Appointment Letter from US Embassy Manila

[ChaiLatte 1]

Hi guys, I have a question regarding my visa appointment, we haven't received yet the USEM Appointment letter or what they called Notice of Eligibility but we already have our MNL case# and according to the website ( https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/ ) we are now ready for interview, so we decided to go ahead and schedule our appointment. This morning I called the USEM visa information and appointment service and the representative told me that generally applicants will need to wait to get the packet 4 from the USEM before you can book your appointment date because it means they've already check my papers. However, I have read other people stories/experiences and according to them as long as you have your MNL case# you can go ahead and schedule your appointment and go for your medical exam.

My question is, do you think we will not be having problem or there will be no conflict even though we already booked our appointment without that letter from USEM? and can I go ahead and go for my medical exam.?

Pls. help me with this, I just want to clarity this issue because I'm so confused now on what to do next and what to expect. Hope you guys will share your experience because it will really me a lot.

Thank you very much♥

Edited May 28, 2013 by ChaiLatte

[shesthebesthalf 0]

I have a similar situation. I received a letter from US Embassy Manila on May 10, 2013 stating that they will soon send my fiance a packet. My fiance called the Embassy to schedule an interview and they told her she will have to wait for an appointment letter from the Embassy as that letter is required for the St. Luke's medical exam. It is confusing because much of the information on line says to schedule your own appointment. I think we will wait a week or so for the packet and appointment letter. Any suggestions are appreciated

[ChaiLatte 1]

I have a similar situation. I received a letter from US Embassy Manila on May 10, 2013 stating that they will soon send my fiance a packet. My fiance called the Embassy to schedule an interview and they told her she will have to wait for an appointment letter from the Embassy as that letter is required for the St. Luke's medical exam. It is confusing because much of the information on line says to schedule your own appointment. I think we will wait a week or so for the packet and appointment letter. Any suggestions are appreciated

My fiance and I both decided to schedule our interview online w/out the Notice of Eligibility from the USEM, we booked our interview for July 3, according to other vj members as long as you have your MNL case# you can go ahead and book your appointment. I will go for my medical exam this coming June 3&4.

Good luck to us:)

Edited May 29, 2013 by ChaiLatte

[Coralyn 0]

I have a similar situation,but I don't have a letter from the embassy,we called the NVC and then they give us a MNL case number. Do I need to schedule my appointment and medical now?

PLease I need help...what do I need to do?

[Bugs 455]

Mods, can this be moved to the Philippines sub forum to gain the answers it needs?

[Penguin_ie 5,993]

*** Moved from K1 Progress to Philippines forum for country specific answers ****

[adamjan 1]

Hi guys, I have a question regarding my visa appointment, we haven't received yet the USEM Appointment letter or what they called Notice of Eligibility but we already have our MNL case# and according to the website ( https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/ ) we are now ready for interview, so we decided to go ahead and schedule our appointment. This morning I called the USEM visa information and appointment service and the representative told me that generally applicants will need to wait to get the packet 4 from the USEM before you can book your appointment date because it means they've already check my papers. However, I have read other people stories/experiences and according to them as long as you have your MNL case# you can go ahead and schedule your appointment and go for your medical exam.

My question is, do you think we will not be having problem or there will be no conflict even though we already booked our appointment without that letter from USEM? and can I go ahead and go for my medical exam.?

Pls. help me with this, I just want to clarity this issue because I'm so confused now on what to do next and what to expect. Hope you guys will share your experience because it will really me a lot.

Thank you very much♥

You only need the MNL number and you will be good to go.

Go to other Philippine forums and find Hank's link, it has everything you need to know and do after you get the MNL number.

I went through the same thing last month and they don't need that packet, mine never even came in the mail.

Goodluck!

[April-n-Gary 17]

Same for me, got the MNL Case # from NVC, April went to BPI to pay the visa fee, and scheduled the interview on line. Saved the appointment letter as a PDF and emailed it to her. From what I've read here, most people don't ever get a packet or letter from the embassy. +1 for Hank's link. Great info!

[Hank_ 9,174]

Don't bother waiting for the letter, for many it NEVER arrives (PhilPostal sucks). If you don't have your MNL # follow the instructions below for contacting NVC. If you have your MNL # ... its rock 'n' roll time!!!

For the NVC:

Checking on your embassy case number:

It will take 7 - 10 days business for NVC to receive your file from USCIS after you receive the NOA2, then another 2 - 5 business days for NVC to get your file in there system and get the MNL # from USEM. 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.govwww.immigrantvisas.state.gov

E-mail: NVCInquiry@state.gov I highly recommend you email NVC for the MNL #, even if you call and get it, this will give you a correspondence from NVC with the MNL # for future reference.

(I found NVC to be very quick responding to emails)

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.

LETTER FROM NVC WITH MANILA NUMBER

When you get the letter from NVC stating the MNL #, scan and email a copy to your fiancee to bring to St. Luke's. Or simply forward the emmail from NVC with the MNL # to your finacee.

Manila Embassy:

NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR MNL # (don't need to wait for the letter from the embassy )

(NOTE: When getting NSO certified copies of your Birth Certificate get a few extra copies for bringing to the States with you. You will need them from time to time)

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3023.html

Once you have your MNL # :

You can pay your nonimmigrant visa application fee with cash or debit card at any Bank of Philippine Islands. Before going to the bank, you must print the applicable U.S. visa application deposit slip available below on this page. Take the printed deposit slip with you to pay your fee. If you print a deposit slip in advance of the day in which you plan to make your payment, please take note of the expiration date on the deposit slip. If the expiration date passes prior to using the slip to make your payment, simply return to this site and re-click the appropriate link below to generate a new deposit slip. Bank agents will NOT accept payments based on expired deposit slips. Upon receiving of your payment, bank will issue you a receipt. Save your receipt. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your receipt number.

http://ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-paymentinfo.asp

Select the deposit slip that matches your visa application fee from the list below. Values are shown in U.S. dollars and native currency. This page has more information about the different visa application fees. (you may have to change the border from .75 to .25 for printing for it all to print on one page, also some have been asked at BPI for three copies of the deposit receipt, why I don't know)

http://ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-visafeeinfo.asp

For K-1 the fee is $240

After you have paid the visa application fee, keep the BANK receipt for your records. It cannot be replaced if it is lost. You will not be able to schedule an appointment without your receipt number.

If you have an account with either Bank of Philippine Islands (BPI) or BancNet you may choose to pay your visa application fee online using their online bill pay services. Click on either of the links below if you are a BPI or BancNet customer and wish to make an online payment.

If you are paying for more than one applicant, please DO NOT make a lump sum payment for all the applicants. A UID/receipt number is required for each visa application fee payment for EACH applicant for scheduling an appointment. After you have paid the visa application fee, please keep the fee receipt for your records.

Receipt Format

Note: If you have a Bank of Philippine Islands receipt, your fee receipt number should be your passport number. If something other than your passport number appears in the circled area on the graphic, use that information as your receipt number. This receipt number verifies your payment and allows you to schedule your visa interview When scheduling online with the embassy you need to use the receipt number as shown on the payment receipt from BPI. You can schedule the interview online or by calling the numbers listed below.

Once you have registered you can then schedule the interview. https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/

Priorty Date; this is the date the NOA 1 was received. You will not find the priority date entered on the NOA2, you will only find it on the email/letter from NVC when you get your MNL #.

Make sure to print three copies of the interview confirmation letter/page (if you scheduled online) as you will need two for St. Luke's and the other for the embassy.

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

Embassy Letter: (This is the Instruction Letter from the Embassy - you need to complete everything listed here)

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3224.html

In English: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/Revised%20K1%20Instruction_rtf2_rtf2_001.pdf

In Tagalog: http://photos.state.gov/libraries/manila/19452/public/K1instructionTag%20rtf3%20_2__rtf2_013.pdf

(The DS-156 can be difficult to complete sometimes, if you have issues try a different browser.)

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

Information for meeting the Poverty Guidelines and using additional assets (it may be referring to the I-864 but its valid for the I-134 also):

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_3183.html#22

Poverty Guidelines: http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

Embassy (Manila) Phone Number (and email)

(local number: 632-301-2000 extension 5184 or 5185 (call them around 3-4:30pm)

** (214) 571-1600 or (646) 254-3546 (these are USA numbers)

NEW EMAIL ADDRESS

In order to serve our visa applicants more efficiently, we have created this new e-mail address: IVMNLAppointments@state.gov , for early appointment requests and visa scheduling issues. Please note, however, that early appointment requests will be approved on a case to case basis (i.e., aging out cases, or in cases involving personal or medical emergencies), and only if visa interview slots are available.

For other immigrant and K visa concerns, please send an e-mail to 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.

Income and Co-sponsor

The petitioner's income MUST meet or exceed 125% of the I-864P poverty guidelines for the number of persons listed on the tax return plus those petitioned for the K-1 visa. http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf This isn't horseshoes - close doesn't count.

Co-sponsors with the K-1 visa normally are not accepted at USEM, there have been exceptions but normally the embassy will deny the visa if a co-sponsor is used to meet income requirements. Exceptions that have been accepted use a family member as the co-sponsor (a friend will not be accepted), use the I-864 along with the required I-134 (and supporting documents; tax return, W-2, pay stubs...) for Evidence of Support.

********

IN A HURRY? Pick up your visa at MOA! -> -> http://blogs.usembassy.gov/philippines/?p=1533

********

INTERVIEW DAY: Remember no electronics are allowed in the embassy; no cell phones, no cameras, no memory stiks. And no food.

********

***

St. Luke's:

(GUYS if you are in the Phils with your Fiancee before the medical NO "personal" contact until AFTER St. Luke's is completed - as in KEEP IT IN YOUR PANTS)

http://www.slec.ph/us-visa-applicants.shtml#required-docs

Have copies of passport bio page, copy of NVC letter when MNL# is assigned (I added this as SLEC has been asking for this letter or a letter from the embassy that lists the assigned MNL #) confirmation page from scheduling interview online at embassy (or if the embassy mails a confirmation letter bring a copy of that) (NVC Instructions Letter is for IR/CR-1 visa), and of course the 2X2 photos. (copy of annulment is asked for and a psychological evaluation could be required if psychological incapacity is listed as the reason in the annulment)

PREREGISTER at St. Luke's website, it saves time when you arrive. http://www.slec.ph/us/registration/

Information from the embassy about the medical: http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwh3218.html

The medical is normally a two day process, shots are given on the 2nd day.

~TB sputum notes; If you have to do the culture test, keep close track of the visa validity date (when you receive as it is tied to the initial medical date, so you will be short of the 6 months, you may only have 90 to 120 days before the visa expires.

~TB treatement notes; If you have to do the 6 months of treatment you will have to pay for a second medical at completion.

***

CFO:

ALL exiting required to attend. There have been changes regarding CFO so for sure read through their website.

Update: Please check the schedule of the counseling session before proceeding to CFO because it is country-specific and the slots are limited only to 15 per session (two sessions per day) for Manila and 12 per session (only one session a day) for Cebu. It is on a first-come-first-serve basis.

CFO Online Registration Form: http://www.cfo.gov.ph/pdf/downloadable%20forms/registrationform.pdf Complete this and print a couple copies to bring to the CFO seminar, it will save you time.

http://www.philembassy.no/sites/default/files/downloads/new_gcp_flyer.pdf

http://www.cfo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1348:fiancee-spouses-and-other-partners-of-foreign-nationals&catid=140

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

When you get to the 3rd floor, You'd be asked to fill up an Information Sheet. (Yes, you have to fill it up there, It's not the downloadable one on the CFO website.) Make sure you answer ALL questions/fields. Rendering this incomplete will be one of their criterias for you to be "HELD/ON HOLD" for one on one counseling.

Information Needed on the Form:

- Basic Information about you, the fiance(e)/spouse (Name, Address, Birthday, etc.; Your Birthplace is important too, specify which city/town/area/province)

- Basic Information about your petitioner (Sometimes you are going to be asked for the Birth Certificate copy)

- FULL MAIDEN NAME of fiance(e)/spouse's MOTHER

- Contact person in the Philippines, specifically immediate family as in Father, Mother, Siblings.

- Landline Number of Petitioner. (I know, I know, most of you guys don't use landlines now. That's what was running through my mind too.) If no landline is available, Landline of Petitioner's Nearest Relative or Petitioner's Neighbor.

- Petitioner's Educational Attainment, Degree/Course, Occupation

- Information on Petitioner's Divorce/Annulment/Death of previous wife or husband. You must have a copy of the Divorce Decree/Death Certificate.

- ZIPCODES. Both the petitioner and the beneficiary. Never forget to write those down.

** From the Family Code of the Philippines: it's 21-25 years old for advice and 18-21 years old for consent. (Some are posted on VJ that they were not asked for this, yet others have been asked, so be prepared) Bring the ID of the parents, plus copies, postal ID should be adequate.

Examples (from Quezon City):

Advice of Parents: http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/parentadvice.pdf

Consent to Marry: http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/stories/downloadables/forms/consenttomarriage.pdf

TRACK YOUR VISA/PASSPORT AT THE EMBASSY

State Dept. visa tracking: https://ceac.state.gov/CEACStatTracker/Status.aspx? (not updated or as detailed as the USEM website)

Here is a link for requirements for receiving your passport with the visa, there are also options for tracking the status of your visa/passport is currently. You can also change delivery options.

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-passportretrieve.asp#trackingoptions

If your application was temporarily refused under Section 221(g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, you can now check the status of your application online.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/adminprocessing2.html

2GO CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR CHECKING DELIVERY

2Go customer service hotline (+632) 5287-136 is available Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

TRACK YOUR PASSPORT/VISA THROUGH 2GO

http://supplychain.2go.com.ph/CustomerSupport/etrace/index.asp Enter your MNL number or passport number or UID number off the embassy confirmation letter (online confirmation page by bar code).

**

Travel Fees:

Travel Tax/Exit Fee for all those immigrating: 1620 Php (currently) Can be paid at the airport if its not included with the purchase of your airline ticket.

http://www.tieza.com.ph/pages-what-are-the-travel-tax-rates.php

Terminal/Airport Fee: 550 Php (currently)

POE Update

There has been a change regarding the I-94, you are no longer give this form during the flight to complete and turn in at Immigrations (POE). Immigrations now stamps your passport and the I-94 is done electronically.

For you to get a copy of the I-94 for future requirements go this this website: http://cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/id_visa/i-94_instructions/

https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov/I94/request.html

[FloranteNlaura 2]

Hank is right!. After I got the MNL Case #, my fiancee paid the visa fee; waited 5 hrs to be sure and called for an appt, and was told to wait for embassy intructions. I slept on it and decided to book an appt on line, and was really surprised at the open dates available! They have openings as early as Thursday July 11, but opted for a later date. I've noticed embassy doesn't do interviews on Fridays anymore. Now on to medical......things start moving pretty quickly from now. This site provided a lot of help. Thanks to everybody.

[Ronn63 41]

We did it all online. As soon as I got the MNL number, I booked away. Funny thing though, I flew over for the interview, and came back home after a few days. I checked my mail and there was the confirmation letter from the embassy. Oh well...better late than never, right?

My faince arrived yesterday!!!!

[cjmc 10]

We did it all online. As soon as I got the MNL number, I booked away. Funny thing though, I flew over for the interview, and came back home after a few days. I checked my mail and there was the confirmation letter from the embassy. Oh well...better late than never, right?

My faince arrived yesterday!!!!

Wow !!! Congratulations....how are things going now that your love has arrived ??? :-)

Curt

[Ronn63 41]

Wow !!! Congratulations....how are things going now that your love has arrived ??? :-)

Curt

Pretty good so far...she's fitting in already!!!

[Hank_ 9,174]

We did it all online. As soon as I got the MNL number, I booked away. Funny thing though, I flew over for the interview, and came back home after a few days. I checked my mail and there was the confirmation letter from the embassy. Oh well...better late than never, right?

My faince arrived yesterday!!!!

That is weird that you got the letter from the embassy, maybe they are realizing that PhilPostal does not deliver.

[Ronn63 41]

That is weird that you got the letter from the embassy, maybe they are realizing that PhilPostal does not deliver.

Yeah Hank...it was definitely strange. Oh well..all is well that ends well!! They did give her a hard time at St Lukes though. I guess they keep asking for a letter from NVC. I didn't get anything from them. I hear others have had the same issue with St. Lukes. But, like I said, she's here!! That's what matters most!!