My Family's Immigration Journey

"My Life Beyond My Family's Immigration Jouney"

2015-02-16T13:32:00.002-05:00

It has been a while since my last post. A lot has been happening in the past seven months. After my brother got his permanent residency on April, my Mom went to the Philippines three months after. But before her flight, we visited Chicago with my brother and my husband and spent two days there. Mom went home on July 18th for a "vacation". Her flight back to the US was supposed be on January 2015, but an unfortunate event in our family when Mom went to her creator on my brother's birthday, a day that my family will never forget, a day that changed my family's lives forever. On the night of December 7, 2015 (US Time), my Mom had a seizure in our house in the Philippines. My sisters brought her to the hospital but Mom was unconscious and was on semi-coma for couple hours. On the morning of December 8 (US Time) we heard the bad news that Mom did not make it after doctors had done everything they could to revived her. The feeling that I felt that day and until now is unexplainable where I do not wish for everyone to experienced in their lifetime. Three days after, me and my brother flew to the Philippines and spent a whole month spending time with family and relatives.

To keep my Mama's memory alive, I will keep this blog updated. I will be writing all the dreams I had ( that I've been writing on my phone notes) and I'm having as we (my family) continue to live my day to day lives. As I believed, that my Mom's lives continue to live in our dreams. So, anyone who happen to read my post please bear with me as this will be my grief journal from now on as I recover in the after loss. At the same time, I will also be writing immigration related topics that relates my brother and my sisters visa application.

10 yr Green Card Arrived

2014-06-06T17:44:00.000-04:00

Finally, my brother's 10yr Green Card arrived on May 28, 2014, one month and 1week after his POE date--4/11/14, but we paid the 165$ immigrant fee online at the USCIS ELIS website on April 18th which is a week after he arrived.
We are at least done for now on our family's immigration journey, though my sister's visa is still in the process and waiting for her priority date to become current. But, at least we can relax and we will focus on my brother's finding a part time job while waiting for his credentials to be done for his State board exam.

SSN-Social Security Card Application

2014-06-01T01:56:00.000-04:00

When my brother had his immigrant visa interview at the US Embassy in Manila last year (Oct2013),he signed and submitted a filled out DS230 Form, Part I & II --now, DS260,IV electronic application--. On the form, he checked "Yes" on the question that asked if he want's his social security card be delivered to our address without the need to apply in person when he gets here. So, that's what he did. But after one week, (4/18) I accompanied by brother to the SSA office to check on his social security card. He was told that according to their record, he already has a number which the Embassy had applied for him. He gave my brother the 9digits SS # and was told to wait 3 weeks for the actual card to received in the mail. Three weeks has gone,(5/9) still no card, so we went back to their office and spoke to someone--diff agent this time-.. He was told to reapply but with the same number. On the receipt that was given to him that day, it shows that he applied on May 9 instead of the original date that the "Embassy" had applied for him. May 18, which is a week after he "reapplied", he got the actual card in the mail. So, our assumptions was either, someone from the main office forgot to mail it out or the cbp officer that admitted/stamped my brother somewhat forgot do what she was supposed to do.? We don't know.

So, my suggestion for future reference, if after one week you do not get your SSN/card in the mail, I would suggest to visit the nearest Social Security Administration office and see if you already have a number . Because, if I remember it right, when my mom first came to the US, she received her SSN card in the mail one week after her arrival.

Immigrant Visa Fee $165--USCIS ELIS

2014-04-25T04:02:00.001-04:00

April 18, 2014- One week after my brother's port of entry, we paid the immigrant visa fee of $165 at the USCIS Electronic Immigration System (ELIS) website.
Steps on paying the IV Fee $165- First, you have to create an account in order to Log in to USCIS ELIS. Have your passport/visa ready. You will be asked your complete name, date of birth, NVC case number or your MNL case -if your embassy is Manila-, Alien registration number. All of the information are printed on your visa. Remember to read all the instruction carefully. Once you have created your ELIS account, you will be able to pay the visa fee of $165. Then, the waiting begins-for the physical Green Card. According to them, it will take 3-6 months for your green card to process. Personally, I don't think it will take that long.

NOTE: According to the USCIS ELIS website, the USCIS immigrant fee of $165 must be paid after you receive your immigrant visa packet from the US Embassy or before you depart for the United States.
But, on my brother's case, we decided to pay it here because I have known so many immigrants on which they also have paid their visa fee after they got here with no problem, in other words they still got their Green Card. But, in no sense I am encouraging you to pay the fee in the US. If you are able to pay the required fee before you depart, then do so. Because, at the end of the day, you will not be able to receive your permanent resident card or GC until you pay the required the USCIS Immigrant Fee .

Detroit Port of Entry (POE) Experience

2014-04-25T03:23:00.002-04:00

April 11, 2014 was my brother's date of entry--entry to the US soil- at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne Airport (DTW).

All of passengers were ushered to the immigration counter. He fall in line towards the "visitor" lane, when it was his turn, he was photographed and had his biometrics taken. Then he was directed to the different counter because of his visa category which is immigrant visa. The lady officer on the immigration counter asked for the yellow packet and his passport. She asked him few questions; what's the purpose for his travel on which he replied; to live permanently with his mom and sister. He was also asked to verify our address and phone number here in the US. After that, the custom officer had my brother signed the immigrant data summary sheet. The officer also told him, that he needs to stay here in the US for certain amount of time and if he wants to go back to the Philippines he can't stay for more than 6 months, if he wants to apply for citizenship in 5 years. Then he got his passport back with the date of arrival stamped on it.

My brother went to get his luggage at the carousel then went to checked-in for his connecting flight. The custom at the checked-in counter did not open his luggage but he was asked if he brought any food with him. He said yes-he had few lbs of dried fish in his luggage- but the custom officer did not bother to look at it.

PS: If you have connecting flight, do not worry. If you think you don't have enough time to catch up for your next flight because of the long custom process, do not worry, because if you will be late on your scheduled flight, the airline will accommodate you on their next available flight. All you have to do is approach the airline counter customer service which is usually located at your original boarding gate. So, just relax when you are at the immigration lane and pay attention on all signs and instructions. Huwag tatanga-tanga, presence of mind ang kailangan. :)

NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Departure Procedure/Experience

2014-04-15T11:59:00.001-04:00

April 11, 2014- After 2 years of my brother's visa journey, this is the day we have been waiting for. His scheduled flight was 6:45am but they left a little bit early at 6:30am via Delta Airlines going to Japan then Detroit as his first port of entry.
At the NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) Terminal 1, after all the security checks he fall in line at the DELTA counter when they opened the checked-in lane. He gave his passport to the custom officer that was on duty and he was asked few security questions which all of them are just self-explanatory. Then he was sent to the Department of Tourism counter located inside the airport-just right before DELTA's counter- to pay for the travel tax of 1,620PHP. At the Tourism area, he gave his passport and the amount for the travel tax and was given a receipt. He went back to the lane and ready to checked-in. He had one (1) piece of luggage -Delta allows 2 luggages for free with 23kg each- and his carry-on bag which has all his documents and books. He handed his e-ticket and his passport to the lady at the counter. They weighed his check-in luggage and was given an official ticket and boarding passes for Manila, Japan and his US connecting flight.
Next step was the payment of 550PHP for the terminal fee which is located inside the terminal. Then next was immigration check- show your passport with the terminal fee receipt. The last step was the final security check before going to your boarding gate.

At the boarding gate, there's another security clearance check. Every time you step-out; to buy for souvenirs or just to roam around while waiting for the boarding time, you will be checked again but you don't have to fall-in line along with the new comers.

PS: After checking-in and before entering into the terminal, you are allowed to step outside the building , you just have to present your boarding pass to the security officer and you will given an entry id. That entry id will serve as your clearance without falling on line.

Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS)

2014-04-14T20:18:00.003-04:00

April 8, 2014 (Tuesday)This day, my brother attended the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) at the Commission of Filipino Overseas (CFO) in Manila. He was accompanied by my sister. They went there around 11am but the next available session is at 2pm, so he had to wait until that time.
First Step: At the entrance desk he was asked to provide a valid identification card (he gave postal id) in exchange for the official PDOS ID that is given for you to wear all the time while inside the building. A queue number was also given at the entrance which serves as your number.
Second Step: His number was called and he submitted all the required papers that is listed on their website like; Registration form-can be downloaded at the CFO website, copy of the data summary, original with photocopy of the passport (front page), processing fee of 550PHP-make sure to bring the exact amount to avoid any delay, (1) 2x2 id, original and photocopy of the visa,
Last Step, would be the schedule for the next seminar. It's normally a two-hour seminar that covers issues and concerns on finding employment rights and obligations of immigrants as well as policies and procedures on how to secure foreign citizenship.

There is no reservation required for CFO PDOS because it's a first come, first served basis only. But you can pre-register online and you can print it ahead of time then just bring it with you so you don't have to fill-out the form when you get there.

For whole reference on current fees and requirements please refer to their website at here.

These are the Locations for CFO/PDOS:

CFO Manila

Citigold Center, 1345 Pres. Quirino Avenue
corner Osmeña Highway (South Superhighway)
Manila, Philippines 1007
Tel. No.: (02) 552-4700
Fax No.: (02) 561-8332
E-mail: info@cfo.gov.ph
Website: www.cfo.gov.ph

CFO Cebu Desk

Causing-Lozada Building, Osmeña Boulevard corner
MJ Cuenco Street, Cebu City, Philippines
Telefax: (032) 255-5253
Email: cfocebu@cfo.gov.ph
Website: www.cfo.gov.ph

Philippine Travel Tax & Tax Exemption

2014-04-04T20:24:00.001-04:00

To date, the Philippine Travel Tax Rates are as follows:


	FIRST CLASS PASSAGE	ECONOMY CLASS PASSAGE
Full Travel Tax	PHP 2,700.00	PHP 1,620
Standard Reduced Travel Tax	PHP 1,350.00	PHP 810.00
Privileged Reduced Travel Tax for a Dependents of an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW)	PHP 400.00	PHP 300.00

But, many have asked me if US Green Card holders have to pay for travel tax when leaving the Philippines. So, who has to pay and who are exempted ? According to the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA), US permanent residents or Green Card holders who are staying in the Philippines for not more than one (1) year are exempted to pay for travel tax fee of PHP 1,620 when leaving the Philippines, only if they can provide the Travel Tax exemption Certificate issued by the PTA. To obtain the certificate, individual have to go to the Philippine Tourism office /travel tax offices and present your original passport, Green Card and a processing fee of 200PHP per certificate. When checking in to your respective airline, present the tax exemption certificate along with your unexpired passports, Green Cards and airline tickets. If you don't have the certificate with you, the custom officer that will check your passport will send you to the travel tax booth located at the airport.

For more information on the tax exemption and requirement for availability, visit the Philippine Tourism and the TIEZA ( Tourism Infrastructure and Zone Authority) websites.

THE FOLLOWING ARE SUBJECT TO THE PHILIPPINE TRAVEL TAX:

1. Citizens of the Philippines (except for citizens and family members who are covered by R.A. 6768)

2. Taxable Foreign Passport Holders (Table 1)

3. Non-immigrant foreign passport holders who have stayed in the Philippines for more than one (1) year (Table 2)

"Airfare Shopping from Manila to USA"

2014-01-07T00:54:00.001-05:00

So, it has been 3 months since my brother was issued an immigrant visa to come to the US. His visa will expire in April, but he's going to enter the US before the expiration.
I've been shopping for his airfare and the cheapest I found is 909$ for one way at cheapOair.com. The itinerary for that price is MNL-NRT-ORD, through Japan Airlines & American Airlines. From Chicago, he's going to fly to our nearest airport.
Expedia.com 's airfare for the same itinerary is $916 which is not bad compared to CheapTickets.com airfare cost through Delta AirLines which is $1,169, so that's definitely off the table. I searched other airline booking sites but so far CheapOair is on my top list. Hopefully by February I will be able to book for his flight.

Form I-130 for Sister of USC

2013-11-16T10:47:00.000-05:00

Nov. 15, 2013- This day, I send my I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative- siblings of USC) packet application to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox for my married sister.

I have included the following supporting documents in the Package:

* Form G-1145, E-Notification of Application/Petition Acceptance
*Filled and Signed Form I-130 (Me)
*Personal check of $420- processing fee for I-130
*Copy of Petitioner's US Passport (Me)
*Copy of Petitioner's Naturalization Certificate
*Copy of Petitioner's Birth Certificate- evidence that shows petitioner and sister have one common Mother/parents
*Copy of Petitioner's Marriage Certificate- Proof of legal name changed

*Copy of Beneficiary's Birth Certificate- (sister)
*Copy of Beneficiary's Marriage Certificate- proof of legal name changed

In my country, the visa availability for Siblings of US Citizen is two decades unless something change on the US Immigration process along the way.

Update:
Nov.22, 2013- I received an email and text notification from USCIS informing me that they have received my I-130 Petition for my sister.

Citizenship and Updating Immigration Status at Social Security Administration (SSA)

2013-11-08T17:31:00.000-05:00

As you may know or may not know, I came here on Fiancé Visa or K1. After I got married, I applied for SSN and AOS. I was issued an SSN # but with a note on the card that says "FOR DHS AUTHORIZATION ONLY". It just means, that without EAD or Green Card, I won't be allowed to work. So, back in 2006, few months after I got married, I applied for Employment Authorization together with my Adjustment of Status. It didn't take me long to get the EAD card in the mail . When I got hired, my employer asked me for my EAD and SSN card. A month or two, I got the 2 yr. conditional GC, so I gave my current employer a copy of my GC to update my status. Ninety days before my 2 yr. GC expired we filed for the removal of my conditional status. Me and my husband were interviewed together at our local USCIS. After the interview, I was approved and was given a I-551 card for 1 yr extension of my permanent residency while waiting for the actual 10yr GC in the mail. For some reason, there was a delay of the issuance of my GC. I think because, we moved to a new place and we had to changed our address. So, instead of waiting, I applied for Naturalization. because by that time I was already qualified for file for N400 based on the 3 yr. permanent residency rule, married to the same US citizen spouse. I made a copy of my 2yr GC and the 1 yr. extension card and mailed it together with my N400 application plus some civil documents that were required in filing. Less than a year from filing, I had an interview and passed it. Jan2010, I took an oath and became a United States Citizen.
Right after the oath taking, there were voters registration outside available for us that day whomever wants to register to vote which I did.

After all these years, I did not update my SSN status until today, Nov.8, 2013. The reason of the delay is because I did not change employer where they never ask me again my SSN card. Anyway, we went to the Social Security Administration Office today, 11/8/13 and updated the status of my immigration. I downloaded a form from SSA website and filled it out with my information and brought it to their office with my naturalization certificate and US passport. It only took them 10minutes to update in their system . After that, I was given a receipt showing the date of my visit and I should have my new card with no restriction on it ( but same #) in about 2 weeks.

UPDATE: Nov. 15, 2013- I got my new Social Security Card today with no restriction written.

VISA ON HAND (F2a)

2013-11-06T00:56:00.000-05:00

Nov. 4, 2013, my brother picked-up the visa packet at 2GO Gaisano Branch, Davao City. His interview was on Oct 29th, and the visa was issued the next day (oct 30). But because of the weekend and the observance of All Souls day and All Saints day in the Philippines, it wasn't delivered on time. The visa was available for picked-up at 2GO branch after 4 business days from the date it was issued.

VISA ISSUED- CEAC Status

2013-10-29T09:01:00.001-04:00

Less than 24 hrs from the interview, we checked the status of my brother's visa application at the CEAC website and to our surprised it's now say ISSUED, very quick indeed. We are expecting to have the visa delivered by 2GO this week.

F2a, unmarried child of LPR under 21yrs old- Interview Done-APPROVED

2013-10-29T08:41:00.002-04:00

Oct 29, 2013 at 6:30am, was my brother's immigrant Visa Interview at the US Embassy in Manila. Approximately 21months from his priority date of Jan 20, 2012. According to him, there were already a lot of people in-line outside the embassy when he got there at 4:30am. His interview was done at 11:00am. He was interviewed by a Filipino consul first which asked him more questions than the American CO. The final interview was with the American CO, which only took about 1 minute as he speak.
Questions were:
His name & Date of Birth
Name & Date of Birth of the Petitioner
What does she does for living? (petitioner)- Mom is unemployed
American CO asked him who is ( Me, and my Husband)?.. We are the co-sponsors and his sister and bro-in law.
Job/s of co-sponsors
What date/year , mom immigrated to the US?
He was also asked, on what year I (co-sponsor) came to the US.

At the Filipino CO, he was asked to provide his baptismal certificate. We did not expect them to ask for one but we're glad my brother had it with him during the interview. The Embassy returned back all the photographs and some of the original documents that we submitted at the NVC, like, co-sponsors marriage and birth certificates.
After the interview, he was told by the American CO, that his visa is APPROVED. He also seen the consul stamped APPROVED after the interview. He was instructed to proceed to 2GO, the visa courier for final steps.

3 weeks before his interview I sent a duplicate copy of all the paper works/documents that I've sent to NVC to my brother. He wasn't asked any of those. Contrary to what others say, that the US Embassy in Manila might asked for the new DS260 Form, my brother wasn't ask to provide the new Online Immigrant Application form, this is because he already submitted the old DS230 Form prior to the implementation of DS260, which was before Sept 1. 2013.

PRIORITY DATE- JAN 20,2012
DATE OF APPROVAL- JUNE 11,2013
CASE COMPLETE- SEPT 6,2013
Interview letter received- Oct 15,2013 (expedite approved)
Interview Date- Oct 29, 2013

Medical Done in 1 Day @ SLEC

2013-10-25T02:29:00.001-04:00

Oct 17 & 18 was my brother's scheduled medical exam at St. Lukes Extention Clinic (SLEC) . A day before his scheduled medical, he made an appointment by registering online at the SLEC website and printed out the appointment confirmation. He made photocopies of the SLEC appointment letter and took it with him including 3 (2x2) id pictures with white background, 2 photocopies of his passport(biographic page), medical fee of $223 . Fees must be paid in Philippine pesos at a current prevailing rate.

But, that online registration does not guarantee him or any applicants for fast service because it's a first come, first serve basis. So, whoever gets there early, will be served first.

According to SLEC website, EACH APPLICANT/IMMIGRANT MUST PRESENT THE FOLLOWING:

Valid passport
Photocopy of Passport Biographic/Data Page, the page in the passport that contains the applicant's photo and information. The photocopy should be the same size as the original, not enlarged or reduced.
3 pieces recent 2x2 visa photos (2 for submission to the U.S. Embassy, 1 for clinic file)

The US Embassy requires you to bring the 2x2 photos for your visa issuance. SLEC, regret not to release the medical report until such time that the applicant can provide this requirement.
Visa Interview Appointment letter from the Embassy or Instruction letter from the National Visa Center (NVC), if available,
2 photocopies of your Appointment Letter/ Instruction Letter
Applicants are also required to provide the name, address and contact number of their petitioner in the U.S.A.

NVC Expedite Approved

2013-10-19T09:35:00.001-04:00

On Sept 7, 2013 , a day after my brother's F2a case was completed at NVC, I faxed a letter ( explaination and reason for expedite) including a privacy release form to our State Senator asking for assistant to expedite his interview. I did not hear from them until first week of Oct. The senator's office sent me a letter in the mail with the attached letter from NVC stating that our request for expedite has been approved by the US Embassy in Manila and NVC, and that my brother's case has left NVC building on Sept 30, 2013. We were also instructed that all future inquiries will be directed to the Embassy or the Department of State including interview schedule. I called NVC the following day to confirm about the letter, and yes the agent told me on the phone that the US Embassy in Manila is now responsible for my brother's interview scheduling.
Oct. 2, 2013- CEAC status in now "In Transit". I called Manila on Oct 7 to follow-up but the lady told me that they have not gotten the file yet. Oct. 8, CEAC status is now "Ready" and says it's ready for interview. Because of the time difference, I was not able to call back the following day.
Oct 15, -My brother called the US Embassy and to our surprised he was told that he can schedule for his interview right away. He was given dates to pick for interview. He picked Oct 29 @ 6:30am as his interview schedule. After 10 minutes we got an email appointment confirmation for his interview. On the phone, he was instructed to have his medical done a week before his interview. He decided to have it done on Oct 17 &18. So, I booked a round trip flight and hotel right away.

1 Day Medical Done....next post

Puzzling DS260 vs DS230

2013-09-16T13:25:00.002-04:00

As many of us know, on Sept 3, DOS has implemented the online DS260 for the Application of Immigrant visa instead of the old DS230 form.. All immigrants who were required to submit DS230 form for immigrant visa application are now required to fill the DS260 form online at the CEAC site.

On my brother's case, we submitted the IV documents and DS230 on Aug 8 and was entered into their system on Aug 14. Since they did not find anything wrong on his IV application after Sept 3rd, he was not required to fill the DS260 online.But if we got a checklist for his DS230, then he would be required to fill DS260online. But, since we previously got a checklist for his AOS, I knew they will not send a second checklist. True enough his case was completed on Sept 6, 2013 with just the DS230 on their system.

While other visa applicants who are on the same stage are filling out the DS260 online eventhough there is no email instruction from NVC, we did not do it, because I believed if we filled it out, it could open the case again and will further delay the process. Some say, that the interviewing embassy might require him to fill the DS260 online during the interview. But, I think that is not a problem, he can do it right after the interview. I don't think it will take them another 20business days to review the form and to issue the visa.

F2A Case Completed 9/6/13

2013-09-16T12:58:00.000-04:00

Sept. 6, 2013- We normally called NVC at least once or twice a week to follow-up the status of the case. This time my brother called them and told them the case was completed on Sept 6 which is exactly 16 business days from the time the IV documents was entered into their system.

On Sept 13, we got this email(below) with the subject line of "Case Status".

Dear Sir or Madam:

The National Visa Center has received all documentation necessary to complete pre-processing
of your case. As soon as an interview date has been scheduled, the applicant, petitioner
and attorney (if applicable) will be notified.

The applicant should NOT make any travel arrangements, sell property, or give up employment
until the US Embassy or Consulate General has issued a visa.

The US Embassy or Consulate General may require additional documentation at the time of
the interview. Additional documentation requirements if applicable can be referenced at
the following URL: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3742.html

Sincerely,

Director
National Visa Center

IV- Immigrant Visa Application DS230

2013-09-03T22:19:00.002-04:00

Aug 8, 2013- This day, we sent my brother's DS230 Form application and supporting documents. They call it IV packet. It was received by NVC on Aug 10 and was entered to their system on Aug 14 per customer service representative. We were told to wait for 20 business days to finish reviewing the IV packet.

Here are the documents inside the packet IV

*IV Barcoded Cover Sheet showing the case #
*DS230 Form- Part I was signed and dated but not Part II
*2(2x2) id pic with white background
*copy of approval notice that was sent from USCIS
*Photocopy of his(brother) passport's biographic page
*Original & Photocopy of applicant's birth certificate
*Original & copy of NBI clearance (green color/no record on file)

Update : As of Sept. 3, 2013, the DS230 Form or the Online Immigrant Visa Application has now being replaced by the DS260 online form which can be completed at the Consular Electronic Application (CEAC) website and follow the direction on the website.

Affidavit of Support Checklist

2013-08-16T12:17:00.001-04:00

So, on July 15, 2013 , NVC received my brother's AOS documents. But on Aug 7, we got two checklist, I-864a for me and my husband.

When we mailed the AOS on July 15. My Mom filled Form I-864 with letter of explanation of not filing based on zero income and a publication from IRS. So, that was right since we did not get a checklist for hers. As soon as I read the I-864a checklist , I knew right away that I did something wrong on my form. On the initial AOS, I submitted the wrong form. I used I-864 for myself . But NVC wants me to use I-864a because on my Mom's I-864 on Part 6, 6a &7b she used our income (me &husband) so on #10 of Part 6 her current annual household income is not zero.

Anyways, we mailed the right and corrected AOS and IV packet at the same time on Aug 8 and NVC got it on Aug 12. My brother called NVC right after they got it and they said that they just entered the IV documents on Aug 15 with the corrected AOS. So another 20 business days to wait till completion hoping there's no other checklist.

August 2013 Visa Bulletin for F2a

2013-08-02T22:58:00.000-04:00

So every second week of the month, the Dept of State post its monthly visa bulletin for all categories. For the month of Aug, the VB for F2a category is "Current" for all countries. Being "Current" for F2a preference rarely happened. This means a lot to family members of LPR who are legally here in the United States. Because of this, they can file to adjust status while they are here legally in the US. They can file Form I-130, Form I-485 concurrently without waiting for their PD to become current.

From Dept of State website: F2A: This category has become “Current” for August, and is expected to remain so for the next several months. This action has been taken in an effort to generate an increased level of demand. Despite the fact that there are large amounts of registered F2A demand, currently there are not enough applicants who are actively pursuing final action on their case to fully utilize all of the available numbers.

Philippine Passport Application in Davao City

2013-07-27T18:30:00.001-04:00

July 12, 2013- This day is Saturday, and I'm surprised to learn that DFA Davao is opened on weekend (at least on Sat.) My brother told me that it's because the office is located inside SM City. This is a good thing that they are open on Saturday because some people don't have time to go to the DFA office during weekdays. Anyway, a week before this date, my brother went to DFA but was not granted application because they needed his Form 137 and voter's id or registration receipt. He had his NSO Birth Certificate, old elementary school id and his college school ID(current) with him but that wasn't enough. He was given a checklist on what is needed besides the one that he has. So he had to come back the next week which is July 12. This time he brought his voter's registration receipt, (my sister got it from our local comelec)and baptismal certificate ( but it wasn't needed). He didn't have his Form 137 because the school needed a written request to get it so I told him to just go ahead to the DFA and see if they will accept what you have. Luckily, this time his application was accepted. He paid for the RUSH Processing which is supposed to be 7 working days for P1,200 according to their website. It's already July 27, it would be 10 working days now but haven't heard anything from the DFA. He went to the DFA SM Davao to follow-up for his passport yesterday (Sat in Ph), one of the employee told him that it is now 20 working days for express or rush processing and 35 working days for regular processing. So he has to come back next Saturday Aug. 3 to pick up his passport, hopefully they will have it this time.

Lesson learned: We should have him apply for his Passport 3 months ago to avoid this delay. But we didn't know that he will needed it this soon because we thought his petition won't be approved until next year.

For future reference, accdg. the DFA website these are the Requirements:

PASSPORT FEES:

For First time passport applicants:

Regular Processing (15 working days): P950.00

Express Processing (7 working days): P1,200.00

For Renewal of passport applicants:

Regular Processing (15 working days): P950.00

Express Processing (7 working days): P1,200.00

For Replacement of a lost expired passport:

Regular Processing (15 working days): P950.00

Express Processing (7 working days): P1,200.00

For Replacement of a lost valid passport:

Regular Processing (15 working days): P950.00

Express Processing (7 working days): P1,200.00

Please take note that there is an additional fee of P200.00 for a lost valid MRRP / MRP or P350.00 for a lost valid e-passport.

PASSPORT GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

Personal appearance

Confirmed appointment

Birth Certificate (BC) in Security Paper (SECPA) issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) or Certified True Copy (CTC) of BC issued by the Local Civil Registrar (LCR) and duly authenticated by NSO. Transcribed Birth Certificate from the LCR is required when entries in NSO Birth Certificate are blurred or unreadable. (Report of Birth duly authenticated by NSO if born abroad)

No need to submit a passport size photo

Valid picture IDs and supporting documents to prove identity (Please refer to List of Acceptable IDs and List of Supporting Documents)

LIST OF ACCEPTABLE IDS (At least 1 of the following):

Government-issued picture IDs such as the following:
- Digitized SSS ID
- Driver’s License
- GSIS E-card
- PRC ID
- IBP ID
- OWWA ID
- Digitized BIR ID
- Senior Citizen’s ID
Other acceptable picture IDs such as the following:
- Old College ID
- Alumni ID
- Old Employment IDs

LIST OF SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS (At least 3 of the following):

Voter’s ID

NSO Marriage Contract

Land Title

Seaman’s Book

Elementary or High School Form 137 or Transcript of Records with readable dry seal

Government Service Record

NBI Clearance

Police Clearance

Barangay Clearance

Old documents issued at least one year prior to date of application that show correct name, date and place of birth, picture and signature of applicant such as the following:
- NSO Birth Certificate of child / children
- SSS-E1 Form or Microfilmed Copy of SSS-E1 Form
- Income Tax Return
- Voter’s Certification, List of Voters and Voter’s Registration Record (for newly issued VRR, please attach receipt)
- School Yearbook
- Community Tax Certificate

Information About DS3032 -Choice of Agent and Address Form

2013-07-27T01:36:00.001-04:00

Along with the DS3032 form, NVC will also send the petitioner the infomation about the Choice of Agent form. The petitioner will forward the information to the applicant for next step.

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DS3032- Choice of Address and Agent

2013-07-27T01:07:00.003-04:00

July 3, 2013- Mom received an email from NVC for my brother's Choice of Address of Agent. The email contains 6 pages of pdf file , all instructions including the Affidavit of Support (AOS) Processing Fee Invoice .
This DS3032 is for the applicant/beneficiary. The Applicant has the option to email the DS3032 using his/her email address , you can use this template from visajourney in emailing DS3032. Give NVC at least 2 weeks to response on your email. You can also print and fill-up the DS3032 form that NVC sent on your email (beneficiary or petitioner) Below is the actual DS3032 form from NVC. I covered the barcode, name of the applicant and case # to protect the identity.

If you decide to mail your Choice of Agent form, make sure you signed and date it . Mail the form with the original signature and not the photocopy.
I noticed the form has the expiration of 2006 but they just sent it on July 2013 so I guess it doesn't matter.

F2A Unmarried child of LPR under 21

2013-07-27T00:32:00.001-04:00

So, on Jan2012 right after my Mom got her Green Card , she filed Form I-130 to the USCIS for both my brother and sister who are in the Philippines. . My brother was born on Dec1992 so he was 19 yrs and 1 mos old when the petition was filed.
My sister is over 21 so she is on F2B visa category preference.

Jan. 20, 2012- F2A Priority Date for my Brother
Jan. 20, 2012-F2B Priority Dater for my Sister

FAST FORWARD......

June 11, 2013- Approval Date (I-797 Notice of Action) for both categories . But only my brother F2A is eligible for further processing.

June 21, 2013- The National Visa Center (NVC) received my brother's case (also my sister's F2B) that was forwarded by the USCIS after the approval.
Note: After you get the approval letter in the mail, give NVC at least 2 weeks before calling for your case # and IIN . When calling, have your USCIS receipt # ready, name of the petitioner and applicant , and their date of birth. Once your case will be in their system, a case number will be assigned to you that starts with MNL for Manila Consulate. Different Consulate starts with different letters. Once you case number is assigned, you give that number everytime you call NVC for future follow-ups. Also, have NVC update the petitioner and applicant's email address for future correspondence.

July 3, 2013- The National Visa Center (NVC) assigned a case # for F2A. (brother) with the Identification Invoice Number (IIN)
July 5, 2013- NVC assigned a case # for F2B (sister), which I find it odd since it's still not eligible for further processing. But NVC attached a letter with the case # saying as I quote:

Unfortunately, visa numbers are not presently available for your use. You will be notified when further
consideration can be given to processing your application for immigration. The reason for this delay is that thereare more applicants for visas than there are immigrant visa numbers available under the limitation prescribed by law.

Forward:

July 3, 2013- By logging in at the Immigrant Visa Invoice Payment Center , we pay the Affidavit of Support (AOS) for $88 .
Note: You need you case number and IIN in order to log in and US checking or savings account .
July 9, 2013- Affidavit of Support (AOS) status shows "PAID".
July 10, 2013- AOS Barcoded Cover Sheet received via email. (NVC sent it via email this time because the payment portal would not let us print the cover sheet. So if this happens to you even after your status shows "PAID", give NVC a call and request for the cover sheet to be sent in your email.

July 11, 2013- Affidavit of Support packet mailed.

AOS and Supporting Documents that was sent:

Signed I-864 -Mom
Letter of Explanation of non-filing for ITR ( no job & zero income)
Signed I-864a- Me-household member
Last 3 yrs of Transcript of Records
Last 3 yrs of W2's ( and 1099 if you have one)
Employment Letter (latest)
Paystubs (6 mos worth)

Signed I-864A from my husband as household member since we are combining our income
W2's
His employment letter
paystubs

Supporting Documents:
Joint Sponsor's proof of citizenship( passport and naturalization copy)
Joint Sponsor's birth certificate( orig & photocopy)

7-15-13- NVC received AOS packet

7-18-13- DS3032 accepted

7-19-13- IV invoiced

7-21-13- IV Payment "In Process"

7-25-13- IV bill "PAID"

NOTE: Base on experienced from my previous immigration encounter, for I-864, eventhough, your individual income is above the poverty line of your household size and NVC approves your I-864, but if you are married and filing jointly, your local consulate will determine if you need form I-864A from your spouse. Because on my situation when I filed for my mom's visa, manila consulate requested Form I-864A from my husband when my Mom had her interview. So the visa was delayed for 2 weeks, but that depends on how quick you send their request.

NEXT POST....DS3032

Update: Aug 7,2013, So after 18 business days my brother got a checklist for his AOS-Affidavit of Support which I posted it here. NVC did not accept my own I-864. The were asking for our I-864a (husband and I). A household contract for Affidavit of Support. We mailed them the next day, Aug 8,2013 together with my brother's Immigrant visa application documents.

Aug 8, 2013- IV packet mailed.

Update: As of Sept 6, 2013, my brother's f2a case was completed at NVC. We are now waiting for interview schedule per NVC instruction

Update: Sept 7,2013- Made an expedite request through the assistant of our State Senator.
Sept 30,2013- Expedite Approved . Case File left NVC building this day.
Oct 2, 2013- Case "In Transit" to Embassy per CEAC
Oct 8, 2013- Case arrived at Embassy and CEAC says "Ready" for interview.
Oct 15, 2013- Phone call the US Embassy. Made interview appointment on the Phone.
Oct 17, 2013- One Day Medical Done
Oct 29, 2013- Interview