My detailed USEM Manila Interview experience 12/09/2011

[jon&cess 0]

I've read a lot of consulate reviews here in VJ and all did help me during my USEM interview yesterday. As a way of giving back and helping others, I'm gonna write my experience and share it with everyone.

Arrived at the embassy around 7am for my 8:30am appointment. The line wasn't that long (prolly coz its raining. hehe). Presented my passport and appointment letter at the officers inside the tent. They put a numbered sticker at the back of my passport and put it inside a zip lock (passport wide opened with the biographic page visible). Another sticker (with the same number) was put in a blank 2go visa delivery form. They then instructed me to proceed to the 2nd door (entrance for immigrant visa applicants). Here, I did undergo security check and I must say strict compliance is a MUST! No electronics, no fluids in any form, no foods! Candies are allowed though! They're gonna put your bags in a scanner (like the ones in an airport). After that, went through another door, did fall in line to get your queuing number (3 windows were dispensing the numbers). At the window, they're gonna ask for your appointment letter. They returned the last two pages (I believe they only need the first two) then gave me my lucky number 6169 (time 7:13am). They told me to proceed to the new building, 2nd door again (with entrance for immigrant visa applicants signage) and wait for my number to be called. All metal doors are heavy. Haha!

When I entered the new building, there was another security check (manual), yhen I took my seat and waited for my number to flash. Waited for two hours. My number flashed at window 40 for the biometrics (only 2 windows cater inkless finger scanning, window 40&41). 2 questions was asked, your name and birthday. Then they will instruct you to put your four left fingers in the scanner, then the right, then both thumbs. It only took a minute and its done. I sat and waited again for my number to flash for the filipino pre-screener. Waited for another two hours then I was called at window 43. The filipina prescreener was nice. We converse in tagalog. She requested me to hand her over my passport and sign the part 2 of the DS230 form. Asked my name, birthday, who is my petitioner, my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet (when I told her we were schoolmate during gradeschool), she was in awe, "akalain mong kayo din pala magkakatuluyan" she commented, I just smiled. She continued asking, when did you get married, when was the last time you saw him, and was surprised to my answer, "2 days after ng kasal nyo umalis na sya?", I nodded in approval. She continued asking, when did he arrive in the US, how did he got there, how did you meet again, "nurse din sya?", I corrected her, I answered "he's an automotive technician". She asked me who is our co-sponsor and what is his relation to my hubby. She later asked for our pictures. Coz my scrapbook can't fit through the provided slot, she asked me to flip the pages. As she was looking/reviewing my files, I saw a small pink slip on top of all the documents stamped with the word "APPROVED". Deep inside, I was rejoicing. Haha! Then she said I take my seat again and wait for my number to flash for the final/american CO interview.

After 2 hours, my number flashed at window 59 (time 11:30am). My American CO interviewer looks "cool". Irish-American wearing a shirt (unlike the other CO's wearing long sleeves and tie) and with lots of blings around his neck. Haha! He greeted me good morning, I greeted him back, asked me how am I doin, I said great, He then asked me how do I want our interview to be, tagalog or english. I chose english. He then asked me to raise my right hand and swear before him. He asked me what is my name, my birthdate, who is my petitioner, what is my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet, what does he do for a living (I told him I have here with me my hubby's new employment letter coz hubby's unemployed during our NVC stage, but he didn't asked for it). Asked when hubby arrived in the US, how did he get there, and reacted "How could you possibly marry someone who have been in the US for 11 years?", I told him how my hubby and I met again after so many years and was convinced. What really bothered and confused me was when the CO started asking about my co-sponsors AOS papers. Below is our conversation:

CO: Who is "the name of co-sponsor"?

Me: He is our co-sponsor

CO: What is his relation to your petitioner?

Me: He is my hubby's uncle

CO: Does he have a wife?

Me: His wife passed away a year ago

CO: Does he have any kids?

Me: He has three

CO: How many are still living with him?

Me: One

CO: The co-sponsor didn't declare in his IRS that he has a son living with him. He stated that a parent and a sister was staying with him.

Me: (shocked inside coz the CO was focusing on my co-sponsor's papers, good thing I reviewed his documents) I believe his son pays for his own taxes

CO: Ohhh, how old is his son?

Me: 25 sir

CO: okay

And this time, I noticed him looking at my co-sponsor's I-864 form, shaking his head. I saw that on the household size part of the AOS, (which my co-sponsor totaled "02" : me and him, instead of "04" : me, him and his 2 declared dependents) the CO put "4" beside the "02" total and wrote something.

After that he told me that would be all, that's all the questions he needs to ask, and that I should take a seat and wait for my number to be called again for further instructions. I was waiting for him to tell me the magic words "CONGRATULATIONS YOUR VISA IS APPROVED AND WELCOME TO AMERICA" but no to avail. So I asked him, Sir, is my visa approved? He told me,"I CANNOT CONFIRM THAT AS OF THE MOMENT. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME TECHNICALITIES but your papers looked good. Just wait for your number to be called again".

After hearing this, I felt devastated. All that's running in my mind during that time was that the CO was shaking his head while looking at my co-sponsors AOS form. Okay, it is true that he put a wrong total number of house hold size (putting "02" instead of "04"), but hey, his annual income ranges $38K per year. That would be enough for a house hold size of 6. And I was also thinking, was it my fault he put the wrong total number of house hold size? Can that simple mistake jeopardize everything we did? A lot of things were going through in my mind and I was literally shaking!

Cut off time (12noon-1pm), so I went outside and talked to my mom. I was cranky and felt sorry for being mataray to her. I was so stressed and all that. Glad she accompanied me, we sat together in the middle of the rain downpour and started praying. She also texted my entire family and asked to pray for me. After that, I felt somewhat relieved and re-enter the building (same process all over again).

When my number was called again, I was praying, crossing my fingers and toes hoping that I don't get a 221g form. Thank GOD! The guy at the last window told me that I can be with my prince this christmas. He also asked me if I'm still practicing my profession (I am a nurse). Then commented that I work in the US as a nurse coz I'll earn more that what I'll be earning here in PI. He later instructed me to drop my 2go form at a window for the visa delivery! I am approved right? What y'all think?

Over all it was still a pleasant experience (expect for the fact that it was raining cats and dogs the whole time). The American CO was strict but I do believe that he's just doin his job.

Lesson learned: PRAY! It can really do MIRACLES! I'm a living and breathing proof of that. Study all of your documents. You never know what your American CO might ask you! All of the time I spent reviewing really paid off. Smile all the time. Be confident and defend your answers. That's what I did.

Edited December 10, 2011 by jon&cess

[Frank and Racquel 18]

I've read a lot of consulate reviews here in VJ and all did help me during my USEM interview yesterday. As a way of giving back and helping others, I'm gonna write my experience and share it with everyone.

Arrived at the embassy around 7am for my 8:30am appointment. The line wasn't that long (prolly coz its raining. hehe). Presented my passport and appointment letter at the officers inside the tent. They put a numbered sticker at the back of my passport and put it inside a zip lock (passport wide opened with the biographic page visible). Another sticker (with the same number) was put in a blank 2go visa delivery form. They then instructed me to proceed to the 2nd door (entrance for immigrant visa applicants). Here, I did undergo security check and I must say strict compliance is a MUST! No electronics, no fluids in any form, no foods! Candies are allowed though! They're gonna put your bags in a scanner (like the ones in an airport). After that, went through another door, did fall in line to get your queuing number (3 windows were dispensing the numbers). At the window, they're gonna ask for your appointment letter. They returned the last two pages (I believe they only need the first two) then gave me my lucky number 6169 (time 7:13am). They told me to proceed to the new building, 2nd door again (with entrance for immigrant visa applicants signage) and wait for my number to be called. All metal doors are heavy. Haha!

When I entered the new building, there was another security check (manual), yhen I took my seat and waited for my number to flash. Waited for two hours. My number flashed at window 40 for the biometrics (only 2 windows cater inkless finger scanning, window 40&41). 2 questions was asked, your name and birthday. Then they will instruct you to put your four left fingers in the scanner, then the right, then both thumbs. It only took a minute and its done. I sat and waited again for my number to flash for the filipino pre-screener. Waited for another two hours then I was called at window 43. The filipina prescreener was nice. We converse in tagalog. She requested me to hand her over my passport and sign the part 2 of the DS230 form. Asked my name, birthday, who is my petitioner, my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet (when I told her we were schoolmate during gradeschool), she was in awe, "akalain mong kayo din pala magkakatuluyan" she commented, I just smiled. She continued asking, when did you get married, when was the last time you saw him, and was surprised to my answer, "2 days after ng kasal nyo umalis na sya?", I nodded in approval. She continued asking, when did he arrive in the US, how did he got there, how did you meet again, "nurse din sya?", I corrected her, I answered "he's an automotive technician". She asked me who is our co-sponsor and what is his relation to my hubby. She later asked for our pictures. Coz my scrapbook can't fit through the provided slot, she asked me to flip the pages. As she was looking/reviewing my files, I saw a small pink slip on top of all the documents stamped with the word "APPROVED". Deep inside, I was rejoicing. Haha! Then she said I take my seat again and wait for my number to flash for the final/american CO interview.

After 2 hours, my number flashed at window 59 (time 11:30am). My American CO interviewer looks "cool". Irish-American wearing a shirt (unlike the other CO's wearing long sleeves and tie) and with lots of blings around his neck. Haha! He greeted me good morning, I greeted him back, asked me how am I doin, I said great, He then asked me how do I want our interview to be, tagalog or english. I chose english. He then asked me to raise my right hand and swear before him. He asked me what is my name, my birthdate, who is my petitioner, what is my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet, what does he do for a living (I told him I have here with me my hubby's new employment letter coz hubby's unemployed during our NVC stage, but he didn't asked for it). Asked when hubby arrived in the US, how did he get there, and reacted "How could you possibly marry someone who have been in the US for 11 years?", I told him how my hubby and I met again after so many years and was convinced. What really bothered and confused me was when the CO started asking about my co-sponsors AOS papers. Below is our conversation:

CO: Who is "the name of co-sponsor"?

Me: He is our co-sponsor

CO: What is his relation to your petitioner?

Me: He is my hubby's uncle

CO: Does he have a wife?

Me: His wife passed away a year ago

CO: Does he have any kids?

Me: He has three

CO: How many are still living with him?

Me: One

CO: The co-sponsor didn't declare in his IRS that he has a son living with him. He stated that a parent and a sister was staying with him.

Me: (shocked inside coz the CO was focusing on my co-sponsor's papers, good thing I reviewed his documents) I believe his son pays for his own taxes

CO: Ohhh, how old is his son?

Me: 25 sir

CO: okay

And this time, I noticed him looking at my co-sponsor's I-864 form, shaking his head. I saw that on the household size part of the AOS, (which my co-sponsor totaled "02" : me and him, instead of "04" : me, him and his 2 declared dependents) the CO put "4" beside the "02" total and wrote something.

After that he told me that would be all, that's all the questions he needs to ask, and that I should take a seat and wait for my number to be called again for further instructions. I was waiting for him to tell me the magic words "CONGRATULATIONS YOUR VISA IS APPROVED AND WELCOME TO AMERICA" but no to avail. So I asked him, Sir, is my visa approved? He told me,"I CANNOT CONFIRM THAT AS OF THE MOMENT. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME TECHNICALITIES but your papers looked good. Just wait for your number to be called again".

After hearing this, I felt devastated. All that's running in my mind during that time was that the CO was shaking his head while looking at my co-sponsors AOS form. Okay, it is true that he put a wrong total number of house hold size (putting "02" instead of "04"), but hey, his annual income ranges $38K per year. That would be enough for a house hold size of 6. And I was also thinking, was it my fault he put the wrong total number of house hold size? Can that simple mistake jeopardize everything we did? A lot of things were going through in my mind and I was literally shaking!

Cut off time (12noon-1pm), so I went outside and talked to my mom. I was cranky and felt sorry for being mataray to her. I was so stressed and all that. Glad she accompanied me, we sat together in the middle of the rain downpour and started praying. She also texted my entire family and asked to pray for me. After that, I felt somewhat relieved and re-enter the building (same process all over again).

When my number was called again, I was praying, crossing my fingers and toes hoping that I don't get a 221g form. Thank GOD! The guy at the last window told me that I can be with my prince this christmas. He also asked me if I'm still practicing my profession (I am a nurse). Then commented that I work in the US as a nurse coz I'll earn more that what I'll be earning here in PI. He later instructed me to drop my 2go form at a window for the visa delivery! I am approved right? What y'all think?

Over all it was still a pleasant experience (expect for the fact that it was raining cats and dogs the whole time). The American CO was strict but I do believe that he's just doin his job.

Lesson learned: PRAY! It can really do MIRACLES! I'm a living and breathing proof of that. Study all of your documents. You never know what your American CO might ask you! All of the time I spent reviewing really paid off. Smile all the time. Be confident and defend your answers. That's what I did.

CONGRATS !!!!!!

[Frank and Racquel 18]

I've read a lot of consulate reviews here in VJ and all did help me during my USEM interview yesterday. As a way of giving back and helping others, I'm gonna write my experience and share it with everyone.

Arrived at the embassy around 7am for my 8:30am appointment. The line wasn't that long (prolly coz its raining. hehe). Presented my passport and appointment letter at the officers inside the tent. They put a numbered sticker at the back of my passport and put it inside a zip lock (passport wide opened with the biographic page visible). Another sticker (with the same number) was put in a blank 2go visa delivery form. They then instructed me to proceed to the 2nd door (entrance for immigrant visa applicants). Here, I did undergo security check and I must say strict compliance is a MUST! No electronics, no fluids in any form, no foods! Candies are allowed though! They're gonna put your bags in a scanner (like the ones in an airport). After that, went through another door, did fall in line to get your queuing number (3 windows were dispensing the numbers). At the window, they're gonna ask for your appointment letter. They returned the last two pages (I believe they only need the first two) then gave me my lucky number 6169 (time 7:13am). They told me to proceed to the new building, 2nd door again (with entrance for immigrant visa applicants signage) and wait for my number to be called. All metal doors are heavy. Haha!

When I entered the new building, there was another security check (manual), yhen I took my seat and waited for my number to flash. Waited for two hours. My number flashed at window 40 for the biometrics (only 2 windows cater inkless finger scanning, window 40&41). 2 questions was asked, your name and birthday. Then they will instruct you to put your four left fingers in the scanner, then the right, then both thumbs. It only took a minute and its done. I sat and waited again for my number to flash for the filipino pre-screener. Waited for another two hours then I was called at window 43. The filipina prescreener was nice. We converse in tagalog. She requested me to hand her over my passport and sign the part 2 of the DS230 form. Asked my name, birthday, who is my petitioner, my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet (when I told her we were schoolmate during gradeschool), she was in awe, "akalain mong kayo din pala magkakatuluyan" she commented, I just smiled. She continued asking, when did you get married, when was the last time you saw him, and was surprised to my answer, "2 days after ng kasal nyo umalis na sya?", I nodded in approval. She continued asking, when did he arrive in the US, how did he got there, how did you meet again, "nurse din sya?", I corrected her, I answered "he's an automotive technician". She asked me who is our co-sponsor and what is his relation to my hubby. She later asked for our pictures. Coz my scrapbook can't fit through the provided slot, she asked me to flip the pages. As she was looking/reviewing my files, I saw a small pink slip on top of all the documents stamped with the word "APPROVED". Deep inside, I was rejoicing. Haha! Then she said I take my seat again and wait for my number to flash for the final/american CO interview.

After 2 hours, my number flashed at window 59 (time 11:30am). My American CO interviewer looks "cool". Irish-American wearing a shirt (unlike the other CO's wearing long sleeves and tie) and with lots of blings around his neck. Haha! He greeted me good morning, I greeted him back, asked me how am I doin, I said great, He then asked me how do I want our interview to be, tagalog or english. I chose english. He then asked me to raise my right hand and swear before him. He asked me what is my name, my birthdate, who is my petitioner, what is my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet, what does he do for a living (I told him I have here with me my hubby's new employment letter coz hubby's unemployed during our NVC stage, but he didn't asked for it). Asked when hubby arrived in the US, how did he get there, and reacted "How could you possibly marry someone who have been in the US for 11 years?", I told him how my hubby and I met again after so many years and was convinced. What really bothered and confused me was when the CO started asking about my co-sponsors AOS papers. Below is our conversation:

CO: Who is "the name of co-sponsor"?

Me: He is our co-sponsor

CO: What is his relation to your petitioner?

Me: He is my hubby's uncle

CO: Does he have a wife?

Me: His wife passed away a year ago

CO: Does he have any kids?

Me: He has three

CO: How many are still living with him?

Me: One

CO: The co-sponsor didn't declare in his IRS that he has a son living with him. He stated that a parent and a sister was staying with him.

Me: (shocked inside coz the CO was focusing on my co-sponsor's papers, good thing I reviewed his documents) I believe his son pays for his own taxes

CO: Ohhh, how old is his son?

Me: 25 sir

CO: okay

And this time, I noticed him looking at my co-sponsor's I-864 form, shaking his head. I saw that on the household size part of the AOS, (which my co-sponsor totaled "02" : me and him, instead of "04" : me, him and his 2 declared dependents) the CO put "4" beside the "02" total and wrote something.

After that he told me that would be all, that's all the questions he needs to ask, and that I should take a seat and wait for my number to be called again for further instructions. I was waiting for him to tell me the magic words "CONGRATULATIONS YOUR VISA IS APPROVED AND WELCOME TO AMERICA" but no to avail. So I asked him, Sir, is my visa approved? He told me,"I CANNOT CONFIRM THAT AS OF THE MOMENT. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME TECHNICALITIES but your papers looked good. Just wait for your number to be called again".

After hearing this, I felt devastated. All that's running in my mind during that time was that the CO was shaking his head while looking at my co-sponsors AOS form. Okay, it is true that he put a wrong total number of house hold size (putting "02" instead of "04"), but hey, his annual income ranges $38K per year. That would be enough for a house hold size of 6. And I was also thinking, was it my fault he put the wrong total number of house hold size? Can that simple mistake jeopardize everything we did? A lot of things were going through in my mind and I was literally shaking!

Cut off time (12noon-1pm), so I went outside and talked to my mom. I was cranky and felt sorry for being mataray to her. I was so stressed and all that. Glad she accompanied me, we sat together in the middle of the rain downpour and started praying. She also texted my entire family and asked to pray for me. After that, I felt somewhat relieved and re-enter the building (same process all over again).

When my number was called again, I was praying, crossing my fingers and toes hoping that I don't get a 221g form. Thank GOD! The guy at the last window told me that I can be with my prince this christmas. He also asked me if I'm still practicing my profession (I am a nurse). Then commented that I work in the US as a nurse coz I'll earn more that what I'll be earning here in PI. He later instructed me to drop my 2go form at a window for the visa delivery! I am approved right? What y'all think?

Over all it was still a pleasant experience (expect for the fact that it was raining cats and dogs the whole time). The American CO was strict but I do believe that he's just doin his job.

Lesson learned: PRAY! It can really do MIRACLES! I'm a living and breathing proof of that. Study all of your documents. You never know what your American CO might ask you! All of the time I spent reviewing really paid off. Smile all the time. Be confident and defend your answers. That's what I did.

Nurse here in the states makes 40,000 piso to 90,000 piso per WEEK depending on what field your in. 48 hour work week. I'm a nurse too. I'm a fireman/paramedic and a nurse. Good luck and God Bless

[Baby Cookie 6]

Congratulations!

[Zedrestinodua 3]

Thank you Cess... :joy:

[LarryandChristine 1]

Congrats! Thank you for sharing your experience

Edited December 10, 2011 by LarryandChristine

[M L M 0]

Congratulations Frank and Racquel! Thank you for your wonderful details.

This was for a K-3 Visa? Glad to hear that Manila will accept a co-sponsor for a K Visa.

Our interview is in January 2012 for a K-1 Visa. I'm the petitioner, and I'll be attending the interview with my fiancee. I'm praying that they will accept my co-sponsor who is my father.

Enjoy your time together with your loved one.

Best Regards.

[Misha & Ira 113]

[jojolicious 38]

Very thorough account. Congrats!

[Tahoma 2,292]

Thanks for sharing your interview experience. It's an interesting story.

I'll read it again when Chinook gets home from work, so she can translate the Tagalog parts of the story for me.

Best wishes for a smooth and speedy visa journey.

[jon&cess 0]

Thanks y'all for your heartwarming greetings! :dance:

Nurse here in the states makes 40,000 piso to 90,000 piso per WEEK depending on what field your in. 48 hour work week. I'm a nurse too. I'm a fireman/paramedic and a nurse. Good luck and God Bless

Thanks Frank and Raquel. Lookin forward earning that large amount of mulah! LOL! Nurses here in PI are overworked but underpaid. When I was still workin in a private tertiary hospital as a full-time staff nurse, I only earn about 6-7,000pesos per month. With that amount, I barely help my parents buy the groceries and pay our bills. Sad but that's the truth.

Congratulations Frank and Racquel! Thank you for your wonderful details.

This was for a K-3 Visa? Glad to hear that Manila will accept a co-sponsor for a K Visa.

Our interview is in January 2012 for a K-1 Visa. I'm the petitioner, and I'll be attending the interview with my fiancee. I'm praying that they will accept my co-sponsor who is my father.

Enjoy your time together with your loved one.

Best Regards.

Hi Mike love Marinor! I believe you thought this was Frank and Raquel's post. I'm the OP, jon&cess. LOL! Anyways, you are welcome and I'm a CR1 applicant.

Thanks for sharing your interview experience. It's an interesting story.

I'll read it again when Chinook gets home from work, so she can translate the Tagalog parts of the story for me.

Best wishes for a smooth and speedy visa journey.

Thanks again Tahoma! Inform me when she already translated it to you! BTW, I'm still waiting for my visa to be delivered, but my flight's already booked. Hubby's too excited. LOL! Will be leaving mid-January next year.

[gretchen_darren 67]

Congrats. Thanks for sharing. I forgot how heavy those metal doors were....Some filipinas really struggle with those doors. hope your trip to America goes well.

[pushbrk 12,883]

Nurse here in the states makes 40,000 piso to 90,000 piso per WEEK depending on what field your in. 48 hour work week. I'm a nurse too. I'm a fireman/paramedic and a nurse. Good luck and God Bless

So, not an attorney after all. Strange.

[Tahoma 2,292]

So, not an attorney after all. Strange.

I was thinking the same thing...hmmm.

[Hank_ 9,174]

I've read a lot of consulate reviews here in VJ and all did help me during my USEM interview yesterday. As a way of giving back and helping others, I'm gonna write my experience and share it with everyone.

Arrived at the embassy around 7am for my 8:30am appointment. The line wasn't that long (prolly coz its raining. hehe). Presented my passport and appointment letter at the officers inside the tent. They put a numbered sticker at the back of my passport and put it inside a zip lock (passport wide opened with the biographic page visible). Another sticker (with the same number) was put in a blank 2go visa delivery form. They then instructed me to proceed to the 2nd door (entrance for immigrant visa applicants). Here, I did undergo security check and I must say strict compliance is a MUST! No electronics, no fluids in any form, no foods! Candies are allowed though! They're gonna put your bags in a scanner (like the ones in an airport). After that, went through another door, did fall in line to get your queuing number (3 windows were dispensing the numbers). At the window, they're gonna ask for your appointment letter. They returned the last two pages (I believe they only need the first two) then gave me my lucky number 6169 (time 7:13am). They told me to proceed to the new building, 2nd door again (with entrance for immigrant visa applicants signage) and wait for my number to be called. All metal doors are heavy. Haha!

When I entered the new building, there was another security check (manual), yhen I took my seat and waited for my number to flash. Waited for two hours. My number flashed at window 40 for the biometrics (only 2 windows cater inkless finger scanning, window 40&41). 2 questions was asked, your name and birthday. Then they will instruct you to put your four left fingers in the scanner, then the right, then both thumbs. It only took a minute and its done. I sat and waited again for my number to flash for the filipino pre-screener. Waited for another two hours then I was called at window 43. The filipina prescreener was nice. We converse in tagalog. She requested me to hand her over my passport and sign the part 2 of the DS230 form. Asked my name, birthday, who is my petitioner, my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet (when I told her we were schoolmate during gradeschool), she was in awe, "akalain mong kayo din pala magkakatuluyan" she commented, I just smiled. She continued asking, when did you get married, when was the last time you saw him, and was surprised to my answer, "2 days after ng kasal nyo umalis na sya?", I nodded in approval. She continued asking, when did he arrive in the US, how did he got there, how did you meet again, "nurse din sya?", I corrected her, I answered "he's an automotive technician". She asked me who is our co-sponsor and what is his relation to my hubby. She later asked for our pictures. Coz my scrapbook can't fit through the provided slot, she asked me to flip the pages. As she was looking/reviewing my files, I saw a small pink slip on top of all the documents stamped with the word "APPROVED". Deep inside, I was rejoicing. Haha! Then she said I take my seat again and wait for my number to flash for the final/american CO interview.

After 2 hours, my number flashed at window 59 (time 11:30am). My American CO interviewer looks "cool". Irish-American wearing a shirt (unlike the other CO's wearing long sleeves and tie) and with lots of blings around his neck. Haha! He greeted me good morning, I greeted him back, asked me how am I doin, I said great, He then asked me how do I want our interview to be, tagalog or english. I chose english. He then asked me to raise my right hand and swear before him. He asked me what is my name, my birthdate, who is my petitioner, what is my relation to my petitioner, how did we meet, what does he do for a living (I told him I have here with me my hubby's new employment letter coz hubby's unemployed during our NVC stage, but he didn't asked for it). Asked when hubby arrived in the US, how did he get there, and reacted "How could you possibly marry someone who have been in the US for 11 years?", I told him how my hubby and I met again after so many years and was convinced. What really bothered and confused me was when the CO started asking about my co-sponsors AOS papers. Below is our conversation:

CO: Who is "the name of co-sponsor"?

Me: He is our co-sponsor

CO: What is his relation to your petitioner?

Me: He is my hubby's uncle

CO: Does he have a wife?

Me: His wife passed away a year ago

CO: Does he have any kids?

Me: He has three

CO: How many are still living with him?

Me: One

CO: The co-sponsor didn't declare in his IRS that he has a son living with him. He stated that a parent and a sister was staying with him.

Me: (shocked inside coz the CO was focusing on my co-sponsor's papers, good thing I reviewed his documents) I believe his son pays for his own taxes

CO: Ohhh, how old is his son?

Me: 25 sir

CO: okay

And this time, I noticed him looking at my co-sponsor's I-864 form, shaking his head. I saw that on the household size part of the AOS, (which my co-sponsor totaled "02" : me and him, instead of "04" : me, him and his 2 declared dependents) the CO put "4" beside the "02" total and wrote something.

After that he told me that would be all, that's all the questions he needs to ask, and that I should take a seat and wait for my number to be called again for further instructions. I was waiting for him to tell me the magic words "CONGRATULATIONS YOUR VISA IS APPROVED AND WELCOME TO AMERICA" but no to avail. So I asked him, Sir, is my visa approved? He told me,"I CANNOT CONFIRM THAT AS OF THE MOMENT. WE HAVE EXPERIENCED SOME TECHNICALITIES but your papers looked good. Just wait for your number to be called again".

After hearing this, I felt devastated. All that's running in my mind during that time was that the CO was shaking his head while looking at my co-sponsors AOS form. Okay, it is true that he put a wrong total number of house hold size (putting "02" instead of "04"), but hey, his annual income ranges $38K per year. That would be enough for a house hold size of 6. And I was also thinking, was it my fault he put the wrong total number of house hold size? Can that simple mistake jeopardize everything we did? A lot of things were going through in my mind and I was literally shaking!

Cut off time (12noon-1pm), so I went outside and talked to my mom. I was cranky and felt sorry for being mataray to her. I was so stressed and all that. Glad she accompanied me, we sat together in the middle of the rain downpour and started praying. She also texted my entire family and asked to pray for me. After that, I felt somewhat relieved and re-enter the building (same process all over again).

When my number was called again, I was praying, crossing my fingers and toes hoping that I don't get a 221g form. Thank GOD! The guy at the last window told me that I can be with my prince this christmas. He also asked me if I'm still practicing my profession (I am a nurse). Then commented that I work in the US as a nurse coz I'll earn more that what I'll be earning here in PI. He later instructed me to drop my 2go form at a window for the visa delivery! I am approved right? What y'all think?

Over all it was still a pleasant experience (expect for the fact that it was raining cats and dogs the whole time). The American CO was strict but I do believe that he's just doin his job.

Lesson learned: PRAY! It can really do MIRACLES! I'm a living and breathing proof of that. Study all of your documents. You never know what your American CO might ask you! All of the time I spent reviewing really paid off. Smile all the time. Be confident and defend your answers. That's what I did.

Thanks for the great review!

Could you had it to the consulate review section, that way it will not disappear over time as easily? Thanks

http://www.visajourney.com/reviews/index.php?cnty=Philippines&cty=&dfilter=5