May 26 USEM Interview PASSED! May 29, VISA ON HAND

[wizzard1663 0]

I'm hoping you see this reply to your post, so I can better understand what is ahead of us.

You mention the Presumptive Death issue, and your experience with it at the interview, but then you never finished the story. What did you experience with this at your interview.

Thanks

First and foremost I want to thank God for all the blessings He hath given unto me all throughout this years, which includes having the man I met almost 3 years ago, the man I am happy and will gladly spend my whole life with, the man am going to marry--- Chris.

I also want to thank fellow VJiers, specially those who kindly answered my endless querries. To those who posted their "visa journey" stories, thank you, your stories helped me alot in my preparation to pass my interview at USEM last May 26.

Chris introduced VJ to me some time last week of April and from then on, I became a VJ addict :=). And since i resigned from work after I received my USEM packet, i had the luxury of time to come online anytime I want to. From the time i wake up, till bedtime, on wee hours VJ was on. Few days passed I came across a post that prompted me to fly to Manila ASAP.(I am from the province) .I learned from the post about the need to bring an annotated MC on the interview. Originally, I planned to fly to Manila 2nd week of May to have my medical exam at SLEC, but for what I've learned, I quickly hurry myself to Cebu Pacific ticketing office to buy a ticket for the next day flight. The fare cost twice the amount of a regular fare, but i have to buy it anyway . (Fare is way much cheaper if booked early).So, April 30th, Thursday in the morning, I bought my plane ticket hoping to catch NSO's next last working day (Friday) just to realize later in the afternoon that May 1 is Labor Day! No office. I tried to rebook it for Monday, but the rebooking fee cost almost half of the amount I paid on my ticket. Something I am not willing to pay. So, I found myself towing my trolley bag, running around Manila on May 1st. I head straight to San Pedro, Laguna at my aunt's and since it was an unexpected trip no one knows I am coming so they were surprised to see me. 'Twas a wonderful reunion after 10 years....

May 4, I went to NSO Office to process my request of annotated MC, BC and CENOMAR. The annotated MC waiting time was 17 working days starting on the day it was requested. The papers that I handed to have my annotated MC processed were: Court decision, finality of judgement, and certification from LCR. CENOMAR was 7 days, while the BC was ready for pick up later that day. May 6 and 7, had my SLEC medical exam. On my first day,I arrived at 7AM. I could have been there earlier than 7 if I did not head straight to St Luke's Medical Hospital hehehe.. Oh well, I want to call it adventure instead of katangahan :=).

Things to bring in coming to SLEC for Medical Exam :

1. Interview appointment confirmation letter .In my case, I printed the e-mail sent to me by the call center agent who placed my interview appointment

2. The letter received from USEM

3. Passport

4. Colored 2x2 ID picture with white background.

The security guard took the appointment confirmation letter, checked my passport, and put a stamp on my USEM letter. My last chest x-ray was January '09 as per work requirement, I told the receptionist of this, she asked me of the film but I only have the reading or the result with me. She said, they only take the film not the x-ray reading. So, i have to go through another chest x-ray. Note: Be prepared to fill-up DS 156K form. Have your fiance’s address in your notes in case you can’t memorize it yet, as you have to write it on the DS 156K. Take note of the date of your first day of last menstruation. This will be asked from you all throughout the process. The most awaited phase in the whole medical exam process was the physical exam. I was asked to wear the gown. I asked the doctor if i have to take everything off, she said yes. Without questions, I took the gown laid on bed, covered myself from the curtain and changed. I did not wait anymore for the doctor to ask me lay down on bed as obviously the next thing that she is going to do is to check our anatomy . If scars are noted, the doctor will ask how you got that such. Scars on the wrist are checked. This could be an indicative of previous suicides in which they take it as a serious matter to take into account as suicidal individuals may pose probable threat and harm to their citizens in the US. Around 11AM, my 1st day medical exam was completed. My second day appointment was set to 10AM. I arrived 8AM. I greeted the security guard posting right on the doorstep,with a smile and showed my claim stub and receipt, and he let me in. Then I showed the said again to the next security guard posted inside. He pulled my file up from their computer and verified from me if the picture i was looking at was me, I smiled and said yes!He smiled back and said, "congratulations! you passed! you may now have your immunization and get ready for your USEM interview". With a grinning smile, happily I said thank you! When I was interviewed for the immunization, the Doctor told me that I have the option to have the immunization from them or I may opt to have it in the US. I opted to take the immunization from them since it has been paid for already. I was done around 10AM. Before I left the building, I went to the security guard again to check if indeed He was sure I passed (makulit! hehe.. just making sure). He explained that once an applicant is instructed to have its immunization after the 1st day process, it means that the PE, laboratory and x-ray result are all good, and medical exam is successfully passed.

May 26, 2009 – USEM interview. My big day! The most nerve -racking ordeal I’ve ever had in my whole life! I resigned from work month before my interview date to be able to prepare the papers I need to bring with me during the interview. I’ve been running around almost everyday.

My preparation. - was no joke!  My NSO birth certificate was blurry, so last minute I asked my sister in Leyte to request a copy from my hometown’s local civil registar to back-up my NSO BC just n case they ask. I have to make corrections on my birthdate too that appears in my school transcript of records and the year I graduated. I attended 6 colleges/universities and i have to workback my TOR from the school where I started my 1st year and then on. These schools are from Leyte, Iloilo, and Negros. (btw, the instruction given to me by my immigration lawyer was to bring these on my interview as proof of identity.. who knows, these might be asked.?There’s nothing like being prepared.) Every day I was sorting pictures to pictures that seemed to be endless but fun. I’ve meticulously mounted them on a nice light green paper, one by one, arranged in chronological order. On the bottom of each picture was a caption describing the captured moment along side with it was its corresponding plane tickets or receipts. I put them in one folder. I included Chris’ passport printed on a 8R glossy paper showing the dates of travel here in PI (very important primary evidence!) This is what I did in my “proof of a meeting prior to petition”. In my proof of “ genuine engagement” I just simply put pictures of us with my family, picture of us in our engagement day with resto receipts and and our funny picture on IMAX with its tickets and Western Union receipts. Day before my interview, I found myself along the street of UN carrying one heavy bag that hurts my shoulder so much, and another computer bag on my other shoulder ,crossing the street as early as 6:30AM way to NBI office. I found out night before that my NBI clearance doesn’t have a dry seal! Supposedly the idea for the day before my interview was to stay in a hotel , so I will not be travelling early from San Pedro Laguna all the way to USEM, relax and unwind whole day. However, alarmed that the dry seal may be the cause of getting an RFE or whatever, I went to NBI UN to have my clearance dry sealed.However I find out from the NBI guys posted at the front gate that processing of NBI Clearances is now done at Carriedo. I explained my situation and one NBI agent offered to have my clearance dry sealed inside their office. Moreover,on the embassy instruction, it says “ NBI clearance should be in the applicant’s current name, birth certificate name, maiden name and any aliases or nicknames used, including different spellings you have used of those names” which I have not fully understood on how my name should appear on the clearance since I have an annulled marriage. I have always used my maiden name, never used my married name. All my records (school records, etc) are on my maiden name. However, the name that my lawyer used when we filed the presumptive death case for my ex was my married name. No one at the NBI could tell me how my name should appear on the clearance. So I went to the US Embassy hoping to get an accurate information but to find out, May 4th was Memorial Day in the US. They were closed! I spoke to the embassy guard and asked. He was nice, but then I wasn’t convinced of his advise to just have my interview the next day and find out if it is accepted or not and wait for their instruction. Huh?? No way! I want a pink slip! It’s what I was saying at the back of my mind. I thanked him and left. I went to NBI Carriedo to process again a new clearance, this time, my full maiden name on it. There are several people there that offers help for a fee which I took advantage. In less than 1 hour, I was done amidst the long endless line! For me, the fee was worth it than wasting my time being on the line waiting for my turn. Besides, I have to have my beauty rest that day. 

to be continued....... got to do something very important. I am going to write my interview experience next time and to those who have PRESUMPTIVE DEATH cases as way of terminating previous marriage, my experience might help you ease the anxiety somehow... See yah all in a bit!

[martheena0909 0]

The security guard took the appointment confirmation letter, checked my passport, and put a stamp on my USEM letter. My last chest x-ray was January '09 as per work requirement, I told the receptionist of this, she asked me of the film but I only have the reading or the result with me. She said, they only take the film not the x-ray reading. So, i have to go through another chest x-ray. Note: Be prepared to fill-up DS 156K form. Have your fiance’s address in your notes in case you can’t memorize it yet, as you have to write it on the DS 156K.

Thanks a lot for sharing!

I'm confused, you needed the DS 156K form for the medical exam?? I thought that was only for the interview at the embassy.

Yes, I was surprised too coz I did not expect it. All my papers were left at my aunt's house ( i just brought the papers I deemed needed for the medical) so I wasn't sure what to write on the field DATE OF TERMINATION OF PREVIOUS MARRIAGE. I got mixed-up on this coz I don't know which date I should write on, whether on the date to where the decision of the court made, the date where the Finality of Judgment was came or the date where it was registered in LCR. Good thing that I have my fiance's address saved on my cellphone's inbox, though I have memorized it already, but it felt good when you know you're sure on what you've write on the form 100% correct.

Along with the DS 156k , is the Patient Date Sheet you need to fill-up. This is the first step of the process. Bring black ballpen.

Just wanted to add/clarify something about the DS 156K. I am afraid I will confuse you again SLEC gave me DS 156K form together with the PDS and had it filled-up. You have to have these papers with you all throughout your 1st day med exam. They are going to take and keep this at the end of your one day med exam and give you a claim stub with your name on it and an instruction to bring your passport and receipt when you go back SLEC the next day. The time of your next day appointment is written there too.

Then on my interview, the lady asked us to submit our DS 156 (2 copies), DS 156K(1 copy), and DS 157 (2 copies) to the counter and get our number. Don't worry they will give you an instruction as to what to do next.

[martheena0909 0]

I'm hoping you see this reply to your post, so I can better understand what is ahead of us.

You mention the Presumptive Death issue, and your experience with it at the interview, but then you never finished the story. What did you experience with this at your interview.

Thanks

Yeah, sorry for the delay. Still caught in a bind, my fiance is coming in 2 days to fetch me and I have not packed my things yet...and had been running around the Visayas to hopefully and finally have my corrected School Transcript of Records that my school registrar kept on screwing. My interview did not had me teary eyed, but my school papers did. Nonetheless, things are all good. I have lots of things to be thankful of than to dwell on this.. and I am here to gave back my gratittude to the good Lord for all of the blessings I've been receiving from Him all these time thus, thus this post.

Okay, back to my interview experience :)To reiterate, my previous marriage was terminated through a presumptive death petition. Just to have a brief background of my case. I filed the petition 10 years after my ex's left, since then I haven't heared nor had a clue of his whereabouts. As my evidence,my lawyer had my case published on a local newspaper publication for 3 weeks. I had my ex's mother signed an affidavit stating the same claim as I. 'Had my ex's sister testified in the court and the DSWD's investigation report. It took almost 2 years to finish the case and to finally got my Finality. The reasons were: 1. The hearing was thrice postponed due to untimely work leave of the Judge. 2. The prosecutor filed a motion for reconsideration after the judge made a decision in favor to my petition, another hearing was made, that caused significant delay. 3. Finally, when the judge gave its 2nd decision denying the motion, it took forever for the prosecutor to acknowledge the delivery of the copy of court decision sent to her. The Clerk of Court explained to me that they will only issue a Certificate of Finality 15 days after they receive the acknowledgment receipt from the post office signed by the prosecutor. This would mean that the latter already had the knowledge about the decision and that she has 15 days to contest otherwise a Finality will be issued making the decision final and executory. Since an acknowledgment receipt has not been received, the Clerk of Court could not make the finality, as per court SOP, they have to wait for the said receipt before they can issue one.

On day of my interview. The pre-screener asked me the ff:

1. What's your name

2. What's your birthdate

3. So, you don't have an idea as to where your ex husband is? For how long you don't have a communication with him? Do you have a child in your previous marriage? How old?

4. He asked me the ff:

>NBI Clearance

> CENOMAR

>Birth Certificate

> Birth Certificate of child

> Proof of termination of previous marriage ( I gave the Decision of the Court, the Order, The Finality)

On the DS forms, the question DATE OF TERMINATION OF MARRIAGE: the date of the Finality should be put on.

I gave to him my folder that contains the proof of termination of previous marriage and the proof of support. He took the documents one by one from the plastic slit and returned the folder to me.

5. He asked for pictures of us. I gave him my 2 folders that contains pictures of us, receipts and tickets that composes proof of meeting prior to petition and proof of genuine relationship.

s. How many times your fiance visited you. I replied 3, and asked me a follow-up question: when was the last time He visited you? I gave the dates. I was still standing right infront of him when I was brainstorming whether or not I gave him the exact/ right date. I got mental blocked! whew.. dont know why... I was telling myself that there's something wrong with the date information I gave. I was still trying to recall and want to tell him I was wrong but couldn't remember it right. So instead of telling him right there, just to kept on guessing, I went back to my seat when He told me to be seated and wait for my number to be flashed on the board. Just minutes after I was seated, I smiled and called myself stupid for not remembering it.. How could I not remember? yeahh.. how...?? Just anxious i guess. So I stood up confidently and went to his window again and said " Good morning again Sir! I introduced my name and said, I just wanted to correct myself on the date my fiance last visited me.. it was ---------. I'm sorry, am a bit nervous. He said, "ohhh" then I saw him correcting his notes. I smiled and walked back to where I was seated when my sandals heels stuck on the floor's tiny hole . I thought my sandal break (happened to me before in the bus terminal ) I slowly pulled my sandal up hoping for the worse scenario, but glad it was okay.

So I waited for my number to flash on the board. The number were flashed not on their numerical order. So, i really have to patiently watch the board. Here comes my turn, I forgot the window number. Standing right on the doorstep of the CO's office, I saw my number flashed on the board placed just just right above the doorstep. Someone goes in, so I have to ask the attendant ... she told me to be seated for awhile until the lady comes out then after I could go in. Upon entering the room, I got a lil tensed. I have read some post here about how intimidating the black american CO. So i got a bit nervous when I saw her. But then again,I reminded myself about "mind over matter" I have to be in control, it's now or never.. i got to give my best shot. Otherwise I loose the once in a lifetime opportunity. When I entered the door, she was busy arranging papers on her desk. I greeted her with a smile, she looked up and smiled back and ask me " How are you today"? "I am good! thank you for asking" I replied and sat. She asked first my name, then birthdate, while she was still arranging the papers on her desk. Then she told me to excuse herself for awhile, she stood up and went somewhere ( I dnt know where ). I said, "okay! " . Deep inside, I was thankful, coz it gave me time to take a deep breath, relax and compose myself before she bombarded me with questions ( I learned from here that she asked lots of Qs!) When she got back, she asked me to raise my right hand as she said something like "telling the truth" and I just replied , yes! The following Qs were asked:

1. What's your name

2. Birthdate

3. Do you have previous marriage?

4. Do you have kids from your previous marriage? How old?

5. What happen to your marriage? (on a high pitch tone with brows clashing )

6. Why do you believed he is dead?

7. When was the last time you talk to him

8. She checked on my Annotated MC. She asked why I just had my annulment just last December '08

9. When was the marriage terminated? I saw her checking on my papers at the same time and typing on her comp.

10. With brows clashing again, scrutinizing my annotated MC, she looked at me and ask what happen to my birthdate and birthplace on my MC ? (it was all screwed up and I had it changed too.The annotations was written on the other side). I answered the Q. Then she verified again, "So, your correct birthdate is the one that is on your NSO BC?". I said yes! and she replied back with a smile and said "ok".

11. Tell me about your fiance. How did you meet. How many times he visited you? And what do you like about him? All of these Qs were asked at once. I got overwhelmed! lol but thankful that we were moving on to the next question I am happy to answer.

12. Does your fiance ever got married before?

13. Does He has kids?

14. Where does he work?

15. Did He meet your family when He visited you? I replied, "all the time". She smiled again and said " Oh great!"

15. Then she asked me again if I had kids in my previous marriage. I smiled and answered her. Quickly she said "oh yeah,yeah.. he is.... blah blah...". She forgot she asked me that question already.

16. Is He going with you?

17. Is He going to follow later? I replied, definitely yes! She just smiled.. while busy putting my papers altogether, She said, " Well, I dnt see any problems in your papers, Congratulations! Your visa is approved! Welcome and have a good life in America! "

"Your visa is approved!" my most awaited line at the end of the interview is this. Upon hearing it from her, with big ear to ear smile I said Thank you! I wanted to say something more but I stopped myself coz i might just entice her to ask me more questions. I just wanna get lost from the room , go out be seated and wait for my number to be flashed as per CO instruction. I went out and checked the board. My number was on the board, paranoid, thought the CO missed something to ask from me that she wanted me back in her room. I double checked the window I realized that Window 37 was not the CO's window. There I had my 2 folders of proof of genuine relationship and meeting prior to the petition back and the ever famous pink slip! I paid Air 21. Then called Chris about the good news. I bought a phone card (PLDT Budget card) so I can call him right away. I use the USEM phone booth, located just outside after the exit door.

I stayed one more day in Manila, then fly back to my province the following day. Around 2pm just before i board the plane, I received a text from AIR 21. I was so surprised! We were expecting to receive a text from them 7 days after the interview.So the next day, just few hours I was settled back home, I had my visa safe on hand.

Now, were both busying ourselves on preparing everything of him coming home to fetch me ( 2 days from now) and me packing up my things and finalizing my school papers before we fly back Seattle. Whew! life is so exciting. This has been our most awaited moment in our life. Life is good! God is good!

I hope this post helped you somehow on your K visa journey... God Bless!

[deomaya 0]

The security guard took the appointment confirmation letter, checked my passport, and put a stamp on my USEM letter. My last chest x-ray was January '09 as per work requirement, I told the receptionist of this, she asked me of the film but I only have the reading or the result with me. She said, they only take the film not the x-ray reading. So, i have to go through another chest x-ray. Note: Be prepared to fill-up DS 156K form. Have your fiance’s address in your notes in case you can’t memorize it yet, as you have to write it on the DS 156K.

Thanks a lot for sharing!

I'm confused, you needed the DS 156K form for the medical exam?? I thought that was only for the interview at the embassy.

don't worry the guard will be the one to give u 156k for medical... it will be stapled together with Patient Data sheet