February 2015 Interviews

[sf786 22]

Its 24 May 2013! F2A...

your pd please

[mdzcpa 58]

Hey! Wow that's insane! I read your review and I was shocked! Especially since I'm going there next week, we have our interview on the 4th of February and I will be there with my wife. Can you please tell me how long it took you to get the documents back so your wife can travel back with you (if that's the case). I chose to pick it up ourselves, but I'm not sure how long it'll take. I dream of my wife flying back to the U.S. with me. Also, is there anything specific we need to either watch out for, or be careful about? We're ready, but a bit nervous since these CO's are unpredictable.

To be honest I would not let my story scare you or make you any more nervous. Every case is different and most folks do fine at the Santo Domingo embassy. The interviews can be a little tougher there as the DR is a high risk county for visa fraud, but if you are well prepared there is nothing to worry about. Our interview was Friday the 23rd so we are still showing in Administrative Processing on the CEAC website. It changed to Administrative Processing on Saturday the 24th which is normal. We heard it takes a week or two to get the passport back so I returned home (to Michigan) to wait. My wife went to the VAC ahead of the appointment as required and when the appointment was set up we chose to have the passport go to the Mail Boxes Etcetera at MegaCentro in Santo Domingo which is 10 minutes from her house.

If I had to give any advice it would be 3 things:

One, schedule yourself at the VAC if it applies to your case, and save your VAC Appointment Confirmation page. Have your wife get her fingerprints and photos done at the VAC. That really helped things be smoother at the embassy. The check in people wanted to see that VAC confirmation page at entry and when we head it available it helped speed us through. Also, we didn't have to wait in line to have our prints done with all the other folks that didn't go to the VAC ahead of time. Getting to wait calmly for our turn at the window and skip that gave us confidence we were on track.

Two, be prepared by having ALL your documents with you. I over prepared by having copies and originals of every possible civil document (both birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, etc), fresh police report, flight tickets, lots of photos, chat records, credit card statements, my tax info, money transfers history, and more. Even though they didn't ask for much during the interview, being highly prepared kept us calm and gave us confidence.

Three, stay calm. Some folks were at the interview window a very long while, but most received approvals. Our interview was unreal as the CO was shocking rude, but our interview only lasted 10 minutes or less. Other COs might have a different style and just as more questions. But no matter how they make you feel, stay calm. If they rattle you on a question just carry on and don't panic. Our CO acted unhappy with all of our answers but at the end she approved us.

I wish you the best of luck in your interview. I'm sure you will do fine!

Edited January 27, 2015 by mdzcpa

[Perez2012 15]

To be honest I would not let my story scare you or make you any more nervous. Every case is different and most folks do fine at the Santo Domingo embassy. The interviews can be a little tougher there as the DR is a high risk county for visa fraud, but if you are well prepared there is nothing to worry about. Our interview was Friday the 23rd so we are still showing in Administrative Processing on the CEAC website. It changed to Administrative Processing on Saturday the 24th which is normal. We heard it takes a week or two to get the passport back so I returned home (to Michigan) to wait. My wife went to the VAC ahead of the appointment as required and when the appointment was set up we chose to have the passport go to the Mail Boxes Etcetera at MegaCentro in Santo Domingo which is 10 minutes from her house.

If I had to give any advice it would be 3 things:

One, schedule yourself at the VAC if it applies to your case, and save your VAC Appointment Confirmation page. Have your wife get her fingerprints and photos done at the VAC. That really helped things be smoother at the embassy. The check in people wanted to see that VAC confirmation page at entry and when we head it available it helped speed us through. Also, we didn't have to wait in line to have our prints done with all the other folks that didn't go to the VAC ahead of time. Getting to wait calmly for our turn at the window and skip that gave us confidence we were on track.

Two, be prepared by having ALL your documents with you. I over prepared by having copies and originals of every possible civil document (both birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, etc), fresh police report, flight tickets, lots of photos, chat records, credit card statements, my tax info, money transfers history, and more. Even though they didn't ask for much during the interview, being highly prepared kept us calm and gave us confidence.

Three, stay calm. Some folks were at the interview window a very long while, but most received approvals. Our interview was unreal as the CO was shocking rude, but our interview only lasted 10 minutes or less. Other COs might have a different style and just as more questions. But no matter how they make you feel, stay calm. If they rattle you on a question just carry on and don't panic. Our CO acted unhappy with all of our answers but at the end she approved us.

I wish you the best of luck in your interview. I'm sure you will do fine!

Help! My case expedite Jan 8, received by embassy on Jan 23 and I cant schedule the VAC appt or interview appt since nvc didnt schedule interview date since it was expedite. Ustraveldocs states case not found. I called 703-988-3410 they keep saying to try later. I know it was receive and sign at embassy cause I tracked it. What can I do or who I call??? Help pls

[dehiguey23 52]

To be honest I would not let my story scare you or make you any more nervous. Every case is different and most folks do fine at the Santo Domingo embassy. The interviews can be a little tougher there as the DR is a high risk county for visa fraud, but if you are well prepared there is nothing to worry about. Our interview was Friday the 23rd so we are still showing in Administrative Processing on the CEAC website. It changed to Administrative Processing on Saturday the 24th which is normal. We heard it takes a week or two to get the passport back so I returned home (to Michigan) to wait. My wife went to the VAC ahead of the appointment as required and when the appointment was set up we chose to have the passport go to the Mail Boxes Etcetera at MegaCentro in Santo Domingo which is 10 minutes from her house.

If I had to give any advice it would be 3 things:

One, schedule yourself at the VAC if it applies to your case, and save your VAC Appointment Confirmation page. Have your wife get her fingerprints and photos done at the VAC. That really helped things be smoother at the embassy. The check in people wanted to see that VAC confirmation page at entry and when we head it available it helped speed us through. Also, we didn't have to wait in line to have our prints done with all the other folks that didn't go to the VAC ahead of time. Getting to wait calmly for our turn at the window and skip that gave us confidence we were on track.

Two, be prepared by having ALL your documents with you. I over prepared by having copies and originals of every possible civil document (both birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce records, etc), fresh police report, flight tickets, lots of photos, chat records, credit card statements, my tax info, money transfers history, and more. Even though they didn't ask for much during the interview, being highly prepared kept us calm and gave us confidence.

Three, stay calm. Some folks were at the interview window a very long while, but most received approvals. Our interview was unreal as the CO was shocking rude, but our interview only lasted 10 minutes or less. Other COs might have a different style and just as more questions. But no matter how they make you feel, stay calm. If they rattle you on a question just carry on and don't panic. Our CO acted unhappy with all of our answers but at the end she approved us.

I wish you the best of luck in your interview. I'm sure you will do fine!

Thanks for all the advice you gave me, I did read your blog and it was insane! I'm so sad that there's a chance I may not be able to fly back with my wife. That's all I care about the most, but I let it be what God wants it to be. I have everything except copies of the chats since I don't see a way of printing it. One more question: Did you in fact need the originals again since NVC sent them to the Embassy, or not really? DWheels made me feel better by saying "no", but since you've been through it, please let me know if copies are all I really need. Thanks again...

[mdzcpa 58]

Help! My case expedite Jan 8, received by embassy on Jan 23 and I cant schedule the VAC appt or interview appt since nvc didnt schedule interview date since it was expedite. Ustraveldocs states case not found. I called 703-988-3410 they keep saying to try later. I know it was receive and sign at embassy cause I tracked it. What can I do or who I call??? Help pls

Do not worry. If your case was scheduled directly by the embassy you do not need to visit the VAC ahead of time. Additionally, even folks that were expected to visit the VAC ahead of time were not prohibited from entering the embassy or having their interview. The only difference is that they were questioned upon entering why they didn't have the VAC appointment confirmation. And everyone who did not previously visit the VAC was instructed to line up at window 1 for fingerprinting early in the morning after everyone was seated and that just caused a little delay for those folks. But it was not big deal and the embassy had a good process to address those not previously finger printed at the VAC. Don't worry, just have your Interview Appointment Letter ready at the embassy to enter.

**EDIT - sorry, I may have misread your post. Did the embassy schedule your interview already? Did you receive anything from the embassy?

Thanks for all the advice you gave me, I did read your blog and it was insane! I'm so sad that there's a chance I may not be able to fly back with my wife. That's all I care about the most, but I let it be what God wants it to be. I have everything except copies of the chats since I don't see a way of printing it. One more question: Did you in fact need the originals again since NVC sent them to the Embassy, or not really? DWheels made me feel better by saying "no", but since you've been through it, please let me know if copies are all I really need. Thanks again...

Don't worry much about the chat logs. They can help if you have them, but I wouldn't think they won't make or break an interview.

As for having the originals of civil documents, DWheels is technically absolutely correct. You officially should not need originals if you sent those to the NVC because they should have sent them to the embassy. However, we have heard of a few cases in Santo Domingo where the originals (for whatever reason) were not in the file. It was recommended to us that we bring additional legalized copies (copias legalizadas) should the Embassy want one. So it is more like insurance. If you can get them, it is a good idea. We figured it was always good to have a few extra legalized copies of birth certificates and marriage certificate anyways if we need them in the future, so we got them for the interview. That said, they were not requested at the interview for us.

Edited January 27, 2015 by mdzcpa

[mdzcpa 58]

Help! My case expedite Jan 8, received by embassy on Jan 23 and I cant schedule the VAC appt or interview appt since nvc didnt schedule interview date since it was expedite. Ustraveldocs states case not found. I called 703-988-3410 they keep saying to try later. I know it was receive and sign at embassy cause I tracked it. What can I do or who I call??? Help pls

Hi there. I decided to respond to this again directly since I read your post again and better understand your problem.

How do you know the Embassy received your file?

Does the CEAC website say "Ready" ??

If the CEAC site says "Ready" you should be able to use the ustraveldocs appointment system. It only needs your case number (SDOXXXXXXXXXX) and your wife's passport number.

If CEAC does not say "Ready" then you need wait until the embassy processes the received file and updates your case. When they do the CEAC will change to "Ready". When that does you will be able to schedule both the VAC and Embassy appointments on the system. I do know that the Santo Domingo embassy can take a week to process your expedite into their system.

Edited January 27, 2015 by mdzcpa

[dwheels76 5,468]

Not busy so I wonder what I have not get date.thanks Soloenta , I hope that she will help . ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

You haven't got date because scheduling hasn't started. It's not about busy. It's a certain window of time scheduling for the month happens your CC was too late for February so you missed it. So hopefully you will be high enough in queue for March when it starts.

Everyone doesn't start at the same time with scheduling when it does start. Usually Philippines is first and it depends on Embassy and when they send in their slots to NVC . All you can do is call when scheduling starts up. I am estimating tomorrow. But they may wait until next week. we shall see.

[Perez2012 15]

Hi there. I decided to respond to this again directly since I read your post again and better understand your problem.

How do you know the Embassy received your file?

Does the CEAC website say "Ready" ??

If the CEAC site says "Ready" you should be able to use the ustraveldocs appointment system. It only needs your case number (SDOXXXXXXXXXX) and your wife's passport number.

Hi, I know embassy received case on Jan 23 because I tracked it on DHL page it was sign for at 11:45am on Jan 23. On the ceac page still shows in transit. Thats my frustration if they received it why it hasnt been update. I guess since maybe weekend and yesterday it was hoilday in Santo Domingo. What else can I do?

[Perez2012 15]

Hi there. I decided to respond to this again directly since I read your post again and better understand your problem.

How do you know the Embassy received your file?

Does the CEAC website say "Ready" ??

If the CEAC site says "Ready" you should be able to use the ustraveldocs appointment system. It only needs your case number (SDOXXXXXXXXXX) and your wife's passport number.

If CEAC does not say "Ready" then you need wait until the embassy processes the received file and updates your case. When they do the CEAC will change to "Ready". When that does you will be able to schedule both the VAC and Embassy appointments on the system. I do know that the Santo Domingo embassy can take a week to process your expedite into their system.

Thank you for reply. So I should hear something this Friday since it will have a week since they received it. When do they start to schedule? Im guessing it will be a March interview even if the case is expedite. Right?

[Begy 12]

You haven't got date because scheduling hasn't started. It's not about busy. It's a certain window of time scheduling for the month happens your CC was too late for February so you missed it. So hopefully you will be high enough in queue for March when it starts.

Everyone doesn't start at the same time with scheduling when it does start. Usually Philippines is first and it depends on Embassy and when they send in their slots to NVC . All you can do is call when scheduling starts up. I am estimating tomorrow. But they may wait until next week. we shall see.

oh I get it.thank you dear, you helped me so much. ♡♡♡♡☆☆☆

[dwheels76 5,468]

Hi, I know embassy received case on Jan 23 because I tracked it on DHL page it was sign for at 11:45am on Jan 23. On the ceac page still shows in transit. Thats my frustration if they received it why it hasnt been update. I guess since maybe weekend and yesterday it was hoilday in Santo Domingo. What else can I do?

You have no way of knowing that was your package. Reason why I said that is 23rd was friday. Here is a search using EXP 23 Jan 2015A It has not arrived its in transit. Thats why I always say using DHL you don;t know if thats your package it's a guesstimate.

Waybill: 1417670726 Processed at SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO Sign up for shipment notifications Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 12:12 Origin Service Area: BOSTON, MA - PORTSMOUTH - USA Destination Service Area: SANTO DOMINGO - SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Tuesday, January 27, 2015 Location Time 8 Processed at SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 12:12 7 Arrived at Sort Facility SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 12:11 6 Departed Facility in CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 05:39 5 Processed at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 04:03 4 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:38 Monday, January 26, 2015 Location Time 3 Departed Facility in BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 18:21 2 Processed at BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 18:08 1 Shipment picked up BOSTON, MA - USA 14:42

Edited January 27, 2015 by dwheels76

[Perez2012 15]

You have no way of knowing that was your package. Reason why I said that is 23rd was friday. Here is a search using EXP 23 Jan 2015A It has not arrived its in transit. Thats why I always say using DHL you don;t know if thats your package it's a guesstimate.

Waybill: 1417670726 Processed at SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO Sign up for shipment notifications Tuesday, January 27, 2015 at 12:12 Origin Service Area: BOSTON, MA - PORTSMOUTH - USA Destination Service Area: SANTO DOMINGO - SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Tuesday, January 27, 2015 Location Time 8 Processed at SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 12:12 7 Arrived at Sort Facility SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 12:11 6 Departed Facility in CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 05:39 5 Processed at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 04:03 4 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 01:38 Monday, January 26, 2015 Location Time 3 Departed Facility in BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 18:21 2 Processed at BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 18:08 1 Shipment picked up BOSTON, MA - USA 14:42

As of Nvc package left on Jan 16. On DHL shows package schedule for pick up on Jan 16 picked up on Jan 20 since 19 was holiday and sign off by Ciriano on Jan 23 at 11:45am at embassy in DR. Let me see if I can copy paste what I found on DHL.

Waybill: 4923120930

Signed for by: Ciriaco

Get Signature Proof of Delivery

Friday, January 23, 2015 at 11:45 AM

Origin Service Area:

BOSTON, MA - PORTSMOUTH - USA

Destination Service Area:

SANTO DOMINGO - SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

1 Pieces

JD0030110676028905

Friday, January 23, 2015 Location Time Pieces

14 Delivered - Signed for by : Ciriaco SANTO DOMINGO 11:45 AM

1 Pieces

JD0030110676028905

13 With delivery courier SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 8:06 AM

1 Pieces

12 Departed Facility in SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 7:40 AM

Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location Time Pieces

11 Processed for clearance at SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 9:22 AM

10 Arrived at Sort Facility SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 9:20 AM

1 Pieces

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Location Time Pieces

9 Departed Facility in SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 1:00 PM

1 Pieces

8 Processed at SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 1:00 PM

1 Pieces

7 Arrived at Sort Facility SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 11:51 AM

1 Pieces

6 Departed Facility in CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 5:36 AM

1 Pieces

5 Processed at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 4:00 AM

1 Pieces

4 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 1:59 AM

1 Pieces

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 Location Time Pieces

3 Departed Facility in BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 10:56 PM

1 Pieces

2 Processed at BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 10:06 PM

1 Pieces

1 Shipment picked up BOSTON, MA - USA 3:33 PM

1 Pieces

Shipment Details...

From To Shipment Information

NATIONAL VISA CENTER

Portsmouth , NH 03801

United States of America

Santo Domingo , Dominican Republic

Ship Date: 01/20/2015

Pieces: 1

Total Weight: 11.8 lbs Note on Weight

Ship Type: Document

Shipment Reference: EXP 16 JAN 2015A

Service: EXPRESS WORLDWIDE doc

Description: US DIPLOMATIC PAPERS

Hide Details

This is what I tracked on DHL.

Edited January 27, 2015 by Perez2012

[Perez2012 15]

As of Nvc package left on Jan 16. On DHL shows package schedule for pick up on Jan 16 picked up on Jan 20 since 19 was holiday and sign off by Ciriano on Jan 23 at 11:45am at embassy in DR. Let me see if I can copy paste what I found on DHL.

Waybill: 4923120930

Signed for by: Ciriaco

Get Signature Proof of Delivery

Friday, January 23, 2015 at 11:45 AM

Origin Service Area:

BOSTON, MA - PORTSMOUTH - USA

Destination Service Area:

SANTO DOMINGO - SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

1 Pieces

JD0030110676028905

Friday, January 23, 2015 Location Time Pieces

14 Delivered - Signed for by : Ciriaco SANTO DOMINGO 11:45 AM

1 Pieces

JD0030110676028905

13 With delivery courier SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 8:06 AM

1 Pieces

12 Departed Facility in SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 7:40 AM

Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location Time Pieces

11 Processed for clearance at SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 9:22 AM

10 Arrived at Sort Facility SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC SANTO DOMINGO - DOMINICAN REPUBLIC 9:20 AM

1 Pieces

Wednesday, January 21, 2015 Location Time Pieces

9 Departed Facility in SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 1:00 PM

1 Pieces

8 Processed at SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 1:00 PM

1 Pieces

7 Arrived at Sort Facility SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO SAN JUAN - PUERTO RICO 11:51 AM

1 Pieces

6 Departed Facility in CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 5:36 AM

1 Pieces

5 Processed at CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 4:00 AM

1 Pieces

4 Arrived at Sort Facility CINCINNATI HUB - USA CINCINNATI HUB, OH - USA 1:59 AM

1 Pieces

Tuesday, January 20, 2015 Location Time Pieces

3 Departed Facility in BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 10:56 PM

1 Pieces

2 Processed at BOSTON - USA BOSTON, MA - USA 10:06 PM

1 Pieces

1 Shipment picked up BOSTON, MA - USA 3:33 PM

1 Pieces

Shipment Details...

From To Shipment Information

NATIONAL VISA CENTER

Portsmouth , NH 03801

United States of America

Santo Domingo , Dominican Republic

Ship Date: 01/20/2015

Pieces: 1

Total Weight: 11.8 lbs Note on Weight

Ship Type: Document

Shipment Reference: EXP 16 JAN 2015A

Service: EXPRESS WORLDWIDE doc

Description: US DIPLOMATIC PAPERS

Hide Details

This is what I tracked on DHL.

[APeralta 2]

Hi there everyone I've been preparing for my interview (the 26th of Feb) and I got to the part of the Financial Evidence and got a Y (The NVC Sent this form or document to the U.S Embassy or Consulate) but they still say they require originals.

Now, my AOS package is with a Joint Sponsor who lives in the US and they sent us digitalized copies of their TAX information which I print them and sent to the NVC.

Am I required to bring their original Tax Documents (which would require my Joint Sponsors to mail them to me) to my interview or updated copies will suffice?

Thanks in advance for any answers

[Darnell 8,478]

FINALLY near the end! i have my interview in Montreal on Feb/4/15 at 9:30. i have a question, will W2 be enough proof because we have not done our 2014 taxes yet? please help.

It's my understanding that the tax year 2014, filed in 2015, won't be evaluated because yer in the middle of tax season for tax year 2014. As a backup, show the W-2s for 2014 just in case.