I-130 Visa Approved for My Adopted Child in Manila, What Next?

[rpworldwide1 0]

Hi Everyone,

I'm brand new to this forum-just signed up today. Here's my story in a nutshell:

I'm an American married to a Filipina. We moved to the Philippines in 2007 to fulfill the requirements to adopt a non-orphan child here. We have been living here with my wife's family ever since. Last year, the adoption was finally completed and on November 28, we filed an I-130 application at the Manila Embassy for our adopted daughter. Last Friday (Feb 17,2012), we received an approval letter from the USCIS. We also received a separate packet (apparently called Packet 3) from the US Embassy with DS-2001 and DS-230 (first half) forms to be completed and returned to them. We returned the forms on Saturday and I have confirmed they have been received by the Embassy. So my question to anyone who knows the answer is-what should I expect next?

I assume they will be sending me a Packet 4 with appointment letter and further details, but I'm wondering about the usual time frame for this to happen. Keep in mind that we are Philippine residents, so we did not file our I-130 through the usual NVC in the U.S. Everything is being processed directly from the Embassy. So I just have a couple specific questions:

1. From this point, approximately how long will it be before I receive the Packet 4?

2. Is there anything I can/should do (like call or appear at the Embassy) to speed the process up from this point?

3. Is it okay to get our daughter's medical exam, or should we wait until we have the appointment letter?

Thanks in advance for any and all help and guidance you can provide. I appreciate it!

Paul

[Inky 1,111]

moving to the Philippines forum as they have specific things they do for medical and interviews.

[rpworldwide1 0]

Okay, well I guess nobody on this forum has a similar experience as mine getting an immigrant visa for an adopted child. So I guess we're pretty much on our own as far as the process going forward. But maybe someone can at least answer this question:

-Is it okay having already received Packet 3 and having a MNL case number to go ahead and get my daughter's St Luke's medical exam, or do we have to wait for the Packet 4 with the appointment letter?

I appreciate any guidance I can get on this.

Thanks and God bless!

Paul

Hi Everyone,

I'm brand new to this forum-just signed up today. Here's my story in a nutshell:

I'm an American married to a Filipina. We moved to the Philippines in 2007 to fulfill the requirements to adopt a non-orphan child here. We have been living here with my wife's family ever since. Last year, the adoption was finally completed and on November 28, we filed an I-130 application at the Manila Embassy for our adopted daughter. Last Friday (Feb 17,2012), we received an approval letter from the USCIS. We also received a separate packet (apparently called Packet 3) from the US Embassy with DS-2001 and DS-230 (first half) forms to be completed and returned to them. We returned the forms on Saturday and I have confirmed they have been received by the Embassy. So my question to anyone who knows the answer is-what should I expect next?

I assume they will be sending me a Packet 4 with appointment letter and further details, but I'm wondering about the usual time frame for this to happen. Keep in mind that we are Philippine residents, so we did not file our I-130 through the usual NVC in the U.S. Everything is being processed directly from the Embassy. So I just have a couple specific questions:

1. From this point, approximately how long will it be before I receive the Packet 4?

2. Is there anything I can/should do (like call or appear at the Embassy) to speed the process up from this point?

3. Is it okay to get our daughter's medical exam, or should we wait until we have the appointment letter?

Thanks in advance for any and all help and guidance you can provide. I appreciate it!

Paul

[Hank_ 9,174]

Not sure if the embassy mails a packet out in your case or if the do it online like with the K-1 and such.

I am sure there is a visa fee to pay .

I found this info on the Manila embassy website:

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3238.html

Here is some contact info for starters.

Embassy (Manila) Phone Number (and email)

(632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185

** (214) 571-1600 or (646) 254-3546 (magic jack as this is USA number)

local number:

USEM 3012000 loc 5184/5185 call them around 3-4:30pm

For general inquiries: IVManilaReplies@state.gov

To enable us to electronically sort the messages and provide better, more timely responses, you should follow the instructions below.

The subject line of your email should indicate the visa applicant's last name, first and middle name (ex. DOE, John James), case number/USCIS receipt number, visa category and priority date.

Messages should be limited to 500 characters or less.

The mail size should not be more than 15 KB.

Do not submit documentation or attachments with your message as our system is unable to receive inquiries with attachments.

Do not send your inquiry more than once as duplicate inquiries will congest our system and delay our response time.

Here's the link: http://manila.usemba...contact-us.html

Edited February 28, 2012 by Hank_Amy

[rpworldwide1 0]

Thanks Hank! I called the number you listed here and got a hold of someone at the Embassy. They said my info was received and I could go ahead and schedule an appointment online, which I did. Just took my daughter today to St Luke's for day 1 of medical, that went pretty smooth. Kind of nervous though about results of Tuberculosis test. They say some kids test + if it's in their blood but they don't actually have the disease. My understanding is this could delay things if that happened. Oh well, we'll find out Wednesday I guess...

Not sure if the embassy mails a packet out in your case or if the do it online like with the K-1 and such.

I am sure there is a visa fee to pay .

I found this info on the Manila embassy website:

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3238.html

Here is some contact info for starters.

Embassy (Manila) Phone Number (and email)

(632) 301-2000, extension 5184 or 5185

** (214) 571-1600 or (646) 254-3546 (magic jack as this is USA number)

local number:

USEM 3012000 loc 5184/5185 call them around 3-4:30pm

For general inquiries: IVManilaReplies@state.gov

To enable us to electronically sort the messages and provide better, more timely responses, you should follow the instructions below.

The subject line of your email should indicate the visa applicant's last name, first and middle name (ex. DOE, John James), case number/USCIS receipt number, visa category and priority date.

Messages should be limited to 500 characters or less.

The mail size should not be more than 15 KB.

Do not submit documentation or attachments with your message as our system is unable to receive inquiries with attachments.

Do not send your inquiry more than once as duplicate inquiries will congest our system and delay our response time.

Here's the link: http://manila.usemba...contact-us.html

[Hank_ 9,174]

Glad things are progressing, all the best with the medical.

[rpworldwide1 0]

Just a quick update-our child did pass her medical. Now on to the final interview March 19, praise God!!

One thing I should note about the St Luke's medical exam for children-she did fail the TBT skin test, and was sent for a chest X-ray, which she passed. But during the interim, I was quite worried and praying she wouldn't also fail the X-ray. Then while waiting for the X-ray, I started to notice that pretty much every other kid that was in line near her at the TBT skin test was coming up to 3rd floor for the X-ray. Seems that at least yesterday, the vast majority of kids were failing that skin test. Makes me wonder why they even bother to do it. Maybe it's better just to have them all go straight to the chest X-ray.

Glad things are progressing, all the best with the medical.

[calibob 73]

Congrats on the medical!!!!

[Hank_ 9,174]

Excellent news!!

[Karen&John 0]

Hi Everyone,

I'm brand new to this forum-just signed up today. Here's my story in a nutshell:

I'm an American married to a Filipina. We moved to the Philippines in 2007 to fulfill the requirements to adopt a non-orphan child here. We have been living here with my wife's family ever since. Last year, the adoption was finally completed and on November 28, we filed an I-130 application at the Manila Embassy for our adopted daughter. Last Friday (Feb 17,2012), we received an approval letter from the USCIS. We also received a separate packet (apparently called Packet 3) from the US Embassy with DS-2001 and DS-230 (first half) forms to be completed and returned to them. We returned the forms on Saturday and I have confirmed they have been received by the Embassy. So my question to anyone who knows the answer is-what should I expect next?

I assume they will be sending me a Packet 4 with appointment letter and further details, but I'm wondering about the usual time frame for this to happen. Keep in mind that we are Philippine residents, so we did not file our I-130 through the usual NVC in the U.S. Everything is being processed directly from the Embassy. So I just have a couple specific questions:

1. From this point, approximately how long will it be before I receive the Packet 4?

2. Is there anything I can/should do (like call or appear at the Embassy) to speed the process up from this point?

3. Is it okay to get our daughter's medical exam, or should we wait until we have the appointment letter?

Thanks in advance for any and all help and guidance you can provide. I appreciate it!

Paul

Hello Paul,

I'am new to the forum. We have been researching this process with no luck. Would like to ask what documents and forms you submitted at the embassy.

Thank you

Karen and John

[rpworldwide1 0]

Hi Karen & John,

I know the feeling-researching an adoption here. There is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there, so it's hard to make heads or tails of it all. We actually ended up hiring an attorney (an American based in Angeles City) who had lots of experience with cases like ours-getting immigrant visas for adopted children. And I'm glad we hired him. All in all, we ended up filing well over 100 documents as well as around 100 pictures to the Embassy to prove 3 things mainly:

1. We had obtained legal guardianship of the child through a local court over 2 years prior to filing the I-130 visa(informal custody agreements are not sufficient for this, it HAS to be a local court). If we were not able to show that, then the 2 year custody requirement would start at the time the adoption was final.

2. That we had actually lived here for over 2 years-we showed utility bills, bank accounts we have in the Philippines, incorporation documents for a business we started, sworn affidavits from neighbors saying we lived here over 2 years, certification from our barangay captain of the same, and I can't remember what else, but I'm sure there was more.

3. That we exercised PRIMARY parental control over the child. We showed school records/pictures, immunization records, and we also had to show that the biological parents did not have contact with the child. Apparently, there are a lot of cases here where the biological parents live in the same house or nearby. We showed that their address is about an hour away from us by giving the Embassy their barangay clearances and marriage certificate. We also had written into the sworn affidavits from neighbors that they never witnessed the biological parents trying to exercise parental control over the child.

Of course, this was all on top of the main documents like the adoption decree, certificate of finality, copies of passports (sponsor and beneficiary), and I'm sure I'm leaving a few other things out.

Bottom line is it was not easy, but very well worth it. We've lived here in the Philippines 4 1/2 years total and we're just now coming to the end of it with the final interview scheduled for March 19. Even though it seems like we should be approved, I'm still stressed about it for some reason. After Monday, I'm sure I'll find that there was nothing to be worried about, but I'm just being careful anyway.

From what you've said so far, it's hard to know if your case is exactly like ours. We adopted a non-orphan distant relative who is now 9 years old through the domestic adoption process. She is well under the cut-off age of 16. If the child in question is close to age 16 before beginning the adoption, then this whole thing would probably not work.

Sorry for the long-winded response, but I hope this helps you somewhat. Let me know if I can help you further.

Take care,

Paul

Hello Paul,

I'am new to the forum. We have been researching this process with no luck. Would like to ask what documents and forms you submitted at the embassy.

Thank you

Karen and John

[Karen&John 0]

Hi Karen & John,

I know the feeling-researching an adoption here. There is a lot of confusion and misinformation out there, so it's hard to make heads or tails of it all. We actually ended up hiring an attorney (an American based in Angeles City) who had lots of experience with cases like ours-getting immigrant visas for adopted children. And I'm glad we hired him. All in all, we ended up filing well over 100 documents as well as around 100 pictures to the Embassy to prove 3 things mainly:

1. We had obtained legal guardianship of the child through a local court over 2 years prior to filing the I-130 visa(informal custody agreements are not sufficient for this, it HAS to be a local court). If we were not able to show that, then the 2 year custody requirement would start at the time the adoption was final.

2. That we had actually lived here for over 2 years-we showed utility bills, bank accounts we have in the Philippines, incorporation documents for a business we started, sworn affidavits from neighbors saying we lived here over 2 years, certification from our barangay captain of the same, and I can't remember what else, but I'm sure there was more.

3. That we exercised PRIMARY parental control over the child. We showed school records/pictures, immunization records, and we also had to show that the biological parents did not have contact with the child. Apparently, there are a lot of cases here where the biological parents live in the same house or nearby. We showed that their address is about an hour away from us by giving the Embassy their barangay clearances and marriage certificate. We also had written into the sworn affidavits from neighbors that they never witnessed the biological parents trying to exercise parental control over the child.

Of course, this was all on top of the main documents like the adoption decree, certificate of finality, copies of passports (sponsor and beneficiary), and I'm sure I'm leaving a few other things out.

Bottom line is it was not easy, but very well worth it. We've lived here in the Philippines 4 1/2 years total and we're just now coming to the end of it with the final interview scheduled for March 19. Even though it seems like we should be approved, I'm still stressed about it for some reason. After Monday, I'm sure I'll find that there was nothing to be worried about, but I'm just being careful anyway.

From what you've said so far, it's hard to know if your case is exactly like ours. We adopted a non-orphan distant relative who is now 9 years old through the domestic adoption process. She is well under the cut-off age of 16. If the child in question is close to age 16 before beginning the adoption, then this whole thing would probably not work.

Sorry for the long-winded response, but I hope this helps you somewhat. Let me know if I can help you further.

Take care,

Paul

Hi Paul,

Thank you so much for the information. We also adopted a non-orphan child and the adoption was finalized in 2008. She is 15 years old now so we don't have much time. Please keep us inform on how the interview goes.

Thanks,

Karen and John

[rpworldwide1 0]

Hello All,

Just a quick update-our child had her final interview today and the visa was approved! Praise God!

A few details on the interview:

-Our appointment was at 6:30, we arrived a little after 5, and were about number 40 in line.

-Most people already realize this I'm sure, but there are 4 steps once you have your number and you're inside at the immigrant visa area:

1. Fingerprinting/scanning

2. Pre-interview with Filipino asking mainly about documentation.

3. Interview with American consular.

4. Clearance.

We finished everything around 10:00. Our case is unique from most of the others because it was only our adopted child being petitioned. She was exempt from the first step (fingerprinting) because of her age.

On step two, the Filipino guy was very nice, but read carefully our adoption and previous guardianship papers. He asked many questions, mainly trying to establish the timeline and make sure we met the 2 year custody requirement for applying for the immigrant visa (which we did). This part took us around 20 minutes.

From there, we waited quite a while for the American consular interview. I believe around 45 minutes. I'm guessing it was because the Americans were just starting to open up and it was a little slow at first. Later on, it starts to pick up as these interviews don't take very long. When we were finally called, the male officer asked our 9 year old daughter a few standard questions like name, date of birth, what grade she's in. Then he asked, "what's your favorite color?" She answered "pink." He responded "great, I wore the right shirt today." At that point, I knew the visa was approved. Our daughter did great. She totally charmed the American officer.

Last step was Window 71 for checkout. Wasn't quite sure what to expect here, but it was quick and easy. They already had our address and no courier forms needed to be filled out. Also no fees were due. I was kinda surprised cause I thought there was another $330 visa fee to pay, but I guess I had paid everything when we filed the petition last November.

[Kang 22]

Congratulations.

[sugrich 0]

Paul,

Congratulations on your apparently successful adoption. We are in a similar situation. We did a non-orphan adoption of my wife's nephew. we are both now us citizens but my wife was former philippine citizen. The adoption was approved and finalized by the domestic courts in 2007 and we have been living here in leyte since feb 2010. i thought we had everything in order but when we went to turn into us embassy in manila, the lady there took our i-130 application to an officer to check and the officer said we had everything in order but needed more proof of "parental control" and suggested we don't turn it in yet. we had a couple of letters and many pictures and utilitiy bill etc. what do you think we need to do in addition to prove "parental control. we have now added many certified letters such as from our son'e school principal but are still uncertain how to prove parental control although the truth is we have always had parental control paying everything for child deciding where he went to school etc. however the biological parents do live nearby so do you have any suggestions how we can show they had no control. of course they gave up all control in the adoption approved in 2007. any advise form you paul or anyone would be greatly appreciated.