Mnhopeful22

39 minutes ago, Mnhopeful22 said:

Good lord, what next?!? Thanks to Typhoon Rai, they are now limiting international passengers to Mactan-Cebu Airport to OFWs and ROFs, which excludes me. This rule is in effect until Jan 3 and I'm scheduled to arrive there on Jan 7. I guess I'll wait and see what changes are made Jan 3? Maybe I could fly into Manila instead to quarantine then fly to Cebu after that? I don't know...its so damn frustrating to think there's a chance my 9a could possibly expire before I even have a chance to use it! Any advice is appreciated.

Followup question: does anyone know if my 9a would be accepted at Manila if I listed Lapu-Lapu as my port of entry on my application? Note: the port isn't shown on my actual visa.

Good lord, what next?!? Thanks to Typhoon Rai, they are now limiting international passengers to Mactan-Cebu Airport to OFWs and ROFs, which excludes me. This rule is in effect until Jan 3 and I'm scheduled to arrive there on Jan 7. I guess I'll wait and see what changes are made Jan 3? Maybe I could fly into Manila instead to quarantine then fly to Cebu after that? I don't know...its so damn frustrating to think there's a chance my 9a could possibly expire before I even have a chance to use it! Any advice is appreciated.

I would hope they would respond to the increased demand with an increase in the staff to handle that demand but that's probably wishful thinking 🤔 

Good Lord it looks like I didn't understand something quite right. I sent my ROM application to SF Consulate and my 9a visa application to Chicago Consulate (I live in MN) at the same time. Chicago contacted me to say they need the "signed ROM from SF Consulate" to process my visa. I sent Chicago the apostilled marriage certificate thinking that's what satisfied this requirement. Now SF Consulate tells me it takes an average of TWELVE WEEKS to process my ROM?!?! I'm so disappointed right now as it seems impossible I'll see my daughter on her birthday or spend Christmas together with my family 😔

My next step is to contact Chicago to try clarifying exactly what's needed...maybe there's a misunderstanding. I really don't know what else to do at this point. Any other ideas? Prayers are appreciated!

On 10/6/2021 at 8:23 AM, Mnhopeful22 said:

Two more questions related to this topic (so many, I know) on the visitor visa (Chicago Consulate actually uses FA Form No.2A for this):
1. Assuming my spouse's name on her existing ID, passport, etc. will not match her new married name, which should I use on the form if I list her as my "Reference in the Philippines"?

2. How long will it take them to process my visa request? Without knowing this, I don't know how far out to book my flight and lodging accommodations and they require the flight number on the form.

Any thoughts on this one? Also would like to confirm the validity of the 2A visa that Chicago consulate directed me to...all the BI and Embassy resources seem to reference only the "9A" visa. Will this 2A visa be able to get me into the Philippines?

For the notarized ROM form--can my Filipina wife have 1 copy notarized and EMAIL me that one to make copies or does she need to notarize all 5 copies and MAIL it to me?

Two more questions related to this topic (so many, I know) on the visitor visa (Chicago Consulate actually uses FA Form No.2A for this):
1. Assuming my spouse's name on her existing ID, passport, etc. will not match her new married name, which should I use on the form if I list her as my "Reference in the Philippines"?

2. How long will it take them to process my visa request? Without knowing this, I don't know how far out to book my flight and lodging accommodations and they require the flight number on the form.

On 10/2/2021 at 2:35 PM, RO_AH said:

 

Just so you are clear. The ROM is done at the SF Consulate because they cover Utah where you get married. If you file a 9a visa it would be in Chicago, if you live in Minnesota.

 

Thank you--that makes more sense and am glad you pointed it out...so many moving parts!

On a related note--does anyone have an opinion (or better yet, experience) on whether or not it matters if you select "single entry" or "multiple entry" on the visa application form? I fully intend to visit multiple times, but I'm happy to select single entry if this will have an impact on the ease or speed at which my application is processed. I mean...if I select "MULTIPLE", will it slow down the processing or be more likely to be denied or make it less likely to be approved?

Thanks so much for the detailed response @RO_AH

@Corgent I can definitely see how that is frustrating. This is why I'm also trying to understand the requirements in advance. Perhaps there's some things my fiancé could send me ahead of time. Do you think the best way to prepare is to assume the SF consulate will require all things and be ready to submit all those? 

And I know it's frustrating but I want you to know how helpful this is for me--I appreciate you very much for sharing these details! I hope one of us can discover the best way to get a response from the SF consulate soon!

On 9/5/2021 at 3:52 PM, Corgent said:

After you file the ROM (#4), you are waiting to be able to request an authenticated marriage certificate from the PSA, which apparently can take more than 6-12 months (?) after ROM filing. Are you saying it's possible to get the 9a visa and enter the country with just the apostilled marriage certificate, no PSA marriage certificate? Here's a YouTuber who recently flew in through Manila and said they asked for the PSA marriage certificate: https://youtu.be/_8ExnGKkWIs?t=871 (14:33). I'm curious what they would have done if he presented an apostille instead.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I believe this is my question as well. After you submit the ROM to the SF Consulate, can you immediately apply for the 9A visa or are you required to wait for the Philippines to issue that barcoded official marriage certificate before you'll be allowed entry to PH? Any clear answers would be so appreciated; waiting another 6-12 months is quite significant!