USC going to USEM for the interview .. how fast can you get the visa

[doug & angel 0]

I have a short window of opportunity to go with my Angel to the USEM for the interview. It would be thursday February 7th. I must return home to the US by the following monday (10am flight out of MNL) If I go, does this increase (or decrease) the chances of a granted visa being able to be picked up thursday or friday (and even possibly over the weekend?) and my family being able to fly home together?

Recent experience and comments would be much appreciated.

[garya505 2]

Going there for the interview increases the chance of getting approval for VISA pick-up, if you present a written request to the CO. However, you're probably looking at 2 or 3 business days after the interview for the VISA to be ready, IF they approve pick-up. We got it in 2 days. They don't work on weekends.

Edited January 31, 2008 by garya505

[BJZags 17]

Going to the USEM might help with the visa pick-up thing, but I still doubt whether presence of the USC at the interview helps out any with the actually approval of the visa itself.

[EddieandChe 0]

Going to the USEM might help with the visa pick-up thing, but I still doubt whether presence of the USC at the interview helps out any with the actually approval of the visa itself.

I have to agree with you.I was told by my lawyer to not go to the interview.He said it would just complicate things.

I had already made plans to go to the interview with my fiance ,but now I am not sure.But of course she wants me to go!

Hmm...what to do !....well i can answer that ...if she says go then i go !

[rjp44 1]

Going to the USEM might help with the visa pick-up thing, but I still doubt whether presence of the USC at the interview helps out any with the actually approval of the visa itself.

I have to agree with you.I was told by my lawyer to not go to the interview.He said it would just complicate things.

I had already made plans to go to the interview with my fiance ,but now I am not sure.But of course she wants me to go!

Hmm...what to do !....well i can answer that ...if she says go then i go !

I went to the interview with my wife on Jan 22 and I'm glad that I did. Both in the pre-screening and the interivew I was ask at least half the questions and I'm sure that my presence made my wife much more comfortable. We had paid the docement verification fee 4 weeks in advance so I'm sure that helped insure no delays. We chose not to ask to ask for the pick-up isnce we have plenty of time, but it was delivered to my wife's office the morning of Jan 24. If you let the CO know that you have to leave within a few days, it wil increase your chances of being allowed to pick up the visa as long as there are no delays caused by checking any documents.

Best of luck to you.

[ED*Riza 0]

Having the fiance during interview was a plus for me. The fiance/husband now was asked more questions then I was. Though I knew it cost a lot for him. We did not have a letter for visa pick -up. We just asked the girl on 37 if we can picked it up and she went to the CO for approval. Thursday interview visa picked up tuesday..

[Parachute4U 1]

I was glad I was there for my wife's interview. I had a written request for visa pickup but the CO didn't want it. He told us that we should be getting a phone call on Monday ( interview was on Wednesday ) to pick up the visa, but the call came on Friday. Just two days and we had it.

[David-and-Mae 15]

Going to the USEM might help with the visa pick-up thing, but I still doubt whether presence of the USC at the interview helps out any with the actually approval of the visa itself.

I have to agree with you.I was told by my lawyer to not go to the interview.He said it would just complicate things.

I had already made plans to go to the interview with my fiance ,but now I am not sure.But of course she wants me to go!

Hmm...what to do !....well i can answer that ...if she says go then i go !

Your presence during the interview is not going to complicate anything. As a matter of fact, it can show a strong proof of a bona fide relationship. Most of the time, the CO asks the petitioner some questions too. I even met a couple during my interview and it was the petitioner who answered all the questions because the applicant got so nervous and tongue-tied to speak. It's comforting for the applicant to have the presence of his/her petitioner/fiance(e).

--Mae

[BJZags 17]

Most of the time, the CO asks the petitioner some questions too.

This is why it is so difficult to know exactly what to do. For every account like yours, there is another account that states the CO did not allow the USC into the interview room.

[kev_n_jena 89]

I was asked several questions at Jena's prescreening and interview and the CO really liked the pictures I took of my parents the day I left for the Philippines to be at the interview. I also helped Jena understand a couple questions from the CO that confused her. All in all I'm very glad that I attended the interview. All that said, it's possible that you won't be let in. I Hope you get a nice CO!

Kev_n_Jena

[Roserick 0]

Your presence during the interview is not going to complicate anything. As a matter of fact, it can show a strong proof of a bona fide relationship. Most of the time, the CO asks the petitioner some questions too. I even met a couple during my interview and it was the petitioner who answered all the questions because the applicant got so nervous and tongue-tied to speak. It's comforting for the applicant to have the presence of his/her petitioner/fiance(e).

--Mae

Is the petitioner Obligated to answer the question the CO Ask?

[garya505 2]

Going to the USEM might help with the visa pick-up thing, but I still doubt whether presence of the USC at the interview helps out any with the actually approval of the visa itself.

I disagree. If the CO knows you are there it is good evidence of an ongoing genuine relationship.

[kev_n_jena 89]

Your presence during the interview is not going to complicate anything. As a matter of fact, it can show a strong proof of a bona fide relationship. Most of the time, the CO asks the petitioner some questions too. I even met a couple during my interview and it was the petitioner who answered all the questions because the applicant got so nervous and tongue-tied to speak. It's comforting for the applicant to have the presence of his/her petitioner/fiance(e).

--Mae

Is the petitioner Obligated to answer the question the CO Ask?

Probably not by law, but I'm just guessing. If you go to the interview, maybe you could refuse to answer any questions and report back on your results.

Kev_n_Jena

[garya505 2]

Going to the USEM might help with the visa pick-up thing, but I still doubt whether presence of the USC at the interview helps out any with the actually approval of the visa itself.

I have to agree with you.I was told by my lawyer to not go to the interview.He said it would just complicate things.

I had already made plans to go to the interview with my fiance ,but now I am not sure.But of course she wants me to go!

Hmm...what to do !....well i can answer that ...if she says go then i go !

It doesn't complicate anything. I had a lawyer help me with the initial petition and she recommended I go. It's a big plus if you go, and you are demonstrating your commitment to yor fiancee. A lot of the women there are nervous and make mistakes.

I don't see any downside to going, except the cost, and of course if there is a delay in the VISA approval it might mess up your travel plans.

Your presence during the interview is not going to complicate anything. As a matter of fact, it can show a strong proof of a bona fide relationship. Most of the time, the CO asks the petitioner some questions too. I even met a couple during my interview and it was the petitioner who answered all the questions because the applicant got so nervous and tongue-tied to speak. It's comforting for the applicant to have the presence of his/her petitioner/fiance(e).

--Mae

Is the petitioner Obligated to answer the question the CO Ask?

Only if you want the VISA approved.

[Roserick 0]

Probably not by law, but I'm just guessing. If you go to the interview, maybe you could refuse to answer any questions and report back on your results.

Kev_n_Jena

Its a question.. I don't need a suggestion to do it...

I am just saying... The whole interview is for her.. Alot of posters are saying alot the of the questions are more towards the petitioner if he's available..