Interview Manila/ Buying plane tickets

[Steve776 3]

I went with my wife to her Interview Nov 10th went smoothly actualy asked me more questions than her. Approved and asigned the visa for pickup at 2 GO,mall of asia . I pre purchased our tickets for the Nov 23rd. Giving us 8 days turnaround time of the visa. Low and behold they were hosting the APEC summit, closing down the embassy for 1 week. No notification from the embassy or Rapidvisa who i hired that this was planned. Needless to say our timing went in the crapper. Received on the 25th, costing an additional 500$ in change fees and an endless amount of stress.Lesson to be learned form this is Listen to everyone who says dont buy the tickets until the visa is in hand, you never now in the Phillipines, ever as in they refuse to commit to any turnaround time. We arrived back in the US nov 27th, POE was a breeze.I have seen questions on here before about who can attend the interviews, my answer is anybody. They never even asked to see my passport at any stage entering the embassy. I saw mothers and father acommpany petetioners. Good luck to future couples in your process.

[Steve776 3]

Also on a side note the "exit tax" is 1,650 peso. Not to be confused with the terminal fee. check with your airline to see if this is included in the ticket price to avoid paying twice. Also wrap your luggage before you enter any terminal in Manila with saran wrap.They are slipping bullets in the bags then demanding a " fee" to avoid prosecution.You can pay the exit tax inside the airport early if you wish any time before your departure flight.

[mallafri76 1,012]

Congratulations on the visa and being reunited in your new home.

FYI, who can attend the interview depends on the embassy. E.g. the US embassy in Sweden don't allow anyone other than the beneficiary to attend the interview, whereas in the Philippines, it seems everyone can attend.

[PHIL > AZ 6]

Thanks for the reminders and write ups... I have been staying here in the Philippines with my wife throughout her entire visa process. We were a little bit confused about whether or not I could attend the interview. Thanks for clearing that up!

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to Philippines regional forum.