Manila Embassy Interview

Pinay Wife · September 8, 2006

We are only a day ahead of NOA2 approval (8/30) to robhankins (9/01). We received our physical NOA2 through snail mail (9/05) but no communication yet from NVC. What really worries us is the 120-day wait time for interview date from embassy recepit date because my daughter (K2) will turn 21 on January 06, 2007! We have sent an email yesterday to NVC (gave them our USCIS Case Receipt No.) relative to this concern. One hundred twenty-one (121) days from now, my daughter will be 21! We pray that they expedite our case.
1. Does NVC/Manila Embassy give early appointment dates because of this (K2 aging out)?

2. In case we got our visas before she turns 21 and we flew to the u.s. but she turns 21 before John and I get married, what will happen to the K2?

3. In case she turns 21 before the interview (God forbids), what are the implications?

jo&john,

This is what the embassy website say:

http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwh3219.html

Applicants who are turning 21 years of age must notify the Embassy in a timely manner (at least three months before turning 21) about their “aging-out” situation. An applicant, if petitioned under a visa category that classifies the applicant as a “child”, becomes ineligible for the visa once he/she turns 21 years old. A new petition will have to be filed on his/her behalf. If the Embassy is alerted of an “aging out” situation and if visa numbers are available for the applicant’s use, the visa processing may be expedited to ensure that the applicant is able to depart before turning 21. The Embassy will not be able to assist in aging-out situations when cases have priority dates that are not yet current.

For instructions in requesting early appointment

http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwhni20.html

Does anybody here knows how long the NVC will forward the case to Manila after the case has been completed. I'm petitioning my husband through IR1 and he's asking me when he will probably get his interview. I know only a few of us doing IR in here its hard to compare.... Thanks in advance.=0)

It doesn't take long at NVC (usually 2-4 weeks) but I'm not sure for IR cases. Judging from jpg and joel&analyn's case, which took 11 months and 9 months from NOA2 to interview date, respectively, your husband should be in line for the interview soon. Watch out for the next appointment bulletin, his case number might be listed already. I know it's hard but just a little more wait, sweetie :clock:

Updated to add jo&john.

Legend:

OK - Visa approved

AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required

ME - Military Expedite

Name..............NOA2.....MNL REC’D...PACKET...INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#...STATUS...VISA IN HAND

K1 LIST

Windchaser......08-29-05...09-27-05...07-25-06...09-01-06...2005-756xxx...OK.....

djcess..........03-10-06...03-24-06...xx-xx-xx...08-09-06...2006-579xxx...OK.....08-19-06 (10 days)

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

davidg..........04-20-06...05-13-06...xx-xx-xx...09-11-06...2006-625xxx

titakey.........04-23-06...05-22-06...xx-xx-xx...09-22-06...2006-635xxx

Audrey&Romy.....05-01-06...05-22-06...07-13-06...09-22-06...2006-635xxx

randyandrechie..05-01-06...06-05-06...07-13-06...09-20-06...2006-635xxx

mychelle........05-03-06...05-31-06...07-06-06...09-14-06...2006-639xxx

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

danlet..........05-12-06...05-31-06...06-27-06...08-10-06...2006-xxxxxx...OK.....08-17-06 (7 days)

Tomnjas.........05-23-06...06-14-06...07-11-06...09-28-06...2006-656xxx

sillygirl.......05-17-06...06-14-06...06-29-06...09-28-06...2006-657xxx

Brittaniquec....05-25-06...06-20-06...07-10-06...08-08-06...2006-660xxx...OK.....08-14-06 (6 days)

kevlar_kev......06-30-06...07-18-06...07-27-06...10-05-06...2006-691xxx

YnaYeBa0808.....07-24-06...08-10-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-712xxx

Keith88gt.......07-24-06...08-04-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-xxxxxx

Uling...........07-31-06...08-08-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-712xxx

Ara&Ken.........07-31-06...08-24-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-719xxx

Karel...........08-01-06...08-22-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-719xxx

shimmy..........08-01-06...08-23-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-723xxx

lovebug.........08-12-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-xxxxxx

Elizabeth.......08-15-06...08-24-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-729xxx

jo&john.........08-30-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-xxxxxx

Robhankins......09-01-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-xxxxxx

K3 LIST

sweety_33.......04-11-06...04-25-06...xx-xx-xx...08-24-06...2006-608xxx...OK.....08-30-06 (6 days)

phirephly.......05-08-06...05-23-06...07-01-06...09-21-06...2006-635xxx

IR-1/CR-1

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

JoelAndAnalyn...12-29-05...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...09-25-06...2006-510xxx

Shortie81.......02-03-06...05-16-06...05-28-06...06-07-06...2006-544xxx...OK-ME...06-14-06 (7 days)

Biancashey......03-09-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-576xxx

phirephly.......05-02-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-642xxx

jazzy...........08-03-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-729xxx

Edited September 8, 2006 by PatientlyWaiting

sillygirl · September 8, 2006

Looks like my fiancee and you have the same interview date. Sep 28 yeh hey. She is someone who really follows the rules and is too shy to ask for an early medical exam. But I am concerned that something may come up (e.g. cold or flu etc etc)to delay the medical exam if she waits until her assigned date of Sep 21. She already has her appointment letter etc etc. How were you able to get an early medical exam date? Did you call St Luke's or did you just show up?
Thank you, in advance, for your info. Tx so much for the excellent info on how to handle the St Luke's experience.

Live Laugh Love and dont forget to smile once in awhile.

Hi! Yeah, it looks like we do have the same interview date. :yes:

She can just go to St. Luke's anytime (as long as she doesn't have her period :lol: ) and just present her appointment letter and passport like I mentioned in the procedure.

Getting the medical out of the way is one less thing to worry about.

jo&john · September 8, 2006

jo&john,
This is what the embassy website say:

http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwh3219.html

Applicants who are turning 21 years of age must notify the Embassy in a timely manner (at least three months before turning 21) about their “aging-out” situation. An applicant, if petitioned under a visa category that classifies the applicant as a “child”, becomes ineligible for the visa once he/she turns 21 years old. A new petition will have to be filed on his/her behalf. If the Embassy is alerted of an “aging out” situation and if visa numbers are available for the applicant’s use, the visa processing may be expedited to ensure that the applicant is able to depart before turning 21. The Embassy will not be able to assist in aging-out situations when cases have priority dates that are not yet current.

For instructions in requesting early appointment

http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwhni20.html

Updated to add jo&john.

Legend:

OK - Visa approved

AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required

ME - Military Expedite

Name..............NOA2.....MNL REC’D...PACKET...INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#...STATUS...VISA IN HAND

K1 LIST

Windchaser......08-29-05...09-27-05...07-25-06...09-01-06...2005-756xxx...OK.....

djcess..........03-10-06...03-24-06...xx-xx-xx...08-09-06...2006-579xxx...OK.....08-19-06 (10 days)

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

davidg..........04-20-06...05-13-06...xx-xx-xx...09-11-06...2006-625xxx

titakey.........04-23-06...05-22-06...xx-xx-xx...09-22-06...2006-635xxx

Audrey&Romy.....05-01-06...05-22-06...07-13-06...09-22-06...2006-635xxx

randyandrechie..05-01-06...06-05-06...07-13-06...09-20-06...2006-635xxx

mychelle........05-03-06...05-31-06...07-06-06...09-14-06...2006-639xxx

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

danlet..........05-12-06...05-31-06...06-27-06...08-10-06...2006-xxxxxx...OK.....08-17-06 (7 days)

Tomnjas.........05-23-06...06-14-06...07-11-06...09-28-06...2006-656xxx

sillygirl.......05-17-06...06-14-06...06-29-06...09-28-06...2006-657xxx

Brittaniquec....05-25-06...06-20-06...07-10-06...08-08-06...2006-660xxx...OK.....08-14-06 (6 days)

kevlar_kev......06-30-06...07-18-06...07-27-06...10-05-06...2006-691xxx

YnaYeBa0808.....07-24-06...08-10-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-712xxx

Keith88gt.......07-24-06...08-04-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-xxxxxx

Uling...........07-31-06...08-08-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-712xxx

Ara&Ken.........07-31-06...08-24-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-719xxx

Karel...........08-01-06...08-22-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-719xxx

shimmy..........08-01-06...08-23-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-723xxx

lovebug.........08-12-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-xxxxxx

Elizabeth.......08-15-06...08-24-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-729xxx

jo&john.........08-30-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-xxxxxx

Robhankins......09-01-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-xxxxxx

K3 LIST

sweety_33.......04-11-06...04-25-06...xx-xx-xx...08-24-06...2006-608xxx...OK.....08-30-06 (6 days)

phirephly.......05-08-06...05-23-06...07-01-06...09-21-06...2006-635xxx

IR-1/CR-1

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

JoelAndAnalyn...12-29-05...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...09-25-06...2006-510xxx

Shortie81.......02-03-06...05-16-06...05-28-06...06-07-06...2006-544xxx...OK-ME...06-14-06 (7 days)

Biancashey......03-09-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-576xxx

phirephly.......05-02-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-642xxx

jazzy...........08-03-06...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...xx-xx-xx...2006-729xxx

Thanks PatientlyWaiting for sending the links. My fiance made a phone call to NVC and was able to talk to a live person (female). According to John, she seems to be nice and accommodating. She said that our approved petition from USCIS has not yet reached NVC yet. She also said that the petitions are being expedited at USCIS. This is good news for everyone especially for those waiting for their NOA2. She also said that they don't process the papers at NVC but as soon as they get the approved petitions, they send them immediately to the intended consulate. John intends to call them again to follow-up. We hope they get our approved petition soon and further expedite the process.

So, we have to wait for our case to reach the Embassy in Manila for us to request for Early appointment. And when will that be matters a lot. Time is running out.

Did anyone had an experience wherein, at the level of the NVC, a request was made to expedite the case and NVC sort of gave some instructions to the consulate to grant an early interview appointment? :innocent: :whistle: :lol: Keeping our hopes high! :blush:

StarProg · September 8, 2006

StarProg,
Sorry to be a devil's advocate but I am sure there must have been a miscommunication here. The priest cannot issue a marriage license. You have to secure this from the Local Civil Registrar. You cannot be married without a valid license. The license number will be part of your marriage certificate.

Philippine law prescribes a ten-day waiting period from the filing of the Application to the issuance of the marriage license. Is it possible that what the priest asked you to fill up and sign was the "draft" of the marriage certificate so that the parish can type it up for the ceremony? The fact that there was no ceremony is also questionable. The marriage has to be solemnized or you could be facing a marriage that can be declared null and void "ab initio" (from the very beginning) due to this technicality.

Please, please double check your marriage license or marriage certificate, whatever it is you have there. Go to the LCR and bring the documents that the priest gave you and show it to the LCR and ask for guidance. I don't want you to make any mistakes StarProg as you've waited long enough. There was also one VJ poster who married less than ten days after license application was issued and had to re-do the marriage thing again.

Please read carefully below the Philippine law and procedures for getting married. US Embassy says the same thing too.

http://www.gov.ph/faqs/marriage.asp

http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rp1/wwwha009.html

Hi PW, and thanks,

I was concerned about this too, so I did check everything carefully. The priest did not actually issue the marriage license, it was signed by the local registrar officer. But the priest filled out the information. The marriage certificate also reflects this. And it was predated, so as far as anyone can tell there was a 10 day waiting period, plus 2 days between issuance of license and certificate. The registered copy of the certificate is dated the same day as the marriage. I can't find any abnormalities in the paperwork.

There are certain advantages to getting married in a small town. As for no ceremony, well, the priest did ask us certain questions. Who's to say we didn't have a ceremony? It was a civil wedding. I think we're covered. I guess we'll know for sure in 9-12 months, hopefully.

Thanks for the concerns.

Gary and Fely

Pinay Wife · September 8, 2006

Did anyone had an experience wherein, at the level of the NVC, a request was made to expedite the case and NVC sort of gave some instructions to the consulate to grant an early interview appointment? Keeping our hopes high!

NVC schedules the interview but the decision to grant early interview is made at the embassy level. As soon as NVC schedules you, submit the Early Interview Request to the embassy immediately. Don't worry, I'm sure your case will be prioritized because of the age-out. Make sure your documents are all in order according to the list in our guides.

x x x And it was predated, so as far as anyone can tell there was a 10 day waiting period, plus 2 days between issuance of license and certificate. The registered copy of the certificate is dated the same day as the marriage. I can't find any abnormalities in the paperwork.

Just be careful, Gary. Make sure that the LCR clerk has not mistakenly stamped a "Received" date on your MC that was earlier than your marriage date.

I just wish you did it "by the book" since you are staying in the country for more than 10 days anyway.

Errr, what are you doing posting here, anyway? You should be out there enjoying your honeymoon with Fely!

Cheers,

PW

jo&john · September 8, 2006

Did anyone had an experience wherein, at the level of the NVC, a request was made to expedite the case and NVC sort of gave some instructions to the consulate to grant an early interview appointment? Keeping our hopes high!

NVC schedules the interview but the decision to grant early interview is made at the embassy level. As soon as NVC schedules you, submit the Early Interview Request to the embassy immediately. Don't worry, I'm sure your case will be prioritized because of the age-out. Make sure your documents are all in order according to the list in our guides.

Cheers,

PW

This is very encouraging...thanks for lifting up my spirits, PW! God bless you! (F)

Danoco · September 8, 2006

ok i hate to be the elephant in the middle of the room but why do we have 2 manila embassy discussions ???

is this one full ???? are we segregatin south manila from north manila ??? everytime i log on i pop into the wrong one.

Sheriff Uling · September 8, 2006

ok i hate to be the elephant in the middle of the room but why do we have 2 manila embassy discussions ???
is this one full ???? are we segregatin south manila from north manila ??? everytime i log on i pop into the wrong one.

Double the threads... Double the fun... Who knows! I'm just going with the flow. We have nothing but time anyway. LOL!

BiaNcaSheY · September 9, 2006

Does anybody here knows how long the NVC will forward the case to Manila after the case has been completed. I'm petitioning my husband through IR1 and he's asking me when he will probably get his interview. I know only a few of us doing IR in here its hard to compare.... Thanks in advance.=0)

It doesn't take long at NVC (usually 2-4 weeks) but I'm not sure for IR cases. Judging from jpg and joel&analyn's case, which took 11 months and 9 months from NOA2 to interview date, respectively, your husband should be in line for the interview soon. Watch out for the next appointment bulletin, his case number might be listed already. I know it's hard but just a little more wait, sweetie

Thanks for the reply Patiently waiting.....I really do hope for them to issue an interview date really soon although I doubt it cause i forgot to mention at my inquiry that the Case has been completed just last Sept.1 I actually need to call manila embassy to ask if they recieve the case from NVC. I havent seen my hubby for 2 years now and weve been in a long distance relationship for 7 years....Good thing like you he's "Patiently Waiting" for me!!!! :yes: Good Luck to your journey and to your better be half. I really wish you could be with your love one soon!!! Thanks so much!!!

windchaser_4 · September 11, 2006

PW, i'm not done so fast they didn't release my fiancee's visa :angry: So i called the embassy to find out why they didn't release it yet, she told me they sent the case to Philippine government to verify documents. She said it would take 4-6 weeks. She said it was something the officer noticed and wanted to verify. Kinda odd she asked me if she planned to come to USA and marry me. She said everyone goes thru the review, of course i said that doesn't make sense because i know people who have already received it around the same time she had her interview.

Not sure what it is, i know they asked her who the baby was in the family picture we took in the Philippines. Maybe the lady didn't believe her when she told her it was her sisters. :ranting: :cry: I dunno what to do, seems like we get so close and then get it stripped away. Pretty rough times I dunno if that is considered AR or not, i worry why they would send the case to the Philippine government. I dunno. :help:

God is Good · September 11, 2006

PW, i'm not done so fast they didn't release my fiancee's visa So i called the embassy to find out why they didn't release it yet, she told me they sent the case to Philippine government to verify documents. She said it would take 4-6 weeks. She said it was something the officer noticed and wanted to verify. Kinda odd she asked me if she planned to come to USA and marry me. She said everyone goes thru the review, of course i said that doesn't make sense because i know people who have already received it around the same time she had her interview.
Not sure what it is, i know they asked her who the baby was in the family picture we took in the Philippines. Maybe the lady didn't believe her when she told her it was her sisters. I dunno what to do, seems like we get so close and then get it stripped away. Pretty rough times I dunno if that is considered AR or not, i worry why they would send the case to the Philippine government. I dunno.

Hey there I just want to asked if your fiancee brought with her a CENOMAR from NSO? Did they tell your fiancee what branch of government are they going to get verification documents?? Im sorry to hear your AR- I think you are under AR and hope you will have the visa in hand less than what they told you. I know one acquaintance of mine they had an AR but she got her visa within 2 weeks.

GaryC · September 11, 2006

Hello everyone. Luz just got her NOA2 a few days ago. Thought I would pop in and see what is going on here. I have a feeling this will be my new home for a while. Is it to early to be added to the list? Our case hasn't gotten to Manila yet.

Pinay Wife · September 11, 2006

PW, i'm not done so fast they didn't release my fiancee's visa So i called the embassy to find out why they didn't release it yet, she told me they sent the case to Philippine government to verify documents. She said it would take 4-6 weeks. She said it was something the officer noticed and wanted to verify. x x x I dunno if that is considered AR or not, i worry why they would send the case to the Philippine government. I dunno.

Oh Wind, so sorry to hear that. But don't worry too much about the reason for the AR. Your fiancee had some changes made in her birth certificate and the embassy just wants to make sure that everything was straight and legal. They will probably double check with both the LCR and the NSO (Philippine govt.) and once they’re satisfied that everything is above board, everything should be ok.

Not sure what it is, i know they asked her who the baby was in the family picture we took in the Philippines. Maybe the lady didn't believe her when she told her it was her sisters. I dunno what to do, seems like we get so close and then get it stripped away.

It’s pretty common for consuls to ask who is in the picture or when and where this or that picture was taken. It's all part of their normal interviewing process. I know it hurts when you are this close but hang in there. Just a little more patience. I'll be right here waiting with you.