Manila Embassy Interview

[Ken_Maria 0]

PW, Cant remember if we are tracking the packet 4s, but we received ours today (26 Dec). It might have been there sooner but my fiancee was in Subic with her family celebrating Christmas. Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas and has a Happy New Year. Ken & Maria

[Sheriff Uling 3]

My theory is that it is better to have Lilia show up for the interview without having completed the medical.

I concur with "arch and cel" and "PW!" It's the best and most logical action. Cheers!!!

[steve3656 0]

as of 23 Dec 06

Phil-Am K1 Information…

Pre NOA2

(K1 Introduction) - If you are just starting your K1 visa journey, please check out this information provided by the Department of State (DOS) on the K1 visa experience (CLICK HERE). I found this information very insightful when I first started. Please note that the “How to Apply for a Social Security Number Card” section is incorrect because K1 visa beneficiaries can only apply for a SSN card upon arriving into the United States. Please also review VJ's K1 guide (CLICK HERE)

(Case Status) - Once you have filed your case and recieved your case number, please register on the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) website using the Case Status Online Tool to receive emailed updates concerning your case (CLICK HERE)

Post NOA2

(1). The National Visa Center (NVC) number is within my signature. NVC assigns your case number once your case is approved (NOA2). They also may perform a preliminary background check from what I’ve read then forwards your package/case to the Manila Embassy. This process usually takes anywhere from 14 – 30 days.

(2). The Manila Embassy (USE) Packet 4, the phone number, a visa interview testimony, along with a sample Appoitment Letter are within my signature block. NOTE: Packet 4 can be acquired from the Manila Embassy website which gives directions on what documents are required by the beneficiary for the visa interview. Starting 01 November 2006, ALL nonimmigrant visa applicants must use the online Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) to complete the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application). To date, only the DS-156 has the barcode (on the first and last page) and is the ONLY form available online at http://evisaforms.state.gov. You may complete the DS-156K (Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application) and the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) (this is the form the bank validates when you pay the visa application fee) via the computer, type-writter, or handwritten. Hopefully the Manila Embassy will update their packet 4 information to clearly indicate the instructions. If you need to call the Manila Embassy, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for the Immigrant Visa Unit. The average interview appointment is assigned approximately 100 – 150 days from the receipt of your package from the NVC. Beneficiaries are now sent an letter of receipt from the USE once their physical files are received. However, this is NOT Packet 3 because the Manila Embassy ONLY issues Packet 4, and the letter of receipt is not always sent to the beneficiaries. Please also check out this instructional visa interview information (CLICK HERE) (Thx Sillygirl)

(3).The Department of State (DOS) number is within my signature. After your case is approved (NOA2) and reaches the Manila Embassy, you may call DOS instead on the Manila Embassy to obtain status of your case and make inquiries concerning your interview date. NOTE: DOS has no direct participation in the K1 process.

(4). The Visa Interview Appointments website is within my signature. This is where you can check to see if a visa interview has been scheduled for your case. It is presumed that the website is now the substitution for the visa appointment worksheet/list the Manila Embassy used in the past.

(5). St. Luke’s Extension Clinic (SLEC) information is within my signature. SLEC is where the beneficiary goes to take the medical exam and vaccination. The process takes two days. Day 1 is the medical exam and Day 2 is the vaccination. If the Manila Embassy does not mail the beneficiary the K1 Visa Packet and Appointment Letter, then you may call SLEC to arrange to pick them up at SLEC.

(6). The DELBROS website is within my signature. DELBROS is the company responsible for delivering the beneficiary’s Visa and POE information. The DELBROS delivery fee is paid subsequent to the beneficiary’s visa interview at the Manila Embassy. Per the Manila Embassy website, the current delivery fee/time is as follows:

* Metro Manila Areas, 135 Philippine Pesos, Delivered one (1) to three (3) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

* Provincial Key Cities (ex. Cebu City, Davao City, etc.) 165 Philippine Pesos; Delivered three (3) to five (5) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

* Outside Provincial Key Cities, (ex. Capiz, Leyte, Bukidnon, etc.), Cost depends on area/location, Delivered five (5) to seven (7) business days after release of visaed passport to the courier

NOTE: Per the DELBROS staff, the Manila Embassy can take as much as three (3) business days to release the visa and POE package, which is NOT included in the deliver times above. You may also call the Manila Embassy, dial 0 for the operator, and ask for Delbros, after the visa is approve, to acquire about the status of your visa delivery .

(7). CFO Guidance and Counseling Seminars are held in Manila and Cebu, with the corresponding links within my signature. The beneficiary may attend whichever location is more convenient. "Per Republic Act 8239 and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Order 28-94, Filipinos proceeding abroad as fiancé(e)s and spouses of foreign nationals are required to attend the CFO's guidance and counseling programs... " For more info (CLICK HERE). NOTE: As far as I know, this requirement is not stated within the K1 packet. However, the beneficiary can NOT travel without receiving the Guidance and Counseling Certificate and subsequent CFO stamp on the visa. Please check out this instructional information on the CFO experience (CLICK HERE) (Thx Sillygirl)

(8). The I-94 Arrival / Departure Form is within my signature. Foreigners (beneficiaries) complete the I-94 and the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer stamps the applicant’s arrival and departure portions at the Port of Entry (POE) when entering the States. You will need this for the Adjustment of Status process. NOTE: Even though it’s simple, I have supplied this so you will know what it looks like and what is required to be filled out.

Cheers!!!

Ahmari & Jhen

NOTE: The red text indicates the recent updates/chages. Please let me know if there are any suggestions. I have also correlated the numbers above to my signature below.

Hello Ahmari

Thanks for taking the time to post the detailed information regarding the interview process and it was awfully nice of you to even list a detailed questionaire of the consular questions. you mentioned that effective Novermber 2006 the following statement

"Starting 01 November 2006, ALL nonimmigrant visa applicants must use the online Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) to complete the DS-156 (Nonimmigrant Visa Application). To date, only the DS-156 has the barcode (on the first and last page) and is the ONLY form available online at http://evisaforms.state.gov. You may complete the DS-156K (Nonimmigrant Fiance(e) Visa Application) and the DS-157 (Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application) (this is the form the bank validates when you pay the visa application fee) via the computer, type-writter, or handwritten. Hopefully the Manila Embassy will update their packet 4 information to clearly indicate the instructions"

Are you saying that the DS 156 must be completed on line? my fianceee in the Philippines just received her packet 4 information, which includes the DS 156 156k and 157 so are you saying that she still needs to fill out the 156 on the website. Also do you know which form is required when she goes to the bank to pay her $100 consular fee. thanks for your help

steve

[Pinay Wife 47]

Hi Wind, yup still keeping myself busy here. Bon voyage to your fiancee. Don't forget to send us pictures of your wedding!

Ken, yes, we are tracking packet 4. Good luck ronmay on Dec. 27. Special good luck wishes goes to robhankins on the 28th. Let us know developments.

Updating timeline of Ken & Maria to add Packet 4 receipt.

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

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

03..Madison Man.....09-01-06..09-20-06..xx-xx-xx..12-04-06..2006-601xxx..OK..Dec 12/06 days/Manila

04..zethris.........04-13-06..09-20-06..xx-xx-xx..12-04-06..2006-60xxxx..OK..Dec 12/08 days/???

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

15..BJZags..........08-04-06..08-17-06..10-20-06..12-05-06..2006-720xxx..AR

16..tamara..........07-31-06..08-24-06..10-26-06..12-11-06..2006-723xxx..OK..Dec 14/03 days/Kalookan

17..shimmy..........08-01-06..08-23-06..10-20-06..12-11-06..2006-723xxx..OK..Dec 21/10 days/Davao

18..FMerz...........08-09-06..08-23-06..xx-xx-xx..12-12-06..2006-723xxx..OK..Dec 13/01 day/Picked up

19..roymcn3rd.......07-31-06..08-23-06..10-25-06..12-13-06..2006-723xxx..OK..Dec 20/07 days/Davao

20..mae_jim.........08-03-06..08-23-06..10-21-06..12-18-06..2006-728xxx..OK..Dec 20/02 days/Picked up

21..Elizabeth.......08-15-06..08-21-06..10-21-06..12-21-06..2006-729xxx..OK..xxx xx/xx days/Makati

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

35..RiggerAF........09-04-06..10-02-06..12-14-06..01-18-07..2006-764xxx

36..sway............09-05-06..10-30-06..xx-xx-xx..01-19-07..2006-764xxx

37..edz2006.........09-05-06..10-04-06..xx-xx-xx..01-23-07..2006-764xxx

38..vic&el4ever.....09-07-06..09-27-06..xx-xx-xx..02-01-07..2006-768xxx

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

40..binow...........09-20-06..10-02-06..xx-xx-xx..02-02-07..2006-770xxx

41..lebby...........09-07-06..10-03-06..12-21-06..02-05-07..2006-772xxx

42..arch_n_cel......09-11-06..10-18-06..xx-xx-xx..02-02-07..2006-772xxx

43..sbqwolf1........09-11-06..10-18-06..12-22-06..02-05-07..2006-772xxx

44..lawrencejeramie.09-11-06..10-17-06..12-23-06..02-06-07..2006-775xxx

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

46..Richard&Maria...09-05-06..10-06-06..xx-xx-xx..02-13-07..2006-779xxx

47..garya505........09-18-06..10-17-06..xx-xx-xx..02-13-07..2006-779xxx

48..Burrito.........09-21-06..10-18-06..xx-xx-xx..02-14-07..2006-783xxx

49..Iniibig ko......09-07-06..10-15-06..xx-xx-xx..02-15-07..2006-783xxx

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

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

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

53..Birdysboy.......09-11-06..10-23-06..10-25-06..02-16-07..2006-786xxx

54..gobdogman.......09-07-06..10-20-06..xx-xx-xx..02-16-07..2006-789xxx

55..Steve-n-Ana.....09-28-06..10-25-06..xx-xx-xx..02-16-07..2006-789xxx

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

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

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

59..bangus delight..10-05-06..10-20-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx

60..StevenandJinky..10-17-06..11-02-06..xx-xx-xx..02-16-07..2006-793xxx

61..felnfrank.......10-12-06..10-23-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-xxxxxx

62..oakwell.........10-16-06..11-06-06..xx-xx-xx..02-20-07..2006-796xxx

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

64..2Hearts.........10-18-06..11-03-06..xx-xx-xx..02-20-07..2006-800xxx

65..patrick808......10-18-06..10-30-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-800xxx..HOPIN' & PRAYIN'

66..Joone745........10-20-06..11-01-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-800xxx..PRAYIN' & HOPIN'

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

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

69..49bstreet.......09-29-06..11-21-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-820xxx

70..kismet..........11-02-06..11-20-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-820xxx

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

72..Alanlvsjudy.....11-06-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-824xxx

73..DeaniWait.......11-28-06..xx-xx-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-842xxx

74..DaveandFleur....10-17-06..12-19-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-845xxx

75..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-xxxxxx

76..Kayz............12-14-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-854xxx

K3 LIST

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

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

03..cybernutguy.....09-22-06..10-12-06..xx-xx-xx..11-28-06..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Dec 15/17 days/Makati

04..shadowladylx....08-02-06..08-14-06..xx-xx-xx..12-05-06..2006-721xxx..OK..Dec 12/07 days/Quezon City

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

06..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2006-839xxx

IR-1/CR-1

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

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

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

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

04..facechelle......05-31-06..09-25-06..xx-xx-xx..01-30-07..2006-659xxx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Birdysboy 5]

Tsunami alert for Philippines: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6210161.stm

Lord God have Mercy

Christ have Mercy

Lord have mercy.

[49BSTREET 0]

Tsunami alert for Philippines: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/6210161.stm

Lord God have Mercy

Christ have Mercy

Lord have mercy.

I just saw that on CNN....Lets pray for everyone's safety.

This Country has so many diasters.....God please bless everyone.

[vic&el4ever 0]

EVIDENCE OF A GENUINE ENGAGEMENT. Letters, e-mails, phone records, bank records,

Photographs, or other evidence of a genuine fiancé(e) relationship should be submitted

We are going nuts with all the proof we have, we wish too trim down how much she needs to bring. 100 of pages of proof is too much?

Chats, emails, phone records, photos, Xoom and WU receipts (support fo her and he son) 129f, packet 4 forms

Chats we are picking 4 of month. (some is over 20 pages each)

Emails we don’t use a lot, maybe forwarding things.

Photos: 3 trips, our travels, our engagement party, many family photos

Xoom and WU receipts: trying too bring all

129f copy (required) with NOA1, 2, NVC, manila receipts.

Packet 4 forms with copies 134,156,156k,157. (did we miss any?)

Less have a month too finish that mess. Any ideas on what other did?

Thanks

[BJZags 17]

Less have a month too finish that mess. Any ideas on what other did?

I think you are fine. We threw everything at the USE also, and the only thing they wanted to see about evidence of relationship were 8-pics. Its always good to have a little of "everything" just in case, but it was almost an insult when she hit the embassy and all they wanted were 8-pics. Haha, maybe if they had looked at everything we had, they wouldn't have needed to hold-up the visa at the embassy.

[vic&el4ever 0]

Less have a month too finish that mess. Any ideas on what other did?

I think you are fine. We threw everything at the USE also, and the only thing they wanted to see about evidence of relationship were 8-pics. Its always good to have a little of "everything" just in case, but it was almost an insult when she hit the embassy and all they wanted were 8-pics. Haha, maybe if they had looked at everything we had, they wouldn't have needed to hold-up the visa at the embassy.

Sure that is the plan of attack. it is just carrying it all to there hahaha, need a truck too bring it all.

Question is what do u take too the Medical VS the US?

[Sheriff Uling 3]

Are you saying that the DS 156 must be completed on line? my fianceee in the Philippines just received her packet 4 information, which includes the DS 156 156k and 157 so are you saying that she still needs to fill out the 156 on the website. Also do you know which form is required when she goes to the bank to pay her $100 consular fee. thanks for your help

steve

Hey Steve...

I pray that you and yours have a safe and joyful holiday season...

Q: "Are you saying that the DS 156 must be completed on line? ...so are you saying that she still needs to fill out the 156 on the website."

A: Yes! The DS-156 must be completed online to be assigned a specific barcode number, which is shown on page 1 and page 3. Even though the process has changed, the Embassy still sends out the obsolete DS-156 form, which does NOT have the barcodes one it. That is partially why the DS-156 must now be completed online (the other reason is for paper reduction but they continue to send out an obsolete DS-156 form wasting more paper... Go figure... LOL!). The Manilla Embassy has also threatened to reschedule the interview appointment if the beneficiary shows up without a completed online DS-156 form that has the barcodes on it.

Q: "Also do you know which form is required when she goes to the bank to pay her $100 consular fee?"

A: The DS-157 is the form that is validated by the bank when you pay the visa application fee. The bank has the form but you can complete the form, take it to the bank, and request that they validate your form. Or you can take the blank form the bank validates and gives to you (however they have an older version, but it looks exactly like the one issued to your fiancee)...

How this helps...

Cheers!!!

Ahmari & Jhen

p.s. Just and FYI - You will need two (2) copies of the DS-156 and DS-157... and only one (1) copy of the DS-156K for the interview.

[felnfrank 1]

EVIDENCE OF A GENUINE ENGAGEMENT. Letters, e-mails, phone records, bank records,

Photographs, or other evidence of a genuine fiancé(e) relationship should be submitted

We are going nuts with all the proof we have, we wish too trim down how much she needs to bring. 100 of pages of proof is too much?

Chats, emails, phone records, photos, Xoom and WU receipts (support fo her and he son) 129f, packet 4 forms

Chats we are picking 4 of month. (some is over 20 pages each)

Emails we don’t use a lot, maybe forwarding things.

Photos: 3 trips, our travels, our engagement party, many family photos

Xoom and WU receipts: trying too bring all

129f copy (required) with NOA1, 2, NVC, manila receipts.

Packet 4 forms with copies 134,156,156k,157. (did we miss any?)

Less have a month too finish that mess. Any ideas on what other did?

Thanks

lol it s a burden for me to carry all papers! i printed almost everything of our proofs, prepared a lot, but learned here that too much of something is not that good hehe well, we have different cases here, but still, i am going to bring a little of everything...but strong proofs!

refer to my signature, to see what ive prepared we got similar proofs/papers already

best of luck!

btw, my fiance will book flights for me for medical exam(jan 22-31) and interview on feb 15-16,(2 round trip tickets)...cebu pacific is ok they got a promo for christmas...

Edited December 26, 2006 by felnfrank

[garya505 2]

There are some rumors that the bank may not agree to validate your filled-up DS157 form and may insist on giving you a blank validated DS157 form. Not sure if this is all BPI branches or just some, or why they might be doing this.

[BJZags 17]

There are some rumors that the bank may not agree to validate your filled-up DS157 form and may insist on giving you a blank validated DS157 form. Not sure if this is all BPI branches or just some, or why they might be doing this.

This was true in our case, the bank insisted on validating their blank copy at the bank.

[Sheriff Uling 3]

There are some rumors that the bank may not agree to validate your filled-up DS157 form and may insist on giving you a blank validated DS157 form. Not sure if this is all BPI branches or just some, or why they might be doing this.

Very true! It depends on the bank, the teller, and/or the manager on duty. In our case, the BPI branch in Calamba would NOT validate our completed DS-157, but I have read cases where BPI branches have validated the beneficiaries DS-157 form. There is no consistency in the cooperation of the bank whether they are willing to validate your completed form verses what they have in house. Please call the bank in which you want to pay your visa application fee to verify if they are willing to validate your completed DS-157 form. Cheers!!!

[garya505 2]

There are some rumors that the bank may not agree to validate your filled-up DS157 form and may insist on giving you a blank validated DS157 form. Not sure if this is all BPI branches or just some, or why they might be doing this.

This was true in our case, the bank insisted on validating their blank copy at the bank.

Which bank and location was it?

There are some rumors that the bank may not agree to validate your filled-up DS157 form and may insist on giving you a blank validated DS157 form. Not sure if this is all BPI branches or just some, or why they might be doing this.

Very true! It depends on the bank, the teller, and/or the manager on duty. In our case, the BPI branch in Calamba would NOT validate our completed DS-157, but I have read cases where BPI branches have validated the beneficiaries DS-157 form. There is no consistency in the cooperation of the bank whether they are willing to validate your completed form verses what they have in house. Please call the bank in which you want to pay your visa application fee to verify if they are willing to validate your completed DS-157 form. Cheers!!!

Where the heck is Calamba?