Status Update: US Petition (v)

Oh Em Gee!

I woke up at around 6am knowing that I'd be expecting a package anytime today. I have been tracking my courier since yesterday's text I received from Air21.

I have been keeping track of it almost EVERY minute (yeah, I know it's ridiculously excited of me), but then at around 10 or 11am, our usual courier guy showed up and handed me my most-awaited mail of the year!

And behold:

Well, it has actually been 7 months since we became man and wife and 5 months ago when my husband first filed a petition. It shouldn't be a surprise anymore 'coz I am really destined to be where I should be, and that is with my D (I'd never find myself so cheesy like this. Ew.)

And with this, I now update my ongoing time line, which I intend to continue as our journey still does (after all!) continue.

Please click to enlarge

Some VERY IMPORTANT notes about the Immigrant Visa Packet (with emphasis on the RED words):

1. DO NOT OPEN, or even attempt to open, the visa packet (yellow envelope). You may only open the plastic pouch to retrieve the passport.
2. You will experience a significant delay if the visa packet is torn. You will not be allowed to board and difficulties will be encountered at any US port of entry. 
3. DO NOT DETACH the stapled "Immigrant Data Summary" in the visa packet.
4. The visa packet will be opened only by the Immigration or Public Health Service Officer at the US port of entry. 
5. Make sure that all personal information in the visa is correct before boarding. The visa can be returned if it contains incorrect data.

The next step is to affix my CFO sticker. I will provide a feedback on this later.

Status Update: US Petition (iv)

Yes, there's a new update! I just got my Packet 3 instructions via mail. It was no one's fault after all since I just counted the number of business days, and that I have to exclude the holy week from the count -- and it was all right. 

Anyways, once I got the packet, I sent in right away the DS-230 and DS-2001 forms to the embassy via fax. After 2-3 weeks, I may expect my appointment letter to be mailed right to our doorstep.

Oh, and by the way, I was also able to improve the time line, thanks to dipity. With this, I could always update and save all the stuff we've already accomplished.

Behold, a more detailed account of our journey!

click to enlarge, kudasai

Meanwhile, I wait again.

Status Update: US Petition (iii)

Here's our updated timeline:

D received an email from US Embassy Manila, which stated that they have already received the approved form I-130. In addition, they have also sent the instruction package for immigrant visa applicants (aka "packet 3").

I am so itching to get packet 3 already. They sent the email at around Holy Wednesday, so I am expecting delays because of the long holiday we had (holy week).

Still hoping for the best!  

How I got my Japan visa

D always wanted to show me around his turf and what Okinawa has to offer, aside from the fact that we both miss each others company. Thus, we planned my trip to Okinawa on Valentines. The first step would have to be obtaining a Japan visa.

Disclaimer: The narrative will only state the actual things I did, and results may still vary. Visa requirements differ as per Japan Embassy’s requirements. I suggest that you visit your travel agent or the Japan Embassy in the Philippines website for more details, and feel free to click the blue links on this post. :)

Here are actually the visa types posted on the Japan Embassy website:

http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/index.htm

To download the application form, click this link:

http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/apply-form.pdf

The most appropriate type in my case would be the VISIT RELATIVES / FRIENDS INVITED BY US MILITARY PERSONNEL (SOFA STATUS)

After much research, the best bet to get a visa for me was to go to Reli Tours & Travel Agency at SM Megamall. When I made my inquiries via phone, all the staff were very accommodating and answered all my queries and I got everything covered. Good business indeed! By that time, I had already prepared some of the documents required. D also mentioned that some of his friends with fiancées and spouses would go there for services. Even Raunche, one of my friends, also mentioned Reli Tours to me. After all, SM Megamall’s only a stone’s throw away, or maybe a few meters would be a better way to describe it.

Reli Tours & Travel, 5th floor, SM Megamall (Near bridge)

So D sent out our required documents via FedEx so that I can start my application at Reli Tours.

There was one slight problem though -- he was not able to send a notarized photocopy of his DOD ID. He said that it is NEVER allowed to have their Mil ID photocopied as per Federal Law. That really made me quite nervous because the guy assisting me said that it was indeed a needed requirement for me to obtain the visa. He even added that I was the first and only one who said such things. I instead handed the agent a printed copy of the narrative from the US army website that prohibits those in the military to have their IDs photocopied.

I wouldn’t want my man be in trouble just because of some ID! Of course, the agent was actually surprised, but then went ahead and gathered all my documents together. I used D’s US passport and CA Driver’s license as the substitute IDs. I mean, they already have the Statement of Service (dry seal included), so it should suffice as evidence that he’s indeed an active duty member.

I even added a copy of his current orders, just so that they’ll see that he was really based in Okinawa, even if I have already given the Statement of Service and Certificate of Residence. The embassy encourages to affix other documents that would strengthen your proof as to why you deserve to be granted a visa.

Although this type of visa is supposed to be gratis (meaning free) for Philippine passport holders, the travel agency fee for this type was PHP2000, whether the visa would be granted or not. The good thing about this is that they’ll take care of everything else, and you wouldn’t have to personally go to the embassy for an interview. I also surrendered my passport, along with the prayers in the hope that my visa would get approved. I gave also my cell phone number in order to receive updates from that agent. He said that it may take a week or so for the results.

Turns out, I shouldn’t have been worried after all! In 5 days, I received a text from them stating that I can claim my Japan Visa straight from Reli Tours. In just five days, I became Japan-ready!

Lesson here: Completing documents is key, and additional related documents won’t hurt

Next stop, Japan!

No Photocopies Please!

“Photocopying and reproduction of Military IDs is punishable under federal law.”

I know, I did panic at first!

Knowing someone from the Navy, my spouse, in my case, gives you an idea on how the system works. Just recently, both D and I learned that photocopying his military badge is prohibited as per Federal Law.
Likewise, duplicating or counterfeiting such documents are prohibited per federal law.

“Whoever manufactures, sells or possesses any badge, identification card or other insignia of the design prescribed by the head of any department or agency of the United States for use by any officer or employee thereof, or any colorable imitation thereof, or photographs, prints, or in any other manner makes or executes any engraving, photograph, print, or impression in the likeness of any such badge, identification card, or other insignia, or any colorable imitation thereof, except as authorized under regulations made pursuant to law, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.” (http://uscode.house.gov/download/pls/18C33.txt)

The exception can only apply to government agencies, and the police. This is not only to protect the owner’s identity, but also prevents any possibility of cloning and counterfeiting.

While some establishments are allowed to see the ID to prove an individual‘s identity, only a few knew that these are not to be reproduced or photocopied. It's either companies have been doing it all this time, or the clients themselves are in a rush to purchase something and thought that it was okay for them to have a hard copy of the badge. Most people would probably think it's indeed a requirement for the company in order for their purchases be "processed" accordingly. "Besides, what harm could it bring" one may think.,

This actually worried me because his ID was one of the requirements needed in order for me to have a Japan Visa. D assured me that he was advised by their Legal Services Department not to have a notarized copy if his badge, and that 2 other valid IDs should suffice. I was not so sure because the travel agent who handles my case said that it was their first time to hear such law. Then again, they still accepted my visa application.

Anyway, just in case any establishment refuses to assist you because of this or if they still insist that you give them a hard or soft copy of the military badge, then take your business elsewhere or provide them copies of other badges you may have.

So what D did was he provided me with notarized copies of his passport and driver’s license.

That's it, it's prohibited.

End of story.

Japan Visa Requirements -- Military Spouse

Getting a Japan Visa could really get nerve-wracking and stressful because of the different requirements being asked. However, due to the numerous illegal migrant workers in the past, they have to really make more strict guidelines for visa applications to ensure that tourists will really have to stay as tourists, and not for any other purpose.

But then again, you shouldn’t worry much about it especially if you are going there for the right reasons. In my case, my husband is still staying there for work, and being a navy wife somehow gave me the right reasons for visiting him. Besides, who would want to take that privilege away from any married couple?

People weren't really kidding when they said that there were a LOT of requirements!

This next portion will present visa requirements specific only under the type/category “VISIT RELATIVES / FRIENDS INVITED BY US MILITARY PERSONNEL (SOFA STATUS)” All information were taken from this website:
http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/new%20visa/us%20military%20sofa.htm

For all other visa types visit this website instead:
http://www.ph.emb-japan.go.jp/visiting/index.htm

All documents must be original unless otherwise stated.
           
1.  Philippine Passport

Broken lamination of the photo part is not accepted. Must have at least two (2) blank pages.

2.  Visa Application Form, click here to download: http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/apply-form.pdf

This is also available at the Embassy Website, at the entrance of Embassy or accredited agency.

3.   Photo (4.5cm x 4.5cm, white background)

This must be pasted on the application form.

4.  Birth Certificates to prove relationship (*see below)

EXEMPTION: If the applicant is visiting friend/distant relative and has his/her passport (old or valid) with a used Japanese Visa

5. Marriage Contract (if the applicant is married)

*** 4 and 5 must be from NSO Main Office/Serbilis Outlet Center (Nationwide) issued within one (1) year. In case of non-record, you must submit certificate of non-record together with the one from Local Civil Registrar.)

6. Daily Schedule in Japan (in case of visiting friends)
           
7. Documents or photos etc. to prove relationship (if visiting friends)
           
8. Statement of Service (With e-mail address of attestant if possible)
           
9. Military ID Card Copy and Passport Copy

Except blank pages, must be a clear copy. Color copy is preferable, with a notary public stamp

10. Invitation Letter from Guarantor in Japan (must have hand written signature) 
           
11. Bank Certificate
           
12. Income Tax Return (Form 2316) original and photocopy

***11. and 12. are only applicable if he/her has account in bank or income tax return

EXEMPTION OF [11,12]
If the applicant is eligible for Multiple Entry or Guarantor shoulder all part of travel/living expenses for relatives (parents, sisters/brothers, or aunts/uncles, nieces/nephews).

If Guarantor in Japan Shoulder Any Part of Travel / Living Expenses
1-A. Guarantee Letter (Must have handwritten signature - Format available at the Embassy Website or at the entrance of Embassy
1-B. Most Recent Income Tax Return Copy (Form 1040 and Form W-2)

EXEMPTION OF [1-B]
-If the applicant is a parent of Guarantor in Japan
-If the applicant is a child (must be 19 years old and below) of Guarantor in Japan

 Please note: It is applicant’s responsibility to ensure that he/she meet the requirements for the grant of a visa.

Submission of any supporting documents not listed above is encouraged:
-Applicant’s economic or social ties with the Philippines
-Urgent reasons for visit: medical certificate, wedding invitation

Submission of requirements does not guarantee issuance of visa.

Validity of Documents is three (3) months from the date of issue (unless otherwise stated).
               
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS

If Birth Certificate from NSO is unreadable, or if there is no record in NSO, (in addition to “Certificate of Non-Record” from NSO Headquarters)

• BIRTH CERITIFICATE FROM LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRAR

If Birth Certificate (NSO) is “Late Registration”

• BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE
• SCHOOL RECORD (Form 137)
• SCHOOL YEAR BOOK (If applicable)

***Please indicate complete address and land line (telephone, if applicable) of the church in the baptismal certificate, and of the school in school record.

FILING APPLICATION
           

Application should be filed through accredited agencies. The applicant may be required to appear in person for interview or appearance.

NOTICE

Additional documents may be requested where necessary.  Applicants are given three (3) months to submit additional requirements. Otherwise application will be terminated. Documents submitted for application will not be returned. Applicants can get information from accredited agencies when his/her application is pending.

When visa is granted, VISA FEE is gratis for this category (Philippine passport holder). When visa is not granted, the reasons of denial will not be disclosed. Applicants may apply again after six (6) month with the same purpose, unless there are emergency / humanitarian reasons, or application for different purpose.

FOR INQUIRIES in MANILA

ENGLISH/ TAGALOG
( 02 ) 834-7514
3:00p.m. ~ 4:00p.m.

As much as possible, have everything ready before visiting the travel agency who will take care of the rest. It’s better to have complete documents, otherwise, the embassy might ask you for more documents, and the processing could take another 3 weeks before you could get any result.

That's all for now! I will tell you next time how this went when I did it myself!

Quickie NBI Renewal Kiosk at Megamall

You would usually see a lot of people queued up to the top floor of SM Megamall only to find them renewing their NBI clearance. I was one of those unfortunate few who had to go all the way up to the 5th floor since D needed my clearance as part of his requirements in the marriage package. Coming from a night shift, I did everything I could to stay up -- counted the minutes when the line budged, tried to listen songs off my iPod, and counted the flight of steps. It was about 10 or 11AM when I came and imagine how exhausting the heat could get during this time.

But really, it didn't take that long for me to have the entire thing done, and how relieved I was that they didn't have lunch breaks. If my memory serves me right, it took about 30-45 minutes from top floor all the way down to the basement. With eyes already droopy and so wanting to go home, getting the piece of paper was all that mattered.

Just yesterday, I once again had to embark the same routine as I need this as part of my  Japan visa requirements as well as for my US CR1 visa to be presented during my final interview, and to my surprise this was what I saw at around 5:00pm:

Note: The people seated are maybe just resting

Maybe not everyone knows that they serve the public from 10:00am UNTIL 6:30pm. (**UPDATE: They are ONLY OPEN from Mon-Fri). Anyway, the entire thing took me barely 5 minutes (walking down the basement included!) since there were like 2-3 people lined up. So when renewing your NBI clearance, it is more comfortable to do it outside office hours.

So each time I needed to renew, it had to be 4:30 onwards to avoid that dreaded long line! I tried renewing at around 4PM and had reached the first flight of steps at least.

Remember, NBI Kiosks such as the one in Megamall only processes renewals only on weekdays (Mon-Fri from mall opening till 6PM). New applicants should go directly to the head office or satellite offices. Make sure to bring your personal copy of the old NBI clearance and prepare PHP115.00. Kiosks accepts renewal of clearance applied from 1998 to present provided that barcode is still clear and readable by the computer. They could accept changes only in address and purpose of clearance.

For changes in NAME, DATE OF BIRTH and PLACE OF BIRTH, you are advised to come personally at the NBI Clearance Center or in any NBI Satellite Office to fill-up a new application form and attach a photocopy of your birth certificate (source: NBI). There is actually 1 satellite office in Mandaluyong city hall complex. To read my NBI experience at the Mandaluyong City hall, click here.

Having the task done, I was able to spend more leisure time for myself. I so missed Japan so I decided to have this as my late-lunch-early-dinner meal:

I know right? Bento meals here are not be as good as the ones I had during my trip, but it would have to do. I just found the Fuji Apple sauce in my Tonkatsu a little too strong for my taste, and the meat was not tender at all. I am not having it again.

Don't get me wrong, maybe it was a bad batch. I did still find the veggies buttery just as I like it. Maybe it's just me and my taste. So there!

For more information about securing your NBI clearance, visit http://www.nbi.gov.ph/faq.htm

Status Update: US Petition (ii)

I know I don't want to get my hopes up too high just yet. I sure hope Manila takes good care of my case. I really can't wait to be with him, permanently....

D & S's Timeline

 

Civil Wedding, Mandaluyong City Hall Submitted Paperwork for Petition Case forwarded to US Embassy Manila  October 26, 2009 December 16, 2009  February 25, 2010

November 4, 2009 January 25, 2010 DEERS Applications and ID Form I-130 Approved

It really had to be exactly a month from the time that i-130 was approved. lol

Manila is "one of the largest and busiest consular operations in the world." (source: US Embassy Manila), so I'm really hoping they'd put greater care since D is an active mil personnel, who may get deployed at any time (huhu!).

Keeping my fingers crossed.

Status Update: US Petition (i)

Today I received an email from the US Consulate in Japan stating that our form I-130 has been approved. Great!

So with this, I will be creating our timeline to monitor the progress of the petition to the road of unity for us newlyweds. Wish us luck!

This will also serve as a guide for the other applicants waiting for their petition. However, visa/petition processing time may vary dependent on the location.

S & D's Timeline

 

Civil Wedding, Mandaluyong City Hall Submitted Paperwork for Petition October 26, 2009 December 16, 2009

November 4, 2009 January 25, 2010 DEERS Applications and ID Form I-130 Approved