My horrible interview story at USEM

[STEPHnRIA 2]

What happened to me, my fiancee and my son felt like what you read in comics or watch in tv (sitcoms or soap opera) so I will make it sound like it so it will be easier for me.

SCENE 1- Arrived at USEM around 6:45AM

SCENE2- Finished with finger scanning and pre-screener

SCENE3- After waiting for 3 hours for our number to be called for the interview with the consulate, my fiancee was getting aggravated as to why its taking them so long. We were with a three year old kid who did his best to entertain himself. My son woke up at 5am, did not eat breakfast and bored out of his wits. My fiancee played with him and held him the whole time so I can focus on the interview. At around 11am we were called at window 29. My fiancee was the first to enter and the consul said right away,"Only the two applicants please and you may just wait outside." So my fiancee gave me my son and said he will be just waiting outside. The lady consul assigned to me has blonde curly hair, wearing glasses and fat. (I was gonna say chubby but she was so rude and mean so...)

After the oath blah blah, we srtated with the interview. First she looked at my son who was sitting in my lap and asked "Who is his father?" So I said "His father is (name)." Then she said "Who is (name)? I said my ex husband. My son was singing Bob the Builder and playing with the speakers and finger scanner so the lady consul said,"Look! I know he is a kid but you have to make him stop!" So I talked to my son and told him that I need him to sit still and be quiet so we can finish and go home. She asked me to sit my son at the oppsite chair. Then she asked who my petitioner is...blah blah. The she asked " How long did you stay in Tampa?" I said "For that year, one...1 and half month ( I was going to add... and another one was 19 days) but she interrupted me, saying "You were there for a year???" I replied "I said one was 1 and a half month." The lady consull said"I heard you said one year and you are under oath. You are lying! Do u realize that I would know if you are telling a lie because I will check your papers and know if you were a TNT in the US! You are not allowed to stay in the US for more than 6 months!" So I told her... "Be my guest! I was never a TNT in the US! My 2 old passports are with you even the letter of approval of my I-94 extension from the USCIS! Then she asked me how I could afford to be in the US for 7 months cuz even she can't afford to do that without working there in the US, so I told her I have shares in the family corporation where I get dividend income every month and I have my franchised business (Chowking) where I have reliable managers. While we were talking about this freaking TNT thing, I didn't know that my son was playing with my purse, he managed to get my wallet, played with my credit cards and money and dropped it at the window. Then the lady consul stood up and just screamed..."Oh my God! She is giving me money for VISA!!!" I was like... "What???" Then I saw one 500 peso bill and one 20 peso bill that my son put in the window. She raised both her hands and made a scene inside.She was kinda hysterical. I took the money away and hugged my son cuz he got scared with the lady's reaction and when I looked up, there were like 6 heads at the window looking at me and my son. Then the lady consul was pointing at us (mic was turned off) and was talking to a male consul. I couldn't hear her so I tried to do lip reading and with her body language, it seemed like she was telling him that I WAS TRYING TO BRIBE HER! So I yelled, "That is not true! That is not what happened!" Then she turned to me and said..."SHUT UP! Im not talking to you!" Then I could see the male consul trying to to calm her down then he turned on the mic and he asked me..." Maam, what did just happen?" So I said, "We were having the interview and didnt notice that my son played with my purse and put money in the window." Then I said, "Can I just call in my fiancee so that he can hold my son while I do this interview? Then she yelled a big "NOOOOO!!!" Then after some discussions inside she finally sat back at her chair and turned on the mic. She said " The interview is over! You have displayed an extremely unacceptable behaviour. Please don't do that again!" I knew what she was trying do...make it seem like I was really trying to buy her. So I said in a loud and clear voice "You know very well that is not what happened. I did not do anything wrong!" So she said, "Please get out before I call the guards!" So at that moment, I realized I will not win with this crazy woman so I stood up, picked up my son and went out. My fiancee was waiting outside and he heard the commotion inside the room. He asked me what happened as he saw that I was about to burst in tears so I told him right away. He was fuming mad saying "You gotta be kidding me! This is not happening! Im not taking this!" So he went to a window...(I don't know what window) and demanded to speak to a supervisor. The lady whom he was talking to asked him, "Is your fiancee done with the interview?" Then he answered, "What interview? You call that an interview?! I don't know what happened inside but you made a 3 year old child wait for three hours, and go with his mother inside while she does the interview. I was not allowed to be there, but a three year old child has no business being there too as he has nothing to say. He is tired, hungry and bored! So I demand that my fiancee be given a second inerview. This time without the child in the room and with a different consul!" So we waited until finally our number was called again. The interview was with a different consul and it went smoothly. She asked questions which I answered. ( I won't go into details anymore as this story is getting long.) Then when she said, that's all and wait for my name to called, I asked "May I know the outcome of this interview?" Then she said " Its not for me to decide." Then after a few minutes, we were called to go inside the room again. (We were the only ones left there.) Inside the room was a male consul in his 40's. He introduced himself as the chief of the consulates there. He was nice, a complete opposite of the 1st lady consul. He apologized for the "rough morning" and explained that the lady consul was just scared to lose her job. After going through my papers again, asking me questions and typing something. He also asked my fiancee a few questions. Then back to typing again. I saw him writing something in blue sheet then I realized... ITS A BLUE SHEET! Oh my GOD! But my fiancee was smiling at me so I whispered to him... That's a blue sheet!!! Then he mouthed an Its OK! Don't worry! So the chief consul looked at my fiancee and said "Technically speaking, you're fiancee is not eligible for the visa because she was married when it was approved. But since it is annulled now, in Philippines, it is as if it never existed. "So based on your documents...(the chief consul turned to look at me), there is no reason why you won't be getting your visa in three weeks!" I was just stunned and for a moment, my mind went blank. My fiancee repeated " So you mean, they (my son and I)are getting their visas in three weeks?" Then he said," Well, if I could only give it now but the thing is, since this annulment is new, you need to have this registered at the NSO. So her record should say that she is free to marry and more or less that will take three weeks. So just pay the Php650 and the delivery." At that moment, my fiancee and I looked at each other and just hugged tight. We thanked the consul profusely and left the room.

We had no time to celebrate. When we got home, my fiancee and son fell asleep right away and it was already dark when they woke up. As for me, I couldn't sleep as I kept on seeing the lady consul everytime I close my eyes. Anyway, my fiancee and I realized that I was being denied by the 1st consul. The blue sheet that I saw was the paper that we were supposed to get but the chief consul reversed the decision. And one more thing, if not for my son playing with my purse and putting money in that window, I will be stuck with that mean consul and not get a second chance. It's a blessing in disguise. It's a miracle! God loves us so much! Thank you God!

And to my son... You are my lucky charm! I love you so much and your soon to be stepdad loves you so much!

[CaNdiD wiTcH 0]

She was so mean!! I guess, she was the one who interviewed Jenny (higantetingting) as well. Based on your descriptions.

Anyway, it is good that everything turned out fine.. Goodluck!

[andrew&evelyn 6]

What happened to me, my fiancee and my son felt like what you read in comics or watch in tv (sitcoms or soap opera) so I will make it sound like it so it will be easier for me.

SCENE 1- Arrived at USEM around 6:45AM

SCENE2- Finished with finger scanning and pre-screener

SCENE3- After waiting for 3 hours for our number to be called for the interview with the consulate, my fiancee was getting aggravated as to why its taking them so long. We were with a three year old kid who did his best to entertain himself. My son woke up at 5am, did not eat breakfast and bored out of his wits. My fiancee played with him and held him the whole time so I can focus on the interview. At around 11am we were called at window 29. My fiancee was the first to enter and the consul said right away,"Only the two applicants please and you may just wait outside." So my fiancee gave me my son and said he will be just waiting outside. The lady consul assigned to me has blonde curly hair, wearing glasses and fat. (I was gonna say chubby but she was so rude and mean so...)

After the oath blah blah, we srtated with the interview. First she looked at my son who was sitting in my lap and asked "Who is his father?" So I said "His father is (name)." Then she said "Who is (name)? I said my ex husband. My son was singing Bob the Builder and playing with the speakers and finger scanner so the lady consul said,"Look! I know he is a kid but you have to make him stop!" So I talked to my son and told him that I need him to sit still and be quiet so we can finish and go home. She asked me to sit my son at the oppsite chair. Then she asked who my petitioner is...blah blah. The she asked " How long did you stay in Tampa?" I said "For that year, one...1 and half month ( I was going to add... and another one was 19 days) but she interrupted me, saying "You were there for a year???" I replied "I said one was 1 and a half month." The lady consull said"I heard you said one year and you are under oath. You are lying! Do u realize that I would know if you are telling a lie because I will check your papers and know if you were a TNT in the US! You are not allowed to stay in the US for more than 6 months!" So I told her... "Be my guest! I was never a TNT in the US! My 2 old passports are with you even the letter of approval of my I-94 extension from the USCIS! Then she asked me how I could afford to be in the US for 7 months cuz even she can't afford to do that without working there in the US, so I told her I have shares in the family corporation where I get dividend income every month and I have my franchised business (Chowking) where I have reliable managers. While we were talking about this freaking TNT thing, I didn't know that my son was playing with my purse, he managed to get my wallet, played with my credit cards and money and dropped it at the window. Then the lady consul stood up and just screamed..."Oh my God! She is giving me money for VISA!!!" I was like... "What???" Then I saw one 500 peso bill and one 20 peso bill that my son put in the window. She raised both her hands and made a scene inside.She was kinda hysterical. I took the money away and hugged my son cuz he got scared with the lady's reaction and when I looked up, there were like 6 heads at the window looking at me and my son. Then the lady consul was pointing at us (mic was turned off) and was talking to a male consul. I couldn't hear her so I tried to do lip reading and with her body language, it seemed like she was telling him that I WAS TRYING TO BRIBE HER! So I yelled, "That is not true! That is not what happened!" Then she turned to me and said..."SHUT UP! Im not talking to you!" Then I could see the male consul trying to to calm her down then he turned on the mic and he asked me..." Maam, what did just happen?" So I said, "We were having the interview and didnt notice that my son played with my purse and put money in the window." Then I said, "Can I just call in my fiancee so that he can hold my son while I do this interview? Then she yelled a big "NOOOOO!!!" Then after some discussions inside she finally sat back at her chair and turned on the mic. She said " The interview is over! You have displayed an extremely unacceptable behaviour. Please don't do that again!" I knew what she was trying do...make it seem like I was really trying to buy her. So I said in a loud and clear voice "You know very well that is not what happened. I did not do anything wrong!" So she said, "Please get out before I call the guards!" So at that moment, I realized I will not win with this crazy woman so I stood up, picked up my son and went out. My fiancee was waiting outside and he heard the commotion inside the room. He asked me what happened as he saw that I was about to burst in tears so I told him right away. He was fuming mad saying "You gotta be kidding me! This is not happening! Im not taking this!" So he went to a window...(I don't know what window) and demanded to speak to a supervisor. The lady whom he was talking to asked him, "Is your fiancee done with the interview?" Then he answered, "What interview? You call that an interview?! I don't know what happened inside but you made a 3 year old child wait for three hours, and go with his mother inside while she does the interview. I was not allowed to be there, but a three year old child has no business being there too as he has nothing to say. He is tired, hungry and bored! So I demand that my fiancee be given a second inerview. This time without the child in the room and with a different consul!" So we waited until finally our number was called again. The interview was with a different consul and it went smoothly. She asked questions which I answered. ( I won't go into details anymore as this story is getting long.) Then when she said, that's all and wait for my name to called, I asked "May I know the outcome of this interview?" Then she said " Its not for me to decide." Then after a few minutes, we were called to go inside the room again. (We were the only ones left there.) Inside the room was a male consul in his 40's. He introduced himself as the chief of the consulates there. He was nice, a complete opposite of the 1st lady consul. He apologized for the "rough morning" and explained that the lady consul was just scared to lose her job. After going through my papers again, asking me questions and typing something. He also asked my fiancee a few questions. Then back to typing again. I saw him writing something in blue sheet then I realized... ITS A BLUE SHEET! Oh my GOD! But my fiancee was smiling at me so I whispered to him... That's a blue sheet!!! Then he mouthed an Its OK! Don't worry! So the chief consul looked at my fiancee and said "Technically speaking, you're fiancee is not eligible for the visa because she was married when it was approved. But since it is annulled now, in Philippines, it is as if it never existed. "So based on your documents...(the chief consul turned to look at me), there is no reason why you won't be getting your visa in three weeks!" I was just stunned and for a moment, my mind went blank. My fiancee repeated " So you mean, they (my son and I)are getting their visas in three weeks?" Then he said," Well, if I could only give it now but the thing is, since this annulment is new, you need to have this registered at the NSO. So her record should say that she is free to marry and more or less that will take three weeks. So just pay the Php650 and the delivery." At that moment, my fiancee and I looked at each other and just hugged tight. We thanked the consul profusely and left the room.

We had no time to celebrate. When we got home, my fiancee and son fell asleep right away and it was already dark when they woke up. As for me, I couldn't sleep as I kept on seeing the lady consul everytime I close my eyes. Anyway, my fiancee and I realized that I was being denied by the 1st consul. The blue sheet that I saw was the paper that we were supposed to get but the chief consul reversed the decision. And one more thing, if not for my son playing with my purse and putting money in that window, I will be stuck with that mean consul and not get a second chance. It's a blessing in disguise. It's a miracle! God loves us so much! Thank you God!

And to my son... You are my lucky charm! I love you so much and your soon to be stepdad loves you so much!

I'm sorry for what you been through. If thats me maybe I already burst into tears. But anyway things happened for a reason, I agree with you it's a blessing in disguise that your child play your purse.

I still want to congratulate you for the visa approval and for how you stood up for your right.

Andrew and Evelyn

[STEPHnRIA 2]

She was so mean!! I guess, she was the one who interviewed Jenny (higantetingting) as well. Based on your descriptions.

Anyway, it is good that everything turned out fine.. Goodluck!

I realized that too! As she also asked me... Do u speak English? I told her, We have been talking in English! Like duh!

[sara..... 371]

congratulations on winning is the first thing i want to say ........when reading ur story i felt many emotions really angry....shocked ......sad then really happy that u have such a strong fiance that could get control of the situation......and sadly there are many embassies that have such stupid people working in them.......i have said it before and i will say it again......all of the employees that have anything to do with the visa processed must be hired out of the looney bins in the phsyco wards.........

but really happy u won and ur story can really make the rest of us think.....we just have to be strong and keep going and with Gods help we will make it.

sara

[rebelheart 0]

Glad it went well at the end .... hope for your speedy visa release journey!

God bless!

[gtron 0]

it seems like a lot of people have an issue with her being rude. we should all call the embassy and complain (especially americans. they can only handle so many complainants before they have no choice to do something about it.

there is enough hard ache going through this process without having to deal with disrespectfully rude people.

[phil and nanz 0]

ria i am sorry to hear that, that was horrrrible but thank god you're done! congratulations and best wishes na sa'yo i admire you for being strong! god bless you, your son and your soon-to-be-husband

nanz

Edited August 28, 2008 by phil and nanz

[~bLairwhich~ 0]

I was asking myself what if I had the same situation like yours...wow you did great! Two thumbs up. The CO who interviewed you should undergo some sort of "administrative review" for her behaviour! She's fired!! :devil :

[envy_me 18]

omg ria!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i dunno what to say..

im sorry abt what happened..

and sorry that your innocent son had to experience that..

i feel sad and mad now.. ggrrrrrrrrrrr..

that consul is a f*ckin assh***..

why does she have to make a scene like that..

i believe there's always a better way in sayin things..

and i think she dint realize that..

she should've let you explain before making stupid assumption..

im glad that you have your fiance with you during the interview..

and he handled the situation pretty well..

im runnin out of words to say cos nakakagigil talaga!

goodluck to you guys and regards to your son..

[STEPHnRIA 2]

ria i am sorry to hear that, that was horrrrible but thank god you're done! congratulations and best wishes na sa'yo i admire you for being strong! god bless you, your son and your soon-to-be-husband

nanz

Thanks Nanz! Lapit na rin interview mo. Good luck! You can do it!

I was asking myself what if I had the same situation like yours...wow you did great! Two thumbs up. The CO who interviewed you should undergo some sort of "administrative review" for her behaviour! She's fired!! :devil :

I have the feeling that the other consuls feel that way about her too.

[franklie 0]

Inside the room was a male consul in his 40's. He introduced himself as the chief of the consulates there. He was nice, a complete opposite of the 1st lady consul. He apologized for the "rough morning" and explained that the lady consul was just scared to lose her job. After going through my papers again, asking me questions and typing something. He also asked my fiancee a few questions. Then back to typing again. I saw him writing something in blue sheet then I realized... ITS A BLUE SHEET! Oh my GOD! But my fiancee was smiling at me so I whispered to him... That's a blue sheet!!! Then he mouthed an Its OK! Don't worry! So the chief consul looked at my fiancee and said "Technically speaking, you're fiancee is not eligible for the visa because she was married when it was approved. But since it is annulled now, in Philippines, it is as if it never existed. "So based on your documents...(the chief consul turned to look at me), there is no reason why you won't be getting your visa in three weeks!" I was just stunned and for a moment, my mind went blank. My fiancee repeated " So you mean, they (my son and I)are getting their visas in three weeks?" Then he said," Well, if I could only give it now but the thing is, since this annulment is new, you need to have this registered at the NSO. So her record should say that she is free to marry and more or less that will take three weeks. So just pay the Php650 and the delivery." At that moment, my fiancee and I looked at each other and just hugged tight. We thanked the consul profusely and left the room.

Congratulations. As my wife would say "un abrazo fuerte". It read like a novel with a happy ending.

[filirican 3]

wow!! i would've been crying if it happened to me! that mean lady consul! but the head of consuls was very nice enough to look at it, if it happens that it was caught on tape (i belive they have security cameras all over) she will get fired for lieing about u paying her! but im happy ua re ok now..at least u didn't get that blue sheet..

[STEPHnRIA 2]

omg ria!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

i dunno what to say..

im sorry abt what happened..

and sorry that your innocent son had to experience that..

i feel sad and mad now.. ggrrrrrrrrrrr..

that consul is a f*ckin assh***..

why does she have to make a scene like that..

i believe there's always a better way in sayin things..

and i think she dint realize that..

she should've let you explain before making stupid assumption..

im glad that you have your fiance with you during the interview..

and he handled the situation pretty well..

im runnin out of words to say cos nakakagigil talaga!

goodluck to you guys and regards to your son..

Hay, Ok lang envy_me. As dbears would say...bakit daw parang teleserye buhay ko. I really don't know na talaga. Pero sana happy ending.

Oh and remember what I said that the picture you posted on how the window looks like at the embassy? Di ba I told you it looks like the window in the bank? My son was probably thinking it was a bank that's why he put money in the window! Hahaha!

[pinkmint 0]

nangangatog ako habang binabasa ko ito. If it happened to me, iiyak na lang ako sa tabi. One brave pinay. You deserve to get your visa and start your new life in the states with your wonderful family. Goodluck girl.