K-1 interview preparation

[KIPLZ 0]

I saw that my I129F was approved on the USCIS website on May 31st so I should expect to get the official document in the mail this week. I do have a few questions and would appreciate any help.

1. What documents can we start gathering in preparation for the interview in Manila? I want to get a head start instead of waiting for the notification.

2. How much proof is enough to bring to the interview to prove the ongoing relationship I have with my fiancee? The YM chat logs I have go back to May 3, 2011 and even after changing the margins, font size and putting two columns, I still have 561 pages.

3. Does my fiancee's son need to accompany her on the interview for her K-1 to get his K-2 visa?

4. Lastly, I always thought that we ourselves would schedule the visa interview date at the embassy but I read somewhere on here that the NVC schedules that for us. Does anyone know what the real deal is?

Thanks everybody.

[Inky 1,111]

If you frequent the Philippines forum during the process you would see that the US embassy does not send packet 3 and the nvc does not book interviews for the K-1.

Since your questions are all specific to interview in the Philippines i'm going to move your question there so you can get the correct regional answers to your regional questions.

[Mogambi 96]

In the Philippines you schedule your own interview, the NVC does not do it (they do in some countries though).

Your case will now move to the NVC. It can stay there for a month or so, but often it's much less. After that, they will send your paperwork to the embassy in Manila. Your fiancé should then get a letter from the US Embassy explaining how to proceed.

Now that your case is approved, in a week or so, start calling the NVC and see if they have assigned your petition a case number. It will be something like MNL________

With that number, you can actually schedule the interview, get moving on your medical, etc. So even while you are waiting for the NVC to get your paperwork to Manila, you can be doing things.

You cannot take the medical without the letter from the US Embassy, but you can pre-register online, filling out some of the information.

The letter from the US Embassy will explain all the next round of paperwork you need, and will give you links to download the 'Packet 3' from the US Embassy website.

Basically if you want a headstart, here is the link to the paperwork the US Embassy is going to tell you to download:

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction%20Packet%20_3__rtf2_005.pdf

To contact the NVC, see the following page:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3177.html

So basically, in this order, here is what I did:

Call or contact the NVC starting soon and see if they have assigned you Case number.

Once you have it, start following the instructions in the Packet 3 paperwork. You will be able to go and pay your visa fee. You might not want to actually schedule the interview until you receive the letter from the US Embassy, but at least you'll be ready to do so.

Go to the St. Luke's Extension site and pre-register once you have your case number. This will save time when she goes for her medical. Their website is:

http://www.slec.ph/

On the left column you'll see a place to register.

Then while you are waiting, being gathering and filing out all the forms the packet 3 lists. You will need to do the I-134 affidavit of support, and gather your own stuff here, so get started on that too.

But good luck and congrats!

[KIPLZ 0]

In the Philippines you schedule your own interview, the NVC does not do it (they do in some countries though).

Your case will now move to the NVC. It can stay there for a month or so, but often it's much less. After that, they will send your paperwork to the embassy in Manila. Your fiancé should then get a letter from the US Embassy explaining how to proceed.

Now that your case is approved, in a week or so, start calling the NVC and see if they have assigned your petition a case number. It will be something like MNL________

With that number, you can actually schedule the interview, get moving on your medical, etc. So even while you are waiting for the NVC to get your paperwork to Manila, you can be doing things.

You cannot take the medical without the letter from the US Embassy, but you can pre-register online, filling out some of the information.

The letter from the US Embassy will explain all the next round of paperwork you need, and will give you links to download the 'Packet 3' from the US Embassy website.

Basically if you want a headstart, here is the link to the paperwork the US Embassy is going to tell you to download:

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction%20Packet%20_3__rtf2_005.pdf

To contact the NVC, see the following page:

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3177.html

So basically, in this order, here is what I did:

Call or contact the NVC starting soon and see if they have assigned you Case number.

Once you have it, start following the instructions in the Packet 3 paperwork. You will be able to go and pay your visa fee. You might not want to actually schedule the interview until you receive the letter from the US Embassy, but at least you'll be ready to do so.

Go to the St. Luke's Extension site and pre-register once you have your case number. This will save time when she goes for her medical. Their website is:

http://www.slec.ph/

On the left column you'll see a place to register.

Then while you are waiting, being gathering and filing out all the forms the packet 3 lists. You will need to do the I-134 affidavit of support, and gather your own stuff here, so get started on that too.

But good luck and congrats!

Thanks Mogambi. I really appreciate it. Would you know anything about questions 2 and 3?

2. How much proof is enough to bring to the interview to prove the ongoing relationship I have with my fiancee? The YM chat logs I have go back to May 3, 2011 and even after changing the margins, font size and putting two columns, I still have 561 pages.

3. Does my fiancee's son need to accompany her on the interview for her K-1 to get his K-2 visa?

[Hank_ 9,174]

I saw that my I129F was approved on the USCIS website on May 31st so I should expect to get the official document in the mail this week. I do have a few questions and would appreciate any help.

1. What documents can we start gathering in preparation for the interview in Manila? I want to get a head start instead of waiting for the notification. Read below.

2. How much proof is enough to bring to the interview to prove the ongoing relationship I have with my fiancee? The YM chat logs I have go back to May 3, 2011 and even after changing the margins, font size and putting two columns, I still have 561 pages. Do a sampling of your chat logs, they are not going to read 561 pages so save a tree or two.

3. Does my fiancee's son need to accompany her on the interview for her K-1 to get his K-2 visa? Yes, you also need to paid his visa fee at BPI

4. Lastly, I always thought that we ourselves would schedule the visa interview date at the embassy but I read somewhere on here that the NVC schedules that for us. Does anyone know what the real deal is? NVC schedules for those that are IR/CR-1, for K-1 read below.

Thanks everybody.

Congrats on getting your NOA2!!

Give the fine folks at NVC a week to 10 days before calling... then...

Check on your embassy case number:

For the NVC:

Give them 7 - 10 days before calling. Call after 4:45 PM eastern time for shorter wait times

K1's are not tracked through the AVR, ever. They are processed like an immigrant visa, but they are NOT immigrant visas, so they fall into a completely different class of their own. Therefore you need an operator. To get there:

1-603-334-0700 Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time)

Press 1 for English

Press 5 for an operator

NVC CONTACT INFORMATION:

Website: www.immigrantvisas.state.gov

E-mail: NVCInquiry@state.gov

REQUIRED SECURITY INFORMATION:

You are required to provide the following security information with each inquiry to receive a case specific response:

* NVC Case Number or USCIS Receipt Number (Place in the subject line of the e-mail).

* Petitioner's name and date of birth.

( NOTE: If the visa petition is employment-based, include the employer's company/organization name instead of the petitioner's name and date of birth. )

* Principal Applicant's name and date of birth.

* If you are an attorney, include your name and the name and address of your law office.

After NOA2 AND YOU HAVE YOUR MNL # (don't need to wait for the letter from the embassy )

(open all of these links then save them to your bookmarks so you have them for easy access)

Embassy:

http://photos.state....3__rtf2_003.pdf (visa fee is wrong in the letter, not sure when they will update that in this letter)

The DS-156 can be difficult to complete sometimes, if you have issues try a different web browser. I had problems getting it to print with IE8, Chrome, Firefox, finally got it to print using Safari.

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/

When scheduling online with the embassy you need to include the "XX" at the beginning of the passport number, your passport number IS your receipt number.

Priorty Date; this is the date the NOA 2 was approved.

Make sure to print two copies of the interview confirmation page as you will need one for St. Luke's and the other for the embassy.

St. Luke's:

http://www.slec.ph/u...l#required-docs

Preregister at St. Luke's, it saves time when you arrive.

http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/

Have copies of passport bio page, confirmation page from scheduling interview online at embassy, and of course the 2X2 photos.

CFO:

http://www.cfo.gov.p...atid=140#ThirdA

Required documents & "OTHER DOCUMENTS" they ask for at CFO: copies of; CENOMAR, certified birth certificate, bio page of passport, visa page from passport, pictures together, from USC - bio page of passport, birth certificate, divorce decree (if been married before) are the most common. The "other documents" clause can be ANYTHING with those nit-wits at CFO.

** From the Family Code of the Philippines: it's 21-25 years old for advice and 18-21 years old for consent.

Art. 14. In case either or both of the contracting parties, not having been emancipated by a previous marriage, are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, they shall, in addition to the requirements of the preceding articles, exhibit to the local civil registrar, the consent to their marriage of their father, mother, surviving parent or guardian, or persons having legal charge of them, in the order mentioned. Such consent shall be manifested in writing by the interested party, who personally appears before the proper local civil registrar, or in the form of an affidavit made in the presence of two witnesses and attested before any official authorized by law to administer oaths. The personal manifestation shall be recorded in both applications for marriage license, and the affidavit, if one is executed instead, shall be attached to said applications. (61a)

Art. 15. Any contracting party between the age of twenty-one and twenty-five shall be obliged to ask their parents or guardian for advice upon the intended marriage. If they do not obtain such advice, or if it be unfavorable, the marriage license shall not be issued till after three months following the completion of the publication of the application therefor.A sworn statement by the contracting parties to the effect that such advice has been sought,together with the written advice given, if any, shall be attached to the application for marriage license. Should the parents or guardian refuse to give any advice, this fact shall be stated in the sworn statement.

Edited June 4, 2012 by Hank_Amy

[Mogambi 96]

I don't know if the children accompany your fiance to the interview sorry, my fiance doesn't have kids, so i have no experience with that one.

As for evidence, there is no rule. Certainly 561 pages of anything is way too much.

Most people I think bring 15 to 20 photos, selected set of emails, I would take maybe 30 selected pages of your chats, pick ones that show the biggest span of time, so from the earliest ones you have, to the most recent. Hopefully you sent some letters, they need to have the envelope still that show the date she received them. If you have anything official in both of your names, like a bank account, bring statements. Make sure to have all your airline tickets, hotel receipts, things to prove you were there, and hopefully that you spent time together. You need enough material that if the CO doubts you are a real couple, you will be able to prove that you are. No one can tell you exactly how much that is. Better to bring more than enough.

For many of us, it was never looked at. But it was still better to have it.

[KIPLZ 0]

Congrats on getting your NOA2!!

Give the fine folks at NVC a week to 10 days before calling... then...

Check on your embassy case number:

For the NVC:

Give them 7 - 10 days before calling. Call after 4:45 PM eastern time for shorter wait times

K1's are not tracked through the AVR, ever. They are processed like an immigrant visa, but they are NOT immigrant visas, so they fall into a completely different class of their own. Therefore you need an operator. To get there:

1-603-334-0700 Operator assistance is available Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 12:00 AM (Eastern Time)

Press 1 for English

Press 5 for an operator

NVC CONTACT INFORMATION:

Website: www.immigrantvisas.state.gov

E-mail: NVCInquiry@state.gov

REQUIRED SECURITY INFORMATION:

You are required to provide the following security information with each inquiry to receive a case specific response:

* NVC Case Number or USCIS Receipt Number (Place in the subject line of the e-mail).

* Petitioner's name and date of birth.

( NOTE: If the visa petition is employment-based, include the employer's company/organization name instead of the petitioner's name and date of birth. )

* Principal Applicant's name and date of birth.

* If you are an attorney, include your name and the name and address of your law office.

After NOA2 AND YOU HAVE YOUR MNL # (don't need to wait for the letter from the embassy )

(open all of these links then save them to your bookmarks so you have them for easy access)

Embassy:

http://photos.state....3__rtf2_003.pdf (visa fee is wrong in the letter, not sure when they will update that in this letter)

The DS-156 can be difficult to complete sometimes, if you have issues try a different web browser. I had problems getting it to print with IE8, Chrome, Firefox, finally got it to print using Safari.

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/

When scheduling online with the embassy you need to include the "XX" at the beginning of the passport number, your passport number IS your receipt number.

Priorty Date; this is the date the NOA 2 was approved.

Make sure to print two copies of the interview confirmation page as you will need one for St. Luke's and the other for the embassy.

St. Luke's:

http://www.slec.ph/u...l#required-docs

Preregister at St. Luke's, it saves time when you arrive.

http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/

Have copies of passport bio page, confirmation page from scheduling interview online at embassy, and of course the 2X2 photos.

CFO:

http://www.cfo.gov.p...atid=140#ThirdA

Required documents & "OTHER DOCUMENTS" they ask for at CFO: copies of; CENOMAR, certified birth certificate, bio page of passport, visa page from passport, pictures together, from USC - bio page of passport, birth certificate, divorce decree (if been married before) are the most common. The "other documents" clause can be ANYTHING with those nit-wits at CFO.

** From the Family Code of the Philippines: it's 21-25 years old for advice and 18-21 years old for consent.

Art. 14. In case either or both of the contracting parties, not having been emancipated by a previous marriage, are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, they shall, in addition to the requirements of the preceding articles, exhibit to the local civil registrar, the consent to their marriage of their father, mother, surviving parent or guardian, or persons having legal charge of them, in the order mentioned. Such consent shall be manifested in writing by the interested party, who personally appears before the proper local civil registrar, or in the form of an affidavit made in the presence of two witnesses and attested before any official authorized by law to administer oaths. The personal manifestation shall be recorded in both applications for marriage license, and the affidavit, if one is executed instead, shall be attached to said applications. (61a)

Art. 15. Any contracting party between the age of twenty-one and twenty-five shall be obliged to ask their parents or guardian for advice upon the intended marriage. If they do not obtain such advice, or if it be unfavorable, the marriage license shall not be issued till after three months following the completion of the publication of the application therefor.A sworn statement by the contracting parties to the effect that such advice has been sought,together with the written advice given, if any, shall be attached to the application for marriage license. Should the parents or guardian refuse to give any advice, this fact shall be stated in the sworn statement.

That was nice and detailed. Thanks! Question about the CFO though. Does this only apply to people in ages between 18 and 25 or is this for everyone leaving? My fiancee is 32. Thanks again!

I don't know if the children accompany your fiance to the interview sorry, my fiance doesn't have kids, so i have no experience with that one.

As for evidence, there is no rule. Certainly 561 pages of anything is way too much.

Most people I think bring 15 to 20 photos, selected set of emails, I would take maybe 30 selected pages of your chats, pick ones that show the biggest span of time, so from the earliest ones you have, to the most recent. Hopefully you sent some letters, they need to have the envelope still that show the date she received them. If you have anything official in both of your names, like a bank account, bring statements. Make sure to have all your airline tickets, hotel receipts, things to prove you were there, and hopefully that you spent time together. You need enough material that if the CO doubts you are a real couple, you will be able to prove that you are. No one can tell you exactly how much that is. Better to bring more than enough.

For many of us, it was never looked at. But it was still better to have it.

I'll definitely select the documents I give. Thanks again for all the help.

I just noticed your timeline. Congratulations on the marriage!!!! God bless you both!

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

In the Philippines you schedule your own interview, the NVC does not do it (they do in some countries though).

Your case will now move to the NVC. It can stay there for a month or so, but often it's much less. After that, they will send your paperwork to the embassy in Manila. Your fiancé should then get a letter from the US Embassy explaining how to proceed.

Now that your case is approved, in a week or so, start calling the NVC and see if they have assigned your petition a case number. It will be something like MNL________

With that number, you can actually schedule the interview, get moving on your medical, etc. So even while you are waiting for the NVC to get your paperwork to Manila, you can be doing things.

You cannot take the medical without the letter from the US Embassy, but you can pre-register online, filling out some of the information.

The letter from the US Embassy will explain all the next round of paperwork you need, and will give you links to download the 'Packet 3' from the US Embassy website.

Basically if you want a headstart, here is the link to the paperwork the US Embassy is going to tell you to download:

http://photos.state....3__rtf2_005.pdf

To contact the NVC, see the following page:

http://travel.state..../info_3177.html

So basically, in this order, here is what I did:

Call or contact the NVC starting soon and see if they have assigned you Case number.

Once you have it, start following the instructions in the Packet 3 paperwork. You will be able to go and pay your visa fee. You might not want to actually schedule the interview until you receive the letter from the US Embassy, but at least you'll be ready to do so.

Go to the St. Luke's Extension site and pre-register once you have your case number. This will save time when she goes for her medical. Their website is:

http://www.slec.ph/

On the left column you'll see a place to register.

Then while you are waiting, being gathering and filing out all the forms the packet 3 lists. You will need to do the I-134 affidavit of support, and gather your own stuff here, so get started on that too.

But good luck and congrats!

You can absolutely take the Medical without the letter from the US Embassy. My wife has been here 6 months and we never saw the letter from the Embassy. Call and get your MNL number and get the ball rolling. You can usually be on a plane with in about a month or so of NVC issuing your MNL number if you wish.

[The Nature Boy 4,224]

You can absolutely take the Medical without the letter from the US Embassy. My wife has been here 6 months and we never saw the letter from the Embassy. Call and get your MNL number and get the ball rolling. You can usually be on a plane with in about a month or so of NVC issuing your MNL number if you wish.

and to be clear I am talking about the letter they send out saying they have revived your packet. Not the confirmation of appointment letter which you do need .

[Hank_ 9,174]

CFO requirement for consent letters, etc are ONLY required for the ages stated.

CFO:

http://www.cfo.gov.p...atid=140#ThirdA

Required documents & "OTHER DOCUMENTS" they ask for at CFO: copies of; CENOMAR, certified birth certificate, bio page of passport, visa page from passport, pictures together, from USC - bio page of passport, birth certificate, divorce decree (if been married before) are the most common. The "other documents" clause can be ANYTHING with those nit-wits at CFO.

** From the Family Code of the Philippines: it's 21-25 years old for advice and 18-21 years old for consent.

Art. 14. In case either or both of the contracting parties, not having been emancipated by a previous marriage, are between the ages of eighteen and twenty-one, they shall, in addition to the requirements of the preceding articles, exhibit to the local civil registrar, the consent to their marriage of their father, mother, surviving parent or guardian, or persons having legal charge of them, in the order mentioned. Such consent shall be manifested in writing by the interested party, who personally appears before the proper local civil registrar, or in the form of an affidavit made in the presence of two witnesses and attested before any official authorized by law to administer oaths. The personal manifestation shall be recorded in both applications for marriage license, and the affidavit, if one is executed instead, shall be attached to said applications. (61a)

Art. 15. Any contracting party between the age of twenty-one and twenty-five shall be obliged to ask their parents or guardian for advice upon the intended marriage. If they do not obtain such advice, or if it be unfavorable, the marriage license shall not be issued till after three months following the completion of the publication of the application therefor.A sworn statement by the contracting parties to the effect that such advice has been sought,together with the written advice given, if any, shall be attached to the application for marriage license. Should the parents or guardian refuse to give any advice, this fact shall be stated in the sworn statement.

Edited June 5, 2012 by Hank_Amy

[sunandmoon 450]

3. Does my fiancee's son need to accompany her on the interview for her K-1 to get his K-2 visa?

all visa applicants need to attend an interview. if the son is coming to the USA at the same time as his mom, he will need to have a medical and attend the interview with his mom.

Edited June 5, 2012 by sunandmoon

[Mogambi 96]

Does your fiance have to take the CFO because she is 32. YES! This is required for EVERYONE leaving the Philippines. The ages listed are only for additional documents for people in that age category.

[KIPLZ 0]

You can absolutely take the Medical without the letter from the US Embassy. My wife has been here 6 months and we never saw the letter from the Embassy. Call and get your MNL number and get the ball rolling. You can usually be on a plane with in about a month or so of NVC issuing your MNL number if you wish.

That's really good to know. We're already about halfway on getting the necessary documents. Thanks!

all visa applicants need to attend an interview. if the son is coming to the USA at the same time as his mom, he will need to have a medical and attend the interview with his mom.

Yes, my fiancee's son will be accompanying her. Thanks for letting me know.

[KIPLZ 0]

Does your fiance have to take the CFO because she is 32. YES! This is required for EVERYONE leaving the Philippines. The ages listed are only for additional documents for people in that age category.

One more thing to get accomplished but it shouldn't be a problem. Thanks for the help!