Manila Embassy Interview

[Danoco 0]

How much in advance should the interview fee be paid? It is $100? Where is this fee paid at? Also, where does she pay the medical exam fee, when does she pay it and how much is it?

The time is getting near for us and I don't want any delay. I appreciate all of you that answer my questions. I hired a lawyer to handle this and now see all I did was as Gary said before, paid his Country Club Dues!

this question reminds me of yove's interview 2 women never paid the fee at the bank so they had to rechedule there interview.

[robhankins 0]

First of all, let me apologize to all whom I have offended by suggesting the use of personal messages in some situations. I was clearly out of line and obviously frustrated with the long wait and immediate problems with a "corrected BC" that indicated an almost certain AR. Combined with the sweet and sour "surprise interview" when our papers aren't finished. Please excuse an onery old guy for misplaced venting. I did write a PM to YnaYeBa0808 and apologize.

Now to some interesting developments. Knowing that BC's are under close scrutiny, I ordered 3 new copies online to shore up our case. My plan was to present one copy in sealed envelope from NSO. Here is the really interesting part. They all arrived on the same day in separate envelopes. All three were different.

1. Still incorrect spelled LELIA with no correction at the bottom on yellow paper, hand written in old format.

2. Corrected at the bottom with LILIA notation with seals, handwritten on yellow paper in old format.

3. Correct copy with name spelled LILIA (correct), on green paper, no notation at the bottom, in new format (computerized).

Finally, with #3 we are good to go. This is the 5th copy I have ordered in 8 months, plus the 2 copies Lilia ordered in Bacolod. Absolutely amazing. What can I say, things have gone my way starting on my 60th birthday last Sunday.

My point is that if you have BC problems. It is likely that a visit to NSO in Manila could resolve them. Apparently, it is possible to get them to print a newer version on green paper with the corrections incorporated into the BC - (without the dreaded "correction paragraph" at the bottom of the form.

[Pinay Wife 47]

Glenn&Rosemarie, visa fee can be paid at any time BEFORE the interview. US$100 will be converted to Philippine pesos at prevailing exchange rate so don't bring $ to pay the visa fee. Bring pesos. Likewise, medical fee ($95 per person ) is paid in pesos and paid at St. Lukes on the day of medical.

PHIREPHLY, if you are reading, we are sounding the alarm bells. Time to call embassy or NVC for your interview date.

Robhankins, thanks for info on BCs. Now we know that NSO has a new computerized format. Let's hope the embassy does not put in AR those whose BC are in the old format. It seems that NSO uses a different color every year (or fiscal year). The 1st time I applied for BC and MC, it was blue, the next year, it was green, then yellow, then back to green again. Maybe that's how the consul decides who to put in AR, if it's the wrong color, "toooot, wrong color, AR"

Updating list.... thanks Yna for update on place of delivery.

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..fianceeinw8ting.07-15-04..08-07-04..09-24-04..10-08-04..2004-xxxxxx..OK..09-12-06/23 mos./Makati

02..louchiw.........02-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..07-28-06..2006-xxxxxx..AR..previous AOS

03..Windchaser......08-29-05..09-27-05..07-25-06..09-01-06..2005-756xxx..OK..11-24-06/85 days/Bohol

04..djcess..........03-10-06..03-24-06..xx-xx-xx..08-09-06..2006-579xxx..OK..Aug 19/10 days/Cebu

05..Rustyash........03-07-06..03-29-06..06-08-96..08-09-06..2006-580xxx..OK

06..timmaricel......04-07-06..09-21-06..10-20-06..12-04-06..2006-601xxx..OK

07..Madison Man.....09-01-06..09-20-06..xx-xx-xx..12-04-06..2006-601xxx..AR..Birth certificate

08..zethris.........04-13-06..09-20-06..xx-xx-xx..12-04-06..2006-60xxxx..OK

09..davidg..........04-20-06..05-13-06..xx-xx-xx..09-11-06..2006-625xx...OK..Sep 21/10 days/???

10..titakey.........04-23-06..05-22-06..07-08-06..09-22-06..2006-635xxx..OK..Nov 10/49 days/QC

11..Audrey&Romy.....05-01-06..05-22-06..07-13-06..09-22-06..2006-635xxx..OK..Sep 27/05 days/QC

12..randyandrechie..05-01-06..06-05-06..07-13-06..09-20-06..2006-635xxx..OK..Oct 04/14 days/QC

13..Hershey.........05-01-06..06-05-06..06-21-06..09-25-06..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Sep 27/02 days/???

14..annie19.........05-09-06..05-22-06..xx-xx-xx..09-21-06..2006-635xxx..AR..Divorce decree

15..mychelle........05-03-06..05-31-06..07-06-06..09-14-06..2006-639xxx..OK..Sep 21/07 days/Cebu

16..danlet..........05-12-06..05-31-06..06-27-06..08-10-06..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Aug 17/07 days/???

17..Tomnjas.........05-23-06..06-14-06..07-11-06..10-02-06..2006-656xxx..OK..Oct 06/04 days/Manila

18..sillygirl.......05-17-06..06-14-06..06-29-06..10-04-06..2006-657xxx..OK..Oct 05/01 day/picked up visa

19..Brittaniquec....05-25-06..06-20-06..07-10-06..08-08-06..2006-660xxx..OK..Aug 14/06 days/???

20..kevlar_kev......06-30-06..07-18-06..07-27-06..10-05-06..2006-691xxx..OK..Oct 15/10 days/Laguna

21..Gomez...........07-03-06..08-14-06..09-21-06..11-06-06..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Nov 08/02 days/QC

22..Angelmae........07-10-06..07-27-06..xx-xx-xx..11-06-06..2006-698xxx..OK..Nov 15/09 days/Manila

23..Keith88gt.......07-24-06..08-04-06..xx-xx-xx..11-13-06..2006-709xxx..OK..Nov 21/08 days/Cebu

24..YnaYeBa0808.....07-24-06..08-10-06..09-22-06..11-13-06..2006-712xxx..OK..Nov 19/06 days/Pasig

25..Uling...........07-31-06..08-08-06..09-23-06..11-14-06..2006-712xxx..OK..Nov 18/04 days/Laguna

26..JimGem..........07-31-06..08-14-06..xx-xx-xx..11-17-06..2006-715xxx..??..STATUS PLEASE?

27..Goodman.........07-31-06..08-15-06..xx-xx-xx..11-20-06..2006-716xxx..OK..Nov 29/09 days/Manila

28..Ara&Ken.........07-31-06..08-24-06..xx-xx-xx..11-25-06..2006-719xxx..OK

29..Karel...........08-01-06..08-22-06..09-23-06..11-28-06..2006-719xxx..Petition withdrawn

30..BJZags..........08-04-06..08-17-06..10-20-06..12-05-06..2006-720xxx..OK

31..tamara..........07-31-06..08-24-06..10-26-06..12-11-06..2006-723xxx

32..shimmy..........08-01-06..08-23-06..10-20-06..12-11-06..2006-723xxx

33..FMerz...........08-09-06..08-23-06..xx-xx-xx..12-12-06..2006-723xxx

34..roymcn3rd.......07-31-06..08-23-06..10-25-06..12-13-06..2006-723xxx

35..forgyj..........08-03-06..08-23-06..10-21-06..12-18-06..2006-728xxx

36..Elizabeth.......08-15-06..08-21-06..10-21-06..12-21-06..2006-729xxx

37..treynroxy.......08-03-06..08-25-06..11-29-06..01-11-07..2006-736xxx

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

39..daveandlirio....08-03-06..08-28-06..xx-xx-xx..01-12-07..2006-737xxx

40..lovebug.........08-12-06..08-29-06..11-29-06..01-12-07..2006-737xxx

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

42..kirkandjenny....08-18-06..09-26-06..11-29-06..01-19-07..2006-743xxx

43..Glenn&Rosemarie.08-29-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..01-25-07..2006-750xxx

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

45..ronmay..........08-28-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..12-27-06..2006-757xxx

46..Robhankins......09-01-06..09-22-06..xx-xx-xx..12-28-06..2006-761xxx

47..ellmoi..........09-17-06..09-26-06..xx-xx-xx..12-28-06..2006-762xxx

48..jo&john.........08-30-06..10-06-06..PICKED UP.10-18-06..2006-764xxx..OK-AO..Oct 25/07 days/Manila

49..RiggerAF........09-04-06..10-02-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-764xxx

50..sway............09-05-06..10-30-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-764xxx

51..edz2006.........09-05-06..10-04-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-764xxx

52..vic&el4ever.....09-07-06..09-27-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-768xxx

53..davidjack.......09-05-06..10-04-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-770xxx

54..binow...........09-20-06..10-02-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-770xxx

55..lebby...........09-07-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-772xxx

56..arch_n_cel......09-11-06..10-18-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-772xxx

57..sbqwolf1........09-11-06..10-18-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-772xxx

58..lawrencejeramie.09-11-06..10-17-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-775xxx

59..JelloShotGirl...09-29-06..10-13-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-776xxx

60..Richard&Maria...09-05-06..10-06-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-779xxx

61..garya505........09-18-06..10-17-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-779xxx

62..Iniibig ko......09-07-06..10-15-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-783xxx

63..Thersch.........09-19-06..10-23-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-783xxx

64..Ken_Maria.......09-18-06..10-10-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-783xxx

65..Birdysboy.......09-11-06..10-23-06..10-25-06..xx-xx-xx..2006-786xxx

66..gobdogman.......09-07-06..10-20-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-789xxx

67..Burrito.........09-21-06..10-18-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-789xxx

68..Steve-n-Ana.....09-28-06..10-25-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-789xxx

69..jamrok..........09-29-06..10-25-06..xx-xx-xx..11-24-06..2006-789xxx..AO..AR (Cenomar)

70..Erichu..........10-11-06..10-23-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-789xxx

71..ilovecuddlebug..09-25-06..10-27-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-792xxx

72..bangus delight..10-05-06..10-20-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-792xxx

73..oakwell.........10-16-06..11-06-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-796xxx

74..Mike_and_Jennie.10-05-06..10-30-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-799xxx

75..patrick808......10-18-06..10-30-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-800xxx

76..kar3n...........10-16-06..11-14-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-805xxx

77..kismet..........11-02-06..11-27-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-820xxx

78..iya.............11-02-06..xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-820xxx

79..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-xxxxxx

80..PatientlyWait...12-05-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-xxxxxx

K3 LIST

01..sweety_33.......04-11-06..04-25-06..xx-xx-xx..08-24-06..2006-608xxx..OK..Aug 30/06 days/???

02..phirephly.......05-08-06..05-23-06..07-01-06..09-21-06..2006-635xxx..OK..Sep 27/06 days/???

03..K3 IR...........07-25-06..xx-xx-xx..09-20-06..11-13-06..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Nov 20/07 days/San Juan MM

04..cybernutguy.....09-22-06..10-12-06..xx-xx-xx..11-28-06..2006-xxxxxx..AR..Birth Certificate

05..Amerikano.......10-03-06..10-19-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-778xxx

IR-1/CR-1

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

01..jpg.............08-15-05..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..07-17-06..2005-xxxxxx..OK...

02..stormyrain......10-05-05..07-06-06..xx-xx-xx..11-20-06..2005-xxxxxx

03..JoelAndAnalyn...12-29-05..04-21-06..xx-xx-xx..09-25-06..2006-510xxx..OK..Sep 27/02 days/Manila

04..Shortie81.......02-03-06..05-16-06..05-28-06..06-07-06..2006-544xxx..OK-ME..Jun 14/07 days/???

05..mimendoz0209....01-13-06..04-28-06..08-22-06..10-18-06..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Oct 25/07 days/Davao

06..Biancashey......03-09-06..09-01-06..xx-xx-xx..01-19-07..2006-576xxx

07..phirephly.......05-02-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-642xxx..WAKE UP PHIREPHLY!!!

08..JunCel..........05-15-06..08-24-06..12-07-06..01-05-07..2006-646xxx

09..facechelle......05-31-06..09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-659xxx

10..DaveHorton......07-25-06..08-25-06..10-24-06..12-04-06..2006-208xxx..OK

11..Jazzy...........08-03-06..10-17-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-729xxx

12..K3 IR...........09-01-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-xxxxxx

13..w1n78...........09-05-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-764xxx

14..soulm8z0928.....09-06-06..11-16-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-76xxxx

15..M&M.............09-07-06..11-15-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-765xxx

16..Amerikano.......09-13-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-772xxx

17..dims1...........09-20-06..12-01-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-775xxx

[mae_jim 0]

However, the chance of being put in AR "may" be minimized if documents arein order (e.g. they are current, they are NSO-issued, annulment decrees are certified true copies with embossed seal and not just photocopies, etc. etc.).

Fiancee has an annotated marriage certificate containing a presumption of death statement concerning her former husband. This document is over an year old. All her court papers are embossed with seals and stamps, etc. Should we obtain a current copy of the annotated marriage certificate??

Thanks

jim

[Pinay Wife 47]

Yes. Please obtain new copies of annotated MC and certified true copies of court documents since they are over a year old.

[Dean iWait 0]

Ok while we are on the subject. Sheryl has a problem with her BC. Imagine that. Her name is spelled correctly. Her Dad's name was mispelled when she was born and the LR crossed through his name and hand corrected it. We have certified letters from the LR stating that this was done in good faith yada yada. She went to NSO in Cagayan De Oro. She asked for a correction. They said they would process it and to check back in about 2 weeks since they would send the request to NSO Manila. She checked back and was told that NSO saw no need to correct it since it was not her name that was mispelled and that the hand corrected copy is the official record with NSO. Furthermore we included a copy of her BC in the petition we sent to USCIS along with the certified letters from the LR. I'm guessing at this point we just go with the one she has and hope for the best. But I would really appreciate any ideas or suggestions.

[Thersch 0]

Robhankins, thanks for info on BCs. Now we know that NSO has a new computerized format. Let's hope the embassy does not put in AR those whose BC are in the old format. It seems that NSO uses a different color every year (or fiscal year). The 1st time I applied for BC and MC, it was blue, the next year, it was green, then yellow, then back to green again. Maybe that's how the consul decides who to put in AR, if it's the wrong color, "toooot, wrong color, AR"

Oh no! I guess I have to get the green one. My BC is yellow

[soulm8z0928 0]

Ok while we are on the subject. Sheryl has a problem with her BC. Imagine that. Her name is spelled correctly. Her Dad's name was mispelled when she was born and the LR crossed through his name and hand corrected it. We have certified letters from the LR stating that this was done in good faith yada yada. She went to NSO in Cagayan De Oro. She asked for a correction. They said they would process it and to check back in about 2 weeks since they would send the request to NSO Manila. She checked back and was told that NSO saw no need to correct it since it was not her name that was mispelled and that the hand corrected copy is the official record with NSO. Furthermore we included a copy of her BC in the petition we sent to USCIS along with the certified letters from the LR. I'm guessing at this point we just go with the one she has and hope for the best. But I would really appreciate any ideas or suggestions.

i don't know if this will help head off any future AR's, but it cant hurt. any documents u get from nso u can then take to the authentication ofc @ malacanang palace where they will attach a authenticating document with seal and ribbon to ur nso copy authenticating it as true original. perhaps that cud b enuf 2 keep CO from putting cases n AR. m not sure, just an idea.

[Dean iWait 0]

Ok while we are on the subject. Sheryl has a problem with her BC. Imagine that. Her name is spelled correctly. Her Dad's name was mispelled when she was born and the LR crossed through his name and hand corrected it. We have certified letters from the LR stating that this was done in good faith yada yada. She went to NSO in Cagayan De Oro. She asked for a correction. They said they would process it and to check back in about 2 weeks since they would send the request to NSO Manila. She checked back and was told that NSO saw no need to correct it since it was not her name that was mispelled and that the hand corrected copy is the official record with NSO. Furthermore we included a copy of her BC in the petition we sent to USCIS along with the certified letters from the LR. I'm guessing at this point we just go with the one she has and hope for the best. But I would really appreciate any ideas or suggestions.

i don't know if this will help head off any future AR's, but it cant hurt. any documents u get from nso u can then take to the authentication ofc @ malacanang palace where they will attach a authenticating document with seal and ribbon to ur nso copy authenticating it as true original. perhaps that cud b enuf 2 keep CO from putting cases n AR. m not sure, just an idea.

Great info. Thanks!

[BJZags 17]

For what its worth on the whole BC-gate. Jenalyn had a "late registered" BC, registered in 1997 (she was born 1979). The NSO "official" copy she brought to her interview was requested three if not four years ago. It was an old copy, folded, and even whole-punched on the top, and they accepted it. I just don't want anyone to get a false-sense of security with multiple copies and newly requested BC from NSO. I think there is just "NO REASON" for AR sometimes. It sucks, but that just seems to be the way of things in Manila.

[arch and cel 0]

My case is different... my BC had clerical error in the date.. I applied for late registration last jan 10, 2006, but they typed it wrong instead of jan 10, 2006. they typed it jan 10, 2005... but now it is corrected already, 6 was hand wriitten and in security paper by NSO.. To all VJ member ...What Did you think is this may cause a problem during my interview and put me in AR? you comments and suggestion will be highly appreciated!!! God Bless!

[robhankins 0]

My case is different... my BC had clerical error in the date.. I applied for late registration last jan 10, 2006, but they typed it wrong instead of jan 10, 2006. they typed it jan 10, 2005... but now it is corrected already, 6 was hand wriitten and in security paper by NSO.. To all VJ member ...What Did you think is this may cause a problem during my interview and put me in AR? you comments and suggestion will be highly appreciated!!! God Bless!

There are varying opinions about BC's in the forum. Some will tell you to have no worries. Some others have been told by the embassy that they are examining any changed BC's. Knowing that we have had two members on AR because of "changed" BC's, I would take the extra time to make a personal trip to the NSO in Manila to request a new (and properly corrected copy). We had one member who got a new copy in one day. Nobody can tell you whether you will or won't get AR. But in my case, I want to walk into the interview knowing in my heart that I have done everything possible to be successful. In my opinion, I wouldn't dare walk into the embassy with a hand corrected BC.

[arch and cel 0]

My case is different... my BC had clerical error in the date.. I applied for late registration last jan 10, 2006, but they typed it wrong instead of jan 10, 2006. they typed it jan 10, 2005... but now it is corrected already, 6 was hand wriitten and in security paper by NSO.. To all VJ member ...What Did you think is this may cause a problem during my interview and put me in AR? you comments and suggestion will be highly appreciated!!! God Bless!

There are varying opinions about BC's in the forum. Some will tell you to have no worries. Some others have been told by the embassy that they are examining any changed BC's. Knowing that we have had two members on AR because of "changed" BC's, I would take the extra time to make a personal trip to the NSO in Manila to request a new (and properly corrected copy). We had one member who got a new copy in one day. Nobody can tell you whether you will or won't get AR. But in my case, I want to walk into the interview knowing in my heart that I have done everything possible to be successful. In my opinion, I wouldn't dare walk into the embassy with a hand corrected BC.

Thanks for your quick response... this correction was made by NSO when I first ask them a copy and sign it were the correstion made(2006 and person sign who made the correction) pls advise me>What am I suppose to do i dont want to to put me in AR its a avery long time waiting for me and my fiancee.. Thanks in Advance!!! and God bless!!!

[soulm8z0928 0]

For what its worth on the whole BC-gate. Jenalyn had a "late registered" BC, registered in 1997 (she was born 1979). The NSO "official" copy she brought to her interview was requested three if not four years ago. It was an old copy, folded, and even whole-punched on the top, and they accepted it. I just don't want anyone to get a false-sense of security with multiple copies and newly requested BC from NSO. I think there is just "NO REASON" for AR sometimes. It sucks, but that just seems to be the way of things in Manila.

yup, seems very arbitrary on the AR's at manila. i was thinking, knowing how bureaucrats can be sometimes, that some CO's there are so by the book that they are afraid to make a decision on their own, so just put it on AR to pass the buck. That's why i thot abt the authenticating of the documents. I'm not sure what it really means, but sometimes all a bureaucrat needs is that extra official paper with the seal and ribbon and stamp to make the official document even more official. like i said in earlier post, i have no clue if that would help cut down on AR's, but it can't hurt to try.

[BJZags 17]

For what its worth on the whole BC-gate. Jenalyn had a "late registered" BC, registered in 1997 (she was born 1979). The NSO "official" copy she brought to her interview was requested three if not four years ago. It was an old copy, folded, and even whole-punched on the top, and they accepted it. I just don't want anyone to get a false-sense of security with multiple copies and newly requested BC from NSO. I think there is just "NO REASON" for AR sometimes. It sucks, but that just seems to be the way of things in Manila.

yup, seems very arbitrary on the AR's at manila. i was thinking, knowing how bureaucrats can be sometimes, that some CO's there are so by the book that they are afraid to make a decision on their own, so just put it on AR to pass the buck. That's why i thot abt the authenticating of the documents. I'm not sure what it really means, but sometimes all a bureaucrat needs is that extra official paper with the seal and ribbon and stamp to make the official document even more official. like i said in earlier post, i have no clue if that would help cut down on AR's, but it can't hurt to try.

Because of the "late registered" we had other supporting documents proving her identity such as baptismal certificate, school ID, and the local registrar BC in case they doubted the BC. I'd read on the old ASAWA forum that "late registered" plus baptismal = OK. But in our case they did not even accept the other documents through the cubby-hole much less look at them. Whether that is because it is SOP or just luck-of-the-draw, I couldn't tell you.