if you pass or not. On his table, he has two (2) kinds of stickers. One for approve, one for AR. Take a peek as to which sticker he's holding. He's not going to give that sticker to you, he will stick it to your folder, after the interview. If the U.S embassy is still using the same color codes of their sticker, green means passed.<br /><br />If you miss which sticker the Consul got for you, you will know that you passed the interview later. When you're done with your interview with the consul, he will tell you to go wait for your number to be called and go to another Window. That window is going to give you back some of your documents, like pictures and others. If the personnel of that window is going to give you a pink slip, and will tell you to pay at the cashier, it only means that you passed.<br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br /><br /><br /><u><br /></u>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-66368210348436296152008-05-01T08:41:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.271-08:00My AOS TimelineHere's my Adjustment of Status Timeline (US Immigration). Please note that AOS timeline is not the same for everyone. It's a case to case basis.<br /><br />After our wedding, the immigration paperworks continues. It's time to adjust status and be able to get the United States resident card. My sweetheart and I prepared all the papers and finished all the required shots that are required <span style="font-style: italic;">( Tetanus Dyphteria and MMR)</span>. Those were the two shots that weren't given at St. Luke Hospital Extension, Philippines and are required for me to get here in the USA. I am posting my adjustment of status timeline for reference to those who are also applying for their adjustment of status. In our case, I was not interviewed anymore. After my biometrics, the USCIS service center just sent me my US green card. I know some Filipina's who were interviewed, and there were also some that were not interviewed. I guess it depends on who's handling your case. For those who were interviewed, I heard that The US Immigration Services send them <span style="font-style: italic;">(applicant)</span> a letter and set appointment time for interview and location.<br /><br />We sent our application to Chicago. It was forwarded to Missouri Service Center and then forwarded to California Service Center.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;">My AOS Timeline:<br /></span>2-09-2006 Arrived in the US (POE: Detroit)<br />3-03-2006 Wedding day<br />3-15-2006 Applied for SSN under Married Name<br />4-03-2005 Sent AOS Applications<br />4-14-2006 Received AOS 1st NOA (Receipt Notice)<br />4-17-2006 Received AOS 2nd NOA (Biometrics Appointment Notice)<br />4-20-2006 Received Social Security Card<br />4-25-2006 Biometrics (USCIS Atlanta, GA)<br />6-03-2006 Received Notice of Transfer to California<br />6-15-2006 Received Case Status Email that Application been APPROVED!<br />6-16-2006 Received Case Status Email that Welcome Notice was mailed<br />6-19- 2006 Received Welcome Notice by Mail<br />6-22-2006 Received Green CardUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-7852974881886046712008-04-30T07:55:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.287-08:00Sample Adjustment of Status Cover LetterHere is a sample of our Adjustment Of Status (AOS) cover page when we submitted our Adjustment of Status application to The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I posted this here for reference hoping that this would give other Adjustment Of Status applicants an idea as to what paperworks they need to submit. <span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: italic;">Be sure to check the USCIS website for the most recent updates of requirements and fees.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">I- 485 APPLICATION TO ADJUST STATUS</span><br />Applicant: (Married Name )<br />Applicant's Alien Number<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span>CONTENTS<br /></span></span></div><br /><u>For Payments</u>:<br />Payment Check of $395.00 as payment for the Adjustment of Status Application and the Biometric Service Fees <span style="font-style: italic;">(<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">note</span>: please check USCIS website for fee updates)</span><br /><br /><u>Form I-485 and supporting documents</u><br />2 passport-style photos of applicant<br />· Copy of I-797 Notice of Action, Approval Notice<br />· Original Marriage Certificate<br />· Copy of Applicants Birth Certificate<br />· Copy of Applicant’s Passport biographic page<br />· Copy of Applicant’s Visa<br />· Copy of Applicant’s Valid Form I-94<br />· Copy of U.S Department of State Vaccination Document received at medical exam<br />· Copy of Vaccination Record Card (I got my TD shots at Health Dept for free)<br />· I-693 Vaccination Supplement Form(USCIS authorized doctors given in sealed envelope. Never open it)<br /><br /><u>Form G- 325A, Biographic Data Sheet of Applicant and supporting documents</u><br />· Copy of Applicant Certificate of No Marriage<br />· Form G-325A of U.S Citizen Spouse<br />· 2 passport-style Photos of the U.S Citizen Spouse<br />· Copy of U.S Citizen Spouse’s U.S Passport<br />· Copy of U.S Citizen Spouse’s Birth Certificate<br />· Copy of U.S Citizen Spouse’s Divorce Decree (if divorce)<br /><br /><u>Form I-864, Affidavit of Support completed by the U.S Citizen Spouse and supporting documents</u><br />· U.S Citizen’s Spouse Evidence of Employment<br />· Copies of U.S Citizen Spouse Income Tax returns for 2005, 2004, and 2003<br />· Copies of U.S Citizen Spouse w-2<br />· Copies of U.S Citizen Spouse Recent Pay Stub<br />· Letter from the Bank<br /><br /><br />Prepared by:<br /><br />(<span style="font-style: italic;">Signature Above Printed Name</span>)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-194840486944401172008-04-29T06:06:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.213-08:00K-1 Visa Interview Experience at the US Embassy (Manila, Philippines)Here is my US Embassy Interview Experience at Manila Philippines.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Interview Date: January 17, 2006</span><br /><br />I stayed in Lotus Garden Hotel in Ermita. It is probably 10 minutes taxi ride from the U.S Embassy in Manila, Philippines. I stayed there too during my Medical Exam which was held a week before the interview. I liked the hotel because aside from being nice and tidy, the hotel service was also great. It is also close to the venue of the medical exam, just one block from St. Luke Extension building where they do the Medical exam for all the U.S. Visa Applicants. Some U.S. Visa applicants stayed in Miramar hotel (located opposite the US Embassy).<br /><br />I was getting ready for the my big appointment around 3 o' clock in the morning. I figured the embassy would be crowded. I arrived outside the Manila U.S. embassy around 3:40 am and I was right, there were so many people already, waiting in line and some sitting. I heard some of them were already there as early as 2 o' clock in the morning.<br /><br />Before the security guards let us inside the embassy waiting shed, they checked our Appointment letter and Valid ID (with picture). He checked the applicants appointment time too and guided us which line to join. US. Visa applicants were arranged according to their appointment time.<br /><br />We were sitting on the waiting shed until around 6:30 as our appointment time set. When the U.S. Embassy finally opened, another guard checked our appointment letter and Valid ID (with picture). Yes! AGAIN. Upon entering inside the embassy building, we went through a scanner. We were told to turn off our cellphones and were asked to deposit phones to a counter. Those that left their cellphones on the counter were given a claim stub to claim it later after the interview. I didn't have to fight the crowd there because I already knew that I had to leave my phone in the counter <span style="font-style: italic;">(from reading other applicant's experiences online)</span>. I heard it takes longer to get it back because if there are many applicants that leave their cellphones, you'll have to wait in line again. That's why I didn't bring my cellphone. I left it in my hotel room.<br /><br />Inside the Immigrant Visa Room, we were lining up at the ticket booth area. There, we showed our appointment letter, DS 156,DS157, and DS156K and the proof of payment; the assigned stuff asked for my passport and I told him that the crew at Saint Luke's Extension took it when I had my medical appointment (<span style="font-style: italic;">it is part of St. Luke process that they get applicants passport and will forward it to the embassy</span>). Another U.S. Embassy staff at the entrance took the 2 sets of DS 156 and 157 (<span style="font-style: italic;">stapled sets A and B</span>) and DS 156K. I am thankful that my forms were completely filed up because some applicants recieved back their forms and were to fill up the missing lines and that caused delays for minutes.It made their processing and wait longer.<br /><br />We were asked to sit down and wait for our name to be called at either Window X or Y. The Manila U.S. Embassy used Overhead speakers in paging for our name and directed us which window to go. I was given my appointment number stub. That time, I and the rest of the applicants had to stay focused on the monitor where they flash numbers along with the cubicle number in which applicant need to go. We were all focused on the monitor because the numbers were not flashed or called in order. The flashing boards is located in front where all applicants are asked to sit down.<br /><br />The various cubes that we need to go were manned by Filipino interviewers. There's a flat-paneled glass between you and the interviewer. The Filipino interviewer checks and decides whether or not our papers are complete. They don’t make the final decisions, but they do forward their reports to the consul. All Visa applicants will pass them first, before applicants can face the U.S consuls.<br /><br />When it was my turn, the Filipina US Embassy interviewer asked me to hand her over our pictures, emails, cards I've received from my fiance', my Birth Certificate, NBI Clearance, Affidavit of Support(notarized), W-2&1040 forms(<span style="font-style: italic;">I've given my fiance's last three years</span>). As I handed her my documents she asked me few questions like;<br /><ul><li>my name</li><li>my petitioner's name</li><li>my relationship with my petitioner<br /></li><li>how I met my fiance<br /></li><li>when did we met<br /></li><li>when was the last time we met</li><li>have we seen each other in person</li><li>some questions about our love story</li><li>what my fiance' does for a living</li><li>when is his birthday<br /></li><li>have I meet his parents</li></ul>While I am answering the questions of my Filipina interviewer, she was also scanning at my paper works and looked at some of our pictures and the details I wrote below each pictures. She smiled at me and told me that my papers were complete and gave me a compliment of the way I arranged my papers. That felt good knowing the hard works I'd done arranging those documents and pasting those pictures. After that she gave me back some documents, she showed me my Fiance's paper works too, the folder he sent to petition me and smiled at me again saying that my fiance's papers were also complete and well organized. Ah!!!! double compliments. It felt very very good. She seemed friendly and in good mood. I guess I didn't gave her headache with my papers. Some other Filipina applicants said, they were asked more questions by their Filipino interviewers. I guess it depends who's handling your case. I am thankful that I wasn't nervous that day. I knew all about my sweetheart important details and our relationship is genuine. I am thinking that they do all these checking and questioning to check and catch fraud relationships. She gave me my number back, told me to sit and watch for my number in the blinking board for my fingerprinting. She bid me Good luck.<br /><br />Five minutes later I was called for fingerprinting. It was a quick one. Then I had to wait again and wait for my number for the consul interview. I was a little nervous this time because I seen some fellow US Visa applicants crying after coming out from the U.S. consul room. Later my number was flashed and I went to the room I was assigned to go. Inside the room, I smiled and greeted the American Consul, he was in his 40's. I was asked to raise my right hand and take oath to tell the truth. Then he told me to sit and we had the interview proper. He did not asked me much question, he checked my documents first <span style="font-style: italic;">(these are the papers that the Filipina interviewer handed her)</span> and asked then he asked me;<br /><ul><li> when was I and my fiance' last talk or saw each other?</li></ul>I told him we talked on the phone just lastnight before I went to bed. I told him that my fiance' and I do chat eveyday, we see each other on the webcam and talk on the phone almost twice a day. I waited for his next question. He scan the documents again, he silently read some sample chats and emails we submitted, looked at our pictures together during ,my fiance's visit and looked at me again. Then he asked me again.<br /><ul><li>what is my fiance's work?<br /></li><li>asked if me and my fiance's parents have seen each other in person</li></ul>I answered him about my fiance's job and I told him that I and his parents have not seen in person yet but we talked on the phone. I was waiting for his next question but he didn't asked anymore. I was a little surprised because most applicants that were interviewed told me the Consul asked them several questions. I believe them too because many of them took so long inside the U.S consul booth.<br /><br />He didn't asked me again. The American Consul took the huge diagonally striped green and white sticker with the print APPROVED IV, a stack of it was clipped at bottom of the glass window. There’s another stack beside it, but don't know what those are. I was glad he took the one that says approved. He said we're done and told me to pay attention to the blinking number board and wait for my number. He <span style="font-weight: bold;">did not</span> told me if I am approved or not, but seeing that approved sticker he was holding, even though he had not stick it to my folder yet made me think I am approved. I thanked him and left the room. Some other applicants, those that are still waiting for their number to be called, were wondering why I came out from the booth already. My interview was quick.<br /><br />Our personal documents (photos, snail mails, receipts) were returned at window 35. All financial documents were kept by the US Embassy. When I was called, the man in window 35 gave me a a pink slip and said that I have to proceed to DELBROS to pay for the visa delivery fee. That's the time that I felt relieved and this time I am sure that I am approved. I was so happy.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">For those US Visa applicants, If you missed seeing the sticker while at the consul’s cube, you may try and take a quick peek during this last step. The sticker should be at the bottom part of your folder cover. Should you be taken into AR (Administrative Review), you will also know during this last part, as they will give you a paper that says so. The person in this counter will also tell you that you are indeed in Administrative Review and to wait for further advice from the embassy.</span><br /><br />I paid Php315 at the US Embassy Cashier. I and some other U.S. Visa applicants were glad that we were approved. In the few days that I was processing, I eventually met some US Visa applicants in Manila. <span style="font-style: italic;">For US Visa applicants out there, K-1 or K-2 and other Visa applicants, your path will cross in the Medical Exam building, internet cafe's close to different hotels near the Embassy, you will meet friends or companions as you go through the process. </span>After I got my K-1 Visa delivery receipt, I hurried back to Lotus Garden Hotel. I was so happy and was so excited. I could not wait to tell my fiance' that our application was approved. For a while I thought that I should have brought my cellphone, but then seeing the long line of applicants waiting to get their cellphone back inside the embassy, I thought I made the right decision of leaving my cellphone at the hotel.<br /><br /><a href="http://http//usimmigrationjourney.blogspot.com/"><img src="http://dl8.glitter-graphics.net/pub/854/854458e6vapg0ryi.gif" style="float: left; margin-right: 10px;" width="79" height="252" /></a>I was approved and we will finally be with each other again, and this time, its for keeps. Three days later, I got my visa. Truly, God is so good!!! When I went outside the embassy, I saw groups of ladies that were looking so sad, their application was put to AR. I was sorry for the delay of their papers and visa processing. For those applicants who will soon have their interview, be sure you have your papers complete and make sure you know whats in your form, know your inputs, remember important dates and just be ready to anything interviewers might ask. There is nothing to be scared about, as long as you know your fiance/ spouse details and your relationship is for real. It's okay to be nervous but don't fear. Just be yourself and don't forget to bring your heart!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-45534356994450738792008-04-28T16:58:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.237-08:00K-1 VisaI met my husband November 2004. Six months later, he visited me and my family in the Philippines and surprised me with an engagement ring. He bought 2 copies of NOLO Fiance' & Marriage Visas, A Couple's Guide to U.S. Immigration <span style="font-style: italic;">(2nd Edition). </span>He<span style="font-style: italic;"> </span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>brought the other copy of the book to the Philippines during his visit and he left it with me. That time, the book served as my guide because it has step by step guides for every U.S. Immigration forms.<br /><br />We decided to marry in the US. For my then US Citizen fiance', to bring me to the US, so that we can marry and live there, we needed to apply for a<span style="font-weight: bold;"> K-1 Visa</span>. It is a <span style="font-weight: bold;">nonimmigrant visa</span> for a <span style="font-weight: bold;">f</span><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">iancé</span></span><span style="font-style: italic;"> (spelled as <span style="font-weight: bold;">fiancée</span> when referring to a woman). </span> A K-1 Visa is a Fiance' Visa. A fiancé(e) is a person who is engaged or contracted to be married.That is a visa for a foreign fiance'(e) to travel to the United States for marriage. The first step of applying a K-1 Visa is for the U.S Citizen fiance'(e) to file a <span style="font-weight: bold;">fiancé(e) petition </span>using <a href="http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-129F.pdf" target="blank">Form I-129F (Petition for Alien Fiance'(e)</a>)<br /><br />So, my then Fiance' file a Petition for me with the Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). All applicants must submit their applications to office that serves the area they live. In our case, my then fiance' submitted the Petition for Alien Fiance'(e) to USCIS Texas Service Center.<br /><p><br /></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7393150822659681686.post-20356790687411272742008-04-27T07:50:00.000-07:002016-01-30T05:42:10.218-08:00How I Met The Love of My LifeI am now a Green Card Holder here in the US. It means one very important thing, I and my sweetheart wont be separated by distance again. I love my sweetheart so much and remembering the journey that we've been through, about all the waiting and all the documents hard work is now just a sweet memory. We are now happily married and my life wont be this sweeter without him. I love waking up in the morning seeing his face and love seeing him very last thing at night, before I close my eyes to sleep. I am making this blog for other couples who are separated by distance, especially those separated by country and are experiencing the same agony of waiting. Passing through immigration is a long process thats needs faith, patience and hard work. People say love always finds a way and I say it does.<br /><br />I met my sweetheart in one of the dating services online. I was actually just trying it at first. I never believed finding true love online is possible. Later, after learning from a friend that she found the love of her life online, I thought of trying it too. I was teaching highschool mathematics in the Philippines. After classes, I still have lots of things to do, like checking quizzes, assignments and projects. I also have tutorials. Most of the time, I bring my work at home and do it at night. I would say my life was all about school.<br /><br />As I was saying, I tried online dating. Met few men online and exchanged emails. I usually give my yahoo ID but dont use to chat most of the time. It was not my priority at that time. Few months later I tried online chatting, i was with a friend, she was chatting with her boyfriend in an internet cafe. I got tired waiting for her as I was just sitting at the back, waiting, I talked to the owner and told him I wanted to use one computer too. I started browsing the internet, I opened myforeignbride dating website. I was browsing member profiles, to me they all look a like. Then I saw Tom's profile. To this date, I still remember how he look like and what he wrote in his profile. He was saying, " looking for the same qualities I have". Looking at his picture, I know there was something special in him, felt like I wanna know him better. I didnt do anything but sit and read his profile again and again. I sent him a short email and next day, he wrote me back. That was the start of a wonderful relationship. I found his great qualities beyond the handsome package. We became best friends online and started calling each other almost everyday or send sms through cellphones. Later we just fall for each other. Tom told me, he was scared at first to tell me he love me, he tried to tell me several times but was too afraid, he'll scare me away. Unknown to him, I was feeling the same way then. May 2, 2005, he travelled to visit me to the Philippines , that was the happiest day of our lives being together (then that we were not yet married). He is the best thing that ever happened to me and I am thankful to God for blessing me with him, now, my wonderful husband. His parents are both great. I call them the greatest in laws. During Tom's visit to the Philippines, he met my family and my relatives and they all fall in love with him. Tom is just amazing. When he left to came back to the US, we were all sad. Oh how we cried on the eve of his return to the US. He told me, he'll start the paperwork so I can follow him and never be separated again. We petitioned me through K-1 Visa (fiancee) and I waited closed to 6 months until the day of my medical exam and my embassy interview. The pain of waiting was unbearable but then love and faith gives you the strenght to hold on, the patience to wait and the will to go on.<br /><br />I want the ladies or couples to know that you can make it. Just pray and be patient. Soon you'll be with each other again and life will be more beautiful spending it with the love of your life.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0