AlaMike

Thank you

Well, the Journey is over. My wife became a US citizen on July 1st 2025. I want to thank all the people here for the help along the way. When we started this, I was just looking for information about the different visa options. And stumbled on to this site. Little did I know, that I would actually find a "second" family of friends, helpful resources and people willing to actually help a Newby along the way. We did all the paperwork from beginning to end ourselves; and yes some mistakes were made that costs time and money but it was learning experience and I hope that anyone reading our timeline, learns how to avoid them and make the right moves for their journey. Special thanks to @Hank who hasn't been online in a couple years but I think was the most informed person here on anything about the Philippines and to all the ones that answered my questions no matter how simple they seemed to be. Although we have made to the end of our rainbow, I will be checking in and hopefully get to use the things I have learned to help others along their Visa Journey. Thank You again, Michael and Angelica

True

I don't understand why the CFO cannot just ask for everything up front. Now they are asking for FBI and Cenomar clearances on the US citizen? I wonder if it's just power trip for some on the officers at the CFO office.

Interview scheduled for July 1st. Arrived thinking she would have a combo I751/N400. After talking to the officer at the front desk, he said there would be no need for the I751 interview as everything was already approved and the only thing today would be the N400 interview. I was asked to wait in the car until she was done. I was only waiting for about 10 minutes and she came back out, I thought.. Oh no, what's happened now. But to my relief, she passed the interview. Although we had came prepared for anything and brought a binder of original paperwork, she was not asked for anything. Simply asked her 6 questions (which she answered correctly). Gave a reading and writing test, then told her that she had passed. The also told her to return after lunch for the Oath Ceremony. So all in all, it was an very quick and easy process. Everyone at the Montgomery, AL USCIS office were very nice and professional.

Have you got and interview date yet? We got scheduled for July 1st.

Jeigh got her interview appointment letter. Interview is scheduled for July 1st. Luckly our interview location is only about an hour away.

I think the I-90 is for a replacement card in case the original was lost, etc. After the end of her 2 year card. You should be applying for her 10 year, I-751.

I think you have to pay for everything first before it will allow you to enter the IV information or I-864 info. After you pay you will get another email letting you know, you can now fill out the next information.

After you log in the CEAC website. There should be 2 options for paying, 1 for the petitioner and below that 1 for the applicants IV fee. You pay each separately.

I had an estimated time of 7 months. But with the way things work, it could be 4 or 12.

We have been on the almost the same path from the beginning. We got the receipt notice and biometric reuse notice.

My wife filed her N400 3/26/2025, under the 3 year rule. Looks like she may become a citizen before her I-751 is approved.

Piggly Wiggly, only a few miles from the house. We only go to Costco for rice, at least that what we go for originally...$300.00 later?

I went with my wife for her AOS interview and the same thing happened. Officer came out and requested to talk to her only. I thought this meant trouble but after a few minutes and she said only a few questions, she was approved. I guess this is not as uncommon as I thought.

Don't copy and paste. Some programs require you actually type it in.

Hey, I'm glad you had a good time. The second trip is always easier (except for the flights). My 1st was hectic and somewhat chaotic, I didn't know where or what to do. But the ones after, were even better because we spent time going to different places and actually spending time with each other. Now the "fun" begins, with the paperwork and the waiting. If you need anything, be sure to ask on this site. Everyone is here to help.

Haven't heard anything since before your trip. Well??? How was it.

No issues bringing anything that is commercially packaged. You cannot bring raw meat, fresh fruit or vegetables. We brought back several dozen sachets of coffee and various prepackaged spices and had no issues with customs.

My wife has been decorating Since the 1st. Once the lantern goes up... it's ON!

They make money from giving out a lower exchange rate than what is available at the large bank exchanges. Right now the current rate is 56.01 PHP to 1 US Dollar. The exchange rate at Ninoy is around 51.8 to 52. In the provinces you can expect to get even less and sometimes they don't have enough. I even got a great exchange rate at the casino across from the Holiday Inn Express - Newport. I guess they though I was going to use it in the casino. The first time I went I did the exchange at my personal bank and the exchange rate was exactly as the national rate. I will never do this again! Having to keep up with 200+ thousand peso's is nothing I want to try again. My wallet wasn't designed to hold that much.

I have used them all. Taxis, Grab and have rented a car. Unless you are planning to travel long distances and doing a lot of sight seeing there is no need to rent a car. If you do decide to rent, check out the prices in Klook.com. They are a 3rd party rental but you still get the car from Hertz, etc. But, like everyone has said; driving in the Philippines can be a hair raising experience. You are on the surface street with everything from pedestrians (that have no clue) to kamikaze bus drivers and everything in between. Traffic lights and road signs, if there are any and merely a suggestion as many intersections have nothing. But on the national highways traffic is much better, not much but better. I am always shocked at how everyone drives but surprisingly everyone gets out each others way. I see you are in Alabama also. If you need anything, I would be happy to talk to you.

All of the points that @Spicy Chickenjoy has stated. As for currency exchange, Check the current rate of exchange online before you go. The exchange locations in the airport offer good rates as compared to sending money to yourself then having to pay the exchange rate plus the fees. Also, make sure if you plan on using your credit cards out of the country, call or go online to let them know you will be using them and the dates of travel. If you are 100% sure this going to be your plan (K1). Take all of the K1 paperwork with you. You can go thru the list of things you will need from her, copies of birth certificates, pictures for the application, CENOMAR, etc. This may help and avoid the expense of sending this to you back in the States. If you are using taxis be sure they are using the meter, some will tell you a flat rate and it will be many times the actual cost if they were using the meters. Best to download GRAB unless you plan on using Jeepneys or trikes. (My 6' - 280lb frame does not fit well in local transportation). But most of all...have fun, see the country side, enjoy the great food and hospitality.

Log on to the official IRS website. You will need to open an account. From there you will be able to see every years tax forms. They are listed with different headings and download the one marked Wage and Income tax transcript.