Important Documents For K1 Visa Holder

You have accomplished all the necessary documents that you need as a K1 visa applicant, alright. You and your fiance are both very excited when you passed the visa interview at the US embassy in Manila. You will wait for a week or two before you can get your K1 visa together with you Philippine passport. You may be asking, "What? Philippine passport? I thought I have my passport already?". Don't be misled. When you took your medical examinations at St. Luke's Medical Extension Clinic, they forwarded your medical results and your passport to the US embassy in Manila. So, after your visa interview, you will know if you pass the interview or not. If you passed the interview, the consul will tell you and congratulate you. They will give you your passport that very same day if you did not passed the interview. But, don't despair. Be positive. Always tell yourself that you will pass the interview.

HERE ARE THE 2 IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS THE IMMIGRATION WILL ASK YOU.

1. Your K1 Visa. It is attached right in your Philippine passport. Your passport must be valid. If it still has one year validity, that is fine.




2. This one is very important. You have your K1 visa, you have your plane ticket and you have everything else that you thought you might need when you come to the US. But, you missed one thing. CFO sticker. CFO stands for COMMISSION ON FILIPINOS OVERSEAS. You cannot board the plane if you do not have CFO sticker in your passport.



You can get this CFO sticker after you take the CFO seminar. I think the seminar costs Php150. It only takes a day and you can get your certifications and your sticker from CFO. It is a must for all the Filipinos to take CFO seminars.

DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO BRING TO TAKE THE CFO SEMINAR:

1. Passport - When you receive your visa. You can get your passport inside the plastic, but do not, do not ever open the BROWN ENVELOPE. Only the immigration officials here in the US are the allowed to open that BROWN ENVELOPE. Remember that!

2. 2 x 2 passport size picture (2 copies) - If you still have a spare passport picture when you were applying at the St. Luke's Medical Extension Clinic when you took your medical exams, that is fine. I saved all my passport pictures when I was processing my papers.

3. Singleness or CENOMAR - CFO officials might ask you this, so better to prepare this and take it with you. I told you on my K1 Visa Application Procedures post, prepare 2 copies of your CENOMAR, for future references.

4. Authenticated Birth Certificate - Read number 3

5. Money - for payment.

6. Patience - You might wait and sit there for long hours. My colleagues and I have waited for 7 long hours before we got the certifications and the sticker. But, it's all worth it.

At the airport, they will attached this CFO certificate right at the last page of your passport.



You can take CFO seminar with the absence of your passport, but you will have to go back for the sticker. Don't you think it is a waste of time? To go there without your passport? Who knows if you, too, have to wait long hours like the others? It is time-saving to take the CFO seminar with your passport with you, you will meet new friends and you will hear some other interesting and cute love stories.

After you accomplished these 2 very important documents, you can sit back and relax and wait for your scheduled flight to the USA. Good luck on your journey.

Happy Sweetest Day Card

I feel so fortunate that I married the sweetest guy in the world. I am not aware that there's such a thing as Sweetest Day. We do not have that in the Philippines. When I woke up yesterday morning, I went to the bathroom and surprised to see what's in the sink. My favorite Sesame Street character was sitting there, cookie monster! A Madonna CELEBRATION CD, and a greeting card. I knew there was no special day that day. It was not my birthday nor his. It was not our anniversary. Then I opened the card and so happy to read what's written...




Isn't it too sweet of my husband? I don't have anything to give to him yesterday but my devotion and ever faithful love for him.

Happy Sweetest Day to everybody!!!!

Hello, friends! I am back!

Yes, dear friends. I am now back. I have been out for a couple of months due to some circumstances. But, now that I am here again, I will update you on what happened into my life while I was gone.

I have so many stories to tell, some are fun and exciting and some are irritating, too. I hope that you will have fun reading my new posts in the days to come.

Ciao. Miss y'all!

Green Card Application Procedures

My husband and I went to USCIS Application Support Center this morning. He sent all the necessary documents in applying for a green card. If you came here to America under K1 Fiance(e) Visa, this may help you.

Here are the few things that might help you:

1. Authenticated Birth Certificate.

You can get this at National Statistics Office. Click here to know more

2. Medical statement or medical summary from S.L.M.C.E. For reference.

3. G-325A Biographic form. Your new information after you get married will be
listed here. You can download the form with the same site where you downloaded
it when you were applying for your K1 visa, the one you sent to your petitioner
that is in the US.

4. Income Tax Statement of Statement of Support. This is from your petitioner
that you married with.

5. 2 copies of passport size picture. It should be taken in less than a month.

6. A copy of your marriage certificate.

7. Payments for the green card processing.


After completion of all the requirements, you and your husband or wife which was your petitioner can mail all the documents together with the check as payment in the state where your husband or the person you married to is residing.

In less than a week, we received a notice telling me what to bring and to check if they got all my information correct. In less than a week, I got the confirmation date for my biometrics appointment.

When you receive the first letter of notification from USCIS, they will tell you what are the other things that you have to do. If you completed all these steps, you are on your way for your green card. You will be notified if your application is granted.

Good luck!

Max And Padre Stole The Day

February 15 was mom's birthday but we celebrated it on the 14th, Valentine's day. Mom was very happy on that day. We played cards, though I never really play cards I can say that I am always having fun playing cards with my new family. I love them so much.
Max and Padre' are mom's angels. These two fellahs are always happy to see us whenever we come to visit mom and Nannie. But they have their own characters. Max is a very happy dog who will always try his best to attract your attention and never gets tired. Padre' is the reserved one. He will just sit or lie on his blanket and it is Max who will come and disturb his silence. They are so cute and lively. So lovable.

It was Ginger in the picture. My husband's youngest sister. It was our first time to meet in person and just like Nannie, she is a very sweet and happy person. She laughs a lot and full of spirit. It's so fun to be around her.

Valentine's Day With The In-Laws

Mom while opening the gifts that she received from her daughters. She didn't know I was taking her pictures and she was all smiling in this one. It was so nice to see her smiling all the time. she is the most wonderful mother-in-law in the whole universe.


I don't know if it's unusual but for me, it is. My husband and I spent our Valentine's day with his family, my in-laws. It was actually our first valentine's Day together, in person but it was the happiest Valentine's Day ever for the two of us. I have a very loving and wonderful in-laws. Mom (my husband's mother) loves me and treats me as her very own daughter and I am very grateful for her. Nannie, she is such a wonderful sister-in-law. I love them all. Whenever we are together, mom, Nannie, husband and I, the house will be filled with fun and laughter. Must not forget Max and Padre. Two handsome angels in mom's house.

K1 Visa Applicant Procedures

Hello. Like you, I also underwent much confusion while my K1 visa application was still in process. It is not so easy to do such processing if you really do not know where and how to start.

Here is what I did when I was still there in the Philippines and my K1 or fiance(e) visa was still in process. When my fiance (now husband) applied for a petition for me under K1 visa category, I started compiling all the necessary documents that I might need. The petition paper was still not granted but we were confident that the petition would be granted, 100%. I was advised by my fiance to complete all my documents so that when the petition letter arrives, all my documents will be all ready and right in my hand. Of course, those were all with the help of my fiance. To make it more clear, I prefer to type it in full details to make it more easier to understand.


Note: If you are skeptical to compile your documents without your petition being granted, you and your fiance can wait for the notification letter from the USCIS.

This is how I started while the petition was still in USCIS:

I went to National Statistics Office. I asked for a copy of my authenticated birth certificate and my CENOMAR (CErtificate of NO MArriage; singleness). If you go to NSO and ask for your authenticated birth certificate, you do not need to bring anything. Just go to NSO and the security guard will tell you where to go and where to get your form for birth certificate.

You also asked for a form for CENOMAR. You can ask for both forms and get a copy at the same time. I am not sure how much it cost now, but my authenticated birth certificate was Php125.00 and CENOMAR was about Php195.00. You will get your birth certificate on the same day and the CENOMAR will take about 2 weeks to process. NSO will check your status. One more thing: I advise getting 2 copies of each. You will need those spare copies when you get here in the US or anywhere in the world, wherever you may get married.

Go to NBI. If you have your old NBI, local or abroad, just go to NBI and renew it. Mention your destination. If someone tells you that you have to go to Court Of Appeal or anything like that and that you need to get a copy of your criminal records, do not listen! You do not need criminal records if you have not attempt any crime. You know that your name is clean.

I was asked to get my "criminal records" when I went to the new NBI. I was told by that idiot NBI staffer that I could not get my NBI for abroad unless I get my criminal records, with or without hit! Ass**le!

Prepare 2 passport size pictures. If you have 2 spare copies of your pictures from your medical examination, that is alright. You can use that.

Go to google. Type in the word DS-156 form, fill it up with your necessary information. Then save it to your flash drive; if you can print it out that instant, much better.

Google again and type in DS-156K. Same procedure as DS-156.

Then, the last form is DS-157. You can download it if you want, so you would know how the DS-157 goes.

Prepare 2 copies of each DS, you will be asked for that copies when you appear for your visa interview at the US embassy on Roxas Blvd., Malate, Manila.

For DS-157, you will go to either BPI or Banco de Oro to pay for that DS-157 form. The bank will give you a stamped Ds-157 form and a receipt. Keep that receipt for future references. I went to BPI and paid my DS-157 there. If someone tells you to go to MetroBank, do not listen! Go only to BPI or Banco de Oro. The payment for that DS-157 form is Php10,000 ++.

I suggested you Google as an option. You can visit USCIS website but you cannot download all the forms that you will be needing in the processing of your K1 visa application. Just for you to get ready before your Appointment Letter from the embassy of the US to Manila arrives. NVC (National Visa Center) is the one that will send the visa to the embassy here in Manila once the petition was approved by the USCIS.

Now, you can sit down and rest while waiting for that Letter of Appointment from the embassy.

My Visa Interview Story

November 9, 2008. Sunday, 7:00 pm. I could not get to sleep. I was very excited for my visa interview the next day. All my documents were ready. My appointment for my visa interview was Monday of November 10, 2008. I have to be at the US embassy in Manila before 7:00 am. But, I could not sleep that Sunday night. I have to get some sleep so my mind would be fresh and relax, I said that to myself.

November 10, 2008. Monday. I got up at 3 am, didn't get enough sleep. I only had an hour or less than an hour, I think? But, I have to get up early so I can prepare for everything before going to the embassy for interview. I took a shower, I get dressed, then leave at exactly 4 am.

I was renting a small room in Malibay, Pasay. US embassy is in Roxas Blvd. But, I preferred to leave the house that early, so I do not have to rush myself. Aside from the fact that I am not familiar with the location, I was planning to go to Chowking and eat my favorite chao fan.

5:30 am. I reached US embassy. I still have plenty of time. So, I went to Chowking which is opposite US embassy. I got my chao fan to go. I want to be the first person in line. And I was right! I was the first person in line. The only person in line for K1 visa interview. There were so many visa applicants but they are applying for a different visa category. The embassy guard told me that I can come back at 6:30, that I was so early for the interview. I said, it is alright. I can wait. I do not want to stand there in line waiting for my time. It is better to be early than sorry.

6:00 am. The security decided to let us in, K1 visa applicants. I was the first in line, haha! I made it! There was another line before we can get inside the embassy. But, it did not take long.
The security were checking our bags.

Cellphones are not allowed inside the embassy. So, if you are going to the embassy for an interview, DO NOT EVER try to bring your cellphone with you, unless you prefer to go back home and wait for another interview date. They will not let you in once you have your cellphone.

9:00 am. I was interviewed. I was a little nervous because I do not know what would be the out come. The consul asked me a couple of questions and I answered it politely. Then, he welcomed me to the United States of America. Yes! My visa was approved! I was floating with happiness. And when my fiance learned that I passed the interview, he booked a ticket for the Philippines.

After that interview, I went home and go back to bed then sleep. Hehe... At last, I can sleep soundly. Mission accomplished!

Inseparable

We met in AsianEuro.com. An online dating website. It was my first day to navigate from that site after I signed up for a standard membership. Then, when I logged in, it was his picture that appeared on top a first page. I got interested so I sent him the interest then he interest back.


We started chatting December 8, 2007 and I felt that there is something in him that really interests me. On December 9 of the same year, that was the first time we see each other on cam. He was so handsome and I could not help myself to adore him.


April 5, 2008. He came to the Philippines to visit me. I went to airport and wait for him. The first time we saw each other in person, it was magical. We had fun during his first visit. But it was so sad when he had to leave the Philippines without me. He promised not to ever leave me again on his second visit.



Since that day, the love for each other grew much stronger and fonder. There was never a day that we never talk and see each other on cam. That is the only chance we got for us to be together.

K1 Visa Medical Examination Report

My fiance filed a petition for me as his fiancee so we can get married in the states and be together for the rest of our lives. He filed his petition last May,2008. He visited me last April,2008 and we spent a whole one week together. We were both waiting for the petition to be granted. And we have waited for four months only. The petition for fiance visa was granted last September.
So I started compiling all the necessary documents even before I received the packet from the embassy. So when the time comes that I finally received the packet, which I really need to bring it with me when it is time for me to take my medical exams at St. Luke's, I am all prepared.

I complied all my documents on the third week of October, 2008. I received my packet on the 24th of October,2008. I got my Singleness certificate on the 29th of the same month. Then I took my medical examinations on the 30th. It wasn't that hard as I have been expecting it. I went to St. Luke's at around 12 noon.

I asked the guard first, that is what we all have to do for the can give us the idea of what we are going to do. All the security guards there at St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic are polite and accommodating. They directed me where to go first after giving me application form.

Before you go at St. Luke's Medical Center Extension Clinic, prepare all the necessary documents.

1. Passport. Prepare a photocopy but not necessary. Make sure that your passport is valid until 1 year, that is better.

2. One 2x2 picture. White back ground. Showing your ears. Write your name at the back. Also prepare at least 6 copies of your 2x2 pictures because St. Luke's will ask two pictures from you when you have to take your immunization. And the other pictures, you can use it in the future.

3. Appointment letter from the embassy. That is the packet that I received from the embassy. Before you go to St. Luke's, photocopy it. The guards will ask for the original copy of your appointment letter, for checking only.

4. Prepare the money. When you are there and ready for your medical examinations, you will pay the necessary amount, so you can accomplish your task.

Then they will give you your application form.

You will print down your personal information. Your passport number. Your fiance information. His home address, zip code and state, telephone number. Fill out all that has check and better to double check the form before you submit it. If you intend to travel to the U.S in a definite time, write it down, month and year. Don't forget to sign. It is alright if you do not have an interview date yet. That is not a problem.

After you submit your filled up form, you will be called for picture taking. Then you will go to 3nd floor for payment. It should be in peso.

You will submit your form at the counter and wait for your name to be called then they will tell you to go to 4th floor for laboratory test. There's HIV and urine test. Then to 5th floor for physical examination. The processing won't take you 10 minutes. After that, you go down to 2nd floor for immunization. But the doctor will ask you if you want to take vaccination here or in the U.S.? I preferred to get the vaccination here because it is included in the payment which is Php10,664.00.

And it is time for you to get the results. You can smile because you have passed all the exams. Just prepare yourself if you feel uneasiness. It is due to the vaccination. I had my symptoms when I got home and I was feeling so terrible. But that was just for a day. Considering how you would get to be with your loving fiance.

On November 10, 2008 was my interview date. My documents were all prepared. And I was very excited on my interview. One final step to be with the man I love.

Hope I gave you some hint on how to get ready for your medical examinations requirements

5 Simple Tips Of Successful Online Dating

1. Willingness

If you are going to do something different in your life, you should be first willing to do it. Meaning, you wanna do it. No one told you to do it so.

2. Be Prepared

Expect the unexpected. Bear in mind that everything is not under your control. So whatever happens, just keep going.

3. Be Alert

You are talking to a person whom you haven't met in person. So, be alert. Learn to analyze everything he would tell you. It is alright if you let him feel that you believe all what he is saying, but put this in your mind that you still don't know him.

4. Be Responsive

When you are talking to someone, you want them to pay attention on you, right? So, when you are talking to him, be responsive. You give your attention to your communications. No one would love the feeling of being ignored. Don't use your cellphone while talking and/or chatting online. You are giving the feeling that he does not interest you.

5. Be Yourself

I know that you wanna impress the guy, but avoid to pretend that you are somebody else. Introduce the true you. Of course, you know how to do it. But, DON'T EVER LIE! If you have bad habits, he will know that later on once you have started a good relationship. Anyways, everybody does have bad habits.

I am sharing this tips because I have been through this. I met my fiance in an online dating website. When I saw his profile, I sent him interest and he interest back. We dated online for almost 10 months. Now, we are together and soon to be getting married.

Do this simple tips and I am sure, you will meet the right person for you.

Good luck!

It's All About Me

I made this blog all for me and everything that is happening to me. Everything that I have been through when I was still in the Philippines and how I met my husband and how our love life started to bloom though we were thousand miles apart and never seen each other in person. It is our hearts that is talking and it tells us what we are feeling. This blog is all about me and my new life. From the Philippines to Michigan, USA.