Chatting for Dollars

First posted 00:03am (Mla time) June 02, 2005 By Cheryl R. Chua Inquirer News Service

Editor’s Note: Published on page A11 of the June 02, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

PEOPLE who join a chatroom look for friendship, love or money — or all of the three.

When I was in college, I chatted to gain more friends, usually students of the university where I went, with whom I seemed to relate more easily in chat rooms than in any part of the campus. I often wondered why it was so much easier to be a “friend” online than face to face. It seemed uncomplicated to reveal who you were while hiding behind an assumed nickname that was supposed to describe a part of you in six letters or more.

After college, I made a conscious effort not to chat, thinking there were better things to do than meet “friends” online whom I may never even see. But recently, I have been chatting heavily, even staying up late at times. My interest in foreign languages gives me a valid reason to spend my free time online, teaching English to my Korean teacher/student while he teaches me his own language.

Since January, I have spent most of my weekends and a good part of my salary in Internet cafés, glued in front of a computer monitor. Which isn’t a waste of time or money because now I can read Korean characters after barely one month of taking lessons. I must warn you, though, that I read Hankookmal like a kindergarten pupil reads the English alphabet, which is very slowly and sometimes wrongly.

My frequent visits to Internet cafés have made me realize how pragmatic life has become in our country. It has opened my eyes to a new opportunity for women to earn dollars without having to go abroad. Imagine earning $100 dollars in just one sitting — or chatting.

I often see women waiting patiently in a queue for a computer to be vacated. It’s interesting to hear their stories about their foreign chat mates and compare items they have received from their so-called boyfriends. Even more interesting and embarrassing to me is the fact that some of them actually make a living out of chatting.

There are actually women who deliberately look for online “boyfriends” with the intention of asking for financial support later. Once they hook up with a foreign boyfriend, they feign financial problems and subtly ask for money. Some women employ all of their charms to get dollars, while others tell tales about serious financial troubles to get their boyfriends to send monetary help. I have heard one experienced chatter boasting that she was doing this thing not just to a single online boyfriend but to as many as five at a time! As soon as she was done with one, she would quickly sign in again using another nickname and chat.

Some more experienced chatters say that if you get lucky even with just one foreign boyfriend, you could end up being rich real easy or you could have the chance to live in some foreign country, after getting married.

Don’t get me wrong. I have heard about women who married foreigners they had met online or otherwise, but what about women who chat to ask for money? Let’s face it, this is a new preoccupation and it is spreading rapidly. 

I am not in a position to make any judgment as to whether what these women are doing is illegal or immoral. But I cannot help but think that somewhere something is lost. The love that normally connects and unites two souls is now being replaced by financial transaction. It’s not anymore a question of liking the person but liking what the person has to offer.

Survival or vanity breaks not just the language barrier but love. Of course, feelings can develop as they say. But whether or not love grows, the fact remains that the relationship started on practical considerations. Life in our country must be hard, indeed.

Some women do not even establish real relationships. For them, it’s just flirting and/or extorting. They change partners like they were taking part in some kind of race. Perhaps, they are — but in a race to a “better” future.

You want to earn dollars? Just log on to a chat room, find foreign faces that look friendly (or horny) enough to part with some of his money, and presto, you have an instant financial provider at your beck and call.

Cheryl R. Chua, 24, works in a USAID-funded project that provides technical assistance to cooperatives in Mindanao and the Visayas.

Applying for a US Fiance Visa

I didn’t realize how important it is to share information about fiance visa application process until I was applying for it myself. Honestly, the posts I’ve read about other fiance(e)s’ experiences gave me a general idea on the process and mentally prepared me for what was to come. I’m very happy that my preparations, medical exam and the embassy interview went smoothly. I was approved and got my visa a week later. 

So I guess, in my own little way, I’d like to help anyone who is applying for a US Fiance Visa, and share my own recent experience. Most of the the info I got online date as far back as 2003 and much have changed since then. I hope this blog serves as an update of some sort. For easy reference, I outlined each of the step and provided useful links I found while searching online. I even included budget hotels that are near the US Embassy and St. Lukes Extension Clinic. You’re welcome to leave comments or questions. Aja!

STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

STEP 1: Of course, everything starts with your fiance(e) filing a petition for you.

For more info visit the US Embassy at: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3204.html

USCIS:  http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/types/types_2994.html. 

USEFUL LINKS

Learn about visa classifications: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/whatis/index.html 

Visa Application forms: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html

STEP 2: Once the petition has been approved (in my case it only took 2 months), you will be notified by the USCIS. It’s important to inform them of any change of address to avoid any delay in receiving the notice (my fiance forgot to inform USCIS and it took us another month before we received the notice. Thankfully, this didn’t delay the application). You can also track  the status of the petition at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis. 

STEP 3: The USCIS will forward the approved petition to the National Visa Center (NVC), which will then forward this to the US Embassy in your country. “The Embassy will send the fiancé(e) information on how to apply for the K-1 visa, including the medical examination and the visa interview.”

STEP 4:  Once you receive a letter from the Embassy, your application starts! You should follow all interview preparation instructions located at http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3238.html (Filipino fiance’s only). 

STEP 5: Prepare all required documents.

a. PASSPORT. You must have a passport valid for at least six (6) months. If you do not have one, you should apply in person at the Passport Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila. For passport renewal, you can call the DFA Information Center at 02-737-1000. The DFA web site is http://www.dfa.gov.ph.

b. DS-156 NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION. Each applicant must submit two (2) completed copies of this form. Download form at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html.
(K1/K2 Applicants’ Interview Preparation Instructions – English/May 2008) Page 2 of 10

c. DS-157 SUPPLEMENTAL NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION. Each applicant must submit two (2) completed copies of this form. Download form at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html.

d. DS-156K NONIMMIGRANT FIANCE(E) VISA APPLICATION. Each K1 applicant must submit one (1) completed copy of this form. This form is not required for K2 applicants. Download form at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html.

e. BIRTH CERTIFICATE. Your birth certificate should be a copy issued by the National Statistics Office (NSO) and printed on NSO security paper. If applicable, you should also submit NSO birth certificates for all your children, even for those who are not applying for a visa. You may call the NSO Information Center at 02-737-1111 to inquire on securing a birth certificate or visit their web site at http://www.census.gov.ph. If the NSO does not have a copy of the birth certificate, you must obtain a statement about its unavailability from the NSO and obtain a certified original copy (not an extract) of the birth certificate from the local registrar in the town where you were born.

f. NBI CLEARANCE. Applicants aged 16 years and older must have a valid Record Clearance for Travel Abroad Purposes from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Clearances should be in the applicant’s current name, birth certificate name, maiden name and any aliases or nicknames used, including different spellings you have used of those names. For immigration purposes, an NBI clearance is valid for one (1) year from the date it was issued. The NBI web site is http://www.nbi.doj.gov.ph/index.html.

g. OTHER COUNTRY POLICE CERTIFICATES. Applicants aged 16 years and older must also present police certificates from other countries where they have lived for six (6) months or more after reaching the age of 16. As with NBI clearances, foreign police certificates should be obtained in any maiden names, aliases or nicknames used while in the country in question, including different spellings you have used of those names. Country-specific information on how to secure police certificates is available on the State Department’s web site at http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/reciprocity/reciprocity_3272.html.

h. EVIDENCE OF A MEETING PRIOR TO THE PETITION. You and your petitioner must have physically been together at some point within two years before the petition was filed. Proof of this meeting should be submitted unless the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) waives this requirement. A few photographs of the applicant and petitioner together during the specified time may serve as evidence of this requirement. You may visit the USICS web site at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis for further information.

TIP: Organize your photos so the consul will have an easy time understanding. Provide captions if possible. I documented mine nicely and the consul complemented me for it

i. EVIDENCE OF A GENUINE ENGAGEMENT. You must be prepared to show documents that you have a genuine relationship with your petitioner and a clear intention to marry. Letters, e-mails, phone records, bank records, photographs, or other evidence of a genuine fiancé(e) relationship should be submitted.

j. PROOF OF TERMINATION OF A PRIOR MARRIAGE. If applicable, official documents (divorce decree, annulment decree or death certificate, etc.) that prove all prior marriages contracted by you and the petitioner have been legally terminated prior to the filing of the petition must be submitted.
(K1/K2 Applicants’ Interview Preparation Instructions – English/May 2008) Page 3 of 10

k. EVIDENCE OF SUPPORT. You should be able to demonstrate that you will not become a public charge or be a burden on the U.S. taxpayers for financial support. A completed I-134 Affidavit of Support Form will be useful to the consular officer to evaluate your petitioner’s ability to be financially responsible for you. You should also submit your petitioner’s most recent U.S. Federal income tax return (Form 1040) and wage statements (Form W-2). Employment letters stating salaries and bank statements may be included to substantiate the I-134. Download Form I-134 at http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis.

l. VISA PHOTOGRAPHS. You must bring two (2) colored photographs printed according to given specifications. The specifications for visa photos should be strictly observed. Visit the web site at http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1287.html for information.

m. MEDICAL EXAMINATION. All K1 and K2 visa applicants must complete a medical examination at St. Luke’s Extension Clinic. Refer to Step 9 for more information.

STEP 6: Schedule your interview at the US Embassy.

“Starting March 19, 2008, those applying for K-1, K-2, K-3 and K-4 visas who have been notified by the Embassy to prepare for their interview can call 1-909-101-7878 (within the Philippines) to schedule an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy. The cost of the 909 service is U.S. $0.98 per minute; this amount will be charged to your telephone bill.

Applicants, Agents or Petitioners calling from within the United States will also be able to use this service by calling 1-888-877-9888. The cost of the 888 service from the United States is a U.S. $18 PIN payable using a Visa or MasterCard once you have called into the service.

Applicants or their representatives must have the applicant’s Immigrant Case Number as given in the Embassy notification letter available when they call to schedule an appointment.

Callers can speak with an English or Tagalog speaking operator.  The service is available to the public from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, Manila local time.” (Source: US Embassy Manila)

Step 7: Pay visa application fee of $131. The application fee for a K1 or K2 nonimmigrant visa is US$131, payable only in Philippine pesos at the prevailing exchange rate. The fee should be paid by each applicant at designated branches of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Citibank. The bank will validate your payment on the DS-156 Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form or on the DS-157 Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application Form. The payment is valid for one (1) year. Remember: BRING the DS-156 or 157 forms with you when you pay for bank validation. Keep the deposit slip and bring it with you at the interview in case you may need it.

Step 8: Pay DELBROS P650.00 for Document Verification. For payment instructions,  visit http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwfdelb.pdf.Keep the deposit slip and bring with you on your interview in case you may need it. 

Step 9: Have your medical examination at St. Lukes Extension Clinic.This is a first-come, first-served basis. Better arrive early. You don’t have to wait in a queue but the guard will give you a number. I was number 47 when I arrived at 5am. I finished my medical exam around 11am. They will also give you a working flowchart for the first and second day. You will not be lost. Just follow the flowchart and pay attention to instructions of nurses and doctors. The medical fee is $213.35 (adults) and $185.35 (children).

ST LUKES MEDICAL EXTENSION CLINIC: 1177 J. Bocobo St., Ermita Manila. (632) 521-0020/ 521-8647/524-6083 

What to bring to St. Lukes: Embassy confirmation email (they will send this after you set your interview appointment), Embassy letter (the one where they notified you that you are eligible for interview), black ballpen (not sign pen), visa photos (they only asked for 3 pcs but bring at least 5), and your passport.

TIP: It’s best to be healthy! Take vitamins and minerals everyday so you’re in tiptop shape during your medical exam. 

Step 10:  If you’re from the province, attend the Pre-Departure Orientation Seminar (PDOS) while you are in Manila for your medical exam and interview. PDOS is required before you leave the country. It is a guidance and counselling program for filipino spouses, fiance/es and other partners of foreign nationals. PRISM and St. Mary Euphrasia Foundation, Inc. conduct the seminar. You only have to attend at one of them. Even if you have no visa yet, you can attend. After which, once you have a visa, go to CFO Office for the CFO Stamp and certificate. Bring your PDOS certificate as proof that you have finished the seminar. Bring your visa, too!

PRISM: Address: People’s Reform Initiative for Social Mobilization Inc.(PRISM)
2nd Floor BDO Building, 2422 Taft Avenue, Manila
Phone Numbers: (632) 525-3114, (632) 525-3783, (632) 525-4314

St. Mary: Address: Good Shepard Convent, 1043 Aurora Boulevard, 1108 Quezon City.  Phone numbers: 9113-6439/ 911 1814

Requirements to bring for PDOS: Photocopy of NBI Clearance, Birth certificate, or any 2 valid IDs (SSS, driver’s license, BIR/TIN, company ID), and prepare P250.00 fee. 

CFO: Address: Citigold Center, 1345 Quirino Avenue corner Osmena Highway Manila Phils
Phone numbers: (632) 562-3848,(632) 561-8321 ext. 104, 105, 201- 203 

Step 11: Your Interview Day. Be 1 hour early at the Embassy. Separate your DS-application forms (with visa photos) embassy letter from the other requirements because the guard will check for these before entering the Embassy. DO NOT BRING ELECTRONIC DEVICES (cellphones, mp3’s, ipods, pdas).

TIPS: Make sure that you have everything you need as far as requirements go. Photocopy everything  in case you need extra copies. It’s better to be prepared than be sorry. Bring black ballpen. 

EMBASSY PROCEDURE:

The guards call visa applicants per visa category so wait for your turn at the waiting shed.

Once your visa category is called, fall in line at the entrance. Prepare your passport (if you have it. Usually, St. Luke’s forwards your passport to the embassy along with your med exam result), DS forms and embassy letter.

Once inside the embassy, the guard will tell you which gate to go.

After the guard screened and searched you, proceed to the Immigration Area. Follow the arrows.

A guard will instruct you where to sit and wait till it’s your turn to get a ticket number. Prepare your DS-Forms, email confirmation and Embassy letter. Be sure to fill out everything on your DS-forms. Put N/A where you don’t have  answer or if not applicable.

Line up at the ticket booth for your ticket number. Submit the requirements above. Get your number. 

Wait for your name to be called for finger scanning.

Wait for your number to be flashed on the screen, for the initial interview. Prepare the rest of the requirements in this order: 1st set: NBI and birth certificate, other police certificates, if any. 2nd set: Affidavit of Support and W-2 ITR and other evidence of support. 3rd set: evidence of meeting, evidence of genuine engagement.

After the initial interview, wait again for your final interview. Pay attention to the numbers on the screen. 

JUST RELAX. THE INTERVIEW IS EASY. Follow this link for real questions that came up during interviews: http://ducecoop.com/interview/.

For me, it was very easy. I prepared 3 pages long of possible questions and my answers. I even rehearsed several times but none of them came out at the final interview with the consul. During my initial interview with a Filipina staff, she just asked me when and where I met my fiance, how we met, where he works and what I do for a living. I’m sure you know your own love story . So relax and have fun!

TIP: Bring a jacket (the aircon is centralized and you may get cold while waiting for your number). You may bring water and biscuits. Bring meds for diarrhea or headache. I had diarrhea on the day of my interview! It was bad. Good thing I found a convenience store nearby where I bought my meds (before going to the Embassy). So I guess, watch what you eat the night before especially because our bodies react to stress differently.

I hope I provided a clear and detailed account of the process. I’ll post the hotel guide on my next blog. Good luck to all and God bless!  

IMPORTANT: This blog was written a year ago and it’s likely that the procedures have changed. Please visit the Embassy site for any updates on the steps outlined above: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3024.htm.

Also be vigilant and call up St. Lukes or PRISM (or wherever you want to attend PDOS) and ask for office hours (you don’t wanna show up on a day they’re not open, right?) or any changes on fees. Don’t assume it will be the same because policies change. It pays to be updated!