Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

[island_princess 2]

Hello Everyone,

I guess, I will a be constant visitor here. Our peitions (bot I-130 and I-129F) were approved yesterday.

US Embassy, we are coming!!!!

Regards to all!

[rea 1]

Hi VJer's

Any idea's on good sites/travel agents for reasonable tickets to Philippines? I have been using Bt-store.com in past.

hi trakon2002, i have a friend who works in a travel agency she might be able to give a lower rate to my fellow vj'ers...i need the following to get the rates:

date of departure?

from location?

to location: Manila?

oneway/roundtrip?

thanks

[gracy_byron 0]

Hi guys just wanna share my experience today, I called the embassy to follow up when I'll be picking the visa<their suppose to call and let me know but Im being impatient>, operator said its subject to administrative review etc, I was like "what??? but im approved,now im on AR??" and that no input on their computer about my case. I was really sad. Im already thinking of rescheduling my flight. But then after an hr my phone was ringing and its a diffrent operator from the embassy tellin me to go and pick the visa up tomorrow morning at 10:00 , I told her I just called an hr ago and the response that Ive got. She said that happens sometimes. Whew what a big relief, so I'll be off tomorrow to pick the visa and attend the seminar. Im so happy.

Ate Cora pls update me again visa will be received tomorrow 5/23, 2 working days after the interview, thanks.

[luvbugs4ever 0]

Hi VJer's

Any idea's on good sites/travel agents for reasonable tickets to Philippines? I have been using Bt-store.com in past.

hi trakon2002, i have a friend who works in a travel agency she might be able to give a lower rate to my fellow vj'ers...i need the following to get the rates:

date of departure?

from location?

to location: Manila?

oneway/roundtrip?

thanks

Hi rea!

Where is this travel agency that your friend works at located? We are also looking for a good and affordable travel agency where we can buy tickets in going to US by July after interview (in God's will... NO AR hopefully!).

[Robor007 0]

We didn't get an SMS message to alert us that the shipment is on the way but here's our Delbros website status as of 7pm Manila time:

5/22/2007 6:06:35 PM SHIPMENT IN PROCESS

5/16/2007 2:50:37 PM SHIPMENT PROCESS IN THE EMBASSY

Based on orimai's status update it looks like Lina's visa should be out for delivery either tomorrow or Thursday. As long as we can get the CFO stamp done before we're scheduled to leave on Friday I'll be happy.

Good luck all!

[rea 1]

Hi VJer's

Any idea's on good sites/travel agents for reasonable tickets to Philippines? I have been using Bt-store.com in past.

hi trakon2002, i have a friend who works in a travel agency she might be able to give a lower rate to my fellow vj'ers...i need the following to get the rates:

date of departure?

from location?

to location: Manila?

oneway/roundtrip?

thanks

Hi rea!

Where is this travel agency that your friend works at located? We are also looking for a good and affordable travel agency where we can buy tickets in going to US by July after interview (in God's will... NO AR hopefully!).

hi luvbugs4ever, my friend's travel agency is located in makati city, just let me know your details also so i can ask her for quote and will let you know how much..you're actually allowed to inquire from me for the rates and you can compare with other rates you found in any travel agencies anywhere..just let me know if you will choose our rates, okay

thanks!

[island_princess 2]

In submitting I-134 (K-3) during the interview, do we have to make a separate I-134 for me and my child?

[lethimrace 5]

Thank you everyone for sending the good luck vibe @ days from now will be my interview date. I worry on this thing...my fiance's not a native US born citizen, he was born in the Philippines but grew up in the states since he was 1 yr. old. In the I-134/affidiavit of support, it said there if he is not a native US born citizen he should attach certification of naturalization number, and i don't have it...it's kind of too late to have it since on the 24th of May is my interview. Uhmm i'm expecting that i will get put on AR. I hope they(consul or pre-screener) will give consideration since he is a US military in the warzone. huhuhuhuhu. But will they give me the chance to sumbit it or they will automatically deny me? Has anyone had the same experience? Thanks everyone.

[RonMay 1]

wow its been awhile i visited this site. alot of changes. took me an hr to find this thread. lol... im doing my aos now so here we go again to that cramming awaited date. lol. good thing i can always rely the vj (esp fil-am family) for infos/help... anyways goodluck to those who'll have their interview! God's on your side!

[shaggy474 0]

Was wondering if anyone knows more about I-134 requirements. Many speak of the 125% of the poverty level based on family size but the State department website says for the I-134 it is only 100% and it is 125% for the actual change of status. Anyone have any personal experience on this one. I am over the 100 percent based on a family of 5 but my three kids I only have half the time. I do have a co sponsor but would like to make the I-134 on my own if I can. I will be over the 125% levels after 6 months. Also anyone know about the length of time one must be in a job. I changed positions just as we received our NOA2. Thanks and good luck to all!

[shaggy474 0]

Hi guys just wanna share my experience today, I called the embassy to follow up when I'll be picking the visa<their suppose to call and let me know but Im being impatient>, operator said its subject to administrative review etc, I was like "what??? but im approved,now im on AR??" and that no input on their computer about my case. I was really sad. Im already thinking of rescheduling my flight. But then after an hr my phone was ringing and its a diffrent operator from the embassy tellin me to go and pick the visa up tomorrow morning at 10:00 , I told her I just called an hr ago and the response that Ive got. She said that happens sometimes. Whew what a big relief, so I'll be off tomorrow to pick the visa and attend the seminar. Im so happy.

Ate Cora pls update me again visa will be received tomorrow 5/23, 2 working days after the interview, thanks.

I have read that sometimes they state that while paperwork is confirmed. Or like many business in the Philippines....what you want is "always out of stock"...lol Good luck we hope to be in your shoes in September!

[sunandmoon 450]

In submitting I-134 (K-3) during the interview, do we have to make a separate I-134 for me and my child?

this is the response when I emailed the Embassy with the same question:

Wed, 30 Aug 2006 10:07:07 +0800

From: "Consular IV Manila" <ConsIVManila@state.gov> Add to Address Book Add Mobile Alert

To: "roy XXXXXXX" <XXXXXXXX@yahoo.com>

As long as both applicants are named in the I-134 affidavit of support, a single copy will suffice.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: roy XXXXXXX [mailto:XXXXXX@yahoo.com]

Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:26 AM

To: Consular IV Manila

Subject: affidavit of support

Case number MNL2006723XXX

Yasmin XXXXX will be applying for a K-1 visa and her daughter Effie a K-2 visa. Do I need to submit a separate I-134 Affidavit of Support for each of their application?

Regards,

Roy

I decided to go ahead and prepare two since it only takes a couples of minutes to fill out a I-134, just to be safe.

[vsmtghdy 2]

It's been quite awhile since I visited this site... and I see there's a lot of you who had been approved on their interview and received their visa... TO ALL WHO WERE APPROVED AND HAD THEIR VISA --->>>

[Pinay Wife 47]

My baby has been here in the states now for a week and we are having a great time. She has met some of my family and they have warmly welcomed her. The weather in Seattle has been cool and sunny and the fresh air she is enjoying, no pollution like Manila. I just wanted to let you all know how we are doing and the patience is well worth it. It took almost 1 year for her to get here, the biggest thing in all of this process is patience, you must have.

Thanks to all our VJ friends for the support for the long wait. We will keep in touch here....Take care everyone

Nice to hear from you DaveandFleur. WA is where I'm headed as Doug has moved there. Who knows we might bump into each other .

Ticket prices almost gave me a heart attack $1850 for me and my son, e-ticket. You probably got the same deal

We paid about $838 US for her ticket only as her daughter will follow to join.

Tip to those who are buying tickets. Plane tickets are a lot cheaper if you choose to travel on a weekday (Mon-Thurs). Northwest ticket if flying Manila-Portland on June 2 (a Saturday) costs $1187 including taxes but costs only $775 on June 4 (a Monday). That's more than $300 savings per passenger!

To see is to believe. Check out www.nwa.com.

4 days from now will be my interview at the USE. Do they accept a xerox copy of latest ITR and W-2? because that's what my fiance's parents mailed me (as you know my fiance is currently in the warzone). But still i wish they could have sent me the ones they printed from the computer not the xerox copy.

Embassy accepted photocopy of my fiance's ITR and W2, no questions asked.

Jealous na jealous ko. I wish i was at the interview stage too. But congrats to everybody approved and my prayers to those who have some difficulties. Well I get to see my asawa to be in 3 days. I leave for Manila on PAL from Honolulu. Then take the Manila to Laoag on sunday. Hmm i am excited, yet worried coz I am jobless again. Well have to take a chance for my love. I also need to recharge,hehe. Well I have to brush on my Tagalog. I am not that good, and people tend to think I am a Meztizo and speak Tagalog to me. Hmm it is hot here, but I am going to be even more hot soon.

Hey Psoas, a word of caution. Since you are petitioning a K1, any term of endearment is okay as long as you don't refer to your fiancee as "asawa, wifey, spouse" in your correspondence as that can have severe consequences at interview time. Remember, K1 is for fiancee and CR-1 or IR-1 is for spouse.

is it okay to bring a photo album for the pictures?

I only brought 12-15 pictures. Albums are too heavy to bring. The Filipino pre-screener and the American consul did not ask me for more photos.

Delivered @ 9:41am CR1

5/22/2007 7:41:53 AM SHIPMENT OUT FOR DELIVERY

5/22/2007 7:38:05 AM SHIPMENT BEING PREPARED FOR DELIVERY

5/21/2007 6:35:05 PM SHIPMENT RECEIVED AT DISTRIBUTION CENTER

5/21/2007 6:13:58 PM SHIPMENT IN PROCESS

5/21/2007 12:20:56 PM SHIPMENT RELEASED BY THE EMBASSY

5/16/2007 2:50:35 PM SHIPMENT PROCESS IN THE EMBASSY

Orimai, does this mean that your wife was granted CR-1 interview on May 16 instead of K3? Can we have your K3 timeline please?

Mylene just pointed out to me that according the the k-1 visa flowchart that is in my signature, there will be documents contained in packet 4 that will have to be completed and sent back to the embassy/consulate .. can someone please tell me which forms are sent back by mail and which ones are hand carried on the day of the interview?

For K1 processing through Manila, we don't send anything back to the consulate. Only the CR-1 and IR-1 do.

US embassies in other countries do require K1 beneficiaries to send something back but not Manila Embassy.

Thank you for continueing to support this VJ thread and god bless your trip and future together.

You're most welcome, Trakon and thank you for the good wishes.

Legend:

OK - Visa approved

AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required

ME - Military Expedite

AO - Age-Out (Derivative approaching age 21)

Name..................NOA2....MNL REC'D..PACKET...INTERVIEW..MNL CASE#..STATUS..DELIVERED/#OF DAYS/PLACE DLVRD

K1 LIST

01..Wes.............11-02-06..11-17-06..12-29-06..03-20-07..2006-818xxx..OK..May 01/42 days/Dumaguete

02..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-27-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 11/07 days/Picked up

03..wthornton.......11-28-06..12-19-06..02-26-07..04-04-07..2006-842xxx..OK..Apr 14/10 days/

04..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..02-26-07..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..OK..May 11/31 days/Manila

05..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 13/03 days/Cagayan de Oro

06..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK..Apr 17/06 days/Pasay City

07..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..02-28-07..04-11-07..2006-845xxx..OK

08..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-13-07..2006-852xxx..OK..Apr 26/13 days/Las Pinas

09..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-16-07..2006-854xxx..OK..Apr 24/08 days/Manila

10..sanfrancisco....xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-17-07..2006-8xxxxx..OK..Apr 26/09 days/??

11..supra...........12-07-06..01-08-07..03-03-07..04-18-07..2006-860xxx..OK..Apr 23/05 days/Cebu

12..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..07-03-07..2006-xxxxxx

13..Dean/Gra........12-26-06..01-04-07..02-27-06..04-23-07..2007-503xxx..OK..May 04/11 days/Pick up

14..Mike Marivic....01-04-07..01-20-07..02-26-07..04-24-07..2007-508xxx..OK..May 01/07 days/Ermita

15..CocoPuff........12-29-06..01-16.07..03-03-07..04-25-07..2007-5xxxxx..OK..May 04/09 days/Bacolod

16..MarieandBryan...01-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-27-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 04/07 days/Cebu

17..Skeeter211......01-17-07..02-27-07..04-02-07..05-03-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 11/08 days/Davao

18..chadandlira.....01-25-07..xx-xx-xx..04-02-07..05-09-07..2007-536xxx..OK..May 16/07 days/Gen. Santos

19..Honeysweet......02-01-07..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..05-10-07..2007-540xxx..OK

20..chadmides.......02-12-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..05-17-07..2007-547xxx..OK

21..gracy_byron.....02-08-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-18-07..2007-xxxxxx..OK..May 23/05 days/Pick up

22..joemaria........02-12-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-22-07..2007-55xxx

23..Jeng............02-13-07..02-28-07..03-31-07..05-22-07..2007-554xxx

24..imaskin.........02-21-07..xx-xx-xx..03-30-07..05-24-07..2007-xxxxxx

25..princess sutil..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..04-02-07..05-24-07..2007-xxxxxx

28..orion44.........02-22-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-05-07..2007-xxxxxx

27..David-MaeForev..02-27-07..03-14-07..xx-xx-xx..06-07-07..2007-564xxx

28..JeffK...........03-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-18-07..2007-573xxx

29..CountryBoy......03-29-07..04-23-07..xx-xx-xx..07-04-07..2007-608xxx

30..dave&evan.......04-12-07..04-25-07..xx-xx-xx..07-05-07..2007-60xxxx

31..trakon2002......04-05-07..xx-xx-xx..04-25-07..07-11-07..2007-613xxx

32..happyinlove.....04-14-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..07-11-07..2007-xxxxxx

33..rea.............05-01-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

34..Anthony Julie...05-xx-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-63xxxx

K3 LIST

01..AnneiyandJacky..11-28-06..xx-xx-xx..02-27-07..04-17-07..2006-685xxx..AR..Co-sponsor

02..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..02-27-07..04-03-07..2006-839xxx..OK

03..luvbugs4ever....12-14-06..12-21-06..03-02-07..07-03-07..2006-8xxxxx..

04..M&M.............11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..03-02-07..04-16-07..2007-503xxx..CR visa approved.

05..Jeff&Boo........12-26-06..01-12-07..02-26-07..04-23-07..2007-5xxxxx..Apr 25/02 days/??

07..CherylandMike...02-05-07..02-26-07..05-03-07..05-16-07..2007-546xxx..OK

08..Robor007........02-06-07..02-26-07..03-30-07..05-16-07..2007-546xxx..OK..Waiting for delivery

09..jeffry..........02-07-07..02-26-07..xx-xx-xx..05-16-07..2007-546xxx..OK..May 18/02 days/??

10..islandprincess..05-21-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

IR-1/CR-1

Name.................NOA2.....CASE CMPLT..PACKET..INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#..STATUS

01..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..02-06-07..03-19-07..2006-775xxx..OK..May 14/8 weeks/Cebu

02..vsmtqhdy........09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Apr 27/07 days/Laguna

03..randynrose......09-29-06..02-06-07..03-06-07..04-20-07..2006-xxxxxx..AR

04..orimai..........10-16-06..03-08-07..02-19-07..05-30-07..2006-xxxxxx..

05..Gobruins........12-20-06..04-03-07..xx-xx-xx..05-23-07..2007-50xxxx

06..StarProg........12-28-06..05-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-508xxx

07..islandprincess..05-21-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

Edited May 22, 2007 by PatientlyWaiting

[shaggy474 0]

Hi VJer's

Any idea's on good sites/travel agents for reasonable tickets to Philippines? I have been using Bt-store.com in past.

hi trakon2002, i have a friend who works in a travel agency she might be able to give a lower rate to my fellow vj'ers...i need the following to get the rates:

date of departure?

from location?

to location: Manila?

oneway/roundtrip?

thanks

Hi rea!

Where is this travel agency that your friend works at located? We are also looking for a good and affordable travel agency where we can buy tickets in going to US by July after interview (in God's will... NO AR hopefully!).

hi luvbugs4ever, my friend's travel agency is located in makati city, just let me know your details also so i can ask her for quote and will let you know how much..you're actually allowed to inquire from me for the rates and you can compare with other rates you found in any travel agencies anywhere..just let me know if you will choose our rates, okay

thanks!

I have been to Cebu three times in the last 13 months and so far BT-Store.com has always come through with the lowest fares. I fly Cathay Pacific by far the best airlines from US to Philippines. Just make sure you search for the best days to lower the fare...makes a huge difference. Good Luck!