Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

[Pinay Wife 47]

Thank you all for your sympathies and condolences. Finally got done with the travel arrangements and we're getting on a plane this afternoon... not looking forward to this homecoming.

Be strong sillygirl. We will pray for the repose of your Mom's soul. It is a sad homecoming indeed. of of

Hi guys, Im off for our medical, leaving soon, hope to be there before lunch, I dont like driving in Manila too much of a hassle. Wish me and my baby luck

Good luck!

I agree on the driving in Manila.....I was very much in shock with the driving in the Philippines when I arrived the first time.

Guilty! I drive like a Manila bus driver hehe. My fiance steps on his "imaginary brakes" all the time

You posted something recently for Glenn about if Lorna was to leave me before her lifting of conditions (CR-1) then (1) she would need me to do the lifting of conditions process? I mean...I'm trying to cover all bases for my co-sponsor. (2) If she can't get her conditions lifted after 2 yrs because I'm not in her life, then her visa status would be terminated? (3) Which would relieve the co-sponsor of obligation?

(4) This is a "what if" scenario that must be looked at.... just like what happens if I die before she becomes a citizen.

1. Since Lorna will come on a K visa, her conditional residency would be based upon her marriage to you. The major condition that she needs to fulfill to remove condition is for her to stay married to you and nobody else. A CR-1, however, may lift conditions on her own if she married in good faith but is a victim of violence or abuse by her US citizen spouse. So never, never hit a wife or she may use this against you in the future.

2. If you are not in her life and there is no proof of spousal abuse, her petition to adjust status would most likely be denied. She will be asked to leave the country but most people just stay and become illegal immigrants. If you and your co-sponsor do not withdraw your I-864, both of you will be responsible for her for 10 years (?) I believe. A sponsor or co-sponsor has the option to withdraw I-864 while the adjustment is pending. Do note however that if your spouse came as CR or IR, which is an immigrant visa, you cannot withdraw I-864 without withdrawing the visa petition itself. Here’s what the USCIS say:

“Withdrawal of an affidavit of support or Form I-864A . A person who has signed a Form I-864, I-864EZ or I-864A may withdraw the Form. If the person does so, USCIS will adjudicate the application for adjustment of status as if the withdrawn Form I-864, I-864A or I-864EZ had never been filed. In an adjustment of status case, a withdrawal of the Form I-864, I-864EZ or I-864A is not effective unless it is in writing and USCIS actually receives the withdrawal before the final decision on the adjustment application. In an immigrant visa case, once a consular officer has issued an immigrant visa, no Form I-864, I-864EZ or I-864A may be withdrawn unless the visa petitioner also withdraws the visa petition.”

3. Lifted from http://www.uscis.gov/propub/ProPubVAP.jsp?...d3f01ed23e3e117

Termination of Sponsor’s Obligation and Enforcement. The obligations created under Form I-864 and I-864A terminate when the sponsored alien:

• Becomes naturalized

• Is credited with at least 40 quarters of employment in the Social Security system;

• Loses or abandons his or her lawful permanent resident status; or

• Dies.

4. If you die before you marry her, she has to go home as she will be unable to fulfill the K visa requirement, that is, to marry the petitioner within 90 days. But if you die before she becomes a citizen, she can adjust status on her own. Death will not deprive her of her right to stay in the US if she married in good faith.

Based upon my research, there are five stages in the K1 immigration process:

Sheriff, after more than two years, I'm not yet done with Stage 2. Hay naku!

[Pinay Wife 47]

The travel agent is applying Philippine Law to another country. Unless you are an LPR or balikbayan or Philippine citizen you must have a round-trip or onward ticket to enter the Philippines.

I know, I know, some are going to say they know someone who didn't have another ticket out of the P.I., but that is the law and they can refuse entry if they want to. It has happened.

Beameup,

You did not understand the question. It is the Filipina fiancee who is travelling to the US on K1 that needs one-way ticket.

[Pinay Wife 47]

Can we attend both the CR1 and K3 interviews? If so what might the outcome be? Our K3 is May 16 and our CR1 is May 30. We want the CR1, but were told we could go to the K3 and request the CR1. With a CR1 interview pending is that wise of us to do still? Or just wait? We'd certainly LOVE to get back to the US sooner and if we can secure the CR1 on the 16th would be great. Also, if they issues a K3 on the 16th and not CR1, can we still go on the 30th and get the CR1???

Orimai

It won't hurt to ask if you request to interview for CR-1 during K3 interview. I say, go for it. Ask for CR-1.

And to your second question, definitely yes, pursue CR1 even if K1 is approved! It’s only a two week wait so might as well. CR visa gives your wife certain privileges that K do not get like freedom to travel in and out of the US and authority to seek employment.

Hi PW and Sheriff! I haven't seen my fiancee since November 2004 but we got approved already by the USCIS and on our way for the interview on 04/25 at USE Manila. Will this affect the approval of her visa? I am not going to the Philippines until next month...I'm worried Please assure me it's going to be okay.

don't worry, you'll be fine. the requirement for having met in the previous two years is for the submission of the

129F petition. best of luck with your upcoming interview.

CocoPuff, I don’t want to rain on your parade but just trying to be objective and realistic here. Although you have met the requirements at USCIS level (and you just barely made it), the fact that you have not seen each other for two and a half years may raise a red flag with the embassy. Better have a good reason why this is so and make sure you send your fiancee a copy of your plane ticket and other proof of your planned trip like hotel reservation, receipt for the plane ticket, etc. to prove you are visiting again. This should help in convincing the consul that you are serious about the relationship.

in two days the waiting for PW will come to an end. best of luck

Thank you, Roy!

Oh bother! Fely's having trouble getting documents again. She went to her local town to get her police certificate so that she can send all her papers to me and I can send them on to the NVC. x x x Meanwhile I still haven't received the letter from the NVC telling me what documents I forgot to send with the I864 package.

Hey Gary, Fely does not need any Philippine police certificate. The NBI clearance is all she needs.

Hmm, regarding the I-864, did you remember to sign everything? Did not forget to attach financial evidence of your co-sponsor?

hello.. jas wanna is it ok if i purchase only a one way ticket?

Jackie, I responded to your PM but I'll say it again here. The travel agent lied or just does not know better. You CAN use a one way ticket. A good friend of mine came on a one way ticket in March. (she was K-1)

I agree with Alan. One-way ticket is all you need.

This one really alarmed me: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=63240 as David and I have huge age difference (he's 62 and I'm 28). I will be his 4th wife. He's twice divorced - 1st and 3rd marriage and the 2nd wife died of a certain illness, but it is the first time that he filed for a K1. I've been worrying about our age difference because other says it's a red flag and I will be scrutinized during the interview, while some says it won't affect the approval of the visa as long as my petitioner can meet 125% poverty guidelines and we have all the necessary documents to prove that our relationship is bonafide. I've never been married, no kids, never traveled abroad so there's no way that I'll have a problem on my part... The age gap thing is what concerns me more (just now after reading Doc's post) because of cases being put on AR / denied.

Guys, please enlighten me... Should I really be concerned and worried? And one more thing, is it very likely that a CO can deny a visa just because he's not feeling well and having a bad day??? See, I'm getting paranoid.

Anyone here who made it through despite the huge age gap? I really need some inspiration...

Each case is unique. It all depends on the background of both petitioner and beneficiary. Jasman, a VJ old-timer has a big age gap with his then fiancee, Claudeth, but they got approved fine.

In your case, your petitioner's three previous marriages may raise a red flag. During your interview, you will be probably asked if you are aware of the 3 previous marriages, how they ended, what are the names of his children with the ex-wives, etc. Just be prepared to answer questions about his past and you should be okay.

[Pinay Wife 47]

I am unable to update the list. Something is wrong with my mouse and I'm unable to continue. Will try tomorrow.

[Sheriff Uling 3]

K1 Visa Immigration Stages (Simplified and Theoretical)

Based upon my research, there are five stages in the K1 immigration process:

1. Petition Stage (required)

- US Citizen (USC) petitions to bring the alien fiance(e) to the United States. Petition is approved.

2. K1 Visa Stage (required)

- Alien fiance(e) takes a medical exam, and submits the visa applications along with the supporting documentation during the visa interview. K1 Visa is approved and issued to the alien fiance(e) or "Nonimmigrant" permitting travel to the United States.

3. Adjustment of Status (AOS) Stage (required)

- Alien fiance(e) or "Nonimmigrant" arrives in the US, marries petitioner (USC) and files for AOS within 90 days. Some applicants may be scheduled for an AOS interview. AOS is approved. Green Card [conditional one-time two year expiration if married for less than two years] is received and status adjusts from "Nonimmigrant" to "Permanent Resident."

4. Lifting the Conditions of Residence Stage (required)

- "Permanent Resident" and USC file jointly to remove the conditions of residence within 90 days of the two year anniversary date on the Green Card. Condition of residence is removed. "Permanent Resident" receives a new Green Card [RENEWABLE ten year expiration]. Status remains "Permanent Resident."

5. Naturalization Stage (optional)

- "Permanent Resident" has the option of applying for US Citizenship [naturalization] after three years of being married to a US Citizen (one year after lifting the conditions of residence). Applicant attends a naturalization interview. Naturalization is approved and the issuance of the Certificate of Naturalization officially adjusts the status from "Permanent Resident" to "US Citizen."

As noted, Stages 1 - 4 are REQUIRED in order for the beneficiary to legally stay in the United States. Stage 5 is the only OPTIONAL process whereas the beneficiary can choose not to apply.

REMEMBER: The above stages are simplified and theoretical.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

Edited July 30, 2007 by Sheriff Uling

[Ken_Maria 0]

Julie, Most military members fit tthe financial responsibility the US Government is looking for. Not many military members are on government programs such as food stamps, welfare...ect. This what the poverty line is there for, an attempt to weed out people the government thinks will become a burden on the state/federal government. The military pay with allowances is above the poverty line so there should be no issue with the 134. No need to notarize the ITRs either. Tell him to go to VMPF or whatever online service he has for his specific service and print off a "Proof of Service"...this will suffice or replace the employment letter requirement for military. Ken

You said on your reply to other poster that majority of military members are above the poverty line because of their benefits, my fiance in in military, so is that mean that we will be fine?

Thanks for the reply by the way.

Julie

[Cali Gal CPA 0]

Hey peeps, need a little help here, pretty please

My mom's case has just been completed at the NVC (IR5) and will soon be forwarded to MNL (woohoo). I was just wondering what documents will she need at the time of the interview. She has the following so far:

1. her birth certificante (in SECPA paper)
   
2. my birth certificate (also in SECPA paper)
   
3. a copy of my naturalization certificate
   
4. a copy of my US passport
   
5. her NBI and Police Clearance certificates
   
6. My 2006 tax return (in PDF format, she'll just have to print it - is this ok?)
   

What else am I missing? Does she need another I-864? If so, does it have to be notarized?

TIA!

[sunandmoon 450]

Hi PW and Sheriff! I haven't seen my fiancee since November 2004 but we got approved already by the USCIS and on our way for the interview on 04/25 at USE Manila. Will this affect the approval of her visa? I am not going to the Philippines until next month...I'm worried Please assure me it's going to be okay.

don't worry, you'll be fine. the requirement for having met in the previous two years is for the submission of the

129F petition. best of luck with your upcoming interview.

CocoPuff, I don’t want to rain on your parade but just trying to be objective and realistic here. Although you have met the requirements at USCIS level (and you just barely made it), the fact that you have not seen each other for two and a half years may raise a red flag with the embassy. Better have a good reason why this is so and make sure you send your fiancee a copy of your plane ticket and other proof of your planned trip like hotel reservation, receipt for the plane ticket, etc. to prove you are visiting again. This should help in convincing the consul that you are serious about the relationship.

make sure you have plenty of evidence to show genuine ongoing relationship. PW's suggestion of copy of plane ticket and intinerary is very good idea. It was 16 months from my last visit till Yazi's interview. one thing we did was have plenty of phone records. the interviewer was impressed by page after page of almost daily phone calls.

[dims1 0]

Thanks alot PW...

Actually Lorna is a CR-1.

I get confused on who is the visa petitioner me or her...???

In an immigrant visa case, once a consular officer has issued an immigrant visa, no Form I-864, I-864EZ or I-864A may be withdrawn unless the visa petitioner also withdraws the visa petition.”

God bless and good luck to you!

Mike

-----------------------------

Thank you all for your sympathies and condolences. Finally got done with the travel arrangements and we're getting on a plane this afternoon... not looking forward to this homecoming.

Be strong sillygirl. We will pray for the repose of your Mom's soul. It is a sad homecoming indeed. of of

Hi guys, Im off for our medical, leaving soon, hope to be there before lunch, I dont like driving in Manila too much of a hassle. Wish me and my baby luck

Good luck!

I agree on the driving in Manila.....I was very much in shock with the driving in the Philippines when I arrived the first time.

Guilty! I drive like a Manila bus driver hehe. My fiance steps on his "imaginary brakes" all the time

You posted something recently for Glenn about if Lorna was to leave me before her lifting of conditions (CR-1) then (1) she would need me to do the lifting of conditions process? I mean...I'm trying to cover all bases for my co-sponsor. (2) If she can't get her conditions lifted after 2 yrs because I'm not in her life, then her visa status would be terminated? (3) Which would relieve the co-sponsor of obligation?

(4) This is a "what if" scenario that must be looked at.... just like what happens if I die before she becomes a citizen.

1. Since Lorna will come on a K visa, her conditional residency would be based upon her marriage to you. The major condition that she needs to fulfill to remove condition is for her to stay married to you and nobody else. A CR-1, however, may lift conditions on her own if she married in good faith but is a victim of violence or abuse by her US citizen spouse. So never, never hit a wife or she may use this against you in the future.

2. If you are not in her life and there is no proof of spousal abuse, her petition to adjust status would most likely be denied. She will be asked to leave the country but most people just stay and become illegal immigrants. If you and your co-sponsor do not withdraw your I-864, both of you will be responsible for her for 10 years (?) I believe. A sponsor or co-sponsor has the option to withdraw I-864 while the adjustment is pending. Do note however that if your spouse came as CR or IR, which is an immigrant visa, you cannot withdraw I-864 without withdrawing the visa petition itself. Here’s what the USCIS say:

“Withdrawal of an affidavit of support or Form I-864A . A person who has signed a Form I-864, I-864EZ or I-864A may withdraw the Form. If the person does so, USCIS will adjudicate the application for adjustment of status as if the withdrawn Form I-864, I-864A or I-864EZ had never been filed. In an adjustment of status case, a withdrawal of the Form I-864, I-864EZ or I-864A is not effective unless it is in writing and USCIS actually receives the withdrawal before the final decision on the adjustment application. In an immigrant visa case, once a consular officer has issued an immigrant visa, no Form I-864, I-864EZ or I-864A may be withdrawn unless the visa petitioner also withdraws the visa petition.”

3. Lifted from http://www.uscis.gov/propub/ProPubVAP.jsp?...d3f01ed23e3e117

Termination of Sponsor’s Obligation and Enforcement. The obligations created under Form I-864 and I-864A terminate when the sponsored alien:

• Becomes naturalized

• Is credited with at least 40 quarters of employment in the Social Security system;

• Loses or abandons his or her lawful permanent resident status; or

• Dies.

4. If you die before you marry her, she has to go home as she will be unable to fulfill the K visa requirement, that is, to marry the petitioner within 90 days. But if you die before she becomes a citizen, she can adjust status on her own. Death will not deprive her of her right to stay in the US if she married in good faith.

[Dean/Gra 0]

Mike, You are the petitioner, she is the beneficiary.

[Sheriff Uling 3]

Most Frequently Asked Questions for K1 Visa forms (DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157 & I-134)

DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application:

Question # 22

Q. When do you intend to arrive in the U.S?

A. You may leave this blank (Specific travel plans should not be made until the visa is approved)

Question # 26

Q. How long do you intend to stay in the US?

A. (We answered…) INDIFINITELY

Question # 27

Q. What is the purpose of your trip?

A. (We answered…) To marry [petitioner's full name], fiancé(e), via a K1 Fiancée Visa within 90 day of arriving into the United States.

Question # 32

Q. Do you intend to Work in the US? (check box) Yes (check box) No

A. We checked... NO and wrote "NONE" in the available space below

Question # 33

Q. Do you intend to Study in the US? (check box) Yes (check box) No

A. We checked... NO and wrote "NONE" in the available space below

Question # 39

Q. Was your application prepared by another person on your behalf? (check box) Yes (check box) No

A. (We checked… NO) This question is for those who have legal representation.

Question # 40

Q. Application Prepared by:

A. (We wrote... NONE by Name, Relationship to Applicant, and Address) You may leave this section blank. This question is for those who have legal representation.

DS-156K Nonimmigrant Finace(e) Visa Application:

There are no FAQs, but the bottom portion of this form is reserved for the Consular Officer (CO). DO NOT WRITE IN THAT SECTION UNTIL INSTRUCTED TO DO SO. NOTE: The pre-screeners at the U.S. Embassy (USE) will instruct the beneficiary to sign right before they meet with the CO for the visa interview. And that's OK. So don't worry.

DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application:

Question # 18

Q. Have you make specific travel arrangements? (check box) Yes (check box) No

A. You should not have specific arrangments because it's not recommended to make your travel plans until the visa is issued. Check no and leave the space below blank.

I-134 Affidavit of Support form:

Question # 11

Q. That I (check box) intend (check box) do not intend to make specific contributions to the support of the person(s) named in item #3.

A: (We checked intend and wrote…) This affidavit of support accompanies a K1 Fiancée Visa application. (in the space below)

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

NOTE: It is my assessment that all of the questions dealing with arival/departure dates, stay questions, and work/study questions above are actually designed for the other nonimmigrant categories. Therefore a yes/no/none/blank responses are of no consequence.

[iya 0]

another quick question, guys. i'm not leaving for the states til June. will I need the cfo sticker even if i'm just going on a trip to japan? i know I'll need it for the trip to the states, but do i need it prior to leaving for japan?

[Dean iWait 0]

Well friends somedays I knew this day would come other days I wondered if it would ever come.

Me and Sheryl went to the embassy this morning to request expedited visa processing and asked if we could pick it up when it's ready so we could fly to the U.S. together on the 14th. We went to window X with a written request and copies of our airline tickets. The filipina at window X checked the computer and said Sheryl's visa was being issued today and was set to be released to Delbros tomorrow. Of course hearing that we both got excited, but until we had visa hand you know we just couldn't let ourselves get to crazy excited. She said she would make the request to the CO since only he could approve of us picking up the visa and then she asked us to have a seat. We waited about an hour and then heard our call to window 34. Then the filipina at window 34 gave us the most sweet words "Sir..Maam your request has been approved!" She asked for Sheryl's ID, had Sheryl sign release, handed us passport/visa with packet for POE, gave us the instructions for POE and asked us to verify info on the visa was correct. She looked at me and reminded me we needed to get married within 90 days of entry now and gave me a little smile. Thank you everyone here on the Manila thread for all your help and advice! And Thank You God for answering our prayers!

[Sheriff Uling 3]

Phil-Am K1 Information…

Pre NOA1 (Receipt Notice) Information

(K1 Introduction) - If you are just starting your K1 visa journey, please check out this information provided by the Department of State (DOS) on the K1 visa experience (CLICK HERE). I found this information very insightful when I first started. Please note that the "How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card" section is INCORRECT because K1 visa beneficiaries may ONLY apply for a SSN card upon arriving into the United States. Please also review VJ's K1 guide (CLICK HERE)

(K1 Visa Immigration Stages) - A simplified and theoretical overview of the five (5) stages involved in the K1 Visa process, according to Sheriff Uling (CLICK HERE).

Post NOA1 (Receipt Notice) Information

(Case Status) - Once you have filed your case and received your case number, please register on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using the Case Status Online Tool to receive emailed updates concerning your case (CLICK HERE). NOTE: If you want emailed updates to multiple addresses then you must create multiple customer portfolio accounts. When your petition is approval (NOA2), this tool is of no further use to you until after the beneficiary arrives in the states, get's married, applies for the Adjustment of Status (AOS), Employment Authorization Document, (EAD), and/or Advance Parole (AP) because this tool does not track the activity being performed at the National Visa Center (NVC) or the Manila Embassy.

Post NOA2 (Approval Notice) Information

(1). The National Visa Center (NVC) number is within my signature. NVC assigns your case number once your case is approved (NOA2). They also may perform a preliminary background check from what I've read then forwards your package/case to the Manila Embassy. This process usually takes anywhere from 14 – 30 days.

(2). The Manila Embassy (USE) Packet 4, the phone number, a visa interview testimony, along with a sample Appointment Letter are within my signature block. NOTE: Packet 4 can be acquired from the Manila Embassy website which gives directions on what documents are required by the beneficiary for the visa interview. Starting 01 November 2006, ALL nonimmigrant visa applicants must use the online Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) to complete the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application). To date, only the DS-156 has the barcode (on the first and last page) and is the ONLY form available online at http://evisaforms.state.gov. However, the USE is now including the form DS-156 with the barcodes as part of Packet 4. You may complete the DS-156K (Nonimmigrant Fiancé(e) Visa Application), and the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) (The bank validates DS-157 form when you pay the visa application fee. The Packet 4 that is available in my signature is modified to read that the DS-157 is validated by the banks upon payment of the visa application fee. Unfortunately, the Packet 4 issued by the USE INCORRECTLY states that the DS-156 is validated by the banks upon paying the visa application fee) and the I-134 (Affidavit of Support) via the computer, type-writer, or handwritten. See the Most Frequently Asked Questions for the K1 visa forms (CLICK HERE). If you need to call the USE, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for the Immigrant Visa Unit. The average interview appointment is assigned approximately 90 – 120 days from the receipt of your package from the NVC. Beneficiaries are now sent a letter of receipt (CLICK HERE) (Thx PW and GaryC) accompanied by a document preparation letter (CLICK HERE) (Thx PW and GaryC) from the USE once their physical files are received by the USE. However, this is NOT Packet 3 because the USE ONLY issues Packet 4, and the letter of receipt is not always sent to the beneficiaries. Effective 01 March 2007, cellphones and other electronic devices will NOT be permitted into the US Embassy and applicants who bring such devices will be DENIED entry. Be advised once the beneficiary reaches the pre-screeners, the majority of them are very direct, rude, and mean, so don't be alarmed or discouraged by them. Please review this instructional visa interview information (CLICK HERE) (Thx Sillygirl).

(3).The Department of State (DOS) number is within my signature. After your case is approved (NOA2) and reaches the Manila Embassy, you may call DOS instead on the Manila Embassy to obtain status of your case and make inquiries concerning your interview date. NOTE: DOS has no direct participation in the K1 process.

(4). The Visa Interview Appointments website is within my signature (the beneficiary's interview appointment and medical exam will be scheduled by the USE). NOTE: Please do NOT press enter after the case number is entered because that will not yield a result. Please click on the "Check Appointment" tab. If the appointments have been scheduled, the following will be available: Case Number, Visa Classification, St. Luke's appointment Date, and Embassy Appointment Date, but if the appointments are NOT scheduled yet, the result will be "Case Number Not Found on Appointment List."

(5). St. Luke's Extension Clinic (SLEC) information is within my signature. SLEC is where the beneficiary goes to take the medical exam and vaccination. The process takes two days: Day 1 is the medical exam (the beneficiary's passport will be taken and sent to the USE along with the medical exam results) and; Day 2 is the vaccination (the beneficiary will be given the x-ray film and the vaccination worksheet/record). NOTE: If the Manila Embassy does not mail the beneficiary the K1 Visa Packet 4 and the Appointment Letter, then call SLEC in order to pick them up at SLEC and take a copy of the NOA2, a copy of the NVC letter (a.k.a. Bureau of Consular Affairs (BCA) letter) (which should have the beneficiary's Manila case number on it), and a print-out of the scheduled appointment dates from the Visa Interview Appointments website. Be advised, the beneficiary's medical exam will be scheduled one week before the visa interview by the USE. Per the Manila Embassy Thread, we recommend that the beneficiary takes the medical exam anywhere from 2 weeks to a month before the interview to ensure the results are available for the Consular Officer and to prepare in the unfortunate event of unfavorable medical results. If the medical exam is taken anytime over a month before the visa interview, there is a risk that the results could be invalid, which means the beneficiary will have to take another medical exam before the visa can be approved. The beneficiary may reschedule the medical exam appointment with SLEC after the medical exam and visa interview dates are assigned by calling SLEC. Please don't forget to bring your passport, appointment letter (if received), passport photos (the size of the photos should be 2 inches by 2 inches [see Packet 4, page 8]), and the medical exam fee to your appointment. The beneficiary also needs to have the sponsors contact information (address, phone number, and ssn #) for the SLEC forms.

(6). The DELBROS website is within my signature. DELBROS is the company responsible for delivering the beneficiary's Visa and POE information. The DELBROS delivery fee is paid subsequent to the beneficiary's visa interview at the Manila Embassy. Per the Manila Embassy website, the current delivery fee/time is as follows:

* Metro Manila Areas, 135 Philippine Pesos, Delivered one (1) to three (3) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

* Provincial Key Cities (ex. Cebu City, Davao City, etc.) 165 Philippine Pesos; Delivered three (3) to five (5) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

* Outside Provincial Key Cities, (ex. Capiz, Leyte, Bukidnon, etc.), Cost depends on area/location, Delivered five (5) to seven (7) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

NOTE: Per the DELBROS staff, the Manila Embassy can take as much as three (3) business days to release the visa and POE package, which is NOT included in the deliver times above. You may also call the Manila Embassy, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for Delbros, after the visa is approve, to acquire about the status of your visa delivery.

(7). Beneficiaries are required to attend a CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar that are held in Manila and Cebu, whichever is more convenient, before traveling abroad (the corresponding links within my signature). Attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is a Philippine government requirement which states, "Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as fiancé(e)s and spouses of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling programs... " For more info (CLICK HERE). NOTE: The CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminar is not stated as a requirement within the Packet 4 instructions. However, after the visa is approved, instructions on attending the CFO Guidance and Counseling seminar are included in the visa and Port of Entry (POE) package received by the beneficiary. If the beneficiary takes the seminar before receiving the visa, then the beneficiary will have to return to the CFO in order to receive the CFO sticker anytime after the visa is received. Travel abroad is prohibited without the CFO sticker within the beneficiary's passport (the visa is within the passport). Please check out this instructional information on the PRISM Guidance and Counceling Seminar experience (CLICK HERE) (Thx Sillygirl).

(8). The I-94 Arrival / Departure Record form is within my signature. Foreigners (beneficiaries) complete the I-94 and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer stamps the applicant's visa and the arrival and departure portions of the I-94 at the Port of Entry (POE) when entering the States. The CBP Officer will keep the arrival portion and staple the departure portion of the I-94 to your visa where they stamped the beneficiaries arrival date. You will need this for the Adjustment of Status process. NOTE: Even though it's simple, I have supplied this so you will know what it looks like and what is required to be filled out.

FINAL NOTE: The red text indicates the recent updates/changes. Please let me know if there are any suggestions/errors/updates. Please review my wife's profile [Deputy Uling] for information on the Adjustment of Status (AOS) process that occurs after the beneficiary arrives in the United States.

I have correlated the numbers above to my signature below.

Cheers!!!

Sheriff Uling

[David-and-Mae 15]

Well friends somedays I knew this day would come other days I wondered if it would ever come.

Me and Sheryl went to the embassy this morning to request expedited visa processing and asked if we could pick it up when it's ready so we could fly to the U.S. together on the 14th. We went to window X with a written request and copies of our airline tickets. The filipina at window X checked the computer and said Sheryl's visa was being issued today and was set to be released to Delbros tomorrow. Of course hearing that we both got excited, but until we had visa hand you know we just couldn't let ourselves get to crazy excited. She said she would make the request to the CO since only he could approve of us picking up the visa and then she asked us to have a seat. We waited about an hour and then heard our call to window 34. Then the filipina at window 34 gave us the most sweet words "Sir..Maam your request has been approved!" She asked for Sheryl's ID, had Sheryl sign release, handed us passport/visa with packet for POE, gave us the instructions for POE and asked us to verify info on the visa was correct. She looked at me and reminded me we needed to get married within 90 days of entry now and gave me a little smile. Thank you everyone here on the Manila thread for all your help and advice! And Thank You God for answering our prayers!

That's great Dean! Congrats to both of you! Here's to you and Sheryl's lifelong happiness!

Mae