Manila Embassy Interview

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

hello..my interview was Feb 23 and was approved!

right now, just waiting for the visa since we asked them to deliver it here in Makati. I hope it will be here soon.

thank you all for the support!

vhi

Big Congratulations! Whooohooo! Another successful February interview! When do you hope to fly here to the states?

[Pinay Wife 47]

Updating list to congratulate 'my destiny' and to update packet date of dj2004.

I'm happy to note the high number of successful interviews. All of you went to your interviews in full battle gear and armed to the teeth Way to go, Manila!!!

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..Robhankins......09-01-06..09-22-06..xx-xx-xx..02-26-07..2006-761xxx..OK

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10..Richard&Maria...09-05-06..10-06-06..12-21-06..02-13-07..2006-779xxx..OK..Feb 19/06 days/Greenhills, SJ

11..garya505........09-18-06..10-17-06..12-29-06..02-13-07..2006-779xxx..OK..Feb 15/02 days/Pick up

12..Burrito.........09-21-06..10-18-06..12-23-06..02-14-07..2006-783xxx..OK..Feb 22/08 days/Taguig

13..Iniibig ko......09-07-06..10-15-06..12-27-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx..OK..Feb 22/07 days/Pick up

14..Thersch.........09-19-06..10-23-06..12-22-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx..OK..Feb 22/07 days/Davao

15..Ken_Maria.......09-18-06..10-10-06..12-26-06..02-15-07..2006-783xxx..OK..Feb 22/07 days/Angeles City

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

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

18..gobdogman.......09-07-06..10-20-06..xx-xx-xx..02-26-07..2006-789xxx..OK..but pending birth registration of baby

19..Steve-n-Ana.....09-28-06..10-25-06..12-29-06..02-16-07..2006-789xxx..OK..Feb 23/07 days/Davao

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

21..Erichu..........10-11-06..10-23-06..12-23-06..02-16-07..2006-789xxx..OK..Feb 20/04 days/Pick up

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

22..felnfrank.......10-12-06..10-23-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx..OK..Feb 23/07 days/Manila

23..bangus delight..10-05-06..10-20-06..12-22-06..02-16-07..2006-792xxx..OK..Feb 23/07 days/Pasig

24..StevenandJinky..10-17-06..11-02-06..01-02-07..02-16-07..2006-793xxx..OK..Feb 21/05 days/Cebu

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

26..Mike_and_Jennie.10-05-06..10-30-06..12-21-06..02-20-07..2006-799xxx..OK..Feb 22/02 days/Pick up

27..2Hearts.........10-18-06..11-03-06..PICK UP...02-20-07..2006-800xxx..OK..Feb 24/04 days/Cebu

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

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

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

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

32..pnoy00pogi......09-26-06..10-18-06..01-08-07..02-26-07..2006-xxxxxx..OK

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

34..49bstreet.......09-29-06..11-21-06..01-23-07..03-21-07..2006-820xxx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

48..George&Jenny....11-27-06..12-12-06..xx-xx-xx..04-10-07..2006-845xxx

49..PatientlyWait...12-04-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-13-07..2006-852xxx

50..Kayz............12-14-06..12-27-06..02-26-07..04-16-07..2006-854xxx

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

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

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

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

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

56..Mike Marivic....01-04-07..01-20-07..xx-xx-xx..04-24-07..2007-508xxx

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

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

59..Honeysweet......02-01-07..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-540xxx

60..chadmides.......02-12-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-547xxx

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..Archie07........10-16-06..10-24-06..xx-xx-xx..02-16-07..2006-xxxxxx..OK..Feb 26/10 days/??

04..dj2004..........11-16-06..12-12-06..02-27-07..04-03-07..2006-839xxx

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

06..Jeff&Boo........12-26-06..01-12-07..02-26-07..04-26-07..2007-5xxxxx

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Thersch 0]

Hi Mari! Glad to know you're in SFO na. Is it cold there now? Hala dali, tell Eric to bring you to Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, atsaka doon sa crookedest street , I forgot the name of that place. Ah, Lombard Street pala yun. Wow, sightseeing galore!

Dont forget Alcatraz and Jollibee in Daly City! lol... SFO will be my POE (this March 2- WOHOOO!!) and we will stay there for 5 days to see all these places.. and Visit with Mari. My Fiance misses Jollibee so we looked it up and found one in Daly City so we will go there (i hope they have Daing na Bangus since thats what he likes..lol) and visit couple of Filipino Restaurants too

Oh im so excited and I just cant hide it!!! lol

Congrats to everyone who just got approved

-TeSsA-

[DaveandFleur 0]

Hello Everyone, I find myself here with nobody to talk to about this and hope that some of you possibly will be able to shed some insight into this serious issue for me. My wife has been here now in the USA for 18 days. I have tried to be the best husband that I can possibly be. I take her places, out to dinner and even cook gourmet dinners for us. I am an independent broker and my office is in my home. My day's are somewhat busy and sometimes hectic from 8:00am to about 7:00pm Monday through Friday. Since my wife arrived here, I have made a point to take a few hours away from my work. My wife seemed to be sad and unhappy over the last few days. She is not the type of person to say what is bothering her or complain. I finally got her to tell me what is bothering her. It seems that she is feeling lonely and scared. She has made numerous comments that our neighborhood is very quiet and she rarely sees anyone outside. She relies on me for transportation, as she has not taken her driving exam yet. I live in a community next to the ocean, so its about a two or 3 mile drive for shopping, dining, etc. The biggest problem she describes to me is she is scared here. She isn't sleeping at night. She says it is because she is scared, as she hears noises above the master bedroom of which is upstairs. She thinks it is a spirit or a ghost walking around up there! I am serious, she thinks this. I hear things also and I have explained to her that it is the rustling of the very tall Palm trees outside our house. It is always windy or breezy here, as our house is a stones throw from the Atlantic Ocean. My wife is a smart person and well educated, so that isn't an issue. I respect her culture and beliefs and know that this fear is real to her.

This is serious and to the point that she wants to return to the Philippines. She is lonely and scared and I just don't know what to do. All of you have become like an Internet family to me, so I am hoping that possibly some of you can share experiences or shed some insight into this issue for me. I am very frustrated, as I don't know what else to say or do. You can send me a private message if you prefer. Thanks, Glenn

Hi Glenn,

I think that it happens to everyone to more or less a degree. Did you both talk about how your daily lives would be together? During the period apart, how much time did you spend on the phone or chatting online? My fiancee will be here this coming Friday and I'm currently waiting tables at night (3 days a week) in addition to my full time job - so I'm concerned about how the transition will be for her, but we talk about it all the time. Keep in mind, she's left EVERYTHING behind her, she's not only in a strange neighborhood but a strange country as well. If she can't drive right away, show her the public transportation system so that she has a way to get out of that house that will quickly feel like a prison to her if it doesn't already.

Expectations are so important. I would sit down and have a heart to heart talk. Make some immediate goals that will help her to feel comfortable (introducing her to some of the neighbors, introduce her to your friends, get involved with your church, find a network of Filipino Americans nearby that she can communicate with). Then I'd talk about long term goals (getting her driver's license, signing up for classes at a local college, etc.). Whatever the main plan was that you both had imagined, in terms of your lives together - that has to be ironed out where both of you have a good idea of what to expect.

Just try to put yourself in her place and imagine what you would need to do to keep your sanity. Going back home is NOT the solution and both of you need to believe that. The transition is going to be painful and there's no way to get around it, but tell yourselves that it is temporary. Eventually you will both form a life together that feels comfortable.

Don't despair. Best wishes!

We have been married since December 2005. I visited her twice for 6 weeks prior to our marriage and I met her in Manila 3 times for 2 to 4 weeks during 2006. We chatted or talked on the phone everyday since the first time we met. I let her know before we married that my business life was not only a busy one, but very hectic most of the time. I think she is somewhat surprised at the way I do business, as there is a lot of emotion at times. But, that is just the nature of my business.

I wish desperately that I knew Filipinos here. I know there are many here, but haven't a clue on how she can meet them? I appreciate your concern and feedback.

Hi Glenn,

Hang in there buddy. I hope somehow you can find some way for her to meet some of the filipinas in your area. I'm lucky that my mom has a friend who knows some filipinas here. One of them advised me to call her basically as soon as Sheryl steps off the plane. They have a monthly get together with a bunch of filipinas in the area and their husbands. I'm really hoping this will make a big difference in how Sheryl gets along her first few months here and beyond. God bless.

Dean

Today is much different for Rosemarie and myself. I know that God is shining upon us. Last night we went to dinner at a local restaurant. I saw my wife's eyes light up as a couple was seated behind us. The woman was a Filipina. After we finished our dinner I made introductions and we saat down and talked with them for two hours. The Filipina has been here 28 years. She is going to introduce my wife to other Filipinas here and take her shopping. I also took some advice from some of you on VJ. On Wednesday they are installing " Filipino dish network" and we will get 6 Filipino channels! My cable company didn't offer these. we are going to the Filipino market in Jacksonville also to get some of the foods she misses. Its a good start I think. After we talked with the couple last night I determined that "homesickness" is the major issue for her. I truly want her to be happy, as she is so precious to me. Thanks to all of you here on VJ!

I am so happy to hear the great news, we all need to stick together even when our sweeties get here... I am so glad for you Glen....

[Alanlvsjudy 0]

I was wounding if anyone has tryied to schedule a k1 visa appointment useing "Visa Point". You have to pay like $10 to join the system but after that you can make a visa appointment. Im sure its too good to be true but it doesnt hurt to ask to see if not why??

https://www.us-visaservices.com/philippines...curedefault.htm

Thanks

Chad and Mides

Dont waste your money, you will have to wait your turn like everyone else. We ALL miss our sweethearts. I would suggest putting that ten bucks with $1990 more and go see her.

[Glenn & Rosemarie 0]

Hello Everyone, I find myself here with nobody to talk to about this and hope that some of you possibly will be able to shed some insight into this serious issue for me. My wife has been here now in the USA for 18 days. I have tried to be the best husband that I can possibly be. I take her places, out to dinner and even cook gourmet dinners for us. I am an indepenent broker and my office is in my home. My day's are somewhat busy and sometimes hectic from 8:00am to about 7:00pm Monday through Friday. Since my wife arrived here, I have made a point to take a few hours away from my work. My wife seemed to be sad and unhappy over the last few days. She is not the type of person to say what is bothering her or complain. I finally got her to tell me what is bothering her. It seems that she is feeking lonely and scared. She has made numerous comments that our neighborhood is very quiet and she rarely sees anyone outside. She relys on me for transportation, as she has not taken her driving exam yet. I live in a community next to the ocean, so its about a two or 3 mile drive for shopping, dining, etc. The biggest problem she describes to me is she is scared here. She isn't sleeping at night. She says it is because she is scared, as she hears noises above the master bedroom of which is upstairs. She thinks it is a spirit or a ghost walking around up there! I am serious, she thinks this. I hear things also and I have explained to her that it is the rustling of the very tall Palm trees outside our house. It is always windy or breezy here, as our house is a stones throw from the Atlantic Ocean. My wife is a smart person and well educated, so that isn't an issue. I respect her culture and beliefs and know that this fear is real to her.

This is serious and to the point that she wants to return to the Philippines. She is lonely and scared and I just don't know what to do. All of you have become like an internet family to me, so I am hoping that possibly some of you can share experiences or shed some insight into this issue for me. I am very frustrated, as I don't know what else to say or do. You can send me a private message if you prefer. Thanks, Glenn

Hi Glenn,, my wife recieved her visa yesterday and Ive already thought about this. Living in manila and then coming here to florida will be a big change for her. I live north of tampa up by brooksville on a piece of land larger then her city streets. . We will be out on my boat alot fishing, but i'm sure she can handle only so much of that. I thought about spending a weekend in St. Augustine, riding the bus and seeing the sites and eating some good food. In april there is a big philfest in tampa, We will be there saturday and sunday. My wife will feel more at home I think. My friend has a filipina wife also and I think once one of them gets a driver liscense it will be off to the malls. Plus my wife will be retiring this week from her job so there is another transition to be made. They are going to need some time to adapt to our peaceful lifestyle. I remember in manila some guy out in the street at night yelling baloot all night long. I would have bought them all just to get some sleep but I knew he would be back again, haha. Well, if you can come up with any ideas feel free to contact me. archie

Yes, I agree that staying busy is an important part of fighting off the homesickness. You mention a big "Philfest" in Tampa in April, do you have the dates for that event? I think Rosemarie would like to attend that. My wife finds a very large difference in living here and in Cagayan de Oro. She comments on how quiet it is here, nobody is walking and that the neighbors never seem to come outside.

[DaveandFleur 0]

What is the number of NVC? Is it the National Visa Center?

We got approved in Feb 13, 2007 but we have not been instructed on where is our case now.

Need your advice.

It can take up to 90 days for the case to get to the NVC from your service center. We had to wait nearly 60 days. Some are sooner than others. I learned that you cannot compare cases. Every case is different. Once your case is sent to the NVC then it goes to Manila within a week or two. Then your looking at 120 days for an interview. Also, between the Service Center and NVC they have no way of tracking your case. The service center will tell you they have sent it to the NVC and NVC will tell you they do not have your case yet. I think it sits on a pallet with 1000's of others waiting to be shipped. I hope this helps you. I know its hard waiting, but patience is a huge factor through this process.

[robhankins 0]

I was wounding if anyone has tryied to schedule a k1 visa appointment useing "Visa Point". You have to pay like $10 to join the system but after that you can make a visa appointment. Im sure its too good to be true but it doesnt hurt to ask to see if not why??

https://www.us-visaservices.com/philippines...curedefault.htm

Thanks

Chad and Mides

Yep, I paid the $10. They don't tell you in advance, but it doesn't work for K1.

[DaveandFleur 0]

I was wounding if anyone has tryied to schedule a k1 visa appointment useing "Visa Point". You have to pay like $10 to join the system but after that you can make a visa appointment. Im sure its too good to be true but it doesnt hurt to ask to see if not why??

https://www.us-visaservices.com/philippines...curedefault.htm

Thanks

Chad and Mides

Dont waste your money, you will have to wait your turn like everyone else. We ALL miss our sweethearts. I would suggest putting that ten bucks with $1990 more and go see her.

K-1 and K-2 VISA's are described as non-immigrant VISA's but are processed by the Immigrant Visa unit and therefore cannot be scheduled through VISA Point. It is taking currently 120 days from the day your case is received in Manila to get an interview and medical exam date. We were notified about 45 days in advanced of our medical/interview date. This is how our case went....Check out my timeline below as an example. Your case may go faster or slower.

[2 Hearts 0]

Yes, I agree that staying busy is an important part of fighting off the homesickness. You mention a big "Philfest" in Tampa in April, do you have the dates for that event? I think Rosemarie would like to attend that. My wife finds a very large difference in living here and in Cagayan de Oro. She comments on how quiet it is here, nobody is walking and that the neighbors never seem to come outside.

The 2007 PhilFest is April 13-15 in Tampa, Florida. Here is a link for more information:

http://www.pcfitampa.org/projects_and_even...ilfest2007.html

[macky 0]

I wish I could go to that Philfest but I will be in Florida on the third week of April...

[GaryC 7]

Luz is going to the CFO tomorrow. I am looking at the CFO web site and I don't understand what they are asking for.

Counseling Requirements for Filipino Spouses and Other Partners of Foreign Nationals

1. Two (2) valid identification cards (IDs) with photograph;

2. Duly completed guidance and counseling form;

3. If married, certified true copy and photocopy of marriage contract on security paper from the National Statistics Office (NSO), or Local Civil Registry Offices (LCRO); or original and photocopy of marriage contract duly authenticated by the Philippine Embassy/Consulate (if married abroad)

4. Other documents as may be required by the counselors; and

5. Payment of P250.00 counseling fee.

Then there is this:

Registration Requirements for Filipino Spouses and Other Partners of Foreign Nationals

1. Original Passport;

2. Original and photocopy of visa;

3. Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for US bound/Confirmation of Permanent Residence for Canada bound/ Embassy Certification of Eligibility (for Spain bound C visa holders);

4. Original CFO guidance and counseling certificate;

5. Duly completed emigrant registration form; and

6. Payment of the authorized registration fee.

What is that "3. Original and photocopy of Immigrant Data Summary for US bound"?

What else will she need? Will she need to take the brown envelope in addition to her passport with the visa in it?

The counseling Requirements says something about a "2. Duly completed guidance and counseling form" and the Registration Requirements ask for "5. Duly completed emigrant registration form".

Is this the same form? I want her to go with everything she needs. Is there a guide for the CFO that she can use? Thanks!

[macky 0]

Hi Gary. Where will she take the CFO seminar? If its in Taft Avenue in Manila,here's the number 5253114. People there are nice dont worry. Im sure they will be the best people to ask,to make sure. Tell her to call tomorrow. I dont think she need to bring the brown envelope.

The first set of requirements is for the seminar, and second set is if you have the passport with visa already. Because some take the seminar first and wait for the visa then will get the stamp. I also read some were asked for their NSO birth certificate, NBI Clearance and some pictures. Hope this helps.

[Dean iWait 0]

Hi PW. Update: Packet 4 received 2/27/07.

This may have been asked before recently. Does anyone know about April 5th and 6th? Will the embassy be closed for these Philippines holidays?

[Glenn & Rosemarie 0]

I wish I could go to that Philfest but I will be in Florida on the third week of April...

This is your early Welcome to Florida Macky!

Glenn & Rosemarie