Follow To Join....

[judex]

Xmass Gift from Him..

hi bisdakdream,

that was a xmass gift from Him. i'm happy for you...

when did your wife sent the email? can you post the email sent to MNL?

once i receive the packet, i'll post my processing dates.

godbless...

judex

Hi Guys,
I have been a silent reader of this forum from Aug2006. I have closely followed Judex and Simala's posts as we are processing from the same consulate (US Embassy MNL). KAMRANS, I have learned a lot from your posts and Im sure a million others have too. You are a blessing to all. Hope your blessings are returned a hundred-fold to you for your generous heart.

First and foremost, I have to say a million thanks to Judex. You have been a great help when you posted the e-mail you got from the US Embassy MNL. My spouse already filed I-824 at the California Svc Centre last 01Aug06. However, case still remains pending todate. It would have still been a waiting game for us if I havent read Judex post. After reading it, my spouse sent an FTJ request via e-mail to the MNL consulate with all required attachments. Note that it was only sent thru email since it was not physically feasible for me to go to MNL cause I live in the province. Much to our surprise, last 19Dec06 the MNL consulate sent us Packet 3 with our name and case number. YIPEY!!! Until now, the I-824 filed by my spouse is still pending.

Judex and Simala, I hope you could post every development of your case as it would be a very helful point of reference. I understand not all processing times are the same, however, a close approximate is very helpful information for us. I have read through GEORGETTE's posts (also from US Embassy MNL) and noted her processing times as follows:

04/27/06 - sent FTJ request to US Embassy MNL
05/16/06 - received Packet from embassy
??/??/?? - mailed Packet 3
06/27/06 - received Appointment Letter with date 09/18/2006
09/18/06 - interviewed and approved

Hope you could similarly post yours for reference.

May we all have a Blessed Christmas and looking forward to a FRUITFUL 2007 for everyone.

 

[BISDAKDREAMER]

For Judex

Judex,
Below is a copy of the email my spouse sent:

ATTN: Immigrant Visa Branch
Consular Section


Good Day!

I would like to ask if the US Embassy in Manila will already create a Follow-to-Join case number based on a filed I-824 (Application for Action on an
Approved Application or Petition).

I am currently in the US but my spouse and children are still in the Philippines awaiting the necessary papers for them to join me. I have already filed I-824 and while this is pending, Im not sure if I should already contact your good office, the consulate in Manila.

In any case, I have scanned some pertinent documents in the attached including my letter request. I hope you can review the papers I have attached and start the case for my family. If anything is missing, would appreciate your expert advise.

Thank you!

Kind Regards,
XXX

CONTACT DETAILS:
PRINCIPAL:
Name: XXX
Address: XXX
Tel# XXX
email: XXX

FOLLOW-TO-JOIN BENEFICIARIES:
SPOUSE NAME: XXX
CHILDREN'S NAMES & DATE OF BIRTH: XXX
ADDRESS: XXX
Tel# XXX
email: XXX

-----------------------
Good luck to us! God Bless you too...

 

[judex]

bisdakdreamer

when was the email sent?

merry xmass to all...

Judex,
Below is a copy of the email my spouse sent:

ATTN: Immigrant Visa Branch
Consular Section


Good Day!

I would like to ask if the US Embassy in Manila will already create a Follow-to-Join case number based on a filed I-824 (Application for Action on an
Approved Application or Petition).

I am currently in the US but my spouse and children are still in the Philippines awaiting the necessary papers for them to join me. I have already filed I-824 and while this is pending, Im not sure if I should already contact your good office, the consulate in Manila.

In any case, I have scanned some pertinent documents in the attached including my letter request. I hope you can review the papers I have attached and start the case for my family. If anything is missing, would appreciate your expert advise.

Thank you!

Kind Regards,
XXX

CONTACT DETAILS:
PRINCIPAL:
Name: XXX
Address: XXX
Tel# XXX
email: XXX

FOLLOW-TO-JOIN BENEFICIARIES:
SPOUSE NAME: XXX
CHILDREN'S NAMES & DATE OF BIRTH: XXX
ADDRESS: XXX
Tel# XXX
email: XXX

-----------------------
Good luck to us! God Bless you too...

 

[judex]

To All Filipinos/pinoys...

CONCLUSION:based on BISDAKDREAMER case.
US Embassy Manila is processing Follow To Join Case even without I-824 Approval... You can submit FTJ requirements thru email(ConsIVManila@state.gov), fax(011-632-338-4129 or 011-632-523-1158) or personally submitted to the Embassy's Immigrant Visa Unit (Window X) on any workday between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

God Bless....

Judex

 

[BISDAKDREAMER]

Judex

Judex,
Email sent 19Nov06. Packet3 received 19Dec06 with letter instruction dated 04Dec06. Included were:
1) Cover letter with name and case number
2) Visa Instructions
3) Application Form DS-230 Part I
4) Notification of Applicant Readiness Form DS-2001
5) Form I-134 Affidavit of Support

Although I am not 100% sure it was the email my spouse sent that created the case, but since our I-824 case status online still says "pending", I am inclined to think, the email initiated the paperwork.

Hope this info helps.

 

[judex]

bisdakdreamer

that was fast...

you can now post your processing dates, including the i-824 filing...

please include also the details of the petitioner, e.g. job, date of admission, LRP date, etc.

thanks,

judex

Judex,
Email sent 19Nov06. Packet3 received 19Dec06 with letter instruction dated 04Dec06. Included were:
1) Cover letter with name and case number
2) Visa Instructions
3) Application Form DS-230 Part I
4) Notification of Applicant Readiness Form DS-2001
5) Form I-134 Affidavit of Support

Although I am not 100% sure it was the email my spouse sent that created the case, but since our I-824 case status online still says "pending", I am inclined to think, the email initiated the paperwork.

Hope this info helps.

 

[kamrans]

Check the answers below:

Once the 824 application processed at the local consulate and got the green card after the interview and all,

1. Do they give plastic(GC) card?
Nop. They just give you the sealed packet. Depending on what you wrote in your DS 230 your plastic card will be mailed to you and usually people get it in a month or two at max.

2. Do we have to enter US immidiately?

3. Is there a time period to enter US?
Not really. You will have 6 months to enter US. So anytime within the validity period is good.

4. Can we enter after one year we got the GC?
For the first time a big NO. But for the second time you can do that but your period of physical presence in US gets reset. If you want to stay outside for two years then you can apply for it. After approval you can stay outside US for two years.
Sometimes this is very tricky. Everyone needs to be very careful about it.

Good Luck.


How that works?

 

[kamrans]

Thats a good news. Pray for your case as you will get the decision from them after they review your case after getting all the documents from you.

Good Luck.

hi guys,

i went to the embassy in manila last tuesday and submitted the requirements for FTJ. upon reading the cover letter, the officer told me(without asking) that i will received packet 3 within a month.

thank God i'm an FTJ benificiary!

i'll post more information once i received the packet...

judex

 

[kamrans]

Some Steps to proceed with I-824

I noticed that people are having confusions about I-824. I will post a detailed document on it soon containing information I gathered from different sources. But below are some steps you can proceed with:

1) As soon as you apply for I-824 you are eligible to initiate your case with the US embassy.
2) Different consulates work differently. Some consulates need a lot of documents before they create case and send you packet 3.5 but others just send you directly the packet 3.5.
3) In my opinion the beneficiary should send the copy of the receipt notice with a copy of approced I-140/I-485 with a cover letter to create the case with the embassy.
4) Some conuslates dont require the I-824 approval and give you visa and some consulates dont even create the case without I-824 approval. This is something I never understand.
5) The cover letter should be simple and compact. Dont make it long unnecessarily.

So try the best you can and pray. I dont know why you waited until now to apply for I-824. May be I am missing something.

Good Luck.

Hi Judex! I am truly happy for you... So its that simple, I am excited to know what will be the next events... yehey!

I am thinking of going there to submit the documents for my husband and kids, too! Got the notarized receipts for 1-824 already on hand from my lawyer in Houston!

Pls post the coverlet letter of yours if possible? and also what are the needed things to bring and submit for the officer to see for their perusal.. pls,.... what window did you approach? Do I need to have an appointment for this if I will go and submit my papers, too? Kindly post how to do this and proceed same as what you did kababayan... thanks in advance!

God bless,
Simala2006

 

[kamrans]

Good to know that your case is proceeding. You can check the timelines of I-824 in your service center. Fulfil all the requirements of packet 3.5 and send it to them. Do not wait for I-824 approval until they say that they need it. May be you will be the lucky one like others.
Whats your PD and category. For schedule A dont know whats gonna happen in coming months.

Good Luck.

Hi Guys,
I have been a silent reader of this forum from Aug2006. I have closely followed Judex and Simala's posts as we are processing from the same consulate (US Embassy MNL). KAMRANS, I have learned a lot from your posts and Im sure a million others have too. You are a blessing to all. Hope your blessings are returned a hundred-fold to you for your generous heart.

First and foremost, I have to say a million thanks to Judex. You have been a great help when you posted the e-mail you got from the US Embassy MNL. My spouse already filed I-824 at the California Svc Centre last 01Aug06. However, case still remains pending todate. It would have still been a waiting game for us if I havent read Judex post. After reading it, my spouse sent an FTJ request via e-mail to the MNL consulate with all required attachments. Note that it was only sent thru email since it was not physically feasible for me to go to MNL cause I live in the province. Much to our surprise, last 19Dec06 the MNL consulate sent us Packet 3 with our name and case number. YIPEY!!! Until now, the I-824 filed by my spouse is still pending.

Judex and Simala, I hope you could post every development of your case as it would be a very helful point of reference. I understand not all processing times are the same, however, a close approximate is very helpful information for us. I have read through GEORGETTE's posts (also from US Embassy MNL) and noted her processing times as follows:

04/27/06 - sent FTJ request to US Embassy MNL
05/16/06 - received Packet from embassy
??/??/?? - mailed Packet 3
06/27/06 - received Appointment Letter with date 09/18/2006
09/18/06 - interviewed and approved

Hope you could similarly post yours for reference.

May we all have a Blessed Christmas and looking forward to a FRUITFUL 2007 for everyone.

 

[kamrans]

This may or may not correct. As I stated earlier that different consulates work differently.
A beneficiary of I-824 is eligible to have the case created with the US embassy as soon as they file I-824 and get the receipt notice but some consulates do require I-824 approval notice to issue the immigrant visa. However in this case too the principal applicant should have gotten his/her GC.


Good Luck.

CONCLUSION:based on BISDAKDREAMER case.
US Embassy Manila is processing Follow To Join Case even without I-824 Approval... You can submit FTJ requirements thru email(ConsIVManila@state.gov), fax(011-632-338-4129 or 011-632-523-1158) or personally submitted to the Embassy's Immigrant Visa Unit (Window X) on any workday between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

God Bless....

Judex

 

[kamrans]

Your email initiated the case. There are only two ways that your case gets created:

1) After the I-824 the USCIS sends the cable to the embassy. The embassy sends the packet 3.5 after creating the case number to the beneficiary.
2) The benficiary contacts them and asks them to create the case number along with all the relevant documents.

Anyway its good that things are moving for you.

Good Luck.

Judex,
Email sent 19Nov06. Packet3 received 19Dec06 with letter instruction dated 04Dec06. Included were:
1) Cover letter with name and case number
2) Visa Instructions
3) Application Form DS-230 Part I
4) Notification of Applicant Readiness Form DS-2001
5) Form I-134 Affidavit of Support

Although I am not 100% sure it was the email my spouse sent that created the case, but since our I-824 case status online still says "pending", I am inclined to think, the email initiated the paperwork.

Hope this info helps.

 

[Simala2006]

Thanks for the best info ever! Merry Christmas to you all my co-fellow threaders!!

CONCLUSION:based on BISDAKDREAMER case.
US Embassy Manila is processing Follow To Join Case even without I-824 Approval... You can submit FTJ requirements thru email(ConsIVManila@state.gov), fax(011-632-338-4129 or 011-632-523-1158) or personally submitted to the Embassy's Immigrant Visa Unit (Window X) on any workday between 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m.

God Bless....

Judex

 

[Simala2006]

Merry Christmas Kamrans!

Hi Kamrans, thank you you so much for the support and advices! As I posted before, you will never know how much we appreciated your replies, again thanks! All your advices and suggestions are noted by all!

The moment I went home last Nov 12, I have sent US embassy in Manila of all the documents posted here like what Judex has done, too! Yet, until now there is no reply from them.. I have faxed all of the documents too! And the truth is, I have sent from the States needed documents before I went home and that is one week before I boarded the plane to be exact!

Now, I am planning to do what Judex has done, approach window X and submit personally my papers...

Same with Bisdakdreamer, I am from the province, Cebu City, and it will cost us to board a plane to go to Manila, so when I read what Bisdakdreamer has posted, I might be calling next week the embassy and inquire them about what I sent before and then from there make the next moves! Hope it will get through this time!

I know from my lawyer that the retrogression for Schedule A nurses has something to do with the delay,, I am not sure with this though, hope it will not... I mean, I have applied for 1-824 last Nov 20, 2006 yet and the retrogression started last Nov. 1, 2006. If you know something about this retrogression, like will it affect our application for ftj? Hope you can shed light on this issue.. thanks in advance!

Btw, I am schedule A nurse, eb3, I have applied concurrently, Sept. 12, 2006, all 1-140, 1-485, advance parole, 1-765(work authorization). .. my approval is truly fast, I got the approval of 1-140- Oct. 13, 2006, approval of 1-485, Oct. 20, 2006 and I received from USCIS my greencard last Oct. 24, 2006. My EAD and advance parole I got it, Oct. 3 and for the moment there is no need for me to use it for I got my greencard already, meaning, I got my gc, 42days from filing the petition... Until now I am thanking God for the wonderful processing and hooray to USCIS, too, for a job well done!

Less than a month after I got my gc, I applied for 1-824 for my family, and now thanks to you all for all the info and concern.. thanks Judex and Bisdakdreamer( hope you are from Cebu really).

God bless us all a peaceful and joyous Christmas to one and all!

Simala2006

I noticed that people are having confusions about I-824. I will post a detailed document on it soon containing information I gathered from different sources. But below are some steps you can proceed with:

1) As soon as you apply for I-824 you are eligible to initiate your case with the US embassy.
2) Different consulates work differently. Some consulates need a lot of documents before they create case and send you packet 3.5 but others just send you directly the packet 3.5.
3) In my opinion the beneficiary should send the copy of the receipt notice with a copy of approced I-140/I-485 with a cover letter to create the case with the embassy.
4) Some conuslates dont require the I-824 approval and give you visa and some consulates dont even create the case without I-824 approval. This is something I never understand.
5) The cover letter should be simple and compact. Dont make it long unnecessarily.

So try the best you can and pray. I dont know why you waited until now to apply for I-824. May be I am missing something.

Good Luck.

 

[judex]

simala

planning to call the embassy? hmmm... tried it before I went to the embassy but they keep forwarding me to the Call Center Nos., I did not call the Call Center Nos. because I dont have a Case No. to start with, It will cost you P75+ per minute and PLDT or SMART Landline Only...

but you can still try, here is the direct line 02-528-6300 and the Call center no. 1-909-101-7878. i think it will be open dec. 27...

just post your results...

- - - -
Retrogression? on the current visa bulletin they are processing June 15, 2004, if your PD is the same or before that date, you don't need to worry...

merry xmas to all...

judex

Hi Kamrans, thank you you so much for the support and advices! As I posted before, you will never know how much we appreciated your replies, again thanks! All your advices and suggestions are noted by all!

The moment I went home last Nov 12, I have sent US embassy in Manila of all the documents posted here like what Judex has done, too! Yet, until now there is no reply from them.. I have faxed all of the documents too! And the truth is, I have sent from the States needed documents before I went home and that is one week before I boarded the plane to be exact!

Now, I am planning to do what Judex has done, approach window X and submit personally my papers...

Same with Bisdakdreamer, I am from the province, Cebu City, and it will cost us to board a plane to go to Manila, so when I read what Bisdakdreamer has posted, I might be calling next week the embassy and inquire them about what I sent before and then from there make the next moves! Hope it will get through this time!

I know from my lawyer that the retrogression for Schedule A nurses has something to do with the delay,, I am not sure with this though, hope it will not... I mean, I have applied for 1-824 last Nov 20, 2006 yet and the retrogression started last Nov. 1, 2006. If you know something about this retrogression, like will it affect our application for ftj? Hope you can shed light on this issue.. thanks in advance!

Btw, I am schedule A nurse, eb3, I have applied concurrently, Sept. 12, 2006, all 1-140, 1-485, advance parole, 1-765(work authorization). .. my approval is truly fast, I got the approval of 1-140- Oct. 13, 2006, approval of 1-485, Oct. 20, 2006 and I received from USCIS my greencard last Oct. 24, 2006. My EAD and advance parole I got it, Oct. 3 and for the moment there is no need for me to use it for I got my greencard already, meaning, I got my gc, 42days from filing the petition... Until now I am thanking God for the wonderful processing and hooray to USCIS, too, for a job well done!

Less than a month after I got my gc, I applied for 1-824 for my family, and now thanks to you all for all the info and concern.. thanks Judex and Bisdakdreamer( hope you are from Cebu really).

God bless us all a peaceful and joyous Christmas to one and all!

Simala2006

 

[Simala2006]

Thanks again Judex kababayan!

I think then from here that its not adviceable for me to call! I will just mail thru DHL all the papers again with the additional receipts of the 1-824 which at the time I mailed those documents were still not with me..

For the visa bulletin, I believe ftj are not queuing for this, if I`m not wrong, and if its not correct, my PD is still very far, its still Sept 12, 2006, meaning, if this is what will happen to my family that they will queue in that then it will be a long wait for them...

I hope it will not just as what the website for ftj is posting... hope and pray that as soon as there will be available visas for Sched A, the dependents will be given, too!

What is the PD of your Jacqueline? Maybe this is the reason you will be given packet three after a month for your PD is earlier that June 15, 2004. It has been stated in January visa bulletin, which is the current bulletin, that by February this Sched A category will be deleted! So we need to pray more on this! God be merciful! Amen!

How about you Bisdakdreamer? What`s your PD? and what category then? Pls do post it for me to be updated for I do think it will depend on these things!

Thank you so much! God bless us all!

Simala2006

planning to call the embassy? hmmm... tried it before I went to the embassy but they keep forwarding me to the Call Center Nos., I did not call the Call Center Nos. because I dont have a Case No. to start with, It will cost you P75+ per minute and PLDT or SMART Landline Only...

but you can still try, here is the direct line 02-528-6300 and the Call center no. 1-909-101-7878. i think it will be open dec. 27...

just post your results...

- - - -
Retrogression? on the current visa bulletin they are processing June 15, 2004, if your PD is the same or before that date, you don't need to worry...

merry xmas to all...

judex

 

[judex]

my wifes PD...

my wifes PD is Sept 2003. i tried mailing the requirements but its now more than 50 days, still no packet yet...

I think then from here that its not adviceable for me to call! I will just mail thru DHL all the papers again with the additional receipts of the 1-824 which at the time I mailed those documents were still not with me..

For the visa bulletin, I believe ftj are not queuing for this, if I`m not wrong, and if its not correct, my PD is still very far, its still Sept 12, 2006, meaning, if this is what will happen to my family that they will queue in that then it will be a long wait for them...

I hope it will not just as what the website for ftj is posting... hope and pray that as soon as there will be available visas for Sched A, the dependents will be given, too!

What is the PD of your Jacqueline? Maybe this is the reason you will be given packet three after a month for your PD is earlier that June 15, 2004. It has been stated in January visa bulletin, which is the current bulletin, that by February this Sched A category will be deleted! So we need to pray more on this! God be merciful! Amen!

How about you Bisdakdreamer? What`s your PD? and what category then? Pls do post it for me to be updated for I do think it will depend on these things!

Thank you so much! God bless us all!

Simala2006

 

[Simala2006]

Now I see why you are deserving for a case number Judex!

Ok then, so you don`t have to worry my kababayan,, I think you will be given packet 3 for there is an alloted visa till June 15, 2004. Really good for you Judex! anyway, I know our time will come then... you deserve it, its a long wait for you and now its gonna be a short waiting then,, cheer up! Its just a matter of time...

Bisdakdreamer my other kababayan, pls post your PD also so we would know and refer by it... If your PD is earlier than June 15, 2004, then its also the reason why you are sent the much needed packet 3.5! But if its not, there will be a chance for me to have it earlier same as you...

I`m happy for you both! I will try to follow your lead, its truly a blessing that we got this opportunity to be in the waiting process, imagine those who have been denied of such! God bless you all!

Simala2006

my wifes PD is Sept 2003. i tried mailing the requirements but its now more than 50 days, still no packet yet...

 

[Simala2006]

Would it be ok if I will mail thru DHL?

Just another question Judex, am I allowed to mail it thru DHL so I can track it down for me to know if it is really received? Before I only mailed it thru registered mail! Did you make copies of every page of your passport for the required documents?

What do you think? thanks again!

Simala2006



QUOTE=judex]my wifes PD is Sept 2003. i tried mailing the requirements but its now more than 50 days, still no packet yet...[/QUOTE]

 

[judex]

you can track the documents thru DHL but you can't track its process inside the embassy, or you can try to call the call center no. for tracking, but call center agents needs Case Nos..

i did not sent my passports copy, they dont need it, i've sent my wifes passports copy...

i'm from bicol, i've been waiting for pinoys in this thread to share experiences...

judex

Just another question Judex, am I allowed to mail it thru DHL so I can track it down for me to know if it is really received? Before I only mailed it thru registered mail! Did you make copies of every page of your passport for the required documents?

What do you think? thanks again!

Simala2006



QUOTE=judex]my wifes PD is Sept 2003. i tried mailing the requirements but its now more than 50 days, still no packet yet...

[/QUOTE]