Visa application assistance

[payxibka 10,045]

My gal lives in Cebu.  She is very gun shy about the preparation of the visa application, scheduling the interview and the medical, etc...  She had a friend who utilized the assistance of a local agent to help with that part of the process.  She has been unable to contact her friend to find out who she used.  

 

#1)  I know I can walk her through it, but she is not confident plus she doesn't have access to technology other than via an internet cafe

#2)  Has anyone hired such an agent to assist with the Philippines part of the process

#3)  If so, anyone have reccomendations

[doggieandsam 765]

17 minutes ago, payxibka said:

My gal lives in Cebu.  She is very gun shy about the preparation of the visa application, scheduling the interview and the medical, etc...  She had a friend who utilized the assistance of a local agent to help with that part of the process.  She has been unable to contact her friend to find out who she used.  

 

#1)  I know I can walk her through it, but she is not confident plus she doesn't have access to technology other than via an internet cafe

#2)  Has anyone hired such an agent to assist with the Philippines part of the process

#3)  If so, anyone have reccomendations

i have not used them so cannot vouch for their services but here are a couple local agents in cebu.

 

https://rapidvisa.com/country-info/philippines/

 

https://www.olvis.com/

[Boiler 45,292]

1 hour ago, iamdegie said:

i have not used them so cannot vouch for their services but here are a couple local agents in cebu.

 

https://rapidvisa.com/country-info/philippines/

 

https://www.olvis.com/

Avoid RapidVisa, well you can find a real horror story recently on this site.

[payxibka 10,045]

6 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Avoid RapidVisa, well you can find a real horror story recently on this site.

I think I read that.  RapidVisa was never a viable option to consider.  I hesitate to use any service as I think they are totally useless, but if I can find something reasonable I will go for it just for her peace of mind and me having to always answer the "Why" questions that I know will follow anything I say.  I fully understand the process and anything coming from the agency will require a full vetting by me before she does it.

[Hank_ 9,174]

1 hour ago, payxibka said:

My gal lives in Cebu.  She is very gun shy about the preparation of the visa application, scheduling the interview and the medical, etc...  She had a friend who utilized the assistance of a local agent to help with that part of the process.  She has been unable to contact her friend to find out who she used.  

 

#1)  I know I can walk her through it, but she is not confident plus she doesn't have access to technology other than via an internet cafe

#2)  Has anyone hired such an agent to assist with the Philippines part of the process

#3)  If so, anyone have reccomendations

Embassy requirements are all listed in their instructions letter, there is a link to the instructions letter here:  

 

Here is a guide that goes step by step.

 

http://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/k-1-visa-application.html

 

Do not hire an agent in the Philippines, there is nothing they can do to assist.    I can understand wanting someone local to provide directions in a strange city. 

 

The process is very straight forward.

 

The medical and the interview at the embassy can be completed within days of each other (barring issues with the medical - i.e. TB ) so that minimizes travel and staying at a hotel.

 

 

 

[payxibka 10,045]

I am 100% confident in my knowledge of the entire process ( I am not necessarily proud to say but this is NOT my first rodeo).  It's getting her to have the same confidence in me

[RO_AH 1,659]

20 hours ago, payxibka said:

My gal lives in Cebu.  She is very gun shy about the preparation of the visa application, scheduling the interview and the medical, etc...  She had a friend who utilized the assistance of a local agent to help with that part of the process.  She has been unable to contact her friend to find out who she used.  

 

#1)  I know I can walk her through it, but she is not confident plus she doesn't have access to technology other than via an internet cafe

#2)  Has anyone hired such an agent to assist with the Philippines part of the process

#3)  If so, anyone have reccomendations

A lot of Filipino's trust information from someone that "knows". The problem is a lot of times the information that they get is wrong, but the believe it because "they" said. My wife tells me "they" said a lot and I always make her get the information from the source.

 

As for access to technology, is there no cell service where she lives? I decent smart phone can be purchased for about $100 through Lazada. When my wife and I first started a relationship I brought her a PC. You could even get a cheap laptop and bring it on a trip or just order it and have it shipped to her. I just don't know how you can have a long distance relationship these days without being able to spend time together, even if it's just Skype.

 

As a last note, try to give her confidence. A lot of Filipino's are very shy and just need encouragement that they can do things on their own. This has worked out well in my relationship and my wife is full of confidence and no longer the shy person I met. Since as you stated this isn't your first time through the process you probably know this.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

41 minutes ago, RO_AH said:

A lot of Filipino's trust information from someone that "knows". The problem is a lot of times the information that they get is wrong, but the believe it because "they" said. My wife tells me "they" said a lot and I always make her get the information from the source.

 

As for access to technology, is there no cell service where she lives? I decent smart phone can be purchased for about $100 through Lazada. When my wife and I first started a relationship I brought her a PC. You could even get a cheap laptop and bring it on a trip or just order it and have it shipped to her. I just don't know how you can have a long distance relationship these days without being able to spend time together, even if it's just Skype.

 

As a last note, try to give her confidence. A lot of Filipino's are very shy and just need encouragement that they can do things on their own. This has worked out well in my relationship and my wife is full of confidence and no longer the shy person I met. Since as you stated this isn't your first time through the process you probably know this.

I really have always hated "They said", it really irks me. So I am glad that she has gotten away from "they" and usually doesn't believe it now. 

[Hank_ 9,174]

42 minutes ago, RO_AH said:

A lot of Filipino's trust information from someone that "knows". The problem is a lot of times the information that they get is wrong, but the believe it because "they" said. My wife tells me "they" said a lot and I always make her get the information from the source.

 

As for access to technology, is there no cell service where she lives? I decent smart phone can be purchased for about $100 through Lazada. When my wife and I first started a relationship I brought her a PC. You could even get a cheap laptop and bring it on a trip or just order it and have it shipped to her. I just don't know how you can have a long distance relationship these days without being able to spend time together, even if it's just Skype.

 

As a last note, try to give her confidence. A lot of Filipino's are very shy and just need encouragement that they can do things on their own. This has worked out well in my relationship and my wife is full of confidence and no longer the shy person I met. Since as you stated this isn't your first time through the process you probably know this.

 

Not his first rodeo .. he has been down this road before    

[payxibka 10,045]

She has a smartphone that I bought her a few weeks ago.  The access to technology was for printing, scanning, etc...  When I left we were thinking IR1/CR1 because of her family wanting to be a part of it.  Now we have changed our minds are are thinking K-1.  Needless to say I do not have an original signed letter of intent to marry.  So we are working through getting her to go to internet cafe, print out the sample letter I sent to her, sign it and send it via PhilPost.  That is the only original document I need.  I have the I-129F all prepared pending this last final piece.  

 

Yesterday she was successful by herself to getting her barangay certificate and applying for her Postal ID.  She now has new found confidence.  She had an epiphany yesterday and told me that now she doesn't need the assistance of an agent that she can do it herself!!!  Hallelujah!!!

[RO_AH 1,659]

18 minutes ago, payxibka said:

Yesterday she was successful by herself to getting her barangay certificate and applying for her Postal ID.  She now has new found confidence.  She had an epiphany yesterday and told me that now she doesn't need the assistance of an agent that she can do it herself!!!  Hallelujah!!!

YAY!! All it takes is a few victories and your faith in her to start gaining confidence!

[payxibka 10,045]

I always had faith in her I knew she could do it she just needed faith in herself

[RO_AH 1,659]

31 minutes ago, cyberfx1024 said:

I really have always hated "They said", it really irks me. So I am glad that she has gotten away from "they" and usually doesn't believe it now. 

Oh her first nature is still to believe it lol. Right now we have been discussing getting PhilHealth since she is pregnant and will be having the baby before she is able to come here. "My brother said I need this, my brother said I need that, my brother said I can only complete it by traveling to this place." I said great now we know what your brother said, now go to the municipal and find out what they say. If they say you have to travel don't accept that, tell them you are pregnant and don't want to travel  and ask if there is any other way. Then if you get the wrong answer ask for a supervisor. Whatever you do just don't always accept what you are told, because often there are other ways. She is going to the municipal today  

[Hank_ 9,174]

48 minutes ago, payxibka said:

She has a smartphone that I bought her a few weeks ago.  The access to technology was for printing, scanning, etc...  When I left we were thinking IR1/CR1 because of her family wanting to be a part of it.  Now we have changed our minds are are thinking K-1.  Needless to say I do not have an original signed letter of intent to marry.  So we are working through getting her to go to internet cafe, print out the sample letter I sent to her, sign it and send it via PhilPost.  That is the only original document I need.  I have the I-129F all prepared pending this last final piece.  

 

Yesterday she was successful by herself to getting her barangay certificate and applying for her Postal ID.  She now has new found confidence.  She had an epiphany yesterday and told me that now she doesn't need the assistance of an agent that she can do it herself!!!  Hallelujah!!!

    

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Hank has laid out some excellent information for you and her to follow. The process is quite easy. If you want some help I can recommend a fellow who has been processing filipino/am couples for years. He is also married to a Filipino and keeps a blog and is very knowledgeable. His rates are very reasonable and he has woman in Manila that will help your GF along.  Here is his email address: raybacon1@gmail.com.