Fiance's Passport Was Stolen! Need advice :(

[SemperAye 2]

Hello everyone,

Everything was going just fine our petition was approved the notice date was June 2, 2010 and she has received her packet I'm still waiting for my letter telling me I can call for her interview. BUT.. a few weeks ago her and her cousins where out shopping when there bags where stolen and they both lost there passports! Why they had there passports with them in the first place is a mystery to me and makes my blood boil...however...she immediately filed a police report and advocate of loss with the DFA in CDO Philippines. She originally got her passport in Manila but is staying in Iligan City for until her interview is scheduled in Manila. From what she tells me the DFA told her to call back in two weeks (that was today) to check the status because apparently they have to send away for confirmation of her identity or something like that I'm not sure. Well she called today and they gave her a number like a confirmation number for something and she tryed to enter it into DFA website but it was invalid. We feel like The DFA is CDO is corrupt and is giving her the run around but I really have no idea about the process.

I have heard that my petition is only valid for 4 months? That means she will have to get her passport back and have her interview before October 2, 2010? or does she have to have her visa in had by that date? How does someone go about filing an extension if need be? I'm guessing that I shouldn't wait to file the extension... supposedly it takes about 8 weeks total to get a replacement passport in the Philippines. I find that weird since it didn't take that long for her to get her first one. If it takes the 8 weeks then she will have her passport in time in September but I really don't trust the DFA in CDO and I'm really scared.

I'm wondering if I should fly her back to manila and she can file for lost passport again, or is that even possible to do since she already has filed in CDO? Gosh so many questions I know... any help with these questions would be great Thank your for reading.

-Derek & Jojen

[Otto 83]

** Topic may be better suited in a Regional Discussion forum. Moving from K-1 Proc.

[TravellingNomad 12]

if she feels like there's something fishy in her dealings with DFA CDO, she needs to file a complaint to the correct authority (management). but the problem with that is, the person she complains about might put her in his/her "smoke up"list...making the processing intentionally longer to get back to your fiancee for complaining. if i was her, i would just fly back to Manila and deal with the DFA main office. as far as how long it would take to get a replacement passport, she can request to file for an expedited passport. it'll still take a couple of weeks, but not as long as 8 weeks.

Edited July 13, 2010 by TravellingNomad

[Fudpukker 18]

My Fiancee used to do that all the time, she used to always carry her passport with her and it was stupid if you asked me, she stopped doing so after she got a azz reaming from me. Sorry to hear that news bro but i feel for you. Try to keep your blood pressure down.

[SemperAye 2]

Thank you for the replies we will certainly look into the expedited service. I'm not sure if she can have two separate cases pending for her lost passport, I suppose she will have to call the DFA in Manila and ask if she can go there and file another advocate of loss but I fear that will just slow us down another few weeks unless the DFA's are connected on the same database and her case will show up on the computers in Manila...I guess that's why she needs to call

I've searched for information about filing extensions for the petition but have come up empty handed. From what USCIS told me I need to go here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3177.html and contact the NVC if I need to extend the date of expiration but I'm still not sure at what point I should do that so I guess I'll just do it now...or at least try.

Edited July 13, 2010 by SemperAye

[SemperAye 2]

Thank you for the replies we will certainly look into the expedited service. I'm not sure if she can have two separate cases pending for her lost passport, I suppose she will have to call the DFA in Manila and ask if she can go there and file another advocate of loss but I fear that will just slow us down another few weeks unless the DFA's are connected on the same database and her case will show up on the computers in Manila...I guess that's why she needs to call

I've searched for information about filing extensions for the petition but have come up empty handed. From what USCIS told me I need to go here: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3177.html and contact the NVC if I need to extend the date of expiration but I'm still not sure at what point I should do that so I guess I'll just do it now...or at least try.

NVC told me to contact the embassy in Manila and I am trying to do so.

[scotty's girl 1]

You can send email to the embassy's website to request for an extension of your NOA2. We did that two times and there was never any problem.

[finallyfree 2]

I'm sorry to hear about that. I just couldn't believe she carries her passport in her purse when going out, especially in CDO. Lots of purse snatchers there nowadays. I don't even wear jewelries when i'm there.

Eight weeks is about right...there's a mandatory 2-4 weeks waiting period for clearance from DFA Manila to replace a passport. Additional 6 weeks processing for the issuance of the new passport.

Edited July 14, 2010 by finallyfree

[SemperAye 2]

I called the embassy in Manila because the email and fax do not work... The lady told me that after the expiration date they now automatically extend the date another 4 months unless they otherwise believe you have abandoned the petition. I'm sending them a formal letter anyways just in case so I have on record that I requested more time.

[TravellingNomad 12]

the DFA systems should be networked to each of their regional offices. but have your fiancee call DFA manila to verify if they have the case. have her ask the DFA for status and for the expedited passport issuance. she can just tell DFA manila that she's having a hard time getting info from people at her local office.

[SemperAye 2]

After 3 different calls to the DFA in Manila we determined that the DFA's are not networked. I was told she must go back to cdo and revoke her case, get her documents back, fly to Manila where she got her passport and file for lost again.

[~happyndinlove~ 540]

Base on my friend's case:

She have lost her passport, she went to the DFA for two main reasons;

1. To report her lost passport.

2. Applied for a new one.

It took her 2 weeks to get her new passport from the day she applied.

Hope this help!

Good Luck!