IR2 Visa

[Hank_ 9,174]

51 minutes ago, gawjusgal14 said:

@Hank So this particular statement does not apply to me being their petitioner? I was born in the Philippines and lived in MNL for at least a year before I reached the age of 18. That statement is the one that scares me right now, and I do not know if I should run to the nearest PSA center to apply for CENOMAR though I know it will not be released in a day or two, and my kids are scheduled for interview on Friday. I do not know what to do right now. I am afraid that if I do not have it by Friday it will delay their visa, and I need to go back to the States by the 18th because of my MD appointment, I was hoping and praying that I will be able to take them with me when I fly back but now I feel worried.

That only applies with the K-1, IR/CR-1, F2A  type visas.      There have been numerous   in the checklist since the embassy moved it to the USTRAVELDOC website.  I will get you a link to the complete info on the CENOMAR.  The 2nd paragraph related to you, as you will note ... IR-2 is not listed for requiring a CENOMAR from the petitioner.

 

Evidence of the relationship between the petitioner and visa applicant(such as photographs, letters, or emails).
 

• If you are single: (18 years and older) - A Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) valid within one (1) year from the date it was obtained. The U.S. Embassy in Manila requires a CENOMAR for applicants whose unmarried status is important to their visa category. This includes visa categories K1, CR1/IR1, CR2/IR2, F1, F2A, F2B, and derivative children for any visa category, if the visa applicant is 18 years of age or older. Please ensure that the correct information is on the CENOMAR including your name, any aliases used, parents’ names, and your date of birth. You may request PSA submit your CENOMAR directly to the US Embassy (recommended) here: ecensus.com.ph/Secure/Terms.aspx
   
  • For K1, F2A spouse, and CR1/IR1 petitions: If your petitioner was born in the Philippines and lived at least one (1) year in the Philippines after the age of 18 –A Certificate of No Marriage (CENOMAR) from the PSA valid within one (1) year from the date it was obtained.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Supplements/Supplements_by_Post/MNL_Manila.html

 

 

Edited September 4, 2018 by Hank_

[gawjusgal14 3]

Thanks @Hank...that's what I thought because I downloaded that "PRE-INTERVIEW CHECKLIST" from  https://travel.state.gov that is why I did not apply for a CENOMAR. 

 

The link that you provided me before: https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/family-based-immigration/the-interview/

is the one that confused me that is why I asked if I really need the CENOMAR because from the https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/family-based-immigration/the-interview/ site it does not clearly say if the CENOMAR is just intended for K1, CR!/IR1, F2A  visa category and upon reading it I panicked!

I even went to the nearest PSA but it was closed when I got there and even called the MNL embassy IV help line numbers and got different information, that is why I am at a lost.

Now after knowing from you and confirming (once again!) that I do not need to get a CENOMAR even if I was born in the Philippines and lived for a year before 18 because my kids' visa type is IR-2, and that cenomar requirement is not applicable, I feel better now....

Thank you...for sharing your expertise. 

I really appreciate your effort @Hank, you truly are heaven sent. Thank you for being so helpful and patient. May God bless you.

[Hank_ 9,174]

38 minutes ago, gawjusgal14 said:

Thanks @Hank...that's what I thought because I downloaded that "PRE-INTERVIEW CHECKLIST" from  https://travel.state.gov that is why I did not apply for a CENOMAR. 

 

The link that you provided me before: https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/family-based-immigration/the-interview/

is the one that confused me that is why I asked if I really need the CENOMAR because from the https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/family-based-immigration/the-interview/ site it does not clearly say if the CENOMAR is just intended for K1, CR!/IR1, F2A  visa category and upon reading it I panicked!

I even went to the nearest PSA but it was closed when I got there and even called the MNL embassy IV help line numbers and got different information, that is why I am at a lost.

Now after knowing from you and confirming (once again!) that I do not need to get a CENOMAR even if I was born in the Philippines and lived for a year before 18 because my kids' visa type is IR-2, and that cenomar requirement is not applicable, I feel better now....

Thank you...for sharing your expertise. 

I really appreciate your effort @Hank, you truly are heaven sent. Thank you for being so helpful and patient. May God bless you.

 

Yes those two links are not as detailed as the last link from travel.state.gov   .. USEM use to have this info readily available but since their last website upgrade lots of stuff is missing...

 

I was exchanging emails with the IV unit at the embassy for a time when they first switched over as there were so many flaws in the new checklist and wanted to verify if those were "oops" or changes to the process.  They fixed a fair number of issues, but not all.

[gawjusgal14 3]

Thank you for the clarification and assurance that I do not need CENOMAR for Friday...yey! What a relief...now I can somehow concentrate on getting some sleep. This whole thing is stressing me out and I just can't wait for Friday. Hopefully everything turns out well!

 

Again @Hank thank you very much! I appreciate your effort and kindness. May God bless you more. 😊

[gawjusgal14 3]

God is good...IR-2 visa interview for my kids’ went well. 

Thank you very much @Hank for all the information that you have shared with me. My kids’ interview was a success and everything turned out well! The CO informed us that their passports will be delivered in 2 weeks or maybe earlier.  

Waiting Game starts now. 🙏🏻

[Hank_ 9,174]

7 hours ago, gawjusgal14 said:

God is good...IR-2 visa interview for my kids’ went well. 

Thank you very much @Hank for all the information that you have shared with me. My kids’ interview was a success and everything turned out well! The CO informed us that their passports will be delivered in 2 weeks or maybe earlier.  

Waiting Game starts now. 🙏🏻

 

Congrats!!!!       

 

I wasn't expecting you to have issues.    

 

After the visa delivery, get the CFO stickers... then flying time!!

 

Safe Travels!

[gawjusgal14 3]

@Hank I am grateful for people like you who do not mind going out of their way in order to help people like me. I was actually very nervous because during the pre-screening all those documents you told me (photos, chat logs etc.) were asked by the person doing the pre-screening but when the kids were interviewed by the CO, who by the way was very lovely and pleasant to converse with, my kids were not rushed and they felt comfortable all throughout the interview that they even sang a song...lol, the CO never asked for any other documents at all.  😊

The interview questions that were asked to my kids were the following:

What is your name?

When is your birthday? 

How old are you?

Where are you going?

What is your favorite Pixar Movie?

 

That was it. I was then asked a couple of questions like:

How long have I been a USC? 

Which state do I live?

Who was taking care of my kids while I was away?

 

 

Then she congratulated the kids for doing a good job and told them that their petition has been approved, that she will issue the visa and she even welcomed them to the United States of America and congratulated them for being United States of America citizens. 

 

She informed us that their passports will be delivered in 2 weeks more or less and I asked if it was really 2 weeks because I need to go back to US and she said usually it gets delivered earlier than that. 

 

After a couple of hours I checked their visa status online thru CEAC site and it says IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION:  “ISSUED”. I was trying to check using 2go but it keeps on saying “invalid”...I know it was too early, pardon my excitement! 😊

 

 

God is really good! We hope to receive their passports in a couple of days so that I can bring it to PDOS and finally book our plane tickets. 

 

 

Again @Hank thank you for all the information, they really helped me a lot and I was able to get some sleep because of your re-assurance. Please continue to be a blessing to other people who needs assistance and information, especially on the procedures regarding visa application. 

 

God bless you and more power. 

 

PS: I was wondering where in MOA can I find that 2go branch? I tried reading online trying to find the exact location, nearby landmark/s but I never found any information at all. 😩

 

Edited September 7, 2018 by gawjusgal14
Typo error

[Hank_ 9,174]

10 minutes ago, gawjusgal14 said:

@Hank I am grateful for people like you who do not mind going out of their way in order to help people like me. I was actually very nervous because during the pre-screening all those documents you told me (photos, chat logs etc.) were asked by the person doing the pre-screening but when the kids were interviewed by the CO, who by the way was very lovely and pleasant to converse with, my kids were not rushed and they felt comfortable all throughout the interview that they even sang a song...lol, the CO never asked for any other documents at all.  😊

The interview questions that were asked to my kids were the following:

What is your name?

When is your birthday? 

How old are you?

Where are you going?

What is your favorite Pixar Movie?

 

That was it. I was then asked a couple of questions like:

How long have I been a USC? 

Which state do I live?

Who was taking care of my kids while I was away?

 

 

Then she congratulated the kids for doing a good job and told them that their petition has been approved, that she will issue the visa and she even welcomed them to the United States of America and congratulated them for being United States of America citizens. 

 

She informed us that their passports will be delivered in 2 weeks more or less and I asked if it was really 2 weeks because I need to go back to US and she said usually it gets delivered earlier than that. 

 

After a couple of hours I checked their visa status online thru CEAC site and it says IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION:  “ISSUED”. I was trying to check using 2go but it keeps on saying “invalid”...I know it was too early, pardon my excitement! 😊

 

 

God is really good! We hope to receive their passports in a couple of days so that I can bring it to PDOS and finally book our plane tickets. 

 

 

Again @Hank thank you for all the information, they really helped me a lot and I was able to get some sleep because of your re-assurance. Please continue to be a blessing to other people who needs assistance and information, especially on the procedures regarding visa application. 

 

God bless you and more power. 

 

PS: I was wondering where in MOA can I find that 2go branch? I tried reading online trying to find the exact location, nearby landmark/s but I never found any information at all. 😩

 

 I am impressed that the CO welcomed your children to the USA ... most never hear that from anyone.  Probably because they were children ...       Kids always get the good stuff!    

 

Do keep close watch on CEAC as I expect the status to change to issued fairly quick (2-3 days).   After ISSUED status it can be two more days before 2GO will have the visa package (they pickup at the embassy about 5PM Mon-Fri)

 

Here is the location of the 2GO office in MOA

 

 

2GO Express

SM MALL OF ASIA, PASAY

 

Ground Level SM Mall of Asia - South Mall Parking Bldg. SM Mall of Asia SM Mall of Asia Complex, Jose W. Diokno Boulevard, SM Central Business Park, Bay City, Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines

 

 

Phone: +63 920 613 5617

[gawjusgal14 3]

@Hank I was surprised too because she even told the kids that they are going to be US citizens the moment they land SFO. My kids are minors and would acquire US Citizenship upon entry to US as LPR, I was impressed with the CO and we were lucky that she was the one who interviewed my kids. The CO was really nice and accommodating, she knew how to communicate with kids and she made them feel comfortable so that they will be able to answer her questions. 😊

 

I just checked their Immigrant Visa Status on CEAC at around 1pm today and it says “ISSUED”.

 

I am hoping and praying that their passports/visa will be available for pick-up next week. I was thinking of doing the PDOS right after I pick up their visa from 2GO MOA but I understand that I need to pre-register them online before I can go to PDOS and I am afraid I cannot do online registration using my mobile phone? 

@Hank thank you very much. More power and may God bless you. 😊🙏🏻

[Hank_ 9,174]

23 minutes ago, gawjusgal14 said:

@Hank I was surprised too because she even told the kids that they are going to be US citizens the moment they land SFO. My kids are minors and would acquire US Citizenship upon entry to US as LPR, I was impressed with the CO and we were lucky that she was the one who interviewed my kids. The CO was really nice and accommodating, she knew how to communicate with kids and she made them feel comfortable so that they will be able to answer her questions. 😊

 

I just checked their Immigrant Visa Status on CEAC at around 1pm today and it says “ISSUED”.

 

I am hoping and praying that their passports/visa will be available for pick-up next week. I was thinking of doing the PDOS right after I pick up their visa from 2GO MOA but I understand that I need to pre-register them online before I can go to PDOS and I am afraid I cannot do online registration using my mobile phone? 

@Hank thank you very much. More power and may God bless you. 😊🙏🏻

I knew ISSUED status would show up quickly, just from the way the interview went, and being immigrant visas,  but one day is a new record!     

 

Because you are a USC, your children will become USC immediately upon entry .. no green cards    

 

No you do not need to pre-register online with CFO, just show up, you will complete the forms there.   Do make copies of their immigrant data sheets that are attached to the DO NOT OPEN envelope, along with the bio page from their passports and the visa page.

 

 

I will add that most COs at the embassy are excellent, I know I was extremely impressed with the CO that interviewed my wife ... very good person.

Edited September 7, 2018 by Hank_

[Hank_ 9,174]

28 minutes ago, gawjusgal14 said:

@Hank I was surprised too because she even told the kids that they are going to be US citizens the moment they land SFO. My kids are minors and would acquire US Citizenship upon entry to US as LPR, I was impressed with the CO and we were lucky that she was the one who interviewed my kids. The CO was really nice and accommodating, she knew how to communicate with kids and she made them feel comfortable so that they will be able to answer her questions. 😊

 

I just checked their Immigrant Visa Status on CEAC at around 1pm today and it says “ISSUED”.

 

I am hoping and praying that their passports/visa will be available for pick-up next week. I was thinking of doing the PDOS right after I pick up their visa from 2GO MOA but I understand that I need to pre-register them online before I can go to PDOS and I am afraid I cannot do online registration using my mobile phone? 

@Hank thank you very much. More power and may God bless you. 😊🙏🏻

I feel I should touch on another topic with your children regarding citizenship.   Once your children are in the USA and are granted U.S. citizenship they will lose their Philippine citizenship .. much the same as you did.   So if you want them to maintain their Philippine citizenship you will have to pursue the Dual Citizenship process for them.

 

Also I do suggest that you get U.S. passports for your children as soon as possible, being they will obtain their citizenship through you, they will not have any other documentation to confirm U.S. citizenship .. the U.S. passport will do this and is much cheaper to obtain than the process to request a Citizenship Certificate.

[gawjusgal14 3]

I called PDOS and they said I have to pre-register them online but I do not need an appointment and I can just go there to pay the Php400, and bring their passports and packets. I will try to call them again and check if I can just go there without having to pre-register online. 

I did not apply for dual citizenship and that’s what I intend to do for my kids too. I will bring them to the nearest USPS and apply for their passport. I believe the visa on their passport would suffice for US passport application right? I have been reading stories of having to pay immigrant fee for the green carda d its delivery but I know my kids will not need it and I plan to just use the money to pay for their US passport instead.

Thank you for reminding me about applying for US passport for my children. 

 

Now I cannot wait for their passports so I can finally book our plane tickets going to SFO. 😊

[Hank_ 9,174]

16 minutes ago, gawjusgal14 said:

I called PDOS and they said I have to pre-register them online but I do not need an appointment and I can just go there to pay the Php400, and bring their passports and packets. I will try to call them again and check if I can just go there without having to pre-register online. 

I did not apply for dual citizenship and that’s what I intend to do for my kids too. I will bring them to the nearest USPS and apply for their passport. I believe the visa on their passport would suffice for US passport application right? I have been reading stories of having to pay immigrant fee for the green carda d its delivery but I know my kids will not need it and I plan to just use the money to pay for their US passport instead.

Thank you for reminding me about applying for US passport for my children. 

 

Now I cannot wait for their passports so I can finally book our plane tickets going to SFO. 😊

 

Interesting on the pre-registering, and when I checked their website I saw that too ... BUT... there is this and it states they can register in person.   (part D on   https://cfo.gov.ph/rnr-pdos.html  ) 

 

The following emigrants are exempted from attending the PDOS, but should still register in person or by an authorized representative:

• Minors aged 12 and below;
• Senior citizens (60 years old and above);
• Those incapacitated due to permanent or long-term ailments; or
• Those with mental health issues or psychologically-challenged.

 

 

 

 

 I truly believe if you show up, they will accommodate you.

Edited September 7, 2018 by Hank_

[gawjusgal14 3]

Saw that too but there was the message saying that they must however register online prior to their visit to CFO. I will try to double check on Monday and ask if I can just show up and bring the documents and if they will allow me to forego the online registration.

Praying that they will so that I can do it the same day when I pick up the kids’ passport from 2GO MOA. I really need to fly back to SFO before the 17th. 

Thanks @Hank. Kindly let me know if you happen to get a hold of any additional information regarding the CFO online registration  and let me know if it is really a pre-requisite prior to showing up at their office. 

 

😊🙏🏻

[gawjusgal14 3]

@Hank Question.. What supporting documents shall I bring when I pick up my kids' passport fro 2GO MOA? Do I need to bring my kids  with me? I have read that I need to indicate the fee receipt number but I do not know where to do I find this particular information? Their visa interview was scheduled by NVC and the only thing I did was to call the Immigrant Visa hotline for USEM for the delivery address of their passports in which I chose to have them delivered to 2GO MOA and I will just pick it up from there.