DCF Manila -- confused about how to proceed

[JenniferNN 0]

I submitted I-130 to Manila Consulate on 11/29/12 -- filed DCF with no problem. Approved I-130 on 1/11/13. Email notice said to "wait" for notice of approval (I assume that means via snail mail). I have no case number (not ANY kind of number since DCF Manila)as of yet... of course can not proceed without case number. I'm pretty sure the next step is to pay all the fees to NVC (online)and then submit forms. But I need the case number to do that. I read here that it's best to NOT "wait" for the packet from the embassy and just go to the US Embassy Manila.. with my DS-230 and DS-2001 and ask for case number face to face with officer...and then give them the DS forms there in person...and possibly even try to schedule the interview. BUT...... don't I need to pay before I do that??? *sigh* Can someone who filed DCF Manila please explain... thanks so much. I think I'm getting confused by all the "shortcuts" mentioned here...

[apple21 953]

Have you tried calling the Immigrant Visa Section of USEM? Here: http://manila.usembassy.gov/contact.html

[JenniferNN 0]

Have you tried calling the Immigrant Visa Section of USEM? Here: http://manila.usembassy.gov/contact.html

I read here that USEmbassyManila could not give case numbers over the phone, so I inquired via their email address listed on the website. I haven't heard anything from them.

I have to go the USEmbassy next week to take care of my daughter's SSN and that's why I'm wondering if I can get the case number while I'm there and submit the DS forms (as per the suggestion of a fellow DCF filer)... but not sure how payment works in that scenario. Can I pay the fees AFTER I submit the DS-230? So confused.

[dave01 16]

I read here that USEmbassyManila could not give case numbers over the phone, so I inquired via their email address listed on the website. I haven't heard anything from them.

I have to go the USEmbassy next week to take care of my daughter's SSN and that's why I'm wondering if I can get the case number while I'm there and submit the DS forms (as per the suggestion of a fellow DCF filer)... but not sure how payment works in that scenario. Can I pay the fees AFTER I submit the DS-230? So confused.

I believe you can just give them your 2 Ds forms at window 38 and get your case number on the spot. Your next payment will be to St. Lukes for the medical and then at the embassy for the visa when you do your interview. Your paperwork will not go to NVC, it stays in Manila.

[JenniferNN 0]

I believe you can just give them your 2 Ds forms at window 38 and get your case number on the spot. Your next payment will be to St. Lukes for the medical and then at the embassy for the visa when you do your interview. Your paperwork will not go to NVC, it stays in Manila.

Oh Ok... I see... so basically everything that I'm reading on the NVC site doesn't really apply to us DCF people since the process on the site is for USC applying in the States... So confusing. Thanks so much for the clarification.

I am going to the Embassy tomorrow to do my daughter's SSN and DS forms. I'll let you know how it goes.

Edited January 28, 2013 by JenniferNN

[dave01 16]

Oh Ok... I see... so basically everything that I'm reading on the NVC site doesn't really apply to us DCF people since the process on the site is for USC applying in the States... So confusing. Thanks so much for the clarification.

I am going to the Embassy tomorrow to do my daughter's SSN and DS forms. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes please let me know

Oh Ok... I see... so basically everything that I'm reading on the NVC site doesn't really apply to us DCF people since the process on the site is for USC applying in the States... So confusing. Thanks so much for the clarification.

I am going to the Embassy tomorrow to do my daughter's SSN and DS forms. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes please let me know

Oh Ok... I see... so basically everything that I'm reading on the NVC site doesn't really apply to us DCF people since the process on the site is for USC applying in the States... So confusing. Thanks so much for the clarification.

I am going to the Embassy tomorrow to do my daughter's SSN and DS forms. I'll let you know how it goes.

Yes please let me know

[JenniferNN 0]

Hi Dave...I went to the Embassy today. Took care of my daughter's Social Security Card and went to window 38 to inquire about my IR case. Officer told me that my case had just been "delivered" to the Embassy yesterday, Monday, January 28. My I-130 was approved January 11. So that tells you that it takes a minimum of 2 weeks for the Embassy to even receive your case. She then told me to wait for the case number to be mailed to me and I should receive it in about 2 weeks. I asked if I could get the case number immediately there, and she obliged. I asked if I needed to give her the DS230 and DS2001 form and she said NO. She told me to submit EVERYTHING at the interview...I scheduled an interview for March 19 online. There are actually several interview dates available in February, but since I'm waiting for some forms (the I-864) from my mother I didn't want to cut the time too short. So next step is to file my taxes for the I-864, have hubby go to the Medical check up at St. Lukes (which I plan to schedule after I finish this message), and go to interview. I hope that helps.

[dave01 16]

Hi Dave...I went to the Embassy today. Took care of my daughter's Social Security Card and went to window 38 to inquire about my IR case. Officer told me that my case had just been "delivered" to the Embassy yesterday, Monday, January 28. My I-130 was approved January 11. So that tells you that it takes a minimum of 2 weeks for the Embassy to even receive your case. She then told me to wait for the case number to be mailed to me and I should receive it in about 2 weeks. I asked if I could get the case number immediately there, and she obliged. I asked if I needed to give her the DS230 and DS2001 form and she said NO. She told me to submit EVERYTHING at the interview...I scheduled an interview for March 19 online. There are actually several interview dates available in February, but since I'm waiting for some forms (the I-864) from my mother I didn't want to cut the time too short. So next step is to file my taxes for the I-864, have hubby go to the Medical check up at St. Lukes (which I plan to schedule after I finish this message), and go to interview. I hope that helps.

Thanks Jennifer, I'm kind of surprised that it took 2 weeks just to send your file downstairs. I'm really getting antsy now waiting for my approval, I was hoping to get mine in about the same time as yours but it doesn't look like it's going to happen. Keep in touch.

[apple21 953]

Congrats JenniferNN.

[JenniferNN 0]

Congrats JenniferNN.

Thanks Apple.

[Scottie Pippen 0]

I'm in the same boat.. I filed Dec 21,2012, got notice of approval today. Should I go to window 38 to get my case number? Or just wait for the mail?

Also, how can I schedule medical checkup for my wife? Is there any info about that? thanks

[dave01 16]

Hi Dave...I went to the Embassy today. Took care of my daughter's Social Security Card and went to window 38 to inquire about my IR case. Officer told me that my case had just been "delivered" to the Embassy yesterday, Monday, January 28. My I-130 was approved January 11. So that tells you that it takes a minimum of 2 weeks for the Embassy to even receive your case. She then told me to wait for the case number to be mailed to me and I should receive it in about 2 weeks. I asked if I could get the case number immediately there, and she obliged. I asked if I needed to give her the DS230 and DS2001 form and she said NO. She told me to submit EVERYTHING at the interview...I scheduled an interview for March 19 online. There are actually several interview dates available in February, but since I'm waiting for some forms (the I-864) from my mother I didn't want to cut the time too short. So next step is to file my taxes for the I-864, have hubby go to the Medical check up at St. Lukes (which I plan to schedule after I finish this message), and go to interview. I hope that helps.

Hi Jennifer I just wanted to let you know that they told me today that my I-130 was approved yesterday, 01/31/2013. Now I'm happy, I hope they get it downstairs next week.

[JenniferNN 0]

I'm in the same boat.. I filed Dec 21,2012, got notice of approval today. Should I go to window 38 to get my case number? Or just wait for the mail?

Also, how can I schedule medical checkup for my wife? Is there any info about that? thanks

Hi Scottie,

I'm glad to help in any way that I can. I can tell you that it will probably take the US Embassy (Window 38) to actually "receive" your case and case number, so I would suggest waiting the two weeks...call the IV unit at the USEmbassy...ask if they have received your case. I heard that they are not allowed to release your case number over the phone. If they have received your case, you can then try to email them and request the case number. I tried that but actually received no response. OR you can just wait a month to receive the packet with your case number enclosed...

As for the St. Luke's medical... when you get your case number you can go to the St.Luke's Website and schedule and medical exam online. They prefer that you do that, and I hear it will also expedite your processing time at the hospital (that's what I hear...)All info about the check up is also on the Immigrant Visa section of the US Embassy website. Hope that helps.. Let me know if you have any more questions... It's a crazy process and it's nice to have a place like Visa Journey where we can all help each other. Good luck!!!

[JenniferNN 0]

Hi Jennifer I just wanted to let you know that they told me today that my I-130 was approved yesterday, 01/31/2013. Now I'm happy, I hope they get it downstairs next week.

YEAH DAVE!!! That's great!!!! Keep me posted.

[dave01 16]

YEAH DAVE!!! That's great!!!! Keep me posted.

Thanks and I'll keep you posted.