Saturday, January 16, 2016

I-129F Petition Application Process

My Fiancee Visa Road-map to become Mrs. Edmiston 


Our I-129F Petition Application Process 
    The US Citizen is the one to file the I-129F in the US


The ORDER of Documents as we assembled our I-129F Packet. 
(the red fonts are clickable and will take you to the website where you can find the form/ more info)
   

1. Payment as required by USCIS. Can use personal check so you can track the payment. Money Orders are also accepted. Fee $340.00. My fiance wrote a check. Make the check payable to U.S. Department of Homeland Security.  Always check the updated fee HERE (scroll down)


2. Form G-1145 e-notification of Application/ Petition Acceptance. You will get an email/ text when USCIS received your application. 

3. Cover Letter. Include a description of what your are petitioning for (I-129F) and 

    table of contents.  Sign and date the cover sheet. The USC will sign the cover later

    and dated. 


Our Cover Letter  format:  
  To:    United States Department of Homeland Security   
             U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services    
             Dallas Lockbox Facility      
       Attention: I – 129F   
          2501 South State Highway 121 Business   
          Suite 400   Lewisville, TX 75067 
       
Dear USCIS Officer,  

Enclosed please find my Form I-129F, Petition for K-1 FiancĂ©e Visa for (name of foreign fiancĂ©) and supporting documents. 
  Contents: 

  • Payment in the amount of $ 340.00
  • Form G-1145 e-notification of Application/ Petition Acceptance
  • Form I-129F
  • I-129F Supplement: Part 2, Question 34.a, explanation of meeting in person
  • Statement of intent to marry (Petitioner and Beneficiary), original and signed
  • Proof of having met in person in the past two years
  • G-325A and passport style photo (Petitioner), original and signed
  • G-325A and passport style photo (Beneficiary), original and signed
  • Birth Certificate (Petitioner), copy
  • Divorce Decree  (Petitioner), copy complete set
  • Annulment documents (Beneficiary), copy
  • Proof of ongoing relationship (emails, social media posts, FB Mesenger messages, skype logs, Viber messages/ calls) 

    Sincerely,     
  Petitioner Signature over Printed name / dated  


4.
Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiance(e), Signed, wet signtaure . 
Read the Instructions. If your fiance/e have children (21 years old and below) that will move with her/him to the US or will follow within a year, include their names on the I-129F form. 
5.
Supplement to question '34.a' of the I-129F.  Signed, wet signature and dated. One page. 
6.
Statement of intent to marry. From both the US Citizen and foreign fiance/e certifying  that both are free to marry and previous marriages has been legally terminated; and  the intent to marry within 90 days of entering the US. Signed and dated, wet signatures.  
7.
Proof of having met in past two years. We attached evidence that I was in the US on the day that we met, plane ticket/boarding passes/ arrival stamp/ I-94, receipts from places I went to; plane ticket/ boarding passes/ arrival stamp when he visited me in the Philippines, photos on famous landmarks and sites and with labels and etc. I collage the photos, made notes on where and when it was taken and send to my fiance to print out. I lay-out everything on word file and he just need to follow the order of all documents.  Here are some sample photos we submitted: 




8.
G-325A Biographic Information. Filled out by the USC, signed, wet signature and dated.
9.
One 2x2 photo of the US Citizen, white background.Write the full name at the back, put in a clear plastic sleeve and attached on a paper after the G-325A with label. 
  Photo of  "Petitioner Name" .   
10.
G-325A Biographic Information. Filled out by the foreign fiance(e) signed, wet signature and dated. 
11.
One 2x2 photo of the foreign fiance/e, white background.Write the full name at the back, put in a clear plastic sleeve and attached on a paper after the G-325A with label. 
  Photo of  "Beneficiary Name" . 
12.
Copy of the Birth certificate (front and back) for the US Citizen or his Passport. Proof of Citizenship 
13.
Copy of final Divorce Decree and my annulment documents.  Send all complete documents, if you have been divorced more than ones, attached all divorced papers. Not disclosing previous marriages (even if it was ages ago or by death) will result to a denial of K1. 

We front-loaded our documents and attached proof of on-going relationship. These are not required but this will help in the initial review of your case. We are only dating for a few months when we got engaged so we attached these documents to show our continued commitment with each other. 
  • Proof of ongoing relationship (emails, social media posts, FB Mesenger messages, skype logs, Viber messages/ calls). I screen shot most of it and arranged them by dates on a word file. I included a lot actually, thus our packet was like more than 100 pages. 
Our I-129F Packet
When completed, send it to: 

   USCIS Dallas Lockbox facility:
   
   For U.S. Postal Service (USPS):
   USCIS
   P.O. Box 660151
   Dallas, TX 75266

   For USPS Express Mail and courier deliveries:
   USCIS
   Attn: I-129F
   2501 South State Highway 121 Business
  Suite 400
  Lewisville, TX 75067

All applications should be sent to this facility no matter where you are from.

Everything was sent to my fiance via email and he printed everything in color and arranged according to my draft. I sent via Express Mail all other documents that needs my Original Signature. 

We used USPS Express mail service and here is the timeline of our I-129F Packet: 
   8 August 2015 - Sent I-129F Packet thru USPS 
  11 August 2015 - due to SD satellite Postal Service, our packet was actually sent out 
  13 August 2015- NOA1  as per USCIS Case Status Check receipt notice sent (NOA-Notice of Action)
  17 August 2015 - I -797C  Notice date 
  18 August 2015 - Email Notice that our case has been accepted and en-route to CSC for processing (my
   Fiance if from Califonia). Depending on your loation, your application will be processed by a different
   Service Center and processing times may differ.

2 September 2015 - APPROVED! (14 working days from receipt date) 
5 September 2015 - Received printed NOA2
   One down and off we got the next steps! 


IMPORTANT REMINDERS:
  1. All USCIS Forms should have wet signatures and dated. 
  2. Re-check the latest Forms on the designated website. They update the forms every now and then. Form have validity dates. 
  3. Re-check the updated fees 
  4. Make copies of the whole packet before sending them. Or save soft copies. 
  5. Don't send original copies when not asked, we did not send any original documentary attachments. All were copies and we did not received any RFE (Request for Evidence); RFE will further delay your approval.
  6. Check and double check your documents. A wrong form will result to a rejection of application. 
  7. A wrong fee will result to a rejection of application. 
  8. Create your packet for easy adjudication. I labeled our Packet based on the order of documents, I also made a footer on each page: Name of Petitioner and name of Beneficiary. Just in case a page was misplaced, it can easily be returned to the packet. 

Note: This is based on my own personal experience, other case may vary. In this case I also made most of the research, lay-out, drafts and we emailed back and forth on what docs we need to fill-out. 







Next step after the Approval: 
  1. After 30 days call NVC to get your case number.
       Telephone No: 603-334-0888
        They are open 7am to 12MN EST.
I called them after 4 weeks from NOA2, I was in the   US then visiting. Called them at around 9:30am EST and was on-hold for maybe 15 minutes. I got my MNL number on the first call. 

2. When you have your Case Number, you can now proceed to do DS 160 form, schedule your interview and do the Medical Examination.

3. When all is well with the Medical - last Step: The Interview at the US EMbassy.



Here are my series of Blogs on the next Steps: 


·         

How to Take your Fiancé(e) to the United States

My Fiancee Visa Road-map to become Mrs. Edmiston 

How to Take your FiancĂ©(e)  to the United States 

If your are a US Citizen and your FiancĂ©(e) is living abroad and you wanted to bring her/him to the US to get married and live here, this is the fastest way that you can bring her/ him to the US. 

File for a FiancĂ©(e) Petition. As of this writing, processing time from filing to approval is 4-6 weeks. If you continue with the whole process full time, your FiancĂ©(e)will be in the US in less than 6 months. Actually you can finish the processing in 3 months if there will be no problem in the Medical Examination and all her/ his legal papers are easily available. Considering our  timeline of approvals, I can finish everything and have my Visa in 3 months or less! Yes, it can be that fast. 


Eligibility Requirements
If you petition for a fiancé(e) visa, you must show that:

  • You (the petitioner) is a U.S. citizen.
  • You intend to marry within 90 days of your fiancĂ©(e) entering the United States. 
  • You and your fiancĂ©(e) are both free to marry and any previous marriages must have been legally terminated by divorce, death, or annulment.
  • You met each other, in person, at least once within 2 years of filing your petition. There are two exceptions that require a waiver. 
        1. If the requirement to meet would violate strict and long-established customs of your                or your fiancĂ©(e)’s foreign culture or social practice.
        2. If you prove that the requirement to meet would result in extreme hardship to you.

Here are the steps that you need to do in order: 


The link above will take you to the USCIS website where you can find the form I-129F and instructions to accomplish the form.  This is not the VISA yet, this is just the petition for your FiancĂ©(e), when approved your FiancĂ©(e) will apply for the K1 (FiancĂ©(e) Visa) in her local country. 
If your fiancĂ©(e) has a child (under 21 and unmarried), a K-2 nonimmigrant visa may be available to him or her. Be sure to include the names of your fiancĂ©(e)’s children on your Form I-129F petition.
My I-129F process and all the documents attached can be found here. These were what we did and we received our approval within 14 days from Receipt of our application. 
2. Your FiancĂ©(e) will file for a K1 Visa (FiancĂ©(e) Visa) on her local country
FiancĂ©(e) (K-1/K-2) Nonimmigrant Visas. The K1 visa is a visa for a fiancĂ©(e) of a U.S. citizen who will travel to the United States to marry  within 90 days and take up indefinite residence after marriage. K2 visas are for the Minor Children of the K1 Visa holder. 
The K visa does not automatically grant U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent resident (LPR) status to the beneficiaries. Those who qualify for K visas will be able to join their partners in the United States as a non-immigrant, without the potentially long period of separation during the petition process. Once married, they will need to adjust their immigration status in the United States to become lawful permanent residents.  

My K1 Visa Interview experience can be found here.  


Friday, January 15, 2016

I found LOVE in San Diego :)


With my Parents at Sta Monica Pier, Los Angeles, CA
When I went to the US to visit my parents I met a great guy. We really liked each other and as we go along to see each other everyday we became closer and inseparable. We grow to really like each other and fall in love. He was very upfront with his feeling and asked me to be his girlfriend right away, on our first date! (yeah that's how upfront he is). 



I don't know what to say since I was not expecting him to asked me that. Too soon for me and it was really cold that night.. hahahha 




I told him that I cannot answer him that I don't know what to say but promised him that I am not going back to the Philippines without clearing everything between us. That would be we either remain friends or we will be in a relationship. 


Yes I do like him, he is a good guy, stable and very honest. He basically laid out all his cards that night; but I am not sure of anything yet until I need to spend more time with him to know him better.  I  was in the states for 21 days and out of that 21 days we spent a good 15 days together. It may be just for dinner or hang out on his favorite bar with his friends but we see each other almost everyday.  He took me around the city to see the famous tourists sites, walk around downtown and sometimes just talk. I introduced him to my family and they all liked him too. Told you, he is a great guy. He spend Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve with us too. My whole family in San Diego all welcome him to the fold. 


He really showed me that he care and he love me. He told me he love yes, right away. I am over the moon but I cannot let my guard down, not just yet. 

We've been going out for 5 days then I went to Las Vegas with my family over Christmas. I was in Vegas for 2 days but it was like the longest 2 days of my life. We communicated all the time and he calls me a lot, send me messages and I would send him pictures. I dearly miss him when I was in Vegas and I can't wait to be back and hug him. uhh ohhh.. I realized I am in love with him while I was in Vegas.. How romantic is that?? So the distance really makes the heart grow fonder eh?? 


I can't wait to go back to San Diego and when I got back we became officially a couple. We are very happy and we told our family and friends. He always tells me how I make him happy and how lucky he is to have me. Well I can say the same. I am single mom for so long and having someone in my life is totally new to me but I am so excited being in love with him and sharing every moment with him. My kids were equally happy for us. All of friends were surprised but they are all happy for me as well. 

So I went to San Diego as Single and came back Taken :) 



On-board USS Midway at the Maritime Museum, San Diego, CA
I came back after 21 days and we have discussed a lot before I came home. He talked to my parents about our plans and we even discussed marriage. (yes we are that serious early on) It was difficult to leave but we both know I need to go back to the Philippines. My kids are here and I have a job here. I cannot just turn my back on all my responsibilities.  I left and he already have plans to visit me in the Philippines. So I soon as I left, he started processing his passport. 

It was very difficult being away from him. I have not imagined a long distance relationship will be this difficult. We talked at least 3 time a day but still it was different not being together. It was like half of me was torn apart from me. 


We plan for his trip to the Philippines and the 5 months flew, well not that fast - I said it was difficult being away from each other. Being away from each other is unbearable at time and he would just cheer me up and  make me laugh. 


He visited me here last month as he promised he was here for my birthday. 


It's my turn now to take him around and show him my hometown. He was here for 15 days and we are so happy being reunited. He met my kids, my family here and my friends. His visit is really important for us because he will be meeting my kids. I met his kids when I was in the states and it wasn't that bad. Although yes, I was worried that what if they will not like me. Likewise, he worries about meeting my kids. All is well, of course, he started with his gift/ pasalubong for the kids. 


Beyond me knowing, he was communicating with the kids before he arrived in the country. They have a secret. 


I took him island hopping in Zambales, camp on an island, went to Pagsanjan Falls, do spelunking in Cavinti, among others. He wanted to go to Corregidor and Mt Samat having known WWII during his army days; so I took him. His army unit served in the War and were in Corregidor and Bataan. 


It was a blissful 2 weeks for us. Well of course not when he started getting sick:( 


His stomach was upset for the last 5 days he was here, he had a fever 2 days before his departure, so I was so worried. I was even telling him that I will take him to the hospital. He can't eat that much and the fever is the worst. 


It was on his feverish night that everything changed. He was in bed with high fever and I am about to go out to buy some medicines. He asked me to get his backpack and walahhhh!!!! 

With my Babe, Camayan Beach Subic Bay, Philipines

He proposed!!! the first word I said - OMG.. are you sure? Are you not delirious or something? and he said - Silly Girl :) 

Of course I accepted his proposal, we always wanted to be together since the day we fell in love. We are so happy being engaged and looking forward for our life together with my kids in the states. 


We plan to get married next year in the states :) 


Next, we will be processing my fiancee Visa.. Just wanted to share the love and happiness everyone. 










Thursday, October 9, 2014

Zambales Tourism: Capones Island


Being born and raised in Olongapo City, Zambales I am by birth blessed with natures beauty at its best. Olongapo is surrounded by mountain ranges, preserved and protected rainforests, and beaches. The same as the entire province of Zambales, it is a long stretch of beach. Let me take you to some key sites on my home province and I can be your local guide. You can ask me anything. 

Pundaquit, San Antonio, Zambales
Baranggay Pundaquit in San Antonio Zambales has been known as "jump off" point to a nature get-away and island hopping in Zambales. There are several islands that you can visit and camp overnight for the thrill seekers and laid back people. The islands here has no hotels or any private lodgings, bring your tent and your adventure awaits! 

From Pundaquit the closest island that you will see is the Camara Island and farther is the Capones Island. Both have white sands which is not that common in Zambales. Most of our beach are light gray fine sand. 

Capones Island has been famous over the years as a site that you can swim and hike to the lighthouse. My first visit to Capones was like 8 years ago where we camp on the island with some friends and my kids, then was just in Grade School. 


Capones Island Lighthouse is a historic lighthouse located in Capones Island off the coast of Brgy. Pundaquit, San Antonio, in the province of Zambales, in the Philippines. The light guide international vessels coming from the north to northwest towards Subic Bay or to Corregidor Island Lighthouse at the entrance of Manila Bay. It has first-order lenses when it was first lit on August 1, 1890. (ref.  Wikipedia) 

The light house can be reached by a short hike from the beach. 

There are 2 options actually on how to reach the lighthouse. So don't get disappointed if the tides are so strong that the boat cannot dock on the beach of the usual trail to the lighthouse thus you need to swim to shore and hike a few minutes. 



Here are the 2 options. 

Option 1: Granting the boat can dock on this side of the island, hike thru the usual trail. It will be short 15 minutes hike thru a concrete stairs up the hill and passing thru a few vegetation and trees. You can easily find the path even without a guide, you will enter thru the gate and walah! 



Option 2: On approach our boatman told us that the wave is so strong that he cannot dock on the beach thus we need to swim to get to the shore. He pointed to us some people swimming to shore from their boats. We value to have souvenir photos so we cannot swim to shore. Is there another way I asked. He said it will be on the other beach but the hike is longer. One hour the most per way. It was still early around 7:30 am so we said, we are Ok with the hike so off we go. Our boatman cannot leave our things unattended and I said we can find our way. He pointed to us where to go and we are off for an adventure. 


We walked thru a rocky shore on the other side of the island, it was like 30 minutes of walk and we thought we cannot find the path going up the lighthouse. We are persistent so we just go on walking. 

Towards the end of the shore where there was nowhere else to go, we found the path going up thru the forested area on our left. It was an easy hike and we are shaded by the trees and shrubs.



After 15 minutes, we enter the lighthouse compound from the side of the quarters. 

The hike was 45 minutes and it was a great experience for us. The lighthouse did not disappoint us. 


The abandoned quarters. 
Getting up higher... the ladder to the top! Are you afraid of  heights? I am NOT :) 

Checking out the quarters




We are not in Boracay.. Check out the white sand. 

Kids having fun  :) 

Over a cliff in Capones Island 





Thursday, September 18, 2014

Baler, Aurora Travel Guide
Part1: Land Travel to Baler, Aurora

Baler is situated on the east of the Philippines. A coastal town blessed with nature’s finest rain forest, waterfalls, the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges and Surfing waves. It is a great quite town to lay low and get away from the busy life of the Metro. This sleepy town is now quite famous destination to surf enthusiasts and to us who just want to try surfing and go to the other side of the country.

From Metro Manila, Baler can be reached by about 6-7 hours of travel by bus or driving towards North of Luzon and then head east via Pantabangan, Nueva Ecija.

BUS TRAVELLING TO BALER 

Only Genesis Transport, Inc. provides direct trips to Baler, Aurora from Cubao. The first trip is at 3:00 AM with succeeding trips every hour, last trip leaves Cubao at 7:30 AM. From Baler to Pasay, the first bus leaves at 4:30 AM, also with succeeding trips every hour. The last trip departs 3:00 PM. Travel time is approximately 6-7 hours depending on traffic. Advance booking and payment is highly advised since the trips tends to be full. You may call their office to make the reservations and pay via Bank Transfer. If you miss the bus schedule or if you cannot get a reserved set, try PLAN B below.
GENESIS BUS STATION: G/F & 2/F Genesis Transport Bldg., 704 EDSA Cor New York St., Cubao, Quezon City, Philippines. 
Phone Number: (+632) 709-0803/ 421-1425/ 421-1413/421-1422/709-0544-45 

Baler Terminal. Brgy. Sabang, Baler, Aurora Mobile No: (+63) 919-650-6997

PLAN B :) 
Another option is to take any bus from Metro Manila bound for Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ejica. Then take a Baler bound bus or van in the central terminal on the city. 

Of course if you have your own car you can easily drive north to Cabanatuan City and head east via Pantabangan Road that is around 240 km.  The via Pantabangan Road is a well paved road compared to the via Bongabon Road. 

When we went to Baler last August 21, 2014 from Subic Bay, Olongapo City; we took the Pantabangan Road. We initially want to take the via Bongabon Road because it was shorter, but of course we asked a local bystander when we reached Cabanatuan City to make sure the road is safe. We were advised to take the Pantabangan Road since Bongabon is still under construction and there are rough roads. Pantabangan Road is the usual road being taken by local buses from Metro Manila and Cabanatuan City.


Since our group are driving from Subic Bay, we took the SCTEX and exit at Tarlac and drive east passing Cabanatuan City and reached the Province of Aurora via Pantabangan Road. It was early morning and we saw how the sky changes at dawn as we head east.



Literally we crossed LUZON from west side of the country to the east side where Baler is! Well, this is also to check the other side of the Bay J . It took us 5 hours to reach Aurora Province.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

US Visa - Non-immigrant visa or Tourist visa


The dreaded US Visa interview can be very challenging to most of us.. even more than to someone like me who has a pending US Immigrant Visa petition on filed.. read on and learn from my story.

Background:
I am a single mother with 2 children (had my marriage annulled and reverted back to my maiden name), my parents are in the US (among my so many aunts, uncles, cousins), all of us 3 siblings are in the Philippines. With more than 14 years employment background and more than 5 year with my current employer.

October 25: around 9am (my schedule is 7:30 am, but with the other steps and waiting for my turn for the interview, it was already around 9)


Approaching the counter with a smile while saying “Good morning”; I drop my passport and DS 160 confirmation on the counter slot ( set aside my folder and hand bag) full attention to the consul

Consul: Good morning.. How are you?


Me: I am fine, thank you. And you..


Consul: with a surprised smile.. I am fine,  thank you.. while typing on his computer


Consul: What is the purpose of your visit to the united states Elaine? 


Me: Sir for tourism purposes and I also want to visit my parents.


Consul: Where are you parents in the states?


Me: I stated my parents address


Consul: Are you married?


Me: No.


Consul: with a smile.. Do you have children?


Me: yes, I have 2 children


Consul: What do you do?


Me:  I work for a German company as Administration Officer


Consul: What company?


Me: “stated my company name”


Consul: repeated my company name as he typed on his computer


Consul: How much is your monthly salary?


Me: My salary is ____ monthly


Consul: What course did you take in college?


Me – I have a bachelors degree major in electronics and communications.. It’s a branch of engineering or BS ECE we call it..


medyo na bulol pako kasi hindi ko expected na he will ask my course in college since I am not a newly grad.. although I heard a lot of people were asked. (I stutter because I am not expecting the question since I am not a newly grad, although I have heard a lot of people were asked)


Consul: Have you traveled to other countries?


Me:  Yes, I have traveled to several Asian countries with my children.


Consul- ahh with your children. Your children are not traveling with you?


Me:  No, not at this time.


Consul: Why?


Me:  they are in school, I plan to go in January.


Consul: Congratulations! Your visa has been approved, you will receive your passport in a few days. I was silent for a few seconds as my gaze follow his hands setting aside my passport on a box on his right.


Then I looked at him smiled and said – oh thank you.. have a nice day. He said thank you..then I Gathered my things and left.. I was giggling with happiness as I walk away from the interview section..
It was so fast!! That is not even more than 2 minutes. No docs was asked from me. I have a bunch of docs prepared. So happyyyy… :)


I was so worried that I might get denied due to my immigrant petition.. I am so prepared to answer about the immigrant petition that I wrote several reasons why I am coming back to the country and have no intention to migrate at this time.. I even researched a lot about US economy and employment rate.. I am prepared to say that 11.3M American are looking for a job only 148,000 jobs additional available in September; I have no chance to get employed when US will prioritize their citizens.. With my income I don’t have to go abroad.. I am earning enough here and I don’t have to be away from my family.. among other reasons.. but none of it was asked! 


Well, nothing is wrong to be over prepared… very very happy…




Oct. 30 – 11:15am received my Visa via 2go.. I have 10 years multiple entry!!  If you really wanted something, be truthful and give it all your efforts and you will get it.. have faith.


What do I think that my Visa was approved even if I have a pending immigrant Visa?


I am completely honest when I filled up my DS 160 form. I declared everything on my DS 160 Form, I did not conceal anything, even indicated my Petition receipt number they can look it up and I can pretty defend it. I am very relax during our conversation, it was like a normal conversation to me not a scary interview thing. I worked with several multi-cultural companies and deal with foreign colleagues; nevertheless, relax, the consul can sense that you are so tense that a tiny reason of doubt will get a denial of Visa. Don’t give them the reason to doubt you if you are 100 % honest and truthful that you have no intentions to overstay.


All my answers including the prepared ones that were not asked were all realistic and true to my capacity. I am not exaggerating, I did not padded my Bank accounts, I was only ready to answer everything within my capacity and I have supporting documents if asked.


I read a lot and research my case – being with a pending immigrant petition I need to do an extra effort to prove that I don’t intend to migrate now but rather my immigrant petition is a future intent and given that immigrant petition take years before it will be approved, this time I want to do a short visit.


I wrote my prepared answers, read it again and again.. I have notes, literally reading it while waiting. My notes boost my confidence, I am over prepared and so no question can block me to get the Visa that I wanted.


My Adventure to the Land of Stars and Stipes will begin SOON ")


I will share more of the stories I experienced and heard during my 2 hours or so waiting for the interview.. 

check my next Blog: 
The US Non-Immigrant VISA Application Process
Interview Scenarios/ Questions during the interview