Showing posts with label Immigrant Visa. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Immigrant Visa. Show all posts

Jun 11, 2015

Seven years and surviving!

Today marks 7 years since I first stepped on the land of opportunity, the United State of America. A totally different place and culture from what I grew up with. And to say that I have had a hard time adjusting is an understatement. There were times when I wished I stayed in the Philippines - where everything seemed to be too simple and easy. At that point, that's what I felt and boy did it change!

A lot has changed since then. I think it's safe to say that the changes were for the better. But I think my husband would be a better judge than me. Not talking about bias.

Anyway, here are some of the better changes in my life in my first 7-year journey in the US:

Apr 15, 2015

Hello to a new beginning...

...as my parents would say.

After 7 long years, my parents have finally moved to the US with me and my own little family.

I can still recall when me and my then 1-year-old son left my parents behind in Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines, to live with my husband in Texas. My heart broke so bad, but not as bad as their hearts were.

Sep 19, 2009

Is he a legitimate child?

When I was still in my process of getting a US visa, I've encountered a lot of people who are also undergoing undergoing the same process as mine. There's one certain person who also had a son like me, but his son is his US citizen fiance's son. I remembered her specifically coz she was worried about her son may needing to undergo DNA testing to prove that he's a legitimate son of her fiance. But I don't think they did it. Well, if I were to say, the child looks so much her fiance so there shouldn't a doubt that it's his.

In my case, my son's not my husband's legitimate child so I was never worried about it. Also, his biological was out of the picture coz I never had his name on my son's birth certificate.

If you went to a DNA testing process when you applied for your US visa, please let me know so that I would be able to help anyone who would come to me and ask me about this concern. Thanks and have a great day!

Beauty of Life

May 13, 2009

I'll have my first job in the US soon

I'm so excited 'cos finally, after a long wait, I'd be able to get my first job here in US. You may be wondering why a long wait.

To give you an idea, I came here in US, almost a year ago with a K1 non-immigrant visa together with my son as K2. Our visa is as good as the tourist visa, it's illegal to get a job here, only that we have the advantage to adjust status as permanent resident aka greencard holder. But it took us a while to adjust status due to financial problems.

Finally, last March, we were able to apply for our adjustment of status, together with the employment authorization document, just in case it will take awhile for us to receive our greencards. Then, just today, I received an email from USCIS saying that our employment authorization got approved and they already sent us the approval notice letter.

Now, I'm starting to look for a job (Yay!!). I'm so excited cos before I left my home country, Philippines, I didn't have a job and I wasn't used to it cos I had been working since I finished school. But I'm gonna get a part-time job as a start cos it's hard to leave my son now that he is so used of having me around. I know it'd hard but I think it'd be easier if we'll gonna do it one step at a time.

Anyway, thinking about getting a job made me think about starting a better life, and of course, vacations can't miss my thoughts. Actually, I'm already thinking about Vegas vacations for next year. Boy, am I too excited?

Beauty of Life

Dec 13, 2008

Check out Our Website with it's Own Domain now

I have been very busy updating and transferring everything to our new website, Love in Distance that has it's own domain now. It was hosted for free before by Freewebs.com, but I can't use the domain name that I bought from GoDaddy.com because I need to pay for monthly hosting. (Sure do, having a website is not cheap)

But yesterday, I was browsing through my GoDaddy account and I realized that I can have website with them using their Website Tonight service. Though it is still hosted for free and has some ads on the web, at least, I can use the domain that I bought since June, 2008. The domain was just parked at GoDaddy since then until yesterday. I am so glad that I am able to use it now and our website is using the www.andyjona.com domain now.

Anyway, if you wanna know Our Love Story, feel free to visit our website at www.andyjona.com. And please don't forget to sign on our Guestbook so that we could let you know how much we appreciate your visit.

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Jul 26, 2008

Finding the MAN OF MY DREAMS

Was it hard? For me, I think it was coz I am a strong believer of "she who seeks for him shall find him". I searched for him on my own until I found him. It was hard coz while I was searching for him, I met few man which I had mistakenly thought as the one that I am looking for, but they came in and out of my life and hurt me badly. But the good thing about having few wrong men before having the right one is that you become strong and tough enough to face all the struggles that may still come your way. I am thankful to have those wrong men in my life coz they made me realize what true love is, it is never about physical and material things in life, but it's about emotional and the most important is SPIRITUAL coz above all, GOD was the one who brought you both together and gave you each other as blessings.

I found my man through the Internet. Now a days, it's not unusual coz I have met lots of people who found the love of their lives through the Internet. Thanks to everyone who contributed the invention of computers and Internet. As I have mentioned earlier, I was searching, so I met lots of man and communicated with them the same way I communicated with my husband(now). I met Andy though Just Say Hi dating website around February 2007. But among those men, Andy(my husband) was the one who proposed marriage first after a couple of months of exchanging very long emails containing updates about our everyday lives and getting to know each other. Though I turned him down the first time but he never felt bad about it coz he knows that he did it too soon and it kinda scared me. We were still communicating, but more intimate after that proposal. Just then I realize that I am falling in love with him and never wanted to let go of him anymore. So, we got engaged on June 6, 2007.

Then he went to the Philippines to meet me in person and meet my friends and relatives too. He arrived in Cagayan de Oro City where I was residing that time due to work on September 12, 2007 and we proved to each other that what we felt all through out the time we spend on the Internet was true, we are indeed madly in love with each other.

We then process mine and my son's visa for us to be able to join Andy and start our new lives and build our dreams together. After a seem to be never-ending process, we received our visas on May 30, 2008 and arrived at our new home on June 11, 2008.

Being in a totally new place away from my friends and family was never easy but I still enjoyed every moment of it spending it with Andy and my son alone. I also met new friends from the church who were always there for us to help and support us with whatever we needed and Andy's family who always made me feel that I am already part of the family.

Finally, last July 20, 2008 I am then MRS. ANDY KUHN and I felt so blessed of having Andy in my life. We share our dreams and plans in the future together. He never let me down and I will do the same for him. I am always thankful that I found him coz he is always the man of my dreams. Someone who treats me right, very right that you can never ask for more. Someone who makes me feel beautiful with his stares, someone who makes me feel secure with his touches, and someone who makes me feel loved with all of his actions. He is everything every single woman dreamed to have and I know that I am more than lucky to find him. It would maybe wrong to say that he is perfect coz no one is perfect but I am certain he is the next thing to perfect.


>>>> Honey, you know that I love you and I always will, beyond death and beyond eternity, I will always be the person whom you've known from the very first day God has let our paths cross. I love you so much and nothing and no one can ever change that. <<<<

***
To know more about us and our story,
visit our website:
Love in Distance

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Jul 23, 2008

What a wonderful world

Hi to everyone who visits my blog! I am very happy today, happier than my normal days and just last Sunday, I know I am the most happiest person in the whole world coz it was my WEDDING DAY. I am very happy and blessed to marry a man that is perfectly for me. A man that I know that God has given to me to love me and I would love in return. He is everything I wanted and I could not ask for more.

Then, of course, after the wedding, the honeymoon followed. We went to San Antonio, TX and stayed for 3 nights there right after the wedding. We actually traveled with my gown and his suit on and of course, the traditional polish on the car saying "Just Married".

That is the reason why it took me long to update my blog. To know more about our love story, you can check on our website, Love in Distance. Of course, I will be posting here some things that happened during those special event that has happened in my life.

Keep reading! =)

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Jul 11, 2008

Helpful sites for Visa Filers

When I started filing for our visa, I didn't know that there are some forums out there that are very helpful because everyone in the forum are helping each other through all the process of the visa filing.

We only hire a lawyer to file for the visa, or shall I say to file the petition, which are not that helpful to us. I still didn't regret it though coz somehow they have provided us some knowledge about the visa filing.

But for those who are planning for file a US visa, specifically fiancee visa (coz that's what my visa is), I suggest that you sign-up to forums like World of Filipinas and Visa Journey and you'll learn a lot from that forum.

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Jun 14, 2008

Finally, I am at my NEW Home now

It has been quite awhile since I made a post here but I am glad I am able to do this today. This past few days had been very busy for me because of lots of transitions that happened in my life. Finally, now I can be able to share with you about the big change(s) that I had. Well, if you had read some of my previous posts, you'll know what I am talking about. If not, then I suggest that you read (hehe)

Well, it is all about my new life in a new place with different people around me. I would not go into details because I made a blog just for that. Jona's New Life is all about everything I had in my new life, it could be detailed or not but there are lots of informations though. It is not to brag about it coz I know there's nothing to brag about it (but I can brag about how wonderful my life is now coz of so much love). Though there are people there maybe people that would accept negatively, I don't really mind at all.

Anyway, these changes of my life may affect my blogging for a while coz I still need to adjust and help my son to adjust too, but blogging is always in my heart and will keep everybody posted. So, see you around!! =)

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May 30, 2008

Received Visa Today .. Let's Celebrate!!!

A text message woke me up at 8:15 in the morning, it said that my son's Visa is for delivery which start tomorrow, then another one followed which is for my Visa's delivery. YAAAAYYYY!!! ::dance:: . I really jumped for joy because finally I had a good news since the date I knew my Interview date. I got up from the bed, turn on my computer, and send message to my Honey about the good news. Then we talk about the next thing to happen (not the wedding yet, we should wait until I am in Texas). He immediate ly reserved a plane ticket. We'd be flying to Manila on June 9th, get the CFO stamp on the following day, then fly to Texas on the 11th. Our port of entry would be San Francisco, CA. OMG! I'm very excited. I don't know how to express it, really ::grin::.

But around 3 o'clock this afternoon, our Visa arrived. WOOOHHH!! That was so QUICK! I was expecting to receive it on Monday base on the message that I just received from them. But, OMG! This is one of the best days of my life. I finally have the visa in my hand and 10 days from now, I'll be seeing my Honey again. OMG! I miss him so much ...

So, that was it, I have my Visa today, finally, after a long wait. Total processing time is 7 months and 11 days. That was long and while waiting for my visa, it seems to be taking longer than forever. But no more waiting now coz I already have it. YAAAYYY!! ::dance:: And all the other processing that we need to do would be easier coz me and my Honey would be in each other's side to do that.

If you want to know the processing of our(me and my son) Visa, click on the following links:
K1 Visa Timeline
Interview Experience
Medical Examination Experience

Thanks for reading. Let's drink to that. LOL

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May 7, 2008

My Step-by-step K1 Visa Interview

I had my Interview last May 6, 2008 and it was a relief being done with it because it means that I am really getting nearer to be in my Hon's arms again and this time, it would be FOREVER.

Now, I am posting the steps I had fr my Interview to hopefully help those who would go through this same process.

But I must THANK first my friends who helped me out with the process and gave me the information I needed. They are Gladys, Jean Marie, and Dexie, who also went to this process and they never failed to answer every single question I have.

I know that it was never easy to apply for a US Visa, but I hope that somehow, through this steps that I am posting here which is based on my own experience would help you all.

MY DOCUMENTS

APPOINTMENT LETTER. Once you contacted the US Embassy Call Service Center to set for an Interview, they should send on your e-mail the appointment schedule you have set with them, then print it out.

PASSPORT. If you already had your medical exam, the St. Luke's should have your passport and they'd forward it together with your medical exam results to the US Embassy.

DS-156 NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION. Click here to download the form. Per applicant should complete two copies of this form.

DS-157 SUPPLEMENTAL NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION. Click here to download the form. Per applicant should complete two copies of this form. When you pay for the Visa in the bank, they would provide you a copy of this with a pink stamped on the back to indicate your payment.

DS-156K NONIMMIGRANT FIANCE(E) VISA APPLICATION. Click here to download the form. Only a K1 applicant is required to complete this form.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE. Your birth certificate should be a copy issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and printed on NSO security paper. If applicable, you should also submit NSO birth certificates for all your children, even for those who are not applying for a visa.

NBI CLEARANCE. Applicants aged 16 years and older must have a valid Record Clearance for Travel Abroad Purposes from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Clearances should be in the applicant’s current name, birth certificate name, maiden name and any aliases or nicknames used, including different spellings you have used of those names. For immigration purposes, an NBI clearance is valid for one (1) year from the date it was issued.

CENOMAR (CERTIFICATE OF NO MARRIAGE). This can be obtained from the NSO (National Statistcis Office).

I-134 AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT FORM. The petitioner should complete this form and have it notarized. It should go with most recent U.S. Federal income tax return (Form 1040) and wage statements (Form W-2). Employment letters stating salaries and bank statements may be included. You may download this form on this link: I-134.

PHOTOGRAPHS. I had about 20 pictures. Paste them in a bond paper as put captions for each picture. Be as creative as you can so that the consul would appreciate the presentability of it. Thanks to Jean Marie for this brilliant idea that she shared with me.

ITINERARY OF FLIGHTS. My fiance forwarded me his flight itineraries so that I was able to print them out from my e-mail. This would serve as the evidence that you met each other prior to the petition.

More evidences of relationship:
PHONE BILLS.
E-MAILS AND CHAT TRANSCRIPTS.
WESTERN UNION AND SNAIL MAIL RECEIPTS.


PREPARATIONS BEFORE THE INTERVIEW

► I made sure that I have all the documents I needed for the Interview. I looked at the list of documents from this link to be sure that I didn't miss anything.
► Don't hesitate to bring extra documents such as evidence of relationships. It's better to have more than to have less, that is what I was thinking during my preparation.
► Pay for the document verification at least a month before the interview. I think this is one of the mistake I made because I was able to pay it 1 week before the Interview, that is why I think it would take awhile before I can have my Visa because the Embassy didn't receive the documents they requested for verification from the appropriate office yet.
► There may be some cases where the consul would ask there whereabouts of your petitioner. I had a photocopy of my petitioner's passport and a recent picture of him holding a newspaper with the headline.
► Medical examination is completed.
► Brought two black ballpens (hehe). But don't ever bring a cellphone or any electronic device. Lighter and cigarrettes are prohibited too.


THE PROCESS

1. Arrived at the embassy at 6:00 A.M. but they're still not accepting K1 applicants. They said wait until they call out Immigrant Visa applicants.
2. Called the IV applicants and fall in line.
3. Present one valid ID and appointment letter.
4. Proceed to Gate 2 then went to the IV room. The guard will tell you where to wait or sit down. Then someone said to prepare the DS-156, DS-156K, DS-157, Original NSO Birth Certificate, and Passport (if available).
5. Fall in line on the ticket window. Gave the documents being asked to prepare. Get my ticket number. Go back to seat.
6. Name called AT window 33 for finger scanning. Went to the said window then go back to seat after the finger scanning was done.
7. Number flashed on the board with the corresponding window where you need to go which is for pre-screening.
8. Pre-screener asked the Affidavit of Support form together with the Form 1040 and W2. She also asked for the pictures. Had a pre-interview (she would ask you regarding how did you meet your fiance and his financial status). Sign the forms and correct the mistakes. (This is where you needed the black ballpen. hehe)
9. Number flashed on the board again with the corresponding window where you need to go which is for the final Interview with the consul.
10. Went inside the room and sit down. Interview. Done after less than 5 minutes. Consul said that wait for my name to be called for the next step that I need to do.
11. Name called at window 37 and received a two sheets of paper.
12. Proceed to Delbros window. Fill up the form(s). Pay for the Visa delivery (PHP 250.00).
DONE


INTERVIEW WITH THE CONSULAR OFFICER

consul: good morning! (looking serious. it made me a little bit tense)
me: good morning! (smile)
consul: what's your name?
me: jonaver
consul: who petitioned you?
me: my fiance, Andrew Wayne Kuhn
consul: how did you meet?
me: through a website
consul: when did you first met online?
me: around february of 2007
consul: when did you meet in person?
me: september 12, 2007
consul: (looking at my son who is sitting in my lap) who is he?
me: my son
consul: how old is he?
me: 1 year and 7 months old
consul: where is his father?
me: i don't know
consul: (about to say something) OK. how old are you?
me: 24
consul: have you been married before?
me: no
consul: how old is your fiance?
me: 34
consul: when is his birthday?
me: december 20, 1973
consul: have he been previously married?
me: no
consul: does he had any child?
me: no
consul: is he living alone?
me: no
consul: who is he living with?
me: his sister
consul: will you live with him and his sister once you get to his place?
me: yes, temporarily
consul: where is your son's born?
me: cagayan de oro city, philippines
consul: what hospital?
me: (i almost forgot) northern mindanao medical center
consul: (sign on some documents) wait outside and your name will be called for the next step that you need to do.
me: ok. thank you! (grin)
consul: take care (smile .. at last!)


That's the whole process of my Interview. If you need to ask or clarify something, feel free to leave a comment and I will answer everything to the best that I can.

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Related Links:
Helpful Sites for Visa filers
My Step-by-Step St. Luke's Medical Exam
Personal K1/K2 Visa Processing Experience

May 2, 2008

Hotels in Manila for US Visa Applicants

Here are some of the hotels/inn/pension house/appartelle in Manila, Philippines that is near the SLMCEC (St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic) where a US Visa applicant will be having their medical examination and the US Embassy:


Fit-to-budget:
Price range is 500-1,1200

Ermita Tourist Inn
Address: 1549 A Mabini St., Ermita, Manila
Tel. #: (02)521-9770

Hotel Soriente
Address: 545 A. Flores St. Cor. J. Bocobo, Ermita, Manila
Tel. #: (02)523-9840 or (02)523-9456

Jade Vine Executive Inn
Address: 537 United Nations Ave., Ermita, Manila
Tel. #: (02)524-8601

Mabini Pension
Address: 1337 A Mabini St., Ermita, Manila
Tel. #: (02)523-3930, 524-5404

Midtown Inn
Address: 551 P Faura St., Ermita, Manila
Tel. #: (02)525-1403

San Carlos Mansion
Address: 777 San Carlos St., Ermita, Manila
Tel. #: (02)523-8110


Middle Range:
Price range is from 1200-3000

Hotel Miramar
Address: 034 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila
Tel #: (02)523-4484

Bayview Park Hotel
Address: 1118 Roxas Blvd, Ermita, Manila
Tel #: (02)526-1555

Las Palmas Hotel
Address: 16161 A Mabini St., Ermita, Manila
Tel #: (02)524-5602

Citystate Tower Hotel
Address: 1315 A Mabini St., Ermita, Manila
Tel #: (02)400-7351

Lotus Garden Hotel
Address: 1227 A Mabini St, Ermita, Manila
Tel #: (02)522-1515

Hotel La Corona Best Western
Address: 1166 MH del Pilar St., Ermita, Manila
Tel #: (02)524-2631, 521-3906


Luxurious:
Price range is 3000-above

Manila Midtown Hotel
Address: Pedro Gil & M Adriatico Sts., Ermita, Manila
Tel #: (02)526-7001
Website: www.manilamidtown.com

Holiday Inn Manila
Address: United Nations Ave & Maria Y Orosa St., Ermita, Manila
Tel #: (02)526-1212


For list of more hotels in Metro Manila, just click here.



Apr 30, 2008

My Step-by-Step St. Luke's Medical Exam

Since I applied for K1 Visa and K2 Visa for my son, we undergo a medical examination at SLMCEC. And here is how we went through the said medical examination last April 23, 2008, hoping that this would help anyone who would go through this process.


REQUIREMENTS
◘Passport and one photocopy of it.
◘One 2x2 Picture in plain white background and another two 2x2 Picture upon releasing the result.
◘Appointment Letter and one photocopy per applicant.


PROCESS (this is based on my own experience)

DAY 1 → April 23, 2008

I arrived at SLMCEC at 6:00 AM and there are lots of people who are already there.

Step 1: Gave the required documents to the guard before getting inside the clinic. He'll check it and give you the forms that you need to fill up and your priority number.
Step 2: Filled up the form (PDS).
Step 3: My number was called by another guard and proceeded to have a picture taking on a room just in the ground floor. Each applicant should be taken a picture.
Step 4: Fall in line on the reception area. The receptionist checked my forms and required documents and asked me some questions (i.e. if that was my first time having a medical exam at St. Luke's, when was the last I had an X-ray, how many are we whose taking the medical exam, do I have some relatives who already went medical at st. luke's and so on).
Step 5: Went to 5th floor to pay at the Cashier. The payment should be in pesos. Click here for the cost of the medical examination now.
Step 6: Submit papers to the USA counter(5th floor) for physical exam. Checked height and weight, eye test, blood pressure, and physical exam (one on one with a doctor and needs to undress).
Step 7: Submit papers at the reception area(4th floor) for blood test and urine test and fill up a waiver for HIV blood test. Name called and went to the room at the back (same floor) for blood test. Then went to CR and get vial from the nurse sitting in the entrance of the CR. Urinate and submit the vial with my urine to same nurse. Name called and get your papers.
Step 8: Submit papers to the counter for X-ray (3rd floor). Name called and went to X-ray room. Take off upper clothes (including bra) and wear their robe (one use only). Took X-ray and bring papers to the 2nd floor after dressing up.
Step 9: Submit papers to the vaccination area table for vaccine interview (2nd floor). Name called and fall in line. If you have previous vaccination, make sure that you bring your records and it should be signed your doctor with his/her license number, it doesn't need to be notarized. The doctor asked me if I want to have my shots at St. Luke's or have it once I'm in the US because it is NOT required for K1 and K2 applicants but it is required for adjustment of status.
Step 10: Go back to 3rd floor and submit all your papers at the Check-out counter. They'll tell you to go back the following day for your vaccination and releasing of result. Make sure that they'll give you your receipt.

I was able to finish it at 11:00 o'clock in the morning.

DAY 2 → April 24, 2008 (9:30 AM)

Step 11: Show my receipt to the guard at the ground floor and they checked it on their computer. They stamped it "IMMUNIZATION (2ND FLOOR)". Went to 2nd floor and put my receipt on the box in front where it says says "PUT YOUR RECEIPT HERE" then waited my name to be called.
Step 12: After a few hours of waiting and probably doze off a bit(lol) my name was called and proceeded to the Immunization Room. Show passport to the nurse. Got my 3 shots and it hurts.
Step 13: Go down to ground floor for the releasing of results. Name called at Counter A. I gave my passport and two 2x2 photo with white background (if possible, similar to the one you attached in your PDS) with my full name at the back of each photo.
Step 14: Waited and name called at Counter E. They asked me some questions, I believe, for verifications because they would based on all the papers that you submitted to them. They gave me my X-ray film and vaccination sheet. They'll be the one who'll be forwarding the results , together with your passport, in 2-3 working days to the US Embassy.


For my son (K2 Visa)
We went together from Step 1 to 6. But during his physical exam (one on one with the doctor), the doctor was worried about the white spots that appeared on both of my son's arms, so she referred us to the dermatologist. Then we went to the 2nd floor for his vaccination interview. Unfortunately, they were not satisfied by his vaccination records because it was not signed by his pediatrician eventhough we have a certificate from his pediatrician and notarized by an attorney. So they suggested that my son should undergo vaccination which is appropriate to his age.

Went to Counter G and gave us the paper that we should be giving to the dermatologist who would check my son who is located at the St. Luke's main.

We then went to the dermatologist and have my son's skin checked. Glad to know that it's nothing serious and gave us cream that would cure those white spots on my son's skin. The doctor said that the result should be submitted to the SLMCEC within 2-3 working days. The result got in SLMCEC in the afternoon of the 28th.

We went to the SLMCEC first thing in the morning at the 29th. The guard stamped "MEDICAL RESULT IN PROGRESS (COUNTER A)", so we proceeded to Counter A and drop the receipt on the box intended for them. My son's name called at Counter G and told us that his papers would be assessed by their resident doctor but we can proceed to 2nd floor for the vaccination.

At the 2nd floor, after 3 hours of waiting, my son's name finally called and was interviewed by a doctor regarding his vaccination again and got the same result. Then after another 2 hours, my son's name was called again and we proceeded to the immunization room and my son got 5 shots at one time (just imagine the pain).

Went to ground floor for the releasing of result. My son's name was called at Counter A and I submitted his passport and two photos. After almost 3 hours which would be exactly 5 o'clock in the afternoon, my son's name was called at Counter B and had a little interview and son had his thumbmark on his PDS. Got his vaccination sheet.

DONE at April 29, 2008 (5:15 PM)


For questions and clarifications, please feel free to leave me a message and I will answer them with the best of my knowledge.


Apr 2, 2008

Personal K1/K2 Visa Processing Experience

This is my personal K1 Visa Process. The following is the step-by-step process that I went through to get my K1 Visa.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to leave a comment and I will get back to you as soon as I can and will answer your questions with the best that I can.

K1 Visa is a type of visa for fiance(e) of a US citizen and would come to the US to be wed to his/her petitioner within 90 days after arriving to the US.


My K1 Visa Timeline



07 Feb met online
07 June 6 got engaged
07 Sep 12 met in person

==============================

07 Oct 19 sent packets to USCIS, Vermont Service Center via attorney
07 Nov 03 received receipt/tracking number(NOA1)*
08 Feb 19 petition approved(received thru email)
08 Feb 25 NVC* sent packets to US Embassy Manila
08 Feb 29 received letter from NVC containing the case number
08 Mar 07 should receive NOA2* but USCIS said that they had the wrong address; should receive it within 45 days(sucks!)
08 Apr 01(AM) called USE to set an appointment date
08 Apr 01(PM) letter from USE arrived stating that I may call the service center to set an appointment date (I already did)
08 Apr 17 paid DELBROS for document verification
08 Apr 24 done with my medical examination at SLMCEC.
08 Apr 29(PM) done with my son's medical exam
08 Apr 29(AM) first Interview date - was postponed due to delay of my son's medical examination
08 May 05 request for Document Verification forwarded to NSO from DELBROS
08 May 06 final Interview date
08 May 30 Visa on hand

Total processing time: 7 months and 11 days



*note:
NOA - Notification of Action from the USCIS
NOA 1 - notice that the USCIS received your case and would be queued for processing.
receipt/tracking number - comes with NOA 1; used for checking the status of your case on the USCIS website.
NOA 2 - the approval of the petition
NVC - State Department's National Visa Center; would receive the approval from USCIS, do a background check for the petitioner, and forward the case to US Embassy if case found eligible.


Details





10/11/07

initial sending of packets to attorney

attorney seen discrepancies, requested hard copy of pictures


10/18/07

final sending of packets to attorney


10/19/07

attorney received packets

attorney forwarded packets to USCIS Vermont Visa Center


11/03/07

USCIS Vermont Visa Center received packets

We received tracking number (Notice of Action 1)to be used on checking the status of our case on http://www.uscis.gov.


02/19/08 (EST)

petition was approved


02/25/08

NVC sent packets to US Embassy Manila


02/29/08

a letter received through mail from State Department's National Visa Center (NVC).

stating the approval, the action taken, and the case number


03/07/08

Received an e-mail from the USCIS saying that the post office returned the Notice of Action (NOA) 2 on 03/06/08 because it was undeliverable.


03/08/08

called the USCIS and said that the address they have was wrong and they would send the notice again in 45 days.

called the attorney to verify if this would really affect the processing of my Visa, they said that the processing would continue even if we didn't receive the NOA2 yet since the NVC aready had the NOA2.


03/12/08

called NVC, said that they already sent the packets to US Embassy Manila.


04/01/08

called US Embassy Manila (1-808-101-7878) to set an appointment date

got appointment date: April 29, 2008 at 7:30 AM

04/24-25/08

medical examination at SLMCEC.

my son was referred to a dermatologist because they found something in his skin that seems to be not normal

brought my son to the dermatologist and good to know it's nothing serious

04/29/08

my son's medical exam results was released and would be forwarded to the USE

04/30/08

called USE to re-schedule my appointment date

got appointment date: May 06, 2008, 7:30 A.M.

05/06/08

Interview - approved

05/09/08

called Delbros and talked to Robbie - in charge of document verification request

knew that my document verification request was forwarded to NSO last 05/05/08

05/23/08

Andy called US Embassy and was informed that our visa is in final review and we should hear from them next week

05/30/08

8:15:31 am - got 2 text messages from Delbros saying that mine and my son's visas is for delivery starting tomorrow up to the next 2 days

around 3:00 pm - visa was delivered (it was very quick) ::dance:: ::dance:: ::dance::




Getting nearer

Seems like all the things are moving in the right direction and we thank God for this, always.

At last, I have an appointment date for my K1 and my son's K2 visa interview which would be on April 29, 2008. To set an appointment, you need to call the US embassy's Customer Service department. Click here to view the Interview Preparation Instructions, this is the same as the K packets that used to be sent to the beneficiary or the K1/K2 applicant. Or you may click here for more information about any updates for the K1/K2 application or other visas related to that.

In my case, I didn't receive any letter from the US Embassy. I called them about 2 weeks ago to verify if they had received the packets from NVC and to ask about some informations that confused me regarding the documents required and the processing. Then they told me that I can call by March 19 for me to set an appointment date with them. By the way, if you have checked on the link, the new process was effective on March 19, 2008. The first lady told me that I need to have the passport number(s) for each Visa applicants, since it was me(K1) and my son(K2) who'll be applying. But I still need to get my son's passport on March 31, that's why I ended up calling them today. This time, the 2nd lady only asked for my full name and my son's, our case number(which would be indicated on the NVC's letter), address, phone number, and type of visa applying for. Then they would give you the dates available and you just need to select and confirm it. They also advised me to have our Medical Exam taken a week before the Interview.

So, that was it! I got my appointment date and is more than ready for the interview. We are so excited. My honey can't even go to sleep because we decided that he'll join me on the interview which means that we'll be seeing each other soon, and of course would be married soon. Yehey!

Mar 4, 2008

Approved I-129F Petition

February 25, 2008


Dear Petitioner:

The State Department's National Visa Center has recently received an approved I-129F petition filed on behalf of your fiance. This letter is to let you know that within a week the petition will be forwarded to the appropriate visa-issuing post where your visa interview will take place.

Your fiance will soon receive a packet with instructions from the consular section on how to apply for the Kl visa at that post and what documents will be required.

Sincerely,
Bureau of Consular Affairs


This is is the letter that my Honey received and it just shows that we're heading into something now. All are moving now and we know that in due time, we don't have to wait again for this and all. We're so excited to have my Visa and be in each other's arms again be married asap to start our new lives together. Life is just to WONDERFUL!

Approval notice sent

It is such a lovely day because this is what I found in my email:


Application Type: I129F, PETITION FOR FIANCE(E)

Current Status: Approval notice sent.

On February 19, 2008, we mailed you a notice that we have approved this I129F PETITION FOR FIANCE(E). Please follow any instructions on the notice. If you move before you receive the notice, call customer service.



I have been waiting for this and now here it is. I'm so glad that the processing of my Visa has improvements now. But it would be better if I already have my Visa and i'll be in my Honey's arms again until forever. But I know that we'll get there sooner, but I wish that that sooner will be at this very point of the day because God knows how much we missed each other. But I know that everything would be worth it. We'll just have to wait and everything would be done on it's own time.