Wednesday, December 30, 2015

OUR K1/K2 PROCESS / TIMELINE

I opt to write a blog about this for some reasons. I'm not that old but trust me, I easily forget things so if a friend ask about how did we do it, atleast I can have her/him look at this page, lol. Plus, read alot of blog regarding their process and it really helps alot so I was inspired to write it too.
here we go...

I ended my contract at Guantanamo Bay Cuba last June 2014.  Rudy proposed June 18, 2014, he didn't start the process right away as I know he has alot of things to at work and me, I wanted to spend more time with my son as I've been away for 21 months. I need to bond with my son. We're really not in a hurry.

Bob (Rudy) started filling up form I-129F last January 2015 but mailed it February.

Here's our timeline:

Feb. 5, 2015 - Mailed application package to USCIS includes the ff:            
  • cover letter also stated his intent to marry within 90 days once approved
  • application fee of $340(check)
  • USCIS Form G-1145 (e-notification)
  • USCIS Form I-129F (petition for alien fiance)
  • G-325A of beneficiary and petitioner (biographic information)
  • Photos (2x2) of petitioner and beneficiaries
  • Dissolution of Marriage's
  • Birth certificates (petitioner and beneficiaries)
  • Photos for evidence of meeting
  • Airline itinerary and boarding passes as evidence of travel together (if you have)
Some include their remittances, phone call, chat logs etc. anything that can proof the ongoing relationship of petitioner and beneficiary.

March 03, 2015 - NOA 1 (Notice of Action) Receipt (Will post pic later)
April 09, 2015 - Request for Evidence (RFE) thru online checking
April 20, 2015 - Rudy received the RFE letter stating that I have to provide an "intent to marry" to which stated to "submit evidence from the beneficiary that she plans to marry you within 90 days of her admission to the United States. Evidence of benefiary's intent may be a statement, wedding preparation or other evidence that clearly establishes her intent to marry"
April 21, 2015 - Comply to RFE (sent mail)
May 6, 2015 - USCIS received our RFE.
May 12, 2015 - NOA 2 Receipt (Notice of Action) wherein mail stated that application was sent to NVC. Beneficiary will be interviewed for visa blah blah...

During this stage, i start gathering some civil documents like NBI, NSO Cenomar, NSO BirthCertificate for me and my son, police clearance.
Then the long waiting for packet 3 was ended. My sister received a letter from US Embassy Manila while me and my son we're at the mall (watched Jurassic) and it was

June 23, 2015 - Received Packet 3 (letter from NVC with Manila Case Number)

I emailed Rudy right away and I started reading a lot of blog on the internet what to do next as I'm lost lol or maybe I'm just too excited as I think of Rudy that we will be together again so soon. so this is it...

First thing I did was I set an interview appointment online. but before you can do that you "must" 

1. pay visa fee of (Php 11,925/each) so x2 for us as for k1 and K2
I paid online as I have a BPI account. Either you pay at the teller or online, you have to keep a copy of the deposit slip as you will need to show it on your interview day. It must be a separate deposit slip if you are paying for multiple beneficiaries.

2. Scheduling your Interview Day.

After paying the visa fee. You have to make an allowance this they credited your payment. Keep it mind that you have to allocate time for your medical atleast 2 weeks from your interview. A day after, I scheduled our interview. I chose July 20. I realized I shouldn't  scheduled it Monday as it always a busy day.
IMPORTANT or i rather say PRE-REQUISITE...you have to fill-up DS-160 for K Visas. So separate DS-160 for me and my son. wooaaahhh, this took me 2 days to complete lol. Make sure that all is correct as once you submitted it, it can never be re-open or edit again. double check your entry. You can save it and re-open again. but as i was said. once it was submitted, can never open again for editing. it will just allow you to print the confirmation. 
Once you submit it, you can now Schedule your medical

3. Schedule your Medical. I log to SLEC website and register. It will not guarantee you a seat number but it will less your medical process. (will post about our medical experience soon)

After our medical, I started organizing our documents. Printed all documents that Rudy sent me such as
Form 1040
W2
The copy of the package that he sent to USCIS listed at the top.


I was like OMG! We don't have the affidavit of support. I freaked out lol, I emailed Rudy right away. It must be original..oh no! Mail in GTMO is slower than snail. We're 1wk apart to the interview date. Then he told me to bring a scanned copy. Also he mentioned
in the i-134 instructions, it states;
Execution of Affidavit
If you are sponsoring more than one alien, you must submit a separate Form I-134 for each alien. Form I-134 must be signed in your full name. (Note: Signing Form I-134 is under penalty of perjury under U.S. law). For this reason, it is not necessary to sign Form I-134 before a notary, nor to have your signature notarized after you sign it. 

Copies
Unless specifically required that an original document be filed with an application or petition, a legible photocopy may be submitted. Original documents submitted when not required may remain a part of the record. 

Any Form I-134 that is not signed will be rejected with a notice that your Form I-134 is deficient. You may correct the deficiency and resubmit Form I-134. Form I-134 is not considered properly filed until accepted by USCIS.

So, we're good. I will have my final check on my docs on Saturday.



7/20/15 - US Embassy Manila Interview..WE PASSEDDD
(this is the longest waiting on visa ever....)
9/12/15 - Visa On Hand

9/18/15 - CFO
       
9/26/15 - POE at LAX
10/13/15 - Received letter from the hospital that lance(k2) need to have a blood test due to positive skin testing at St. Lukes
11/2/15 - Went to the TB Control hospital for Lance blood testing
11/7/15 - Wedding Day
11/23/15 - Obtained the Certified Copy of Marriage License
11/23/15 - Applied for SSN number using my married name
11/25/15 - Received the negative result on the blood testing
11/28/15 - Received SSN in the mail

my AOS timeline here....






OUR K1/K2 VISA TIMELINE

This is the summary actually..you will also find detailed here.

2/5/2015 - Fiance (now hubby) mailed the application (to read more about this, click here)
3/3/2015 - NOA1
4/9/15 - RFE thru online checking
4/20/15 - Received RFE letter
4/21/15 - Send RFE (my letter of intent)
5/6/15 - RFE received
5/12/15 - NOA2
6/23/15 - I Packet 3 received with Manila Case Number letter
7/1-2/15 - My Medical
7/6-7/15 - K2 Medical
7/20/15 - US Embassy Manila Interview
(this is the longest waiting on visa ever....)
9/12/15 - Visa On Hand
9/18/15 - CFO
9/26/15 - POE at LAX
10/13/15 - Received letter from the hospital that lance(k2) need to have a blood test due to positive skin testing at St. Lukes
11/2/15 - Went to the TB Control hospital for Lance blood testing
11/7/15 - Wedding Day
11/23/15 - Obtained the Certified Copy of Marriage License
11/23/15 - Applied for SSN number using my married name
11/25/15 - Received the negative result on the blood testing
11/28/15 - Received SSN in the mail

Check here for my AOS Timeline

MY AOS COVER LETTER

This is my AOS cover letter. Credit to Donna of http://averageasianmom.com for this.




Monday, December 14, 2015

REPORT OF MARRIAGE (ROM) TO US CONSULATE

Since I'm still waiting on my AOS update and can't get a learner's permit at DMV at this time, I will do reporting of marriage to  Philippine Consulate General in Los Angeles as I am living in Southern California.

Here's the checklist from the website:


ONLY marriages contracted in the following places can be registered or reported at the Philippine Consulate General, Los Angeles, CA: (1) Southern California; (2)Southern Nevada; (3) Arizona; (4) New Mexico; and (5) Texas

For marriages outside of its jurisdiction, the Report of Marriage must be filed with the Philippine Embassy or Consulate which exercises jurisdiction over the place of marriage.


Please call (213) 637-3017 (Attn: Civil Registry Section) for further assistance or any questions.

Procedure and Requirements:

1.  Four (4) original duly accomplished Report of Marriage Contracted Abroad form, typed or printed legibly in black or blue ink, signed by both husband and wife.  Wives should indicate their maiden name as the last name.  If submitting by mail, the complete forms must be notarized

2.  Covering letter (handwritten or typed), address to the Consular Section, indicating service/transaction requested and telephone number or email address for contact details.

3.  One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of the Marriage Certificate or Contract (original will be returned).

4.  One (1) original or certified true copy and four (4) photocopies of the Birth Certificate of the husband and the wife.  The Consular Officer reserves the right to require additional proof or documents from an applicant, to prove his/her citizenship or identify pursuant to the Philippine Passport Law (R.A. 8239) and the Foreign Service Act (R.A. 7157). 

5.  Four (4) photocopies of a government-issued identification card or passport of both husband and wife.

6.  Four (4) photocopies of Philippine birth certificate of Filipino spouse.

7. Self-addressed return envelope, with appropriate stamps for express or priority mail with tracking numbers via US Postal Service, or with pre-paid mailing envelope from private courier of choice, if Report of Marriage is to be mailed back. or you may include $6 postal money order instead of buying a self addressed one.(this is what I will do)

8.  Processing fee of $25.00 (non-refundable), payable in cash, when personally applying or postal money order or cashier's check made payable to the Philippine Consulate General.  Personal check and credit cards are not accepted.

Friday, December 11, 2015

REQUIREMENTS ON GETTING LEARNER'S PERMIT at DMV

Not so lucky on my first try. They said I should get my I-94 extended first or something that states I could stay longer. They need atleast 30-60 days before it expires. Also, I was told to wait for I-797 for my AOS or EAD....to which I Just sent out Yesterday (12/10/2015).  SO let's see....I might get that in Month or so...

Update:  3/24/16
After I got my combo card last March 21, next thing in my mind is getting a learner's permit. I gave myself to review for 2 days. I didn't read the new book. I just went to their practice test online here http://www.dmv-written-test.com which helps a lot to me... What I did is I answered every test over and over until i got it perfect score. I strongly recommend to take the paper test instead of the computer, so you would time to skip more questions and also can review your answers.

Requirements:

In California, here's the list 

How to apply for a driver license if you are over 18

If you are a visitor in California over 18 and have a valid driver license from your home state or country, you may drive in this state without getting a California driver license as long as your home state license remains valid.
If you become a California resident, you must get a California driver license within 10 days. Residency is established by voting in a California election, paying resident tuition, filing for a homeowner's property tax exemption, or any other privilege or benefit not ordinarily extended to nonresidents.
To apply for an original driver license if you are over 18, you will need to do the following:
  • Make an appointment before visiting a DMV office (walk-ins are only accepted at our Driver License Processing Centers). I DONT HAVE APPOINTMENT AS WHEN I TRIED TO GET AN APPOINTMENT TO THE BRANCH I WANT TO GO, ITS JUST SAY "NOT AVAILABLE" SO I DID WALK-IN AND IT WAS FAST
  • Complete application form DL 44 (An original DL 44 form must be submitted. Copies will not be accepted.) YOU WILL GET THIS FROM THERE, THIS IS THE FIRST STEP
  • Give a thumb print YOU WILL DO 5 THUMBPRINT ON THE FIRST WINDOW....THEN JUST ONE AT THE PICTURE WINDOW
  • Have your picture taken YUP
  • Provide your social security number. It will be verified with the Social Security Administration while you are in the office. THEY DO VERIFY IT..SO YOU BETTER HAVE SSN FIRST
  • Verify your birth date and legal presence If your current name no longer matches the name on your birth data/legal presence document, see "True Full Name" and "How to Change Your Name" for more information.HE DIDNT ASK ME ON THIS AS HE HAS MY COMBO CARD..THATS ALL I PRESENT TO HIM/DMV PERSONNEL
  • Provide your true full name FROM THE COMBO CARD
  • Pay the application fee $33
  • Pass a vision exam YUP
  • Pass a traffic laws and sign test. There are 36 questions on the test. You have three chances to pass.. YES THIS IS IMPORTANT...YOU HAVE 3 CHANCES TO PASS THE EXAM


GOODLUCK!

OBTAINING SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER

Finally...after long wait for my hubby to check on the forms. Yup, I waited. He is not with me as he is working overseas, geez Can you imagine how hard is that? to think that we just got here in the States. Anyways broadwaysss
Here's how I started on this damn paperworks. Opppss, make sure you guys get married first ofcourse..we got married last Nov. 7 and such a short preparation as my hubby can't stay more than 10 days. Can you Imagine that? I know right...
Go back to the subject, We got married then waited for the certified copy of our marriage license which the officiant and the city hall said it will take like 2-3wks..Damn, my visa will soon be expired. Good thing we tried after a week then yeah its RECORDED. yippee...same day I get the certified, we run to get the SSN. which I already prepared, I mean the requirements needed to get social security number.

Obtaining Social Security Number, here's what I prepared. All original. They will not take it.


That's all I have when I got mine. I also asked when I can get ssn for my 5yr old son and I was told when he got his GC. But will try when we get his EAD.

I applied for SSN on November 23 and received on the mail by 27th. Isn't fast?



Next will be preparing the documents for Adjustment of Status (AOS) or green card application....together with Work Permit (EAD)  and Advance Parole (AP)

K1/K2 ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS(AOS) I-485, ADVANCE PAROLE (AP) FORM I-131 AND EAD (EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION)

Before you start this process, make your sure you got married first :) as K1, we have 90 days to get married. After obtaining my certified marriage certificate, I got SSN and here's the list of requirements on obtaining SSN.

You may start preparing your documents even you don't have your SSN.

This is my lists that i gathered from reading on USCIS website, blogs and Facebook groups. I know its so exaggerated. I was carried away lol.. Nah..just don't want to receive RFE but you'll never know hehe. Since I have K2,  I got a long list. Its really up to the filer if she/he wants to include all of this. Some were optional like the wedding photos but I do read some got RFE'S on those. I also doubled up form I-864 for my K2 as stated on the guidelines along its supporting documents.

I do searched and read visajourney.com and blog of Donna on http://averageasianmom.com/874-2/  to which I followed my checklist since she has k2 too. Her blog really helps me alot on this long journey.

I.      AOS: Application for Adjustment of Status
A.     K1 Form I-485 and Document Requirements 
ü  G-1145, E-Notification 
ü  Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Resident
ü  Two (2) passport style photos 
ü  Form G-325A, Biographic Information
ü  Copy of Government issued photo identification (passport copy)
ü  Copy of Non-Immigrant Visa (K1 Visa) with Admission Stamp
ü  Copy of Most Recent Form I-94, Admission Record
ü  Copy of Birth Certificate
ü  DS-3025 Report of Medical/Vaccination Record from SLEC Manila 
ü  Affidavit of Support and Supporting Documents (USC Spouse)
o   Completed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
o   2014 Form 1040, US Individual Income Tax Return
o   2014 W-2, Wage and Tax Supplement
o   2014 Form 1099, Misc. Income
o   Certificate of Employment 
o   ROTH 401 Retirement Account
o   Bank Accounts Info .....UPDATE(RFE on this too, as my dear husband told me this will be sufficient lol, USCIS asked for 12mons BANK STATEMENT)
o   Pay Summary ....UPDATE:(this should be PAY STUB/PAYSLIP (atleast 3 mons) got RFE on this, my husband didn't send me his pay stub, he just sent me the summary of his paycheck as his previous company can't retrieve it on their system and also they do online, he don't get a hardcopy)
o   Copy of Birth Certificate
o   Copy of Passport
o   Form G-325A, Biographic Information (USC Spouse) *** optional 
ü  Evidence of Marriage to the U.S. Citizen within 90days (Proof of changed name)
o   Copy of Certified Marriage Certificate
o   Wedding Photos 
ü  Copy of Petition Documents for K1 and K2
o   Copy of Form I-797, Receipt/Notice of Action
o   Copy of Approved Form I-129F
o   Copy of Letter from NVC

B.     K2 Form I-485 and Document Requirements
ü  G-1145, E-Notification
ü  Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Resident
ü  Two (2) passport style photos
ü  Form G-325A, Biographic Information
ü  Copy of Government issued photo identification (passport copy)
ü  Copy of Non-Immigrant Visa (K1 Visa) with Admission Stamp
ü  Copy of Most Recent Form I-94, Admission Record
ü  Copy of Birth Certificate
ü  DS-3025 Report of Medical/Vaccination Record from SLEC Manila
ü  Affidavit of Support and Supporting Documents (USC Sponsor/Petitioner)
o   Completed Form I-864, Affidavit of Support
o   2014 Form 1040, US Individual Income Tax Return
o   2014 W-2, Wage and Tax Supplement
o   2014 Form 1099, Misc. Income
o   Certificate of Employment
o   ROTH 401 Retirement Account
o   Bank Accounts Info ....UPDATE:(RFE on this too, as my dear husband told me this will be sufficient lol, USCIS asked for 12mons BANK STATEMENT)
o   Pay Summary ....UPDATE:(this should be PAY STUB/PAYSLIP (atleast 3 mons) got RFE on this, my husband didn't send me his pay stub, he just sent me the summary of his paycheck as his previous company can't retrieve it on their system and also they do online, he don't get a hardcopy)
o   Copy of Birth Certificate
o   Copy of Passport
o   Form G-325A, Biographic Information

II.    AP: Application for Travel Document
ü  COVER LETTER for K1 and K2 Applicant
A.     K1 Form I-131 and Document Requirements
ü  G1145, E-Notification
ü  Completed Form I-131
ü  Two (2) Passport Style Photos
ü  Copy of Birth Certificate
ü  Copy of Most Recent Form I-94, Admission Record
ü  Copy of Passport Biographic Page
ü  Copy of K1 Visa with Entry Stamp
ü  Copy of Certified Marriage Certificate (proof of legal name changed)
ü  Copy of Petition Documents for K1 and K2
o   Copy of Form I-797, Receipt/Notice of Action
o   Copy of Approved Form I-129F
o   Copy of Letter from NVC
B.     K2 Form I-131 and Document Requirements
ü  G1145, E-Notification
ü  Completed Form I-131
ü  Two (2) Passport Style Photos
ü  Copy of Birth Certificate
ü  Copy of Most Recent Form I-94, Admission Record
ü  Copy of Passport Biographic Page
ü  Copy of K2 Visa

III.    EAD: Application for Employment Authorization
ü  COVER LETTER for K1 and K2 Applicant
A.     K1 Form I-765 and Document Requirements
ü  G1145, E-Notification
ü  Completed Form I-765
ü  Two (2) Passport Style Photos
ü  Copy of Birth Certificate
ü  Copy of Most Recent Form I-94, Admission Record
ü  Copy of Passport Biographic Page
ü  Copy of K1 Visa with Entry Stamp
ü  Copy of Certified Marriage Certificate (proof of legal name changed)
ü  Copy of Petition Documents for K1 and K2
o   Copy of Form I-797, Receipt/Notice of Action
o   Copy of Approved Form I-129F
o   Copy of Letter from NVC
B.     K2 Form I-131 and Document Requirements
ü  G1145, E-Notification
ü  Completed Form I-765
ü  Two (2) Passport Style Photos
ü  Copy of Birth Certificate
ü  Copy of Most Recent Form I-94, Admission Record
ü  Copy of Passport Biographic Page

ü  Copy of K2 Visa

I thought of applying just the AOS. without EAD and AP. but the later is free of charge if you file it along with the AOS. SO why not chocnut!

Have you wonder how my file will look like?

here's inside




and now, it is ready for shipment tomorrow..hayzz natapos din!

make sure you doubled-check everything. I hope I didn't miss anything on here lol. Good luck samin ..



AOS/AED/AP TIMELINE:

12/10/15 - Package sent via Priority Mail
12/14/15 - Package Receipt as per USPS website

12/29/15 - Received Receipt (NOA1) 6 emails and 6 text messages from USCIS



12/30/15 - Check Cashed Out
1/4/16 - Received hardcopy of NOA1


1/8/16 - Got our Biometric Schedule Letter for Jan. 20


1/14/16 - Biometric Schedule (WALK-IN) Original schedule was Jan 20

Update: 1/14/16 - WALK-IN BIOMETRICS
                    We did try to walk-in and it was a SUCCESS.  We went there past 12. Read what's on the piece of paper on the glass before getting in. It says No Cellphone, NO drinks, No Food...etc etc..
MiL (mother-in-law) parked just at front of the ASC Office. We get back to the car to leave the food that I have in my bag and Lance got fruit snacks too. As we enter the building, the receptionist wearing a blue uniform, kinda like those immigration at the airport uniform. I showed her our appointment letter and she look at it. I told her, we come early as we don't have transportation on the 20th (lol, she didn't ask why or anything like that) I just say that haha. Then she hand me a form to fill-up. One for me and for Lance (K2), then she advised me to go back to her after filling those up. Afterwards, she checked our papers..write the case number on the form, stamp .. then told us to go at front and wait for our number to be called, when we got there, we didn't wait much as the lady that was there was done already. Then the fingerprint person took us on the computer and talk to my son. He's a Viatnamese. He asked my son if he can write his name and my son says YES. Lance was pretty amazed haha as he said that he will be able to see his fingerprint on the screen.  He scanned the barcode. entered some data. He asked my son to write his name on the signature thingy. then He had my son sit on the chair and asked for my help on that. after that, he told my son to put his pointer finger on the scanner and lance was like HEHE WOW COOL haha.. Then he told lance that mama will have 10fingers on it. Then my turn. He got my paper, scanned the barcode, then had me stand on the wall, signed..then its DONE. he hand me a rate or comments paper for both of us. of course i put excellent job.

...NOW WHAT??? hehe waiting for the combo card i guess... i hope no RFE'S

Update: 1/25/16 - Initial RFE was mailed for I-485 for me and my son. I wonder what its gonna be
Update: 2/4/16 - Received RFE on the mail (Initial Evidence)





2/18/2016 - Sent RFE response to MO 64002
2/21/2016 - RFE delivered as per USPS
2/24/2016 - Changed Status online USCIS



3/7/2016 - CASE IS READY TO BE SCHEDULED FOR INTERVIEW. thats the latest status...cant wait for that decision and of course the mail...
3/15/2016 - Got txt message and email that AP for me and my k2 were approved but not for EAD

after 3 hours, same day 3/15/16 - received txt/email that EAD card is for produced...yuhuuuu



3/17/16 - Card was mailed to me (combo)..yuhuuu status with my K2




3/19/16 - Received Mail---Approval Letter  for Combo Card (AP and EAD)




3/21/16 - WE GOT OUR COMBO CARD YUHUUUUUUU

First week of August I received my CA drivers license.. pretty cool huh. Mother-in-Law sent it here in Gtmo.


Okay a little update on what happen between those waiting on the aos interview. Today is 16th August, 2016. I got email from USCIS that our case  is for TESTING AND INTERVIEW and we have a date and it will be on Sept. 16.  Since I am here at Guantanamo Bay Cuba since June 24, we will need to fly back to CA for the interview. Also planning to get my passport renewed and the report of marriage to the consulate too. My husband can only leave for a week at work. I should plan this and have all the paperworks ready.

9/3/2016 - I'm here again and preparing papers for the interview.