Package IV Mailed to Beneficiary

We were so busy today and we did a lot of errands. Went to the Post Office to mail out the package with all the necessary documents for my Mom's interview. Some people call it Packet IV, same document that I would send to NVC once I paid the immigrant visa fee. I sent it through priority mail only which would take about 6-10 business days to arrive. I had the packet care-off to my cousin in the city so my mom could get it on time. It costs me $13 to send. I chose USPS instead of FEDEX because I know it would cost me a lot of $ thru FEDEX. I have tried sending them envelope before with documents inside using regular mail and I had no problem and they got it on time.


Inside the Envelope were:

-Completed DS-230 forms-(mom needs to sign it)
-NVC approval letter- NOA2
-NVC Letter with the case number written
-Copy of Petitioners Birth Certificate
-Copy of Petitioners Passport
-Copy of Petitioners Naturalization Cert.
-Copy of Petitioners Marriage Certificate/License
-Copy of Beneficiaries Birth Certificate
Copy of Beneficiaries NBI
-AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT(AOS) DOCUMENTS-from Petitioner
*2010 Tax Return Transcript
*2010 W-2
*2010 1099
*employment letter
*Pay Stubs( last 6 months)
*completed I-864, Affidavit of Support (Signed and Dated)

Documents listed above are the same documents to be sent to National Visa Center for further processing once AOS fee and Immigrant Fee be generated.

Booked Flight for Mom's Medical Exam

So my Mom is going for Medical Exam at St. Lukes on June 15, Wednesday. I already booked the flight for two. My sister will accompany her to Manila. Their itinerary is from Davao to Manila, a total of P5,474.56($133.96) for one way ticket on both of them. When they arrive in Manila they will stay at Hotel Soriente for couple nights while waiting for the Medical result. I am praying that there is no problem for the Physical exam so there's no delay on the process.

NVC Inquiry Correspondence

After emailing NVC the DS-3032, the Choice of Agent, NVC sent me 2 emails at the same time. First was the 4 pages with the MNL case number and "ACL UNIVERSAL" as the subject. It's basically an information and guidelines for the Applicants(my mom). The first page has the name of the Principal Applicant with NVC Case number, Invoice ID Number(IIN) and the beneficiaries ID. This letter can be brought to St. Lukes for Medical Exam to show proof the the application is currently at NVC for processing. With this letter, the beneficiary(my mom) don't have to wait the packet mailed from US. Embassy.

Affidavit of Support(AOS) Fees

I've been trying logging in at the Dept. of State Payment Center as soon as I got the NVC case# and the IIN. But it was not on their system yet. Yesterday, May 28, I was surprised when I was able to logged in. It shows the $88 Affidavit of Support fees. So I paid right away with the use of my US Bank Account because they only accept US bank account for payment, either checking or savings. It still in the process right now and will be marked "PAID" in the next 2-3 business days. After that I need to pay for the Immigrant Visa Fees which is $404.

Employment Letter

As one of the Affidavit of Support Requirements for the Immigrant Visa, I am required to provide a current proof of employment letter. So yesterday,May 27, I called my employer's Payroll department. I was told it will be ready to pick-up by Monday, May 30.

As instructed by the Dept of State or the NVC , National Visa Center, the employment letter must be ;

1. typed on company letterhead.
2. Letter must be dated.
3. Letter must be signed and that person's title must be listed.
4. Letter must include the dates employed.
5. Letter must have wage/hour translated in salary/year.

Emailed DS-3032- Choice of Agent

On May 26 after NVC verified our email addresses, I emailed the Choice of Agent using my mom's email address. The DS-3032 form is the Choice of Agent from for the Immigrant Visa Applicant which is my mom whom she appoints me as her agent so all future correspondents from Dept. of State including all fees will be sent to me.

The email looks like this:

NVC Case No: < beneficiaries case # >
USCIS Receipt No:
Petitioner's Name:
Petitioner's Date of Birth:
Beneficiary's Name:
Beneficiary's Date of Birth:

Re: Declaration of Choice of Address and Agent for Immigrant Visa applicant

To whom it may concern:

My name is , < Beneficiaries Name>my visa case number is #< CASE NUMBER>.

Per the DS-3032 (Choice of Address and Agent for Immigrant Visa Applicants), I would like to appoint my daughter/petitioner as my agent of choice to receive all future correspondence from the U.S. Department of State. Her contact information is provided below:

Name:
Address:

Phone:

Email:

All mail from the U.S. Department of State concerning my immigrant visa should be sent to the address above.

Please let me know if you need additional information. Thank you for your help.

Sincerely yours,

Calling NVC

Since I received the hard copy of the approval noticed(NOA2) in the mail on May 18, I've been started calling everyday but I was no luck. This morning I called NVC automated voice response system and as usual I followed the prompt voice instruction, to my surprised a case number has been generated on May 25. So I wrote down my mother's MNL case number . After I hanged up I called again and spoke to an operator. The lady asked my information and my mom as the beneficiary. Then my email was verified so as my mom. So all correspondents from the Department of State will be sent to both our email addresses. I am also waiting for the AOS bill that they are going to send me. As soon as I get it I will pay it online right away so there's no delay.

Immigrant Visa Application "Signed"

Last Thursday, May 19 (Phil. Time ) I had my brother sent me my mom's 2x2 id with the second page of DS230 Form, Part I (Immigrant Visa Application) with her signature on it. I told him to use Fed Ex instead of the postal service, but he said that there is no FedEx office in Surigao anymore so he sent it through JRS Express. They paid 1,000 pesos for 3 day delivery excluding weekends. And today, May 24 UPS delivered the envelope in my house. I was supposed to get it yesterday but since we were not home the ups guy leave us a note by our door since it has to be signed in order to received. So basically, 1kpesos really was worth it for 3 days delivery.

Petitioning My Mom (USCIS JOURNEY)

I have been researching, joining immigration forums to get some ideas on how to bring my Parents over here. After careful consideration and prayers ,I decided to petition my Mom first since it cost a lot to petition both of them at the same time.

Here are the documents that I submitted along with Form I-130- Parent of US Citizen.

*Form I-130 ( filled and signed)
*Filing Fee , now $420 (money order) Note: Pls check uscis.gov for current filing fee.
*Copy of my Birth Certificate ( shows my mothers' name)
*Copy of my US Passport
*Copy of my Naturalization Certificate
*My Mother's Birth Certificate

Oct 25, 2010- Mailed I-130 Application
Oct 28, 2010- NOA1 receipt (USCIS received my petition)
April 4, 2011 - First Touched of my case online , says "Initial review"

*****THE WAITING BEGINS*****
While waiting, I had my Mom get her NBI and Phil Passport.


Still has'nt heard from USCIS after 5 months. I called the customer service couple times. The first time was when my case was not found on their website when I tried to check the status. Called them on March 28, 5 months after the NOA receipt date. I was told to wait for weeks which I was. Still did not hear anything from them a month after which would be on my 6 months of waiting. April 28, called customer service again and spoke to an officer.

May 9, 2011, I received a correspondence from the USCIS informing me that my case is currently under extensive background check and could take to six months. So this time, I said this is enough.

May 10, '11- Contacted our Senators' Office. I faxed a letter to Senator Carl Levin's Office in Detroit informing them about my pending case. Also fax the Privacy Act authorization form letting their office to investigate on my behalf.
may 12, '11- I was informed thru the Senates office that the petition is currently in transit to an adjudications officer for review.
May 16, '11- CASE STATUS APPROVED when I checked my case status online. Finally after 6months and 16 days. The same day USCIS forwarded my paperworks to the National Visa Center for visa processing and review.
****USCIS JOURNEY CLOSED**

Now, as of this writing my case still not on NVC's system for case number to be assigned. As soon as I have the case number I can move forward and send more forms along with all the required fees.

Dual Citizenship

Year 2010 was the busiest year for me. As soon as I became naturalized I applied for dual citizenship. I mailed off my application at the Consulate General in Chicago since we are under their jurisdiction. I got a phone call a week after to schedule my oath taking which was on July 9, 2010.
It was my personal choice to apply for retention of my Philippine Citizenship . And I had couple reasons why I chose to re-acquire my Citizenship. First is to be able to stay longer when visiting my home country any time so as my husband. To own a property without limitations.

Here are the documents that I submitted when applying for dual citizenship;

*Completely filled out form Petition for Dual Citizenship and Issuance of Identification Certificate
*Photocopy of my Birth Certificate
*Photocopy of current Philippine Passport
*Photocopy of Marriage Contract
*Photocopy of my Certificate of Naturalization
*(2) 2x2 photograph with blue background
*$50.00(money order)

Oath of Allegiance

After 3 1/2 long years of my visa journey since I became a legal resident, I became a U.S Naturalized Citizen on January 10, 2010 after I took my oath to allegiance of United States Flag. I was so proud and so thankful to my husband for all his support from the very beginning of my immigration journey.

U.S Citizenship Interview

My interview went very well. It was scheduled on Dec. 10, 2009 at our USCIS local office, a 2 1/2 drive from home. It was a very stormy day where we thought our local office would be closed and cancel all appointment for that day. But we were wrong. As soon as I was done checking the x-ray machine, my name were called good thing we did not missed it. A very nice African-American consul interviewed me. After being sworn in, she asked me a total of 6 civic questions and she let me read one sentence and let me write down the answer. Then the consul said that I passed which I'm very happy.
All in all, the civic test and the interview was very easy. This time I was informed to wait my oath ceremony schedule in the mail which would be in a month to three months.

10 yr Green Card Received

So finally, after two years of waiting from the time I lifted my conditional residency, on August 26, 2009 ,I got my 10 yr Green Card in the mail. The same week I had my biometrics appointment for my Citizenship. I was very excited and I gave my employers a copy of the card to update my employment.

Biometrics Appointment for Naturalization

It was September 24, 2009 when I had my biometrics, the same place where I had it on all my immigrant applications. Biometrics only lasted couple minutes and we headed home. In less than 3 months, on Dec. 10, 2009 was my interview date.

Naturalization Application-N-400

While I was waiting for my 10yr GC, I gathered all the requirements for Naturalization Application . My eligibility was based on at least 3 yrs of lawful permanent resident of United States, and been married to and living with the same U.S citizen for the last three years.

I mailed my application on August 17, 2009. My notice of action(NOA1) receipt date was August 19, 2009.
So I applied a week earlier before my actual 10yrGC arrived in the mail.

Here are the documents that I submitted for N-400 application:
-Form N-400(completed signed and dated)
-Application Fee plus biometric fee- Money Order
-Copy of My birth certificate
-Copy I-551 stamp card
-2 identical photographs(white background)

And since I applied based on marriage to a U.S Citizen, I included these documents on my application;
-Copy of my husband's birth certificate
-Copy of his passport
-Copy of our Marriage Certificate
- Proof of termination of previous marriage/s (husband)
-Documents referring to me and my spouse like
*joint tax returns for the last 3 yrs
*leases
*property ownership

Update :Citizenship Timeline
Date Filed : 2009-08-17
NOA Date : 2009-08-19
Bio. Appt. : 2009-09-24
Interview Date : 2009-12-10
Approved : Yes
Oath Ceremony :2010-01-20

Removal of Conditional Residence Interview

So it was like a month before my 1-yr extension expired, I had an interview. Eventhough I already submitted all supporting documents when I applied for removal of condition, I was still asked to provide the same paperworks. I handed to the officer our latest income tax returns, joint ownership of our car, tittle of car that shows both my husband and my name, copy of our lease' car insurance policy with both our names listed and our gas bill.
Then I was told to wait the 10-yr GC in the mail.

1-yr Extension Expired

From the time I got my 1 year extension, I did not hear anything from USCIS. So I called USCIS customer service at 1-800-375-5283. The lady I spoke to was no help. I was told to wait for 30-45 days and that if I don't hear anything from them I would contact them again. I did not wait, instead, I made an INFOPASS and was scheduled to appear at our Local USCIS office the next week. That week I got a letter in the mail from USCIS. The letter instructed me and my husband to appear for an interview at the local office the following week. So I cancelled my infopass and went to Detroit for interview.

We were interviewed together. The officer who was assigned on my case was very nice. She only asked us simple questions related to our marriage and some personal questions like, what we do for living, etc. Then I was approved and I was given the I-551 card since my passport was expired already. So instead of have it stamp on the passport she gave me the card. That card served as my permanent resident card while waiting for the actual Green Card which is the 10 year GC in the mail.

Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence- I-751

Two years later. Time to file for petition to remove my 2-yr conditional residency. I used Form I-751, Petition to Remove the Conditions of Residence. The purpose of this form is for a conditional resident who obtained status through marriage to apply to remove the conditions on his or her residence. As of this writing, the filing fee is $505. (Add $85 biometric fee for a total of $590, where applicable. See the form instructions for payment details.) So if you are in this stage, you need to check the USCIS website for current fees.

In my case, after USCIS received my petition, I got a 1-year extension of my Green Card while they processed my paper. So I had to show my employer the original copy of 1-yr extension and they made a copy of it. If I did not have that piece of paper I would lose my job.

Some people got their 10yr GC easily on the same year. And I know a couple that did not have to go for interview and their Green Card was approved. But I was one of the unlucky "aliens" that had to go through a lot before I got my GC. I think, the reason for the delay of my 10yr GC was because we moved and we had to changed our address.

Timeline: I-751
08/10/2006- "Resident Since"

07/01/2008- I-751 Notice Date (receipt date)- (received 1yr extention)
07/07/2008- Notice Date for Biometric Letter
07/22/2008- Date of Biometrics @ 11:00AM
04/25/2009-Changed of Address Request (Me)
07/08/2009-Petitioner's delayed changed of Address request
07/23/2009- Joint  Interview for ROC
08/03/2009- ROC notice of Approval
08/31/2009- 10 yr GC received

Applying for State ID

I needed to have to get a State ID for identification so I don't have to show my Green Card every time they ask me for identification.
We went to the Secretary of State's Office with all my supporting documents. Plus, I brought with me proofs of Michigan residency, like mail addressed to my name. I was glad my cousin in the Philippines sent me Christmas card so that helped. Also the letter from the bank when my husband added me on his bank account. So they accepted all of those proofs with no problems. They charged me about $20(forgot exact amount) for the ID card fee. After that I had my photographed taken then we went home.
Two weeks after, I got my State ID.

Joint Bank Account

As a K1 Visa holder, by law you are advised to get married within 90 days of your arrival in the United States. After marriage , you can then apply  for Adjustment  of Status (AOS) using I-485 to remain in the United States legally. Along with that, you will be required to provide for an on-going marital relationship, one of them is Joint Bank Account/s of you and your spouse. So my husband added me on his bank account. His bank were asking for SSN, my passport, marriage license and my Permanent Resident Card. I had them all.

For Adjustment of Status (AOS) instruction and fees, follow the link here.

Green Card Arrived!

A month after I got my Employment's permit, I got my permanent resident card (Green Card) in the mail. That time, I said to myself that applying for EAD was a waste of money since I also got my Green Card not that long after my permit. It was only a 2yr- conditional green card so I had to renew it on 2008. But this time, it was time to relax. Forget about the immigration process for a while and enjoying life as married woman.

Job Hunting and Adjustment of Status Application

I was'nt really job hunting because my K1 visa is almost expired and because of financial reason I was not able to apply for adjustment of status and employment authorization right away. But my husband's cousin who owned a warehouse for model kit cars offered me a part time job. I worked twice a week for 7-8 hrs a day assembling parts for model kits cars.

Spring of 2006 I applied for Adjustment of Status (AOS) and Employment Authorization (EAD) at the same time. I used I-765 form for Employment Application and form I-485 for Application to Adjust Status. My EAD was approved right away. By the time I got my EAD card, I started looking for job. My first job interview was in Target. I was turned down. I was'nt upset, I did not lose hope. I kept looking for jobs while working at the warehouse. July of 2006, I submitted a job application at two different places. I had an interview at the local grocery store and was hired right away and I was scheduled for training. But I also had an interview within that week at our local nursing home. I got the job so I did not come back for another day of training at the grocery store since the nursing home pays more. I was hired a day before my birthday. I started working on the floor the next day which is my birthday.

I love my job. I've been in the same company for almost 6 years now.

Visit to Social Security Administration

By the time we got our Marriage license/certificate in the mail,we went to the Social Security Administrations office to apply for SSN#. Since I was already married I used my married name for my SSN. Some people do it the other way where by the time they get here they get their SSN # first before they get married and have it changed on their married name after they get married. Which is for me is to much work is a lot of hassle. Because some States are different. As K1 visa holder, we can only apply within 75 days of arrival or after EAD or greencard is received. In my case, since I got married right away I was able to apply for SSN within 75 days period.

I handed the lady my passport, birth certificate and. marriage license. She made a copy of all of them and returned all original documents. And, in less than 2 weeks I got my SSN card in the mail.

Marriage License Registration

The next step was marriage registration. We went to the county clerk office to have get our marriage license on Nov 2, 2005. I gave the lady my passport and shown my visa, my birth certificate and the lady made a copy of each. According to the license we had 3 months to get married.
But on the same day we went to see our Pastor. He officiated our very simple wedding witnessed by my husband's daughter and then fiance(now her husband) and a couple who was our friends and our neighbor. Our Pastor mailed the Marriage Certificate to the County Clerk within the given 10days after the marriage.
By second week of Dec,2005, we got the Certified Marriage Certificate in the mail signed by the Deputy Country Clerk.

Now we are Officially Married.

SSN Registration

Few days after I arrived, we went to the Social Security Administrations office to get my SSN#. I filled-out the form and gave them my passport and all supporting documents. They did not give me hard time. I was told to wait for 2 weeks to have the card with the # in the mail. That day had come.

October 2005- Goodbye Philippines

I left behind my family, my 2 year-old nephew that I helped raised on the afternoon of October 26, 2005. My close relatives and my family said goodbye to me . I boarded on a ship going to Cebu. I arrived the next morning and had my flight re-booked at the Northwest Airlines office in Cebu City. I had to pay a re-booking fee for $75 so I can fly the next available flight from Manila-Detroit the next morning. I left Cebu to Manila on the night of Oct. 27 boarding Philippine Airlines. Arrived at Manila Domestic Airport by midnight and had to rode a shuttle bus going to the International Airport. My flight going to the United States was not until 6:30am on Oct 28., so I waited for around 5 hrs at the airport.
Oct 28, 2005 was my Port of Entry date at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport. Customs security, interviewed me, checked all my luggage, interrogated me, and even threatened me that they can sent me back home right away if they would find out that I lied to them. But, you know the truth will really set a person free. After 2 hrs of interrogation and harassment  I was able to get out. Outside at airport waiting area, there my fiance was waiting for me. He told me 2 custom guys approached him and asked few questions, which was really unusual. They told him that someone called their office and told them that we were married back in the Philippines which was'nt true. Because if we were married we would go for spouse visa not fiance visa. Anyway, he told them that were were never married and we are planning to get married before my K1 visa expires. We had no idea who called and gave them the wrong information which was the reason of my long wait at the customs office.

Authors First Visa Journey

I first came to United States on October 28, 2005 through fiancee visa. My then fiance, now my husband filed a visa petition for me to join him in the US . But 9 months before that , my husband and I met in person at the very first time at Mactan International Airport in Cebu City, that was after months of chatting online. We spent 2 weeks together in my home town with my family, that was January 2005. He got to met my family and relatives. Two weeks was'nt enough for us. So three months later, on April 2005, he came to visit me for the second time. He spent 3 weeks in the Philippines. When he came back to the States he processed the papers right away.
We routed on Fiance Visa since it was the fastest route. He hired an agency to do our visa application which I think was a ripped off. But back then when we first met we had no idea on what to do and how to start the process. But as the time goes I find it a waste of money. I ended up doing most of the paperworks myself since it was that easy. I learned it through my research and from the immigration forums that I have joined. While he was in the US, I was busy of all the visa processed. I had my medical exam at St. Lukes Medical Center a month before my interview which lasted 2 days. September or First week of my October (I forgot already), I flew to Manila for my medical exam and my interview at the US Embassy in Manila. Obviously, I passed the interview. It was'nt hard. The Consul asked me some personal questions related to my fiance. I stayed at the nearby hotel with my friend from the time of my medical exam and interview. After my interview, I stayed at my Aunt's house in Manila and flew back to my home town days after to wait for my visa to be delivered. I waited for less than a week and picked-up my visa at FedEx.