Bring them back with me!

[Eve & Jim 4]

As many of you know, Eve and I have had a rather difficult journey. Now that her 2nd round of sputum tests are done, because they don't seem to be able to understand and follow their own guidliness, and not even a U.S. Senator could do anything about it, I am going to travel to the Philippines to be there for her 2nd interview on the 25th. Her negative sputum culture results will be back no later than the 21st, and she is going to start calling St. Lukes on Monday. I am leaving Cincinnati on the 22nd. We have been told through the Senator's office that no additional financial records will be needed and no other records such as cenomar's or anything else should be required, just her repeated medical exam. Frankly, I've lost my ability to believe the U.S. Embassy. We have also been told that if she presents a letter to the Embassy during the interview she can pick up the visa's there. Considering the last time they sent them via Phil Post to the wrong zip code and it took over 15 days I feel like I need to pretty much insist on picking them up at this point.

I'm looking for a hotel recomendation for the night before the interview. I am also for any advice that anyone who had gone with their fiancee to their interview can offer. Somehow I need to get their plane tickets for the return trip to be rebooked on the same flight as me, has anybody done this with Delta? The one really big complication that I have is that I have to be in Orlando on the morning of the 10th thru the 14th for Microsoft Tech-Ed. So delays of more than a few days can be a big problem. My thought is to just fly directly to Orlando from MNL and then just either rent a car and drive home or we could ride back with one of my co-workers who has to drive for medical reasons. Flying back would be an option but the airlines would charge us a lot for the extra luggage because they only allow one checked back for domestic flights but 2 for international flights. I am a little concerned that Eve will have her visa flagged as PTB class B2 and she will have to go to a follow-up here in the U.S. within a month, I think.

My other concern is that I'm taking a bit of a risk because I will have to book the plane tickets before we have the visa's in hand. But we haven't seen each other in over a year, and I really want to see Eve and Mae in person because Skype isn't very good for a lot of things. Honeslty, I am very focused on getting on a airplane with them.

The thought is that if the U.S. Embassy has an issue with my dual citizenship with Canada due to my parents military orders, they can ask me personally. If they think there isn't enough evidence for an ongoing relationship, well I'll be standing there and their file from the Senator's office should be full of clear evidence that we have been very involved in each others lives. My main reason for going at this time is that I want to put an end to all the difficult things that they have thrown at us so we can get on a plane and start our lives together. Deep inside it will be hard for me to put on a smile and be nice to them, but I will do my best.

I am all ears, looking for whatever advice you guys can offer me in this situation. I would also greatly appreciate your prayers that everything goes very well and we all get through this without any more problems. I'll certainly be taking my tax records even though they say they don't need them. The Senator's office has checked over all the paperwork and didn't see any problems, and the U.S. Embassy has told the senators office that we don't need any new paperwork other than the visa applications.

One other thing. I know that going through customs is kind of crazy depending upon the airport we get routed through. Do they usually allow the USC to accompany their finacee's? I'm asking, because I know they will be moving around some boxes and stuff and that would just be a whole lot easier if I can be with them to help.

Thank you for your continued support of Eve, Mae and I through this journey.

--Jim

[Hank_ 9,174]

Hey Jim,

Glad to hear things are finally nearing a happy conclusion. I am with you I would bring those extra copies to the interview also.

The embassy interview will be a breeze, expect them to ask you as many, if not more, questions then Eve... , they did when we did the interview in March. I was not expecting that and was caught off guard not really paying attention. The gathering point is over by the walkway over Roxas street, the line for the K-1 was the one closest to the wall, I would guess the IR/CR -1 would be the same line but trust me there are plenty of people to ask. About 6AM the guards will start moving the lines over closer to the embassy, at 630 it really gets moving.

I have no suggestions for hotels as we are here in Taguig City so it was a taxi ride for us on interview day. Today we are heading to the airport... two months has past, now its time to head home.

All the best.

[RandR333 9]

As many of you know, Eve and I have had a rather difficult journey. Now that her 2nd round of sputum tests are done, because they don't seem to be able to understand and follow their own guidliness, and not even a U.S. Senator could do anything about it, I am going to travel to the Philippines to be there for her 2nd interview on the 25th. Her negative sputum culture results will be back no later than the 21st, and she is going to start calling St. Lukes on Monday. I am leaving Cincinnati on the 22nd. We have been told through the Senator's office that no additional financial records will be needed and no other records such as cenomar's or anything else should be required, just her repeated medical exam. Frankly, I've lost my ability to believe the U.S. Embassy. We have also been told that if she presents a letter to the Embassy during the interview she can pick up the visa's there. Considering the last time they sent them via Phil Post to the wrong zip code and it took over 15 days I feel like I need to pretty much insist on picking them up at this point.

I'm looking for a hotel recomendation for the night before the interview. I am also for any advice that anyone who had gone with their fiancee to their interview can offer. Somehow I need to get their plane tickets for the return trip to be rebooked on the same flight as me, has anybody done this with Delta? The one really big complication that I have is that I have to be in Orlando on the morning of the 10th thru the 14th for Microsoft Tech-Ed. So delays of more than a few days can be a big problem. My thought is to just fly directly to Orlando from MNL and then just either rent a car and drive home or we could ride back with one of my co-workers who has to drive for medical reasons. Flying back would be an option but the airlines would charge us a lot for the extra luggage because they only allow one checked back for domestic flights but 2 for international flights. I am a little concerned that Eve will have her visa flagged as PTB class B2 and she will have to go to a follow-up here in the U.S. within a month, I think.

My other concern is that I'm taking a bit of a risk because I will have to book the plane tickets before we have the visa's in hand. But we haven't seen each other in over a year, and I really want to see Eve and Mae in person because Skype isn't very good for a lot of things. Honeslty, I am very focused on getting on a airplane with them.

The thought is that if the U.S. Embassy has an issue with my dual citizenship with Canada due to my parents military orders, they can ask me personally. If they think there isn't enough evidence for an ongoing relationship, well I'll be standing there and their file from the Senator's office should be full of clear evidence that we have been very involved in each others lives. My main reason for going at this time is that I want to put an end to all the difficult things that they have thrown at us so we can get on a plane and start our lives together. Deep inside it will be hard for me to put on a smile and be nice to them, but I will do my best.

I am all ears, looking for whatever advice you guys can offer me in this situation. I would also greatly appreciate your prayers that everything goes very well and we all get through this without any more problems. I'll certainly be taking my tax records even though they say they don't need them. The Senator's office has checked over all the paperwork and didn't see any problems, and the U.S. Embassy has told the senators office that we don't need any new paperwork other than the visa applications.

One other thing. I know that going through customs is kind of crazy depending upon the airport we get routed through. Do they usually allow the USC to accompany their finacee's? I'm asking, because I know they will be moving around some boxes and stuff and that would just be a whole lot easier if I can be with them to help.

Thank you for your continued support of Eve, Mae and I through this journey.

--Jim

The Boulevard Mansion Hotel is across from the walkway where you start to line up. Just walk out of the hotel and and a little to the right to the walkway. Very convenient. They have very hot water and good Wi-Fi and a kitchenette. The rooms are a little past their prime, but for one night it's good and just about 1600p.

The interview when I was there was so easy I thought something was wrong and we were denied, but were approved. maybe they saw our son sleeping on my shoulder and decided to take it easy on us. I don't know about the other questions. Good Luck!

[Leatherneck 693]

Yeah, by all means stay with your family in the (US citizen lane) immigration line, so you're all together as your fiancee hands over the immigration envelope, then all can proceed to and clear customs together.

Hey Jim,

Glad to hear things are finally nearing a happy conclusion. I am with you I would bring those extra copies to the interview also.

The embassy interview will be a breeze, expect them to ask you as many, if not more, questions then Eve... , they did when we did the interview in March. I was not expecting that and was caught off guard not really paying attention. The gathering point is over by the walkway over Roxas street, the line for the K-1 was the one closest to the wall, I would guess the IR/CR -1 would be the same line but trust me there are plenty of people to ask. About 6AM the guards will start moving the lines over closer to the embassy, at 630 it really gets moving.

I have no suggestions for hotels as we are here in Taguig City so it was a taxi ride for us on interview day. Today we are heading to the airport... two months has past, now its time to head home.

All the best.

Have a good trip Hank.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Thanks Gary ~

Couple hours from time to head to the airport, for sure not crazy about NAIA for checking-in.

[gretchen_darren 67]

Hope all goes well on your trip to the Philippines. I am so jealous. can't wait to go back. I DID take the risks you are taking. I went over for 18 days and was extremely lucky and blessed. Of course, I had previous experience to base the timeline on since another girl had just went through K-1 visa from my wife's village the month before. We did st Luke's, CFO, and Embassy in 4 days. (I don't recommend this for the faint of heart.)

Don't forget the CFO. MAJOR issue if you do not have the sticker. If you complete the CFO ahead of time, you can get the sticker at the airport between 7 am and 11 pm, but you need to call the NAIA CFO desk if they are not there in Terminal 1. (I flew Philippines airlines and the CFO was always manned.) (I might also suggest looking at southwest airlines or USAir for domestic if possible, but up to you.)

We stayed at the City Gardens Suites for a week. not a far walk from the hotel to the embassy. The breakfast buffet is heaven for an American as well as Filipinos. the food for lunch and dinner is good as well. We enjoyed eating there much of the time when we didn't want to go out and explore. (there is also best western corona)

At POE, you and your fiancee will go through the US Customs line together. She will stay with you in the US Line. then after customs, she will go into the customs office while you pick up the baggage, you meet up with her in the Customs office, then you leave the area together.

Your flights, you can prebook them with yours for return trip. This depends on how confident you are on the visa being issued. You can always call the airlines afterwards and add them in, However, they may not be in seats near you. Just call the airlines to do this. Make sure you get the best rates. Please note you can always change flights for some cost. Inquire to know the cost of changing flights and how soon it must be done. Also, if tickets are not used, what is the redemption time for re-booking.

POE will be the first AMERICAN airport (unless you stop and change planes in Canada, POE can be some Canadian airports.) If you use the same route as when you traveled alone to see her, this will help you know which airport will be POE since it is hte airport you went through US Customs in. Also, plan on taking her to Orlando with you. Don't let her stay alone after just getting here. She will be afraid, and very lonely. Imagine how you were in a foreign country by yourself the first time.

I highly applaud you for going to the Embassy. It will help immensely in your case. I went to the Embassy with my fiancee as well. Expect questions during the consulate interview. Do not expect questions during the pre-interview/screening process. No need to go up when she gets her fingerprints (window 40) (you will just be in the way for this part.)

Please note you can go in, and your fiancee with her appointment letter, but parents, kids,etc will not be allowed in without an appointment. Just help her watch for numbers (it is an American system, and Filipinas are used to having their named called.) Read my review for mor especifics on the Embassy. Please also note... you line up by the road, at the walkway overpass.... Do not go near the bay or away from the road. You line up on the sidewalk, then go through the "tent" you see out front at the south end of the embassy. Then through a metal detecotr, then to another line with 3 or 4 windows to get a number, then through an outside courtyard to a very, very, very heavy door. I am amazed Filipinas can even open this door. through another security check, then drop off the forms at window 39 (just a drop box), then go sit down and wait. Hopefully, you can pick up the visa at the Embassy, but do not count on it. You may have to pick up at a local 2go office near the embassy or airport or have delivered to your hotel. Once approved, make sure to ask WHEN the Visa will be printed and issued. And ask How soon you can pick it up. Make sure to Be nice and dress Business casual both you and your fiancee. It will say volumes to them.

Hope this helps.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

If you go direct and want to fly home look at shipping your less important bags ( or maybe your driving friend will have trunk room )

[Eve & Jim 4]

This is the second pass for the whole interview thing because the visa that was issue in February was only valid for about 2 weeks and as a result we had to start over with all new medicals and applications along with fees. We already have plane ticket for Eve and Mae on Delta, because they weren't allowed to board, we just need to reschedule them and match them up with a flight for me. Eve doesn't live far from Manila, so we just want to spend the night at a reasonable hotel the night before this second interview. I can't imagine there being any problems in the interview since the visa's have already been issued once. The time just ran out because of a number of reasons, but mostly due to the Embassy losing a CENOMAR that they really should have never needed. That caused the medical to expire and well it has been a huge mess.

I really have no intention of having them stay here in Cincinnati alone while I go to a conference in Orlando, it is just a matter of if we are going to fly from Manila to Orlando or Manila to Cincinnati and drive to Orlando. All a matter of timing and logistics. Mae has always wanted to go to Disney and after what we have had to put her through because of this process, I want to make at least a few of her dreams come true.

At one point we talking about going to Key West right after my conference in Orlando and getting married, but we have kind of ruled that out because it would just be too much too fast. Plus the whole Key West idea was when we were talking about a winter wedding, not middle of the summer.

I really don't think the CO will have much to say to either one of us. There have been so many letters back and forth from the Senator's office about this whole thing that I am pretty sure they don't really want to see me there, at least that was the tone of their last letter. The U.S. Embassy staff will know that I will be there long before I walk in the door because they are going to be notified by the Senator's office. Maybe I'll tell the whole story of all this after we get Eve and Mae out of the Philippines. As American's we have no rights in the Philippines, and that especially referrers to the right of free speech so for now I will just be happy to go there, get the visas that have been paid for twice, pack up her stuff again and get on a plane back to the U.S. through the Border Patrol and to anyplace where we can just live in peace and be a happy family.

Eve and Mae already completed their CFO stuff and the stickers should still be in their passports and if not, Eve still has the original certificates.

I will say that one of the biggest things I learned in this process is that people need to learn to vote for people that will represent them and their needs, rather than the name that sounds nice on the ballot. Everyone on this board needs to push their congressmen for reforms to make this process better.

I am very sure that Eve would agree with me that this has been a difficult process but rather than weakening our relationship, it has made us much more determined to be together, to stay together, and to love each other as long as the good Lord allows us a few more breaths of air. I thank God every day for helping us find each other because if I could have wrote up an order for the perfect woman for me, she is that and 1,000,000 things that I would have never even thought to list.

--Jim

[Leatherneck 693]

So basically you have to determine if you want to do a round trip drive from Cinci to Orlando or a one way drive from Orlando to Cinci.

I remember your ordeal with the expired visas, your write up about the entire ordeal will make for an interesting read.

Good luck Jim!

[Caryh 5,206]

I am very sure that Eve would agree with me that this has been a difficult process but rather than weakening our relationship, it has made us much more determined to be together, to stay together, and to love each other as long as the good Lord allows us a few more breaths of air. I thank God every day for helping us find each other because if I could have wrote up an order for the perfect woman for me, she is that and 1,000,000 things that I would have never even thought to list.

--Jim

Could be a blessing in disguise as you start your future together here. You've faced adversity and came out stronger because of it. I'll be looking forward to reading your write up when it gets posted. I'm sure with you on voting the people we're voting into office. There seems to be fewer and fewer good ones in office all the time.

[RK_and_Inday 10]

Jim,

Wishing you the best in your situation. In answer to your questions (this is RK writing, US citizen petitioner):

(1) Yes, I went to Philippines, flew back to US POE with Inday and, yes, did go through immigration line/customs with her. No problems.

(2) Yes, was able to easily book roundtrip for me on Delta, one-way for Inday. We even had adjacent seats.

(3) Manila hotels--in addition to ones already mentioned here consider also Mabini Mansion (you won't be disappointed!) or Lotus Garden.

(4) I went to embassy with Inday on day of her interview appointment: glad I did. See my consulate review under my timeline for details. However, briefly: Prescreener asked me more questions than he did Inday; Inday and I were then both sworn in by American consulate officer, more questions for us both. We took tons of documentation, support evidence--three large binders full. Anything we could think of. However, pre-screener just made sure all required documents were present, American consulate officer just looked at a few photos and we were approved.

Additional info:

(1) I went to Philippines well in advance of interview to help with preps for CFO Guidance & counsleing, be there during medical, help anyway I could, and just give Inday morale support. Well worth the expense and time.

(2) After American consulate officer told us "visa approved" we waited to last window. Person behind window, said "All OK so you can just go home." I was disturbed there was no paper/documentation handed us that showed we were told visa approved. Inday was comfortable and the visa eventually did arrive. But I was still very, very uncomfortable not getting any solid item/paper in hand. I don't know if our experience was normal but--looking back--if I had been thinking more clearly, I would have asked at embassy if we could get such a written indication of visa approval instead of merely verbal.

(3) CFO "sticker" is given after visa received. Took us over an hour to get. Would recommend doing this well in advance of day of flight.

(4) I, too, had tight work situation. So I flew to Philippines twice. Once to be with Inday during interview, medical, CFO counseling sessions and a few days after interview in case needed to "tie up any loose ends." How long would take to recieve visa was of question and work was tight so returned to U.S. while Inday waited for delivery of visa and used time to prepare for leaving family/friends in Philippines and for traveling to U.S. As soon as she recieved visa, I booked another flight to Philippines ASAP, departed ASAP, here and I returning to U.S. together. Yes, two flights were expensive and very, very hard on the pocketbook. But, although one has to be reasonable with one's expenditures, I figure the cost was well worth it for the peace of mind for both Inday and myself, and for the delight/safety/smoothness of return to U.S. together, and for a lifetime together.

May you and your fiancee enourmouse amounts of success!! Inday and I both send our greetings, prayers, and best wishes!!

--RK

Edited May 11, 2012 by RK_and_Inday

[gretchen_darren 67]

I hope goes well, I see what happened to you in your situation. Wish the Embassy could just renew your visa instead of having to go through the whole process again. Make sur eto show your visa to the US Consulate when she interviews again. This is a crucial consideration. Should also show to the pre-screener as well.

Great the CFO is done. That saves a lot.

Once you are approved, MAKE SURE TO ASK WHEN you can pick up the visa, or how soon.

When asked CALMLY (I know this will be hard), explain your situation. You have training in the States to conduct in Orlando. Because of the problem with the Visa, and the issues you felt it wise to come to the 2nd interview to make sure things went well this time. You have tickets for everyone to go back, and are hoping the Consulate Officer will understand what happened and allow an exception this time. You really do not want any mor eproblems in getting your fiancee (make sure you say Fiancee) and her child to the states to be with you.

Have the shipping number or MNL number for the visa. if the USEmbassy will not let you pick up, Call the embassy in a day or two (when they say it will be printed,) to find out if printed and shipped. Follow up on this. Know it may take 3 days to 10 days. I hope the embassy helps you in your plight.

I see what happened though.

Her medical exam was just after my fiancee's (just a week after), we were in Butuan while your fiancee was going through St. Luke's.

September -- St. Luke's

they cancelled the Consulate interview. then finally cleared you in November.

December -- retested- Cleared

December interview passed with 221g

February -- met conditions of 221g

March -- visa expired.

the problem is they used the first date of the Medical exam in September. Not the re-est in December. (Was her St. Lukes;s medical exam sticker updated in her visa to December? (if not, this is what caused the problem.)

the visa was issued from the September date. Because of this, the visa expired in march (6 months from September to March)

Normally, the consulate would renew the visa with no problem. However, the US Philippine Embassy issues based on Medical exam date. Since the medical exam DID have concerns with spectum test, The Embassy wants a renewed date from St. Luke's for clearance before renewing the Visa. You should be good to go in the US Embassy this time. The problem is the Embassy did make a mistake, whether honestly, or by clerical error. the big issue is did the sticker in her passport get updated for the December date from St. Lukes (or it is covered up now), or was it the girl's was printed fine for September, but not your fiancee? One could have passed, but one was held up. (the K-2 visa should have had a one-year date to it, this might have also been mis-printed? it seems like everything is the your fiancee though.)

Wish you the best. Keep calm. I know this is frustrating when something like this happens. the worst part is knowing how to handle it when you have no direct ability to help. Hopefully, this time goes well for you. Best of luck.

[sunandmoon 450]

Normally, the consulate would renew the visa with no problem.... (the K-2 visa should have had a one-year date to it, this might have also been mis-printed? it seems like everything is the your fiancee though.)

actually the Embassy does not renew visas. they may reissue a visa, which unfortunately involves another visa apllication and fee.

a k-2 Visa validity is the same as a K-1. the one year is if you are choosing follow to join. then the K-2 Visa must be issue within one year of the date the K-1 is issued.

[gretchen_darren 67]

from the Us consulate webpage:

The I-129F fiancé(e) petition is a single entry visa that is valid for six months from the date of its approval. If the petition expires, a consular officer may revalidate it for another four months (provided that both parties remain legally free to marry).

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3204.html

Keyword is may. I don't know what happened when it expired in February/March. But going through St. Luke's and the interview again seems like a new visa being issued of 6 months versus a revalidation of 4 months.

My biggest question is does her passport have multiple st. luke's stickers or stamps with different medical dates? My thought is they used the September instead of December (which is what should have been done, but now it is May, so even December would be expired.) Hopefully, things go smoothly this time, and he can relax. What a mess he has gotten into with just a few policies being followed and no one in the embassy evening raising an eyebrow when printing their visas....

[southcalhog 43]

Hey Jim,

Glad to hear things are finally nearing a happy conclusion. I am with you I would bring those extra copies to the interview also.

The embassy interview will be a breeze, expect them to ask you as many, if not more, questions then Eve... , they did when we did the interview in March. I was not expecting that and was caught off guard not really paying attention. The gathering point is over by the walkway over Roxas street, the line for the K-1 was the one closest to the wall, I would guess the IR/CR -1 would be the same line but trust me there are plenty of people to ask. About 6AM the guards will start moving the lines over closer to the embassy, at 630 it really gets moving.

I have no suggestions for hotels as we are here in Taguig City so it was a taxi ride for us on interview day. Today we are heading to the airport... two months has past, now its time to head home.

All the best.

Safe Flight back to the Southwest Hank! Let us know you arrived safely! Grace right behind you! :thumbs:

Edited May 12, 2012 by southcalhog