Important Announcement for Manila k1 beneficiaries

[BB & MJ 3]

I think you can use it as many times. If I've read it right, the three on 3x means 3 appointments/reschedules. So I think that means it doesn't count if you don't have an appointment yet, and if you haven't rescheduled your appointment and just called to inquire. So to me, it means 1 to schedule your first appointment, and you are allowed to reschedule 2x.

Now this is what you call "VALUABLE" information....Thanks bud!

[BB & MJ 3]

heres another update...

On December 1, 2010, the U.S. State Department’s transition to a new contracting system for visa services, known as the Global Support Strategy (GSS), will take place at U.S. Embassy Manila. With only one payment (the current MRV fee), the following services will be provided:

• MRV fee collection at any branch of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)
• Scheduling of visa appointments
• Providing information on general visa inquiries
• Delivery of passports for approved visa applications

Following these changes, new nonimmigrant visa application procedures will be implemented very soon.

For some reason, I feel this is bad timing for some of us December hopefuls. I'm guessing this is the reason that Manila operators have been turning away people for scheduling. It looks like it will affect ALL applicants, even K1 people. We have 2 weeks left before this new system takes place. Hope we can schedule something soon....Good luck everyone!

[mcdsnight 5]

I do hope that all those who wants to sched their interviews, specially for k1, still get that chance to have a slot before that new system gets implemented.... I SUPER WISH!!! God bless everyone

For some reason, I feel this is bad timing for some of us December hopefuls. I'm guessing this is the reason that Manila operators have been turning away people for scheduling. It looks like it will affect ALL applicants, even K1 people. We have 2 weeks left before this new system takes place. Hope we can schedule something soon....Good luck everyone!

[BB & MJ 3]

Good luck today Chazzie! Let me know what happens.....

[John+Lourdelie 28]

I am wondering if this actually does affect K visa's. Manila handles K-1 & K-2 visa's as immigrant visa's, not non-immigrant visa's.

Quote from the K visa page on the US Embassy - Manila web site:

Although the K-1 and K-2 visas are described as non-immigrant visas, these visas are processed at the Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Please view the Immigrant Visas pages of this website for more details.

The new system is only mentioned on the non-immigrant visa pages and not on the immigrant visa pages, as far as I could find.

Maybe someone has found other information that is more complete.

John

Edited November 18, 2010 by John+Lourdelie

[BB & MJ 3]

I am wondering if this actually does affect K visa's. Manila handles K-1 & K-2 visa's as immigrant visa's, not non-immigrant visa's.

Quote from the K visa page on the US Embassy - Manila web site:

Although the K-1 and K-2 visas are described as non-immigrant visas, these visas are processed at the Immigrant Visa Unit at the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Please view the Immigrant Visas pages of this website for more details.

The new system is only mentioned on the non-immigrant visa pages and not on the immigrant visa pages, as far as I could find.

Maybe someone has found other information that is more complete.

John

John, I hope you're right. But I don't think Manila would turn away K1er's if their were slots available, would they? Maybe they are turning away people because of the transition. Either way, it's just one "huge" hurdle I have to deal until my departure.

[BB & MJ 3]

As of 9:30PM PT (1:30PM Manila Time) I was able to speak with an operator and did not have any luck scheduling. The operator apologized for being unable to place an appointment for me. Weird call though and after wards I should've answered him differently (maybe it would've worked). I'm not sure what some of your experiences are but he asked me if this was my "first" time trying to schedule, which I replied "Yes". After hanging up I should've probably lied about it and said it was my last attempt, who knows, maybe the outcome would've been different (now I'm prepared for my next call). The operator did tell me that ALL November dates are booked and they have not opened any slots for December yet and to call back. I asked him "When will the slots be available?" He told me possibly next week and just kept apologizing. He did not, however, mention anything about transitioning to the new system (as stated by Chazzie). I will try again tomorrow, with a different approach (wink, wink). Good luck all!!

[mcdsnight 5]

I called today about December slots, and as expected they said they don't have it. I asked the question if K1 applicants, if we are affected by the transition since it only says non-immigrant, unfortunately she said we are affected. I asker her what will happen with the transition and she said it will be the same, the only difference is the number you will call to make an appointment and the bank where you will pay which is from BDO to BPI.

I'm not sure though if the lady I talked to at the embassy hotline knows what her saying, or just making those up just so she can say something.

I still hope though they won't do anything stupid that will hinder us from getting the slots we've always wanted.

God bless..

[Chazzie 1]

I've been calling everyday,and like all of u have said,no available slots yet for dec.When i was told about the transition,The operator asked me to refer to the website.I would not have said that just so i could say something and lead people on.C'mon,we are all as one here ,so we could help each other.If they didnt mention about transition,then simply ask.and be reminded that not alll operators are knowledgeable.They are undergoing new system effective dec 1st and we k1 filers are affected.However,they encouraged to call everyday to try and sched an appt for those who have purchased the pin.

I'll try again today.

Good luck everyone!

[Tahoma 2,292]

Here is the link to the U.S. Embassy's website which talks about the new interview appointment system: click here.

Here is the announcement from the U.S. Embassy's website:

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANTS

On December 1, 2010, the U.S. State Department’s transition to a new contracting system for visa services, known as the Global Support Strategy (GSS), will take place at U.S. Embassy Manila. With only one payment (the current MRV fee), the following services will be provided:

> MRV fee collection at any branch of the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI)

> Scheduling of visa appointments

> Providing information on general visa inquiries

> Delivery of passports for approved visa applications

Following these changes, new nonimmigrant visa application procedures will be implemented very soon.

Applicants who purchased PINs from VisaPoint™ and the call center are highly encouraged to book an interview appointment before the changes take place. MRV fee payments will remain valid for one year; however, VisaPoint™ and call center PINs will be rendered invalid when the new procedures are implemented. For applicants with travel plans in December or later, we encourage you to check this website for the new visa appointment procedures. Rest assured that we will try to accommodate all travel plans as appropriate.

Applicants who have booked their appointments will not be affected by the transition and will be interviewed at the Embassy as scheduled.

[Tahoma 2,292]

Has anyone talked directly to the Immigrant Section at the Embassy? The Immigrant Section is where the K-1 interviews take place. Maybe they can give you more information about scheduling interviews for K-1 fiancée visas.

Calling from the U.S., the phone number for the Immigrant Section is: 011-63-2-301-2000 extension 5184 or 5185.

I scheduled Chinook's K-1 fiancée visa interview using this phone number because I got tired of talking to the script-readers at the Embassy's call center.

Maybe they will schedule your interview for you. If nothing else, maybe you can get some more information about the new scheduling process and post it here on VJ.

Good luck.

[BB & MJ 3]

I've been calling everyday,and like all of u have said,no available slots yet for dec.When i was told about the transition,The operator asked me to refer to the website.I would not have said that just so i could say something and lead people on.C'mon,we are all as one here ,so we could help each other.If they didnt mention about transition,then simply ask.and be reminded that not alll operators are knowledgeable.They are undergoing new system effective dec 1st and we k1 filers are affected.However,they encouraged to call everyday to try and sched an appt for those who have purchased the pin.

I'll try again today.

Good luck everyone!

Chazzie, I was just posting my experience of the call (about the operator). My intention was never to portray you as a liar regarding the new Appointment System that will be implemented Dec. 1st. It does EXIST and IT WILL HAPPEN, just like you mentioned. Don't take it personal. I do understand that EVERY operator is different. Like I said, it was MY experience. Good luck and god bless to all December Interviewees.

[BB & MJ 3]

Has anyone talked directly to the Immigrant Section at the Embassy? The Immigrant Section is where the K-1 interviews take place. Maybe they can give you more information about scheduling interviews for K-1 fiancée visas.

Calling from the U.S., the phone number for the Immigrant Section is: 011-63-2-301-2000 extension 5184 or 5185.

I scheduled Chinook's K-1 fiancée visa interview using this phone number because I got tired of talking to the script-readers at the Embassy's call center.

Maybe they will schedule your interview for you. If nothing else, maybe you can get some more information about the new scheduling process and post it here on VJ.

Good luck.

Tahoma, I will definitely give this a try. It doesn't hurt my chances. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Keep in touch everyone!! I have a good feeling about this!!

[Tahoma 2,292]

Tahoma, I will definitely give this a try. It doesn't hurt my chances. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Keep in touch everyone!! I have a good feeling about this!!

Maraming walang anuman po.

Good luck...and keep us posted.

[BB & MJ 3]

I called today about December slots, and as expected they said they don't have it. I asked the question if K1 applicants, if we are affected by the transition since it only says non-immigrant, unfortunately she said we are affected. I asker her what will happen with the transition and she said it will be the same, the only difference is the number you will call to make an appointment and the bank where you will pay which is from BDO to BPI.

I'm not sure though if the lady I talked to at the embassy hotline knows what her saying, or just making those up just so she can say something.

I still hope though they won't do anything stupid that will hinder us from getting the slots we've always wanted.

God bless..

Great info my friend!