Manila Embassy Interview

[garya505 2]

Interview complete. VISA approved!!!

Oops I forgot I wanted to ask one more thing and it wouldn't let me edit my post. I will attend Sheryl's interview. What questions did the CO have for you specifically?

Nothing at all. He allowed me to enter the room then ignored me. But my fiancee is way better looking then me so maybe thats why.

[garya505 2]

Hi all. I read so many "visa picked up" comments on approvals that I would be grateful if the approvals who picked up their visa could tell me how you requested it and to whom you requested pick up from instead of Delbros delivery? How does the Embassy notify you that the visa is ready for pick-up? If pick-up from embassy is granted do you still pay Delbors fee? Thanks for your responses

We were able to pick it up but I had to argue with the guy at the Releasing window. They don't like to do it I think because it results in a lot of people coming back to the embassy.

You can write a formal letter requestiing pick-up and explain why you want to pick it up (I had one). Give this to the CO at the end of the interview (I forgot that). They may allow it, maybe not. If they do, they will ask for a number to call when it's ready. Ours took 2 days. No Delbros fee.

[Pinay Wife 47]

Good for you garya505 that you were able to argue your way into visa pick up.

Updating timelines. Sounding the alarm bells for George&Jenny! Wake up, wake up!

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..fish............11-13-06..12-28-06..xx-xx-xx..01-08-07..2006-733xxx..OK..Feb 17/40 days with AR

02..sunflowertami...08-08-06..08-24-06..11-16-06..01-09-06..2006-735xxx..OK..Jan 12/03 days/Pick up

03..treynroxy.......08-03-06..08-25-06..11-29-06..01-11-07..2006-736xxx..OK..Jan 19/08 days/Tagbilaran

04..TimR............08-10-06..09-06-06..11-28-06..01-11-07..2006-736xxx..OK

05..daveandlirio....08-03-06..08-28-06..xx-xx-xx..01-12-07..2006-737xxx..OK..Jan 22/10 days/Cabanatuan

06..lovebug.........08-12-06..08-29-06..11-29-06..01-12-07..2006-737xxx..OK..Jan 17/05 days/Pick up

07..neonspark.......08-23-06..xx-xx-xx..11-28-06..01-12-07..2006-737xxx..??

08..kirkandjenny....08-18-06..09-26-06..11-29-06..01-19-07..2006-743xxx..Kirk is moving to the Philippines!

09. roundbo.........09-11-06..09-23-06..xx-xx-xx..01-30-07..2006-756xxx..OK

10..Robhankins......09-01-06..09-22-06..xx-xx-xx..02-26-07..2006-761xxx..Rescheduled from 12/28/06

11..RiggerAF........09-04-06..10-02-06..12-14-06..01-18-07..2006-764xxx..OK..Jan 24/06 days/Manila

12..sway............09-05-06..10-30-06..xx-xx-xx..01-19-07..2006-764xxx..OK..??

13..edz2006.........09-05-06..10-04-06..12-14-06..01-23-07..2006-764xxx..OK..??

14..vic&el4ever.....09-07-06..09-27-06..01-06-07..02-01-07..2006-768xxx..AR

15..davidjack.......09-05-06..10-04-06..xx-xx-xx..02-02-07..2006-770xxx..??

16..binow...........09-20-06..10-02-06..01-04-07..02-02-07..2006-770xxx..??

17..lebby...........09-07-06..10-03-06..12-21-06..02-05-07..2006-772xxx..OK..Feb 08/03 days/Metro Manila

18..arch_n_cel......09-11-06..10-18-06..12-29-06..02-02-07..2006-772xxx..OK..Feb 07/05 days/Pi up

19..sbqwolf1........09-11-06..10-18-06..12-22-06..02-05-07..2006-772xxx..OK..Feb 12/07 days/Manila

20..lawrencejeramie.09-11-06..10-17-06..12-23-06..02-06-07..2006-775xxx..OK..Feb 09/03 days/Picked up

21..JelloShotGirl...09-29-06..10-13-06..12-22-06..02-08-07..2006-776xxx..OK

22..Richard&Maria...09-05-06..10-06-06..12-21-06..02-13-07..2006-779xxx..OK

23..garya505........09-18-06..10-17-06..12-29-06..02-13-07..2006-779xxx..OK..Feb 15/02 days/Pick up after much arguing :-)

24..Burrito.........09-21-06..10-18-06..12-23-06..02-14-07..2006-783xxx..OK

25..Iniibig ko......09-07-06..10-15-06..12-27-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx..OK

26..Thersch.........09-19-06..10-23-06..12-22-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx..OK

27..Ken_Maria.......09-18-06..10-10-06..12-26-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx..OK

28..mydestiny.......09-21-06..10-23-06..xx-xx-xx..02-23-07..2006-783xxx

29..Birdysboy.......09-11-06..10-23-06..01-05-07..02-26-07..2006-786xxx

30..gobdogman.......09-07-06..10-20-06..xx-xx-xx..02-26-07..2006-789xxx

31..Steve-n-Ana.....09-28-06..10-25-06..12-29-06..02-16-07..2006-789xxx..OK

32..jamrok..........09-29-06..10-25-06..xx-xx-xx..11-24-06..2006-789xxx..OK

33..Erichu..........10-11-06..10-23-06..12-23-06..02-16-07..2006-789xxx..OK

34..Paulily.........09-25-06..10-20-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx..OK

35..felnfrank.......10-12-06..10-23-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx..OK

36..bangus delight..10-05-06..10-20-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx..awaiting feedback from bangus

37..StevenandJinky..10-17-06..11-02-06..01-02-07..02-16-07..2006-793xxx..OK

38..oakwell.........10-16-06..11-06-06..01-13-07..02-20-07..2006-796xxx

39..Mike_and_Jennie.10-05-06..10-30-06..12-21-06..02-20-07..2006-799xxx

40..2Hearts.........10-18-06..11-03-06..PICK UP...02-20-07..2006-800xxx

41..patrick808......10-18-06..10-30-06..01-24-07..03-08-07..2006-800xxx

42..Joone745........10-20-06..11-01-06..xx-xx-xx..03-09-07..2006-800xxx

43..kar3n...........10-16-06..11-14-06..12-21-06..02-21-07..2006-805xxx

44..macky...........10-05-06..11-22-06..12-12-06..02-22-07..2006-813xxx

45..Wes.............11-02-06..11-17-06..12-29-06..03-20-07..2006-818xxx

46..49bstreet.......09-29-06..11-21-06..01-23-07..03-21-07..2006-820xxx

47..maylet29........10-27-06..11-21-06..xx-xx-xx..03-22-07..2006-820xxx

48..kismet..........11-02-06..11-20-06..01-26-07..03-22-07..2006-820xxx

49..iya.............11-02-06..11-20-06..02-02-07..03-23-07..2006-820xxx

50..boch............11-08-06..11-29-06..01-05-07..03-23-07..2006-820xxx

51..B&N.............11-03-06..11-29-06..01-24-07..03-26-07..2006-824xxx

52..Alanlvsjudy.....11-06-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-27-07..2006-824xxx

53..EllaJosh........11-14-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-23-07..2006-834xxx

54..mpgirl..........11-21-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..03-23-07..2006-834xxx

55..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-04-07..2006-842xxx

56..wthornton.......11-28-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-04-07..2006-842xxx

57..DocMay..........11-15-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx

58..genlramos.......11-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-11-07..2006-845xxx

59..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..04-11-07..2006-845xxx

60..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx..WAKE UP!

61..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..xx-xx-xx..04-13-07..2006-852xxx

62..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..xx-xx-xx..04-16-07..2006-854xxx

63..sanfrancisco....xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-17-07..2006-8xxxxx

64..supra...........12-07-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..04-18-07..2006-860xxx

65..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..04-24-07..2006-xxxxxx

66..Dean/Gra........12-26-06..01-04-07..xx-xx-xx..04-23-07..2007-503xxx

67..CocoPuff........12-29-06..01-16.07..xx-xx-xx..04-25-07..2007-5xxxxx

68..MarieandBryan...01-10-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..04-27-07..2007-52xxxx

69..chadandlira.....01-25-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-536xxx

70..Honeysweet......02-01-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

K3 LIST

01..Glenn&Rosemarie.08-29-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..01-25-07..2006-750xxx..OK..Feb 01/07 days/Cagayan de Oro

02..KimTung.........10-06-06..10-26-06..12-21-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx..OK but advised by consul to pursue CR on Mar 22

03..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-03-07..2006-839xxx

04..M&M.............11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-503xxx

05..Robor007........02-06-07..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..Biancashey......03-09-06..09-01-06..xx-xx-xx..01-19-07..2006-576xxx..OK..Jan 24/05 days/Cavite

02..JunCel..........05-15-06..08-24-06..12-07-06..01-05-07..2006-646xxx..OK..Jan 13/08 days/SF, La Union

03..facechelle......05-31-06..09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..01-30-07..2006-659xxx..OK..Feb 02/03 days/Pampanga

04..Jazzy...........08-03-06..10-17-06..12-30-06..02-08-07..2006-729xxx..AR..late BC reg. of stepdaughter

05..w1n78...........09-05-06..11-16-06..02-05-07..03-02-07..2006-764xxx..P4 received in CA

06..soulm8z0928.....09-06-06..11-16-06..02-05-07..03-14-07..2006-76xxxx..P4 received in FL

07..M&M.............09-07-06..11-15-06..02-05-07..03-15-07..2006-765xxx..P4 received in OH

08..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..02-06-07..03-19-07..2006-775xxx..P4 received in OR

09..KimTung.........09-26-06..12-21-06..xx-xx-xx..03-22-07..2006-779xxx

10..randynrose......09-29-06..02-06-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-xxxxxx

11..StarProg........12-28-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-508xxx

12..Robor007........02-06-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

Edited February 17, 2007 by PatientlyWaiting

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Hi all. I read so many "visa picked up" comments on approvals that I would be grateful if the approvals who picked up their visa could tell me how you requested it and to whom you requested pick up from instead of Delbros delivery? How does the Embassy notify you that the visa is ready for pick-up? If pick-up from embassy is granted do you still pay Delbors fee? Thanks for your responses

We were able to pick it up but I had to argue with the guy at the Releasing window. They don't like to do it I think because it results in a lot of people coming back to the embassy.

You can write a formal letter requestiing pick-up and explain why you want to pick it up (I had one). Give this to the CO at the end of the interview (I forgot that). They may allow it, maybe not. If they do, they will ask for a number to call when it's ready. Ours took 2 days. No Delbros fee.

I'm glad you were able to pick it up, Gary.

I would ask though to the many who keep talking about wanting to pick up the Visa in person - is it because you don't trust Delbros to deliver it in a timely manner?

[Alanlvsjudy 0]

Another slow day...back to page one.

[over 0]

You wont have to worry about finding Phlip's there in that part of Minnesota.

And as for your shopping needs from a phil stand point, there is a Phil-Am store on University Avenue and a ton of other Asian stores to make you feel at home.They will know what the local groups are, and where the Phlip's as they call them here hang out. I do all of my shopping on University, Nicollet, and a few other places there. You will find Pansit, Balut, and all your favorites all over in the Twin Cities. We have a huge Phil-Am group south of you in Rochester, and there must be a Phil-Am group there in the cities.

So Mabuhay....Hope you like it here, winter is nearing the end sort of, and the worst is out of the way mostly.

Hope you learn to adapt as all the others have.

Welcome to Minnesota..It's not God's Country like Wisconsin, but it works.

Take Care...

R.Sell

hi...

arrived minnesota feb.16.. 11am..

just finger scanning and digital photo taking at the POE..

i want thanks all who gave me advice on what-to-do and what-not-to-do..

well, as of now, its really really really really cold..me and my son's lips are already very dry and chapping..skin's very dry too..

hope to meet filipinas here in NICOLLET AVE. ,richfield MN..

well, i believe this is not yet the end of the journey,..but it will be easier now, coz we're already together..

thanks everybody...Godbless..

jeramie

[Ken_Maria 0]

PW, Thanks for updating us on the list. Yes we were approved on the 15th, just getting around to a computer. Still waiting for delivery as we were not successful like Gary in convincing the CO to let us pick up the visa. Hopefully by Wednesday as he promised. More later about the ease of the interview. Congrats to those on the 16th, ran into them at Robinson after their interviews. Ken & Maria

[ElMasGuapo 0]

Hi friends,

I have a question.

My finance says that she needs some fillings for her teeth per her dentist. Her friends are telling her that she'll fail her medical exam at st lukes if she doesn't get her teeth filled...

Is this true? Are they that strict that they will mark the exam failed if she has bad teeth?

Thanks

[garya505 2]

Hi all. I read so many "visa picked up" comments on approvals that I would be grateful if the approvals who picked up their visa could tell me how you requested it and to whom you requested pick up from instead of Delbros delivery? How does the Embassy notify you that the visa is ready for pick-up? If pick-up from embassy is granted do you still pay Delbors fee? Thanks for your responses

We were able to pick it up but I had to argue with the guy at the Releasing window. They don't like to do it I think because it results in a lot of people coming back to the embassy.

You can write a formal letter requestiing pick-up and explain why you want to pick it up (I had one). Give this to the CO at the end of the interview (I forgot that). They may allow it, maybe not. If they do, they will ask for a number to call when it's ready. Ours took 2 days. No Delbros fee.

I'm glad you were able to pick it up, Gary.

I would ask though to the many who keep talking about wanting to pick up the Visa in person - is it because you don't trust Delbros to deliver it in a timely manner?

Well, for me it was because Florenda lives in Cagayan de Oro and waiting for delivery would have been risky given that we are leaving on 2/23. I small delay in the delivery would mean rescheduling flights.

Edited February 18, 2007 by garya505

[Erichu 0]

Well, for me it was because Florenda lives in Cagayan de Oro and waiting for delivery would have been risky given that we are leaving on 2/23. I small delay in the delivery would mean rescheduling flights.

Hi Gary and Florenda! How are you guys? I will be flying to SFO too on 2/23 via PAL as ive been granted visa pickup and hoping to receive a call on tuesday from the USE. Wheres your POE?

It was very nice meeting you both in person.

Regards,

Mari

[Erichu 0]

PW, Thanks for updating us on the list. Yes we were approved on the 15th, just getting around to a computer. Still waiting for delivery as we were not successful like Gary in convincing the CO to let us pick up the visa. Hopefully by Wednesday as he promised. More later about the ease of the interview. Congrats to those on the 16th, ran into them at Robinson after their interviews. Ken & Maria

Thanks Ken & Maria! It was really nice meeting both of you, you were such a lovely couple. Congrats on ur approval too!

Ingats,

Mari

[jeng 0]

I will post this information in hope that maybe it will help someone else that will be wanting to obtain a Florida Drivers License and is new to the USA and Florida: To get a learners license to drive, you must take a 4 hour course online dealing with the use of drugs and alcohol abuse when operating a motor vehicle http://www.myfirstlicense.com/mfl/index.aspx. The cost of this course is $25. There is a 20 question test that must be completed prior to issuance of the test. The study guide can be picked up at your local drivers examination office. They require that you bring your passport, Visa and I-94. The process is actually pretty simple. To obtain your permanent divers license, another written test and actual driving test is required.

hmm..id be needing this in the future..my fiance is from jax, fla too. how is ur process now? we were approved in feb 13.. hopefully, everything turns well..we've been away for more than 2 yrs now...by the way, do you have an idea on how much should one earn annually for the affidavit of support? how soon can i get a work permit? can i get it before i leave for US? thanks.

[terps76 0]

March is fast approaching, I am not sure if someone has posted about the new advisory of the u.s. embassy regarding electronic device effective March 1, 2007. Before there is a counter wherein electronic devices such as PDA, laptop, MP3 and cellular phones can be left but now their policy is changed. They are not allowing anybody to enter the premise who has any of the device mentioned.

So better leave your electronic gadgets as this will cause so much hassle and additional stress during your interview.

U.S. Embassy News Release

February 12, 2007

U.S. Embassy Visa Applicants:

Cell Phones, Electronic Items No Longer Allowed in Consular Section

For the safety and security of all applicants and employees, visa applicants are no longer permitted to bring cell phones or other electronic devices into the U.S. Embassy Consular Section. Effective March 1, 2007, applicants who have such devices on their person will be denied entry to the Embassy grounds.

There will be no storage facility for cell phones and electronic devices at the Embassy; applicants for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas should leave their electronic equipment in a safe location off Embassy grounds during their appointments. This policy includes both cell phones and electronic items such as PDAs, laptops, and MP3 music players.

This new policy will also help speed applicant processing to their interview appointments. Applicants should be aware that if they miss a visa interview appointment; they will have to reschedule through normal procedures. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate the cooperation of all non-immigrant and immigrant visa applicants.

All other processes and requirements for applying for both non-immigrant and immigrant visas remain the same. Information on the application processes can be found on the U.S. Embassy’s Web site at http://philippines.usembassy.gov.[/i][/i]

[Glenn & Rosemarie 0]

I couldn't help but notice the limited number of post's over the last three days. So many have completed their interviews this month! This is a great thread and it makes me very happy to see so many people getting approved! Soon everyone here will be together with their loved ones. Maybe there should be an Alumni thread added to this one!

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Well, for me it was because Florenda lives in Cagayan de Oro and waiting for delivery would have been risky given that we are leaving on 2/23. I small delay in the delivery would mean rescheduling flights.

Hi Gary and Florenda! How are you guys? I will be flying to SFO too on 2/23 via PAL as ive been granted visa pickup and hoping to receive a call on tuesday from the USE. Wheres your POE?

It was very nice meeting you both in person.

Regards,

Mari

Congratulations Mari on booking your flight! Jinky needs to sell her clinic and then she'll be ready to go - we're hoping by March 4 or sooner!

BTW, if you haven't seen the photos from the get together - you all look so beautiful! Jinky really enjoyed meeting with you, Anna and Fel beforehand. Cheers and keep us posted once you have arrived there in Northern California!