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OFFICIAL TIMELINE OF K-1 VISA PROCESS
The most recent entry. |
| January 10, 2000 |
First Letter sent to Evangeline Reyes introducting myself and asking if she would be willing to show me around her area while I am in the Philippines on vacation. |
| January 13, 2000 |
I received an email back from Vangie saying she would be my "tourist guide." |
| February 4, 2000 |
After several inquiries with Vangie, I bought her the gifts that she requested from America. Basically what your typical girl would want, a backpack (you know, everyone wants one of these!), a blouse (I prayed and prayed that I would pick one that she would like -- all I knew was that she wanted blue and sleeveless.), and yes, you guessed it, CHOCOLATE. (How many women from the Philippines don't ask for chocolate as a gift? LOL.) |
| February 5, 2000 |
Left Washington DC Dulles Airport bound for Manila connecting through Detroit and Tokyo. |
| February 6, 2000 |
Arrived in Manila at 9:50 PM |
| February 11, 2000 |
I left Manila and flew to Davao to meet Vangie for the first time, face to face. (Almost have heart attack because she is shockingly beautiful!) I knew that I had fallen in love with her during our relationship for the last month, but the very first moment of eye contact, and I knew without a shadow of doubt that this was the woman with whom I would spend the rest of my life. |
| February 14, 2000 |
Vangie and I officially begin dating; exclusively. We also share our first dinner date of our newly formed relationship. What a special day, Valentine's Day! The day of the heart! |
| February 16, 2000 |
After much discussion, and both of us realizing we were meant for each other, we decide to get engaged! The process includes shopping for rings, asking her father for her hand in marriage, and then the the proposal! |
| February 17, 2000 |
I fly back to Manila from Davao. The tears flow, the heart breaks, but hope and faith set in. Because Love conquers all. |
| February 21, 2000 |
I fly back to the USA |
| February 22, 2000 |
I download pdf forms (which requires adobe free acrobat reader) G325A, I129-F, and I134 from INS web site. I also had the INS snail-mail me five copies of each form. I then begin to cry at how daunting these forms look. ;o) I spent the next few weeks just looking at the forms. |
| February 25, 2000 |
I realize I was planning on going to the Cleveland Indians spring training camp down in Florida using up another week of vacation. I immediately called G.T.T. International to inquire about how it would cost for me to fly back to the Philippines instead of going on my annual to the training camp. I was able to get a round-trip ticket for $685.00!!! I asked my boss to change the dates of my vacation and she had no problems; I called G.T.T. back and purchased the ticket. |
| March 12, 2000 |
INS forms arrived in the mail. A big-ol packet. I was pretty excited until I opened them and looked at them. The tears flow again realizing they are as bad as they look. FOUR PART CARBON! Yuck!!! Why isn't there a place on the INS' web site for an online application? And, you can even attach your pictures to your form! ;o) That'd be the day! |
| March 13, 2000 |
I began working on the forms. Getting frustrated after I already messed up two sets of forms. I just put everything away and didn't even look at it for two weeks. |
| March 31, 2000 |
Left Washington DC National Airport bound for Manila connecting through Detroit and Tokyo (hmm, sounds familiar...) |
| April 1, 2000 |
Arrived in Manila at 9:50 PM -- I took a taxi (after much negotiation) to the domestic airport. (After getting my baggage, it was already after midnight and I decided not to waste my money by staying in a hotel since my departing flight to Davao was at 5:00 AM.) I spent the rest of the night in the airport. |
| April 2, 2000 |
I departed Manila for Davao @ 5:00 am and arrived in Davao @ 6:40 AM. My beautiful fiancé was there waiting and had a taxi from the Orange Grove Hotel ready and rearing to go! Wow, it was so nice seeing her again! |
| April 6, 2000 |
I had Vangie sign all five copies of the form that I had for her (remember, when you order the G325A forms, they send you two, because you need one for the beneficiary, and petitioner). I had her sign each individual page so we didn't have to worry about it not going through on the carbons. I am not taking any chances with the INS. |
| April 10, 2000 |
Departed Davao for Manila. Heart breaks as I see my fiancé out of the window at the Davao Airport. When I got to my hotel in Manila, I called her immediately and she said she waited until she saw the plane leave and that she had similar tears of sadness. Man -- sometimes life sucks. You know? |
| April 11, 2000 |
Depart Manila for Washington DC. |
| April 12, 2000 |
Back to work. I stayed afterwork to work on the forms. I messed up two more copies of each form. Down to two copies with Vangie's signature. Yikes. This isn't looking good. I decided to go home and just wait it out for a little while. When I have a little more sleep and more patience. |
| April 18, 2000 |
I complete the forms and begin assembling my packet for the I-129-F paperwork. |
| April 19, 2000 |
Got any form requiring signature (except for G325-A) notorized. Don't know if it is needed, but it cannot hurt! Also made sure to include the "all copies are exact copies of unaltered originals...blah blah" signed and notarized. FedExed Package Standard Overnight. |
| April 20, 2000 |
Tracked my form online and it had been received by 11:00 AM. |
| April 28, 2000 |
Found out from bank that my check for the $95.00 processing fee had cleared. |
| April 29, 2000 |
Received NOA saying they had received my petition on April 20, 2000. |
| April 30, 2000 |
Called Vangie to let her know that I had received notification of the forms -- and then it dawned on me as I was looking over the forms while talking to her on the phone -- I did not have her address correct on ANY of the forms!! And, then, later, as I was searching the web for examples of the G325-A form, I came to realize I made a mistake on the G325-A form that is even worse than not having her address correct!!! I made it look like I was married to my mother four years before I was born, and that Vangie was married to her mom seven years before she was born! YIKES!!! Oh My GOSH! I searched the web for more information on what to do in case of a problem and found Mag-Anak, an online forum and resource for Western men and Filipinas. I was told many different things (all form people who had good hearts) that I may have to refile, cancel my existing application, resend the whole package again, repay the fee, and on and on!! I was so torn up. I just wept. I cried for at least an hour. All I want is to have my fiancé here in my arms, and now this!!! Why can't this be easier? |
| May 1, 2000 |
I go to work early and retype up my last copy of the G325-A form for me, and then I begin working on the one for Vangie (only one left with her signature). I then called the INS at 8:00 AM (VSC) and had things straightened out by 9:30 AM. Phew! |
| May 2, 2000 |
Called the VSC to check on status; No Approval ... YET! |
| May 3, 2000 |
Called the VSC to check on status; No Approval ... YET! |
| May 4, 2000 |
Called the VSC to check on status; No Approval ... YET! Ok, she said it would be very soon, is that government speak for two weeks? |
| May 5, 2000 |
Called the VSC to check on status; No Approval ... YET! Alright, alright, so I am a little desperate! I want to be with my fiancé!! She is not only the most wonderful woman in the world, she is the most BEAUTIFUL!! Man, God has certainly blessed me! |
| May 6, 2000 |
Called the VSC to check on status; No Approval ... YET! Hmm, I wonder if they log how many times someone calls in and checks on their status. This has got to be my 20th call. I have been calling at least three times a day now. Once in the morning, once in the afternoon, and then once when I get home from work. I just don't know when they update their computers. |
| May 7, 2000 |
Called the VSC to check on status; No Approval ... YET! Ho-hum, I'll just continue to work on my website until approval. |
| May 8, 2000 |
Yes, again I called, and no, no results yet. Boy, with all the time I kill in waiting for this, I could have created 10 websites. Alas, I haven't the time to deal with that. Now, my fiancé and I have discussed and decided that she is going to move to Manila for a short time as soon as we get the MNL#. This way, we can shave about 3-4 weeks off of the process thanks to the very slow Philippine Post. This will definitely be a good thing. |
| May 9, 2000 |
Well, this morning, I was trying to calculate how long until it will have been 15-21 days since the INS received my paperwork. Since this is the time alloted to these cases being adjudicated. I then looked at my NOA form, and realized that it was received on April 20th, 2000 however, the notice date is April 24, 2000. Hmmm, so, I called the INS to see if the automated system had good news for me; it didn't. So, I a bit nervously hit the "0" button on the telphone. Waited on hold for about seven minutes, and spoke with an INS officer and asked my question. She asked for my EAC# to look it up to help me out and informed me that the date by which I should judge the adjudication would be the date the application was received by the INS in Vermont. So, thus, it was April 20th, 2000. So, that means, my case should be adjudicated by this Thursday (probably updated in the computer on Friday). This is excellent news as we are trying to make some time-line decisions for my fiancé down there in the PI. |
| May 10, 2000 |
WOOHOO!! I called the VSC to check on status; and, APPROVED!! I can't believe this! This is so exciting. Now, we are only a few steps away from getting this wonderful ordeal over with! And get my beautiful beloved back where she belongs, IN MY ARMS! So, this timeline will continue as we try to figure out what we need to do in order to get the paperwork filed at the US Embassy! This is so exciting! I cannot wait! WOOHOO! I love you Vangie! I can't wait to be with you soon!
Breaking news!:
I just called the INS and got a different message that said "On May 10, 2000, the appropriate American Consulate, or port of entry, was notified by cable, telephone, or fax of the approval of this case."
!! Woohoo !! So, this means that this is happening much more quickly than I had imagined! This is so exciting! I am now calling the INS to find out if I can get the forms sooner and if so, where I can get them from. Praise the Lord!
The lady at the INS just informed me that the VSC has already cabled my approved petition and it should be in Manila. Now, we just have to see how long it takes to get an MNL# assigned. Now about them forms, she suggested that I call the US Embassy in Manila to have them prepare a package for Vangie to pick up at the embassy in lieu of mailing them. That will be cool if it works. :o) We ALL know how the Embassy is in Manila -- rules change by the day.
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| May 12, 2000 |
Ok, so now the cruise control just got turned off. Although I did find out that I can probably get my MNL# early next week, Vangie is in a holding patter for her NBI Clearance because there is another person with her same name. You know, sometimes, I just wish, that the government would have a little bit of common sense. I really stinks that someone else has a similar name and it holds other people up who are in love. But, love is patient, right? Well, I will try to be patient, but since we are anticipating a September wedding, we have a lot we need to do here, and having this piece of the puzzle tied up like this really stinks. So, if we cannot get the NBI Clearance soon, we will be looking to November for a wedding since my Grandparents are going to be out of town for the entire month of October; and without them, there is no wedding. Ho hum, the "big wait." But, regardless, Vangie is MORE than worth all of the effort. I love that girl with all of my heart.
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| May 14, 2000 |
I called my "contact" at the US Embassy in Manila only to find out that my fiancé had been assigned an MNL# last Friday! Grrr!! Why don't they get their facts straight!! But, I guess I should just be thankful that I have it and move on! We are fortunate that God has allowed us to come together -- that is the important thing here. I requested that a duplicate packet #3 be created for Vangie to pick up from the Embassy in Manila. I then called Vangie and told her the good news - a happy day indeed for the both of us. |
| May 17, 2000 |
Vangie flys to Manila to get her duplicate packet #3 that I had requested previously. She picks it up and fills out form OF-169 and OF-179 in about 5 minutes and drops it in the drop box. She had to go to GATE #2, Winow X between the times of 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm on only Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Since we found out about this on Monday (the 15th her time, Sunday the 14th my time), we had to wait until Wednesday for her to fly. This was her first flight and she is flying Air Philippines in the Morning at 7:20 am to arrive in Manila at 9:00 pm. She is a little nervous, but she will be ok. I made sure to remind her to take her passport as they do not allow you to pick up any information from the Embassy without a passport. After turning in her forms she remained in Manila to spend time with her Auntie's. (And of course to go the Mall!) |
| May 19, 2000 |
Vangie's flight is cancelled because of the wonderful typhoon. Vangie decided to stay the weekend in Manila. We have been in contact by phone, but interupted conversations aren't as fun as when we can talk when we want, and how long we want, when she is at home in Davao City. At least she can still go to the Internet cafe and use the Internet (albeit more expensive) to chat with me unrestricted by time. Looking forward to getting an interview date - I should know next Wednesday. |
| May 21, 2000 |
Vangie flys back to Davao via Air Philippines 5:00 am flight. Poor girl had to get up at about 1:00 am to get to the airport on time. I love that girl. So dedicated to us. That is what makes this so wonderful, is how absolutely dedicated she is to us. I also called the US Embassy to talk to my contact who was out for the day on vacation. How dare her!! (Just kidding) I got some unforeseen news - we have to wait for a namecheck from the FBI for Vangie!! Sheesh!! Wonderful government taxes working for us here! I am told that they could be in as early as Thursday of this week. We will see. |
| May 23, 2000 |
I call my contact at the US Embassy, hoping that the guy with whom I spoke earlier in the week was just wrong and looked up the wrong person (I could only be so lucky) only to find out they are still waiting on the name-check clearance. I am told to call back one week from today. GRrrrr, You would think that a computer would come in handy in this office? |
| May 29, 2000 |
I drove home 6 hours from Ohio after spending the weekend with my family for Memorial day and looking for an apartment. I was getting a little ancy after receiving an email from a friend that he had received his interview date on Friday, I called almost as soon as the Embassy had opened!!! Guess what!! They had the name check clearance done! Woohooo!!! WE have our interview date!! It is scheduled for July 13th 2000!! Though, farther away than we wish, and a time of the week that is not so desirable, I am happy that we have something nailed down. Now, I can look into apartments in Ohio (where I am moving back to), and also get some travel arrangements. Here goes 1600$ for plane tickets-- well-worth the cost...but ouch! |
| May 30, 2000 |
I begin working with Ron Perry of "Farm Tours" who supplied me with a roundtrip ticket for myself and a one-way ticket for Vangie. He is the cheapest around that I could find, not to mention very pleasant to work with. |
| May 31, 2000 |
I decide that maybe it would be a good idea to get an apartment nailed down so I know exactly when I am moving back to Ohio. I decided to go ahead and call the apartments where my parents live and inquired about getting an apartment there. The lady at the complex said she would fax me an application that I can fax back tomorrow. Here's hoping they have something for July 1, 2000 so I can get my stuff moved in before Vangie gets here. Granted, she is not going to be living with me until we are married, but at least things could look nice since she'll be spending the majority of her time there with me. |
| June 1, 2000 |
I get the application, and fax it back to the company in Willoughby, OH and get approved the same day. Unfortunately, the apartment is not available until July 15, 2000. The only good thing this provides is more time for packing!! And, actually, now that I think about it -- I got a better flight for both Vangie and myself into the DC area instead of flying on the puddle jumpers into and out of Cleveland. THANK GOD! I HATE THOSE THINGS! Vangie and I will be returning to the US on July 19, 2000 (Provided nothing drastic happens at the US Embassy -- but, nothing should happen, we are pretty well prepared. |
| June 2, 2000 |
I get all flight plans finalized and pay for Vangie's ticket and stumble across a way for me to get my ticket for FREE!! Woohoo! that's 1000$ dollars saved - ka-ching! Frequent Flier Miles are a gift from God! It pays to use Sprint, I racked up over 70,000 miles from them alone. Woohoo!
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