Medical Update

Please refer to the link below

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3218.html

Do not Open Your Visa Packet

I am absolutely sure that most of you are too eager to receive your visa packet. Yeah, who would not right? After all, that is the only thing that will make it possible for you and your honeybee to be together finally! and yep, for good!

But here is the catch, DO NOT OPEN YOUR VISA PACKET! Opening your visa packet will get you in trouble ones you reach your POE (Point of Entry to US soil). You only need to get your passport. Just use a blade to get your passport. That's how I got mine.

Don't be to curious as to what is inside the envelope. Those are the same documents that your fiance(ce) sent to file the petition. Nothing extraordinary.

What if its too late, you already opened the packet? Are you gonna just sit until you leave for US? That is a very bad idea. Don't ever take that risk of being refuse of entry. You can call the embassy and tell them what happened. They will have you get back to US Embassy Manila and have your Visa packet  re-sealed  without any fee.

Hotels Near US Embassy Manila and St. Luke's Medical Extension Clinic

There are lots of hotels near US Embassy Manila and St. Luke's that you can choose from. But ofcourse it will still depend on your preferences and budget.

Casa Bocobo Hotel - nice and clean, with wifi and complimentary breakfast.
Address: Jorge Bocobo Street cor. Kalaw Avenue, Ermita, Manila, 1000 Philippines
Telephone : +63 2 526 2937, +63 2 526 4017, +63 2 526 3783
Mobile : +63 917 5538970
Email :info@casabocobo.com.ph
Credits: http://www.casabocobo.com.ph/


Hotel Soriente - Just two blocks away from US Embassy and more or less 10 steps away from St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic
Reservations : 63-2- 525-7304 E-mail: hotelsoriente@yahoo.com
Main Telephone Line : Tel. No: 63-2-524-8345 Fax No.: 63-2-522-3913
Address : 545 corner A. Flores & J. Bocobo St., Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Credits: www.hotelsoriente.com


Bayview Park Hotel Manila
Address: 1118 Roxas Boulevard cor., United Nation Avenue, Manila 1000, Philippines
Credits: http://www.bayviewparkhotel-manila.com/ppc/index.html


Lotus Garden Hotel
Address: 1227 A. Mabini corner Padre Faura Streets Ermita, Manila, Metro Manila, 1000 Philippines
Credits: http://www.lotusgardenhotel-manila.com/ppc/?gclid=CLX7zfOTs74CFYlFMgodm1cA3Q


Miramar Hotel

Address: 1034-36 Roxas Blvd corner UN Avenue, Ermita, Manila. Philippines 1000

Tel. No. (632) 523 4484 to 86 | Fax (632) 526 18 66 | (+63)915-4462115 

Email: reservations@miramarhotel.ph 

Credits: http://www.miramarhotel.ph 

Best Western Hotel La Corona Manila

Address: 1166 M.H. del Pilar corner Arquiza Street, Ermita, Manila 1000, Philippines

Phone Numbers: (632) 524 2631 to 35
Fax Numbers:(632) 525 8268 to 35
Email:reserve@bestwesternhotelmanila.com
Credits: Best Western Hotel La Corona Manila Official Website


Sandico Apartment Hotel 
Address: 1225 M. H. Del Pilar Street Ermita, Metro Manila 1000, Philippines
Tel. No. (632) 523-8180
Telefax (632) 523-8181
Mobile: (+63999) 839-6073
Credits: http://sandicohotel.blogspot.com/


Paragon Tower Hotel
Address: 531 A. Flores St., Ermita Manila, Philippines
Telephone Number: (632) 526-5541 to 47
Fax Number: (632) 526-2679
Email: reservation@paragontowerhotel.com
Credits: http://www.paragontowerhotel.com/home.html


Cherry Blossoms Hotel
Address: #550 Jorge Bocobo Extension, Ermita, Manila, Philippines
Telephone Numbers: (632) 3283251 to 3283254, 310 8837
(632) 708 9901 to 708 9906

Fax Number: (632) 522 4172

For inquiry: cbh@cherryblossomshotel.com.ph

Credits: http://www.cherryblossomshotel.com.ph/

The Southern Cross Hotel Manila
Address: 1125 M. H. Del Pilar St. Ermita, Manila, Philippines  
Telephone: (02)-521-2013
Fax: (02)-525-3031
Cellphone: (+63)9189799867
Credits to the Official Website: www.thesoutherncrosshotelmanila.com
E-mail: thesoutherncrosshotel@gmail.com

UPDATE for CFO

Starting May 15, 2014 applicants need to log on to http://gcp-appointment.cfo.gov.ph/ to secure an appointment. Counselling sessions are  scheduled  based on the Nationality of the Foreign spouse.

My Timeline

July 5, 2012 - USCIS 129F Petition sent
July 9, 2012 - NOA1 Received
Oct. 31, 2012 -NOA2
December 17, 2012 - Medical (Passed)
December 27, 2012 - Interview (Approved)
January 17, 2013 - Visa Received
February 1, 2013 - US Entry
March 1, 2013 - Civil Wedding

Adjustment of Status: (EAD and I-485)

Employment Authorization
August 26, 2013 - EAD Application sent
August 29, 2013 - EAD Initial Review
September 3, 2013 - NOA1
September 30, 2012 - Biometrics
Nov. 6, 2013 - EAD Card Production
Nov. 14, 2013 - Picked up by usps
Nov. 18, 2013 - EAD Received

Adjustment of Status
August 26, 2013 - I-485 Sent
September 3, 2013 - NOA1
September 30, 2013 - Biometrics
Oct. 17, 2013 - Initial Response Review (RFE)
April 18, 2014 - Card Production
April 21, 2014 - Approved
April 26, 2014 - GC Received

NEW FORM: DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Electronic Application

All nonimmigrant visa applicants worldwide must use the online DS-160 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form, including individuals applying for a K visa.

Note: DS-160 is not required when, prior to October 7, 2013 in any of the following situations:

• If the K visa applicant is already scheduled for an interview.
• The K visa applicant has already been interviewed and has been requested to submit additional documentation or is pending administrative processing.
• The K visa applicant has already submitted a valid, signed, unexpired DS-156, DS-156K and/or DS-230 or received instructions to do so.    

 Commonly Asked Questions: 
DS-160 Link------- https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/
Ideal browser----Internet Explorer

For more info regarding this form, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4401.html

Credits: Travel.State.Gov.
           A Service of the Bureau of Consular Affairs 
           U.S. Department of State

Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4401.html

Sample Fiance(e) Letter of Intent

Fiancé Letter of Intent

 Applicant's or Beneficiary's Name

(petitioner’s / beneficiary’s address)

United States Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

USCIS Attn: I-129F 2501 

South State Highway 121 Business 

 Suite 400 Lewisville, TX 75067

United States Department of State
United States Consulate, Manila, Philippines 
 1201 Roxas Boulevard 1000, Philippines 
 02 301 2000

(Date mm-dd-yyyy)

Dear Sir or Madam:

I, (applicant’s or beneficiary’s name), do hereby state that I am legally able and willing to marry (petitioner’s or beneficiary’s name), and intend to do so within 90 days of my arrival into the US using the K-1 visa.

Yours truly,

Applicants or Beneficiary's Name

I-129F Sample Cover Letter

I-129F Cover Letter

Name of Petitioner
Address of Petitioner

United States Department of Homeland Security
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services


UCIS

Attn: I-129F

2501 South State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400 Lewisville,TX 75067

July 16, 2012

Nature of the submission: I-129F ORIGINAL SUBMISSION

To Whom It May Concern:

Enclosed please find my Form I-129F, Petition for K-1 Fiancé Visa for MARIA MAKILING, and supporting documents.

Contents include:

Payment in the amount of $ 340.
G-1145 E-Notification of Acceptance Petition http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/g-1145.pdf
I-129F http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-129f.pdf
G-325A (Petitioner & Beneficiary) http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/g-325a.pdf
Passport style photo (Petitioner & Beneficiary/Write the full name @ the back of the photo)
Birth certificate/US Passport (Petitioner)
Letter certifying intent to marry (Petitioner and Beneficiary)
Copy of Final Divorce Decree
Proof of having met in person in the past two years
Proof of ongoing relationship

Copies of documents submitted are exact photocopies of unaltered documents and I understand that I may be required to submit original documents to an Immigration or Consular officer at a later date.

Sincerely,

Name of Petitioner (signed)

*********************************************************************************

Commonly Ask Questions:

What are the documents that shows Proof of having met in person in the past two years?

Answer: This may include copy of airline tickets, boarding pass, passport pages, photos with your Fiance(e) showing a happy faces with his/her friends or family, write the date at the back and the place it was taken, copy of hotel receipt.

Proof of ongoing relationship: 

chatlogs, copy of remittances, screen shots, emails, letters.

Notes:
Passport Style Photo - Should be place in a plastic bag and label it with "Photo & the name of person which the photo belong" Place behind the G-325A Form.


Address where to send the packet:

Please note that you can either send the visa packet to any of the address below:

For U.S Postal Service 

USCIS
PO Box 660151
Dallas, TX 75266    

For Express mail and courier deliveries

USCIS
Attn: I-129F
2501 South State Highway 121 Business
Suite 400
Lewisville, TX 75067

Point of Entry (POE)

 I am not sure if it works the same with other airlines coz mine was Delta. It was 30 minutes prior to arrival at the US Soil, we were given two forms to be filled up. Those forms are for the immigration and custom  clearance. Please take a look at the link below, that's how exactly the forms look like.

http://www.monadarling.com/visa/I94FORM.bmp

Bear in mind that most if not all of your co-passengers you are with on the same plane will have to go to the immigration and customs . So you may just go with the flow. Most of them are in a hurry to fall in line at the immigration counter. Listen very carefully as they will  announce on what counter you should fall in line. Take note that Canadian Visa Holder, US Permanent Visa Holder (Green  Card) and the Asian Passport Holder have different counters. Don't worry, they don't ask much questions. So, just relax. After that, you can now go and claim your check-in baggage. Then proceed to the custom area. If you have a connecting flight, then you need to look for your terminal where you are going to check-in for your next flight. Do not hesitate to ask for directions to the airport personnel if you don't know where to go. That's what I did..lol

I hope this post will help those who are still working on their K1 Visa.

CFO Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar

Assuming your done with you're interview and your visa is Approved. Next step is to have your CFO (Commission on Filipino Overseas) Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar.You can have your CFO Seminar while waiting for your visa. But then, you have to go back when you received your visa for your CFO Sticker that will be pasted on your passport. CFO fee is Php 400.00. You can fill-up the forms using this links:

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/pdf/downloadable%20forms/registrationform.pdf

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/pdf/downloadable%20forms/overseasbasedemigrantform.pdf

before you have your CFO in order for you to fall in line right away when you go to the fifth floor of the CFO building. Anyway, based on my experience I wasn't able to fill-up this form and it took me a little longer before I was able to fall-in line for my Finger Scanning. Please take note that the seminar has only two sessions morning and afternoon with only 15 participants per session. So, if you can't make it on the 1st & 2nd Session that means you have to go back the next day for your Seminar. Be sure to be there early. The sooner you have you're seminar the sooner you will be done with your CFO. Though I was thankful that it was not based on the number that will be  given the moment you enter the CFO building. But it is based on the moment you were able to fall-in line for your Finger Scanning. After finger scanning you will be instructed to go inside the seminar room. The person who will conduct the seminar will call the name of the participants one by one for the Interview.

After the Seminar you will go down (i forgot what floor) to pay for your CFO. From then, you will have to wait for the release of your passport together with your certificate.

Bring the ff for your CFO
- Passport ( 3 copies of the biographic info)
- Visa (3 copies)
- 2 valid IDs (3 copies each)
- 3 pcs. 2x2 picture (w/ white background)
- Divorce decree or annulment papers

Now, you're ready to go. Don't forget your K1 packet. You have to put that one on your carry-on bag, so that it would be easy for you to get it when you reach your POE.

Things to do while waiting for your Visa

So how long have you been waiting for your Visa? Two weeks or three weeks already and no visa yet?

You can call the embassy for the update of your Visa. Just dial this number
"(632) 301-2000." Once they  said that your Visa has been collected by 2GO from the US Embassy. You will receive an email regarding your Document Status (US Travel Docs. The email looks like this:

====================================================
Dear XXXXX (ur complete name)

  Your document(s) have been collected from the US Embassy/Consulate.
  The passport number being returned is XXXXX (contains ur passport number) and the AWB for tracking is XXXXX.

You have chosen to have your documents delivered to the following location:
XXXXXXXXXX (Your delivery address)
  If you have any issues or concerns, please contact us at www.ustraveldocs.com/ph.

====================================================
With the use of AWB tracking number written on the email, you can now tract your visa with the use of the website below:

http://supplychain.2go.com.ph/CustomerSupport/etrace/index.asp

My Medical & Interview Experience

July 5, 2012 – K1 filed
July 9, 2012 – NOA1
October 31, 2012 – NOA2
November 5, 2012 – Manila Case Number
December 17, 2012 – Medical (Passed)
December 27, 2012 - Interview (Approved)

My Medical Experience
I Woke up at around 1am, lol..coz I can’t hardly sleep don’t know if I was nervous or just stressed. Then i left at around 3:00am sa Project 8 (w/ lolo and lola, ihinatid aq kc ayaw nla na sumakay aq sa taxi na mag isa lang aq, nagkalat na daw mga manloloko ngaun..oh, dba supportive..:)..kc baka poh ma traffic aq kaya dapat early pa..luckily, nd pa na man kya I arrived at St. Lukes at around 3:30am..gushed! marami ng nkapila..kaya pila na agad. Then at around 5am the guard started to check the online registration form, passport and the letter from NVC w/ Case Number  (iba lang poh ang numbering ng mga senior citizen, non-online registration at ng nka pag online registration)..mine was number 4..then after that, pasok na sa loob. After a few minutes, the guard will call the numbers like 1-10 to fall in line..that is for finger scanning, signature and they will also ask for one copy of your 2x2 photo ID..then they will give you a piece of paper where your medical exam procedures are listed and being signed after every procedure..they will instruct you to proceed to the 5th floor to pay ur med exam..after I payed for my med exam fee, I was instructed to give my paper to the nurse taking the blood  pressure. I wait and listened very carefully for my name to be called. The height, weight and eye exam will follow after the BP taking. Tapos instruct na naman to proceed to the 3rd floor for the Physical and laboratory exam. Natapos aq around 10 am, waiting nalang for the decision either mkapag immunize or not. So I went out to have lunch for awhile and went back at 12:00 noon. I prayed hard to have my immunization on the same day and thanks God! My prayer was answered. My name was called for immunization. @ around 1:30 pm m done with my immunization. Then wait nlang for the release of my Vaccination worksheet and CD (x-ray)..

My Interview Experience
I arrived at the embassy @ around 4am..lol ang aga pa..4 pa lang ang nandun..and the weather was not really that good..Then @ 5:00 am the guard started to request the 6:15 and 6:30 am appointment sched to fall in line..Then at 5am start na ng pgpasok sa embassy. Please arrange ur documents in this order:
Appointment confirmation letter
Ds156
Ds156k
Ds157
Ds156
Ds156k
Ds157

Then he/she will stamp something on ur passport and will give a plastic as well. They will instruct you to place ur passport inside that plastic with the biographic information open. Then proceed na naman sa isang window for your number (mine was 6065) she will instruct you to drop ur forms (appointment letter and ds forms sa kung anong window sa akin Window 39)..Pagkatapos nyan, pasok nasa loob, my guard na mag check ng bags. Beware of the do’s and don’ts sa loob ng embassy..Then I waited for my number to flashed. My first interviewer was a young american consul. He asked me my name and my birthdate. Then finger scanning. That’s it. He then instructed me to wait for my number to flashed again. My second interviewer was a Filipino consul. He seems to be nice. He asked for my BC, Cenomar and NBI Clearance.
The following are the questions:
-          My name
-          Petitioners name
-          My age and the petitioner
-          What course I took
-          He also asked me if I am working
-          If I ever get married and have kids
-          When did we first met
-          How we met
-          How many times did he came to visit me
-          When was the last time I saw him
-          What is my petitioner’s work
-          If my fiance have kids and if they are minor
-          He also asked me if we have photos together but he never bother to look at them
He asked me for Affidavit of Support, ITR and W-2. First, I gave him photocopies, but he insisted to give him the original copies, so I did gave him the original copies. Then opo na nman ang lola. Then nag flash na nman number q sa window 66. This time my interviewer was an american lady..she was very beautiful. She just asked me a few questions almost the same sa filipino consul.
-          Where did I work
-          When am I going to US
-          If I have plan to work in the US
-          In what particular field do I intend to work
-          She take a look at our photos together

Wait na nman for my number to flashed @ around 9am my number flashed for the last time. The girl informed me that my visa was approved..yehey!

 Hope this post will help..

Documents to Prepare After NOA2 Approval

The following are the documents that I prepared:
Birth Certificate (NSO)
CENOMAR (NSO)
NBI Clearance
YM Chatlogs
FB Chatlogs
Emails
Photocopy of Remittances
Photos of us together (w/ dates & place where it was taken)

DS Forms (2 copies each):
DS-156 https://evisaforms.state.gov/ds156.asp
DS-156k http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/82063.pdf
DS–157   http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/126741.pdf
DS-230 http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/81807.pdf
DS-160 Link------- https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ (Please note that this is a new form and the ideal browser for this is the Internet Explorer)
For more info regarding DS-160form, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/forms/forms_4401.htm

Docs from my Fiance:
Divorce decree
Affidavit of Support (Form I-134)
Form W-2 (Wage & Tax Statement 2011)
Form 1040EZ (Income Tax Return)
Employment Letter
Latest Pay Stubs (w/ salary & date)
Photocopy of his Itineraries during his visits to Philippines

Bring also with you on your Interview the ff:
Appointment Letter (email – if you scheduled your interview online)
Copy of the BPI Official Receipt
Ballpen

After my NOA2 got approved we've waited to have my MNL Case Number because you need that info when scheduling your appointment online. Then, if you have your MNL Case number you
can pay for your visa fee. You have to print the USA Deposit Slip. For K1 Filers select the $240 MRV Fee.

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visapay.asp

Bring the following in Paying for Visa at BPI
- Deposit slip
-Passport
-Money (appropriate amount can be seen on the deposit slip)
And don't forget to print after you're done scheduling your appointment online. Print at least three (3)

Prohibited Items at US Embassy

You are not allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy/Consulate while carrying any of the following items:
battery-operated or electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital diaries, digital watches, pagers, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, floppy disks, laptops, or portable music players, flashdrives, cigarettes, cigars, match boxes, lighters
Flammable liquids, any open beverages/liquid containers of any kind
sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail files
weapons or explosive materials of any kind

After scheduling your appointment online you can now proceed to having you're Online Registration at St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic. Here is the link for that:

http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/

St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic Address:
1177 J. Bocobo St.  Manila 1100, Philippines

Bring the following on your Medical
- Online registration at St. Luke's Medical Center
- Appointment letter sent by the NVC or an email confirmation from the Visa & Information and Appointment Service
-Letter containing your MNL Casenumber
- Passport
- Appropriate med exam fee
- Three colored pictures (2x2) with a white background
- Ballpen

Note: You can bring your cellphone during your medical..

Format on MNL Case Number Inquiry

If you're NOA2 has been approved and it's been a month and you don't have your MNL Case Number. You can send an email to NVC and inquire them regarding your MNL Case Number because you need it to schedule for your interview and medical. The email address is NVCInquiry@state.gov

Here is the Format courtesy of Lovely Pink of Happy Ladies VIP Chatroom:
*********************************************************************************

Dear Sir/Madam: Good day! We, ____________________ and ______________________, would like to know our case status update. Kindly see the details below: I-129F Petition for Alien Fiancee Service Center            :            Receipt Number          :           NOA 1  date                :           Petitioner's Name        :       Petitioner's Birthdate   :         Beneficiary's Name      :         Beneficiary's Birthdate :          We are hoping for your positive response on our query.  Thank you and God bless. Sincerely, ______________________