Manila Embassy Interview

[RandyC 0]

Seems my case is stuck at the NVC. Called again today and they told me it was still there, and confirmed they received it on the 15th of May. I was put on hold and when she came back she said they were going to send it back to the USCIS because of IMBRA. I told her that it didn't apply to my petition as it was before March 5th (or is it the 6th?). She then admitted that they didn't know what to do about IMBRA and they are holding cases until they get more info. She said there wasn't anything specific about mine that said it was going back.

Sounds like it, and possbily others, are in limbo until they get this figured out. It is disturbing that they don't know what to do about it. I'm concerned that it could get sent back anyway. Interesting that others they received at the same time have already been forwared to Manila.

[Audrey&Romy 0]

Hello randy&rechie,

We have the same date for the NOA2 and our petition has already been received in Manila. I am surprised that they told you your case will be held pending instructions on IMBRA when your receipt date is on February. Who knows maybe NVC misinformed you. Why don't you try calling the US Embassy Manila call center number at 1-909-101-7878 (from the Phils.) or 1-888-877-9888 (from the US) to see if it was already received there. Good luck

Audrey

[RandyC 0]

Hello randy&rechie,

We have the same date for the NOA2 and our petition has already been received in Manila. I am surprised that they told you your case will be held pending instructions on IMBRA when your receipt date is on February. Who knows maybe NVC misinformed you. Why don't you try calling the US Embassy Manila call center number at 1-909-101-7878 (from the Phils.) or 1-888-877-9888 (from the US) to see if it was already received there. Good luck

Audrey

I had noticed we had the same date for the NOA2 and mentioned to the lady that others from my time had been forwarded already. I do believe she could be wrong as to the reason mine is still there, but I also think it hasn't left yet. I called the USE last Thursday or Friday and they didn't have it. I also called DOS, they all say it is still at the NVC.

I'll call again later in the week. I hope to hear that it has been sent to USE Manila and not to USCIS Nebraska.

Thanks for your suggestons.

[Pinay Wife 47]

x x xI just want to inquire about the documents that I need to prepare while waiting for our document to arrive in Manila. x x x My fiance is planning to buy/reserve a ticket but from what I understand while reading your messages here, most of you guys took 3 months just to get an interview date. I visited the US Embassy Manila site but sadly I can't find any information that will say the lenght of waiting time just to get an interview for a k1-Visa.

Brittaniquec,

Here's a link to the docs you need to prepare while waiting for your interview.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...st=0#entry19310

It is not advisable to buy tickets so soon. Anything can still happen.

It's currently taking 3-4 months from the date the embassy physically receives the case file to interview date. You're still lucky. Around this time last year, it was taking 6-7 months to get an interview. Mine took almost 6 months.

By the way, if you want to be included in our list, please provide us with your Manila case number and homestate of your fiance and your hometown in the Phils. Thanks.

I'm sorry to hear that you were affected by IMBRA Randy. I hope they settle this soon.

PW

[brittaniquec_Chic 0]

x x xI just want to inquire about the documents that I need to prepare while waiting for our document to arrive in Manila. x x x My fiance is planning to buy/reserve a ticket but from what I understand while reading your messages here, most of you guys took 3 months just to get an interview date. I visited the US Embassy Manila site but sadly I can't find any information that will say the lenght of waiting time just to get an interview for a k1-Visa.

Brittaniquec,

Here's a link to the docs you need to prepare while waiting for your interview.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...st=0#entry19310

It is not advisable to buy tickets so soon. Anything can still happen.

It's currently taking 3-4 months from the date the embassy physically receives the case file to interview date. You're still lucky. Around this time last year, it was taking 6-7 months to get an interview. Mine took almost 6 months.

By the way, if you want to be included in our list, please provide us with your Manila case number and homestate of your fiance and your hometown in the Phils. Thanks.

I'm sorry to hear that you were affected by IMBRA Randy. I hope they settle this soon.

PW

Thanks PatientlyWaiting!

Hopefully things will get better and faster.

About the Manila case number that you're asking I dont have it yet. I'll let you know as soon as I have the number.

Bdw I'm curious to know .. How this stuff works and affects the process?

I researched this article about IMBRA.. just want to confirm if we have the same understanding about this.

[mychelle 1]

my fiance and i called the Manila Embassy's local number to ask about our case. we both asked if they've received it. he called first and then the lady on that extension said NVC sent it electronically and that is what they have but they have not received our application. she was somewhat rude to him as she said to dial the call center instead and she cut him off before he can finish asking more questions...he was forwarded to a call center recording (he just hang-up after that.)

anyway, so i called instead and asked the same thing (after confirming who i am, she said my fiance called a few minutes ago) she was much nicer to me and i spoke a bit in Filipino (so maybe that helped)...she said, although they've received it electronically...they have not received the actual file (i guess she meant the 129F application packet).

is that what you guys mean when you say the embassy received your application? so it's the electronic one? the operator then said that it will take about 150 days for them to schedule an interview for us. she said right now they're scheduling August interviews only. she said, i should expect ours in September.

so i shouldn't worry about them receiving our ACTUAL 129F application? i don't get it. please shed some light on this.

thanks!

[Audrey&Romy 0]

Hi Mychelle,

When I called to check if my case had already been received at the US Embassy Manila I did not ask whether it was electronically received or whether they received the actual documents. I just asked if they had already received my K-1 petition. I was asked for my MNL case number, and name which I gave. Then they confirmed my address. After which they informed me that they had received my petition on a certain date, and to wait for the K packet which should take between 60 to 180 days.

Maybe other members of this thread can share their experience on this one as I'm a little confused on this one.

Audrey

[spunky66 0]

Hmmmm IMBRA was put on hold by a federal judge, looks like they need some leadership there

K-packet ?????? Before your interview your finacee in the philippines will receive a packet, usually is 1 month prior , if it gets there at all. This is info needed for your physcial and interview. Only 1 packet in the philippines. Once the NVC sends your actual physcial documents to the manila embassy you will receive a letter stating so and it has the case number on it. You are then " plunked " into line for your interview date. I dont know that time line but check this thread and the case numbers are in some form of order for interviews

Good luck

Brad

[DaleluvsCes 0]

read this :< read this here >

someone help please

Edited May 31, 2006 by DaleluvsCes

[Pinay Wife 47]

Oh Dale, what a mess but for as long as your fiancee is already holding a passport, she should still be able to make it to her medical and interview. Other documents that will take time to get are CENOMAR, NSO-registered birth certificate and NBI clearance. As your fiancee is a K3, you need to send her the original I-134 (notarized).

For Packet 4 (there is no Packet 3 for Manila), click this link

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...st=0#entry19310 to view the contents. The packet contains forms, instructions and list of documents to be prepared prior to interview. The samples are for K1 applicants but K3 should not be any different.

You may call the embassy at (632) 528-6300 ext. 5184 to request that a packet be sent to St. Lukes for pick up by your fiancee. Then a day prior to her interview, she has to call St. Lukes (tel.521-0020 and 521-8647) to ensure that her packet is there. Your fiancee may have her medical exam done on the day she picks up her packet. The guards will let her in for as long as she is able to provide them her Manila case number or show the NVC letter with her case number.

Here’s another list of required documents for visa application from the embassy website.

http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwh3217.html

Some info on medical exam.

http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwh3218.html

Bring the following on medical day (and other tips)

1) Passport plus photocopy of appointment letter

2) Philippine peso equivalent of $100. St. Lukes does not accept dollars.

3) 3 pieces 2 x 2 photos (1 for medical day, and the other 2 for US embassy which will be submitted to St. Lukes on the 2nd day of medical)

4) old x-rays (if available)

5) baby (vaccination record) if still available

6) Wet wipes

7) Eyeglasses, if wearing one (needed for eye exam)

8) Wear clothes that are easy to take off (for x-ray and physical exam)

10) Eat heavy breakfast. St. Lukes do not allow food inside. No need to fast before the medical.

11) Bring ballpen.

Dale, if she is not able to complete her documentation, you can always request for the interview to be re-scheduled.

Good luck!

[brittaniquec_Chic 0]

Hmmmm IMBRA was put on hold by a federal judge, looks like they need some leadership there

K-packet ?????? Before your interview your finacee in the philippines will receive a packet, usually is 1 month prior , if it gets there at all. This is info needed for your physcial and interview. Only 1 packet in the philippines. Once the NVC sends your actual physcial documents to the manila embassy you will receive a letter stating so and it has the case number on it. You are then " plunked " into line for your interview date. I dont know that time line but check this thread and the case numbers are in some form of order for interviews

Good luck

Brad

Just for clarification brad...

After the Embassy of Manila received the documents, we just need to wait for 1packet.

Then we're just going to be queued in the interview?

Just asking,

Brit

[Pinay Wife 47]

[bdw I'm curious to know .. How this stuff works and affects the process?

I researched this article about IMBRA. just want to confirm if we have the same understanding about this.

As far as I understand it, IMBRA should affect only those who met through a marriage broker. However, it seems that everyone with NOA2 of March 6 and up are affected. The people at DHS and USCIS are confused and don’t seem to know what to do with IMBRA.

x x x she said, although they've received it electronically...they have not received the actual file (i guess she meant the 129F application packet).

is that what you guys mean when you say the embassy received your application? so it's the electronic one? x x x

so i shouldn't worry about them receiving our ACTUAL 129F application? i don't get it. please shed some light on this.

From NVC, the file is “electronically” transferred to Manila Embassy. Manila Embassy has to “physically” receive the case file before an interview can be set.

Just for clarification brad...

After the Embassy of Manila received the documents, we just need to wait for 1packet.

Then we're just going to be queued in the interview?

Brit

Yup, just one packet is all we need in Manila.

[Pinay Wife 47]

You may call the embassy at (632) 528-6300 ext. 5184 to request that a packet be sent to St. Lukes for pick up by your fiancee. Then a day prior to her interview , she has to call St. Lukes (tel.521-0020 and 521-8647) to ensure that her packet is there. Your fiancee may have her medical exam done on the day she picks up her packet x x x

Sorry, this should read "a day prior to her medical (instead of interview), she has to call St. Lukes"

[davidg 0]

Well... while we're waiting for the interview date to be set (every time I call DOS or the embassy I get the same answer: 100 to 150 days from now, nothing is scheduled yet) I have scheduled a trip to spend some time with my sweetheart. I will be spending a week there in July, right around Manila.

Here's hoping everyone gets their interview dates soon and that we can all start our new lives together.

[DaleluvsCes 0]

well at least we are getting somewhere with the help of liason

daleluvces thanks God

Mr. _____, I’ve received the following from Manila. The documents which are contained in the packet were not addressed, but I assure you I asked. I am delighted to receive as much information as I did, and as quickly. If you need to know about the documents, I would suggest you or your wife call the number as indicated for further information. The information included in this note is more than I normally receive. I will also send this information via mail. Based on previous experience, I don’t think it would help if I inquire further about the packet at this time – I imagine that will be addressed in the interview.

“This is in reply to your inquiry of June 1, 2006, regarding the visa case of the referenced individual.

The applicant is scheduled for a visa interview on June __, 2006. At that time, a consular officer will determine if the applicant is qualified for visa issuance.

The applicant may go to St. Luke's Extension Clinic any workday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. with her valid passport to pick up a copy of the K Packet and have the required medical examination. St. Luke's Extension Clinic is located at 1177 J. Bocobo Street, Ermita, Manila. The phone numbers are (632) 524-6083, (632) 525-4173 and (632) 526-4327. Please note that the medical examination may take more than one day to complete.

If the applicant would like to inquire further about the status of the visa case, she should contact the Embassy's Visa Call Center at telephone 1-909-101-7878 (PLDT and Smart). Callers in the USA can contact the Call Center at 1-888-877-9888. The Call Center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Manila time). There is a fee assessed to callers by the Call Center for its services.”

Sincerely,