NVC Phase of CR-1 Visa - A Few Questions

[Sagot 1,548]

7 hours ago, jg121783 said:

My wife and step son just finished their first day of the medical exam. My wife was told both of them need to return on Thursday for vaccines and my step son's skin test. They didn't say anything about her chest xray results which we are assuming were fine because they didn't ask her to return tomorrow. Is this an accurate assumption or is it possible they could wait until Thursday to tell her that she needs to do the sputum? Hopefully we are past that potential road block and only have the interview to worry about.

When they return Thursday the guard will direct them to where they need to be, if all is fine with the x-ray and skin test then onward to vaccinations, if not onward to sputum.

[jg121783 3,915]

My wife got the following letter for my step son the other day:

 

Congratulations on your upcoming immigrant visa interview.  Your file is now with the U.S. Embassy in Manila and we have had a chance to review it.  Based on our review, you need to bring the following documents with you to your interview: 

FROM APPLICANT(S)

- Valid passport for you

- Birth Certificate issued by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) for ########

- Medical examination results for #######

Please remember to bring with you:

- Bring a valid passport and all expired passports for each applicant.

- Bring a confirmation page from your DS-260 online application for each visa applicant.

- If you have lived in a country other than the Philippines or the United States for more than 12 months, please submit a police clearance from that country.  For more information please go to: http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/english/fees/reciprocity-by-country.html, search for the country you lived in before, and look at the information provided in the "police records" section.

- All applicants must register their delivery address online.  We are unable to deliver your passport and visa if you fail to register a delivery address. To register online, click on the “Select Document Delivery Address” link under the Immigrant Visas section of our website (http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/) .  Once there, click on the first link under the “More Actions”  to register a delivery address for the first time, or to change an existing delivery address. If you have any question(s) on how to register a delivery address, please contact Manila’s Visa Information and Appointment Service Center at (632) 976-8500, (632) 976-8501 or (632) 976-8502.
 
We hope this email helps you prepare for your interview.  If you are unable to obtain all of the requested documents, you may still attend your interview at the U.S. Embassy. However, if you do not bring these documents to your interview, it will delay the issuance of your visa.

Sincerely,

Immigrant Visa Section

U.S. Embassy

Manila, Philippines

 

A few questions. Why have we not received a similar letter for my wife? In the email it doesn't list the I-864 as a required document along with a few other thigns I thougfht were required. Is it best to just pay the money and send the I-864s just to be safe?

 

On a side note as I was typing this post my wife messaged me that her chest xray came back fine and she is waiting for my step son's skin test results then they will both be getting their vaccines.

[Sagot 1,548]

That covers most of what is asked for.  Here is the embassy instructions letter, do follow it:  https://ph.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/82/2016/08/IV-Applicant-Interview-Preparation-Instructions-08112016-English-365KB.pdf

 

https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/family-based-immigration/the-interview/

 

Register your delivery address here:  http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-steps.asp

[Greenbaum 12,259]

Unfortunately, no one can really explain some of the snafu's that occur with USCIS/NVC/Embassy.  Sagot has given you some great links, where you will find all the documents you'll need.  Good luck.

[jg121783 3,915]

Just to let you all know my step son's skin test was positive but the chest xray came back negative. Both my wife and step son have now completed the medical. My wife was told they have until June 5th to enter the US. That is only 5 months and I thought they were supposed to have 6 months from the date the medical exam was completed. 

 

On another note all the documents needed for the interview are on the way to my wife now via DHL. The interview is a week from Tuesday. Hopefully everything goes well. 

[javadown2 308]

10 minutes ago, jg121783 said:

Just to let you all know my step son's skin test was positive but the chest xray came back negative. Both my wife and step son have now completed the medical. My wife was told they have until June 5th to enter the US. That is only 5 months and I thought they were supposed to have 6 months from the date the medical exam was completed. 

 

On another note all the documents needed for the interview are on the way to my wife now via DHL. The interview is a week from Tuesday. Hopefully everything goes well. 

I think you have 6 months from the date she receives the visa but can get it extended I believe if you call or notify the embassy before hand.

 

Your relative will become a U.S permanent resident only when he/she enters the U.S at a port of entry, until this time, he/she only has an immigrant visa that is valid up to 6 months from the interview date. If your relative cannot immigrate to the U.S within the 6 month allotted time, then his/her immigrant visa will expire, and the I-130 process must start all over again. 

Edited January 7, 2017 by javadown2

[Brassballs 47]

Not sure where you picked up that quote or where the OP's wife heard it was 5 months but 2 years ago the policy was that the immigrant had to transit a POE within 6 months of the medical completion date.  The visa limit is based on the medical date not interview date.

 

Re positive skin, negative chest.... Your county health dept. will be contacting you within a month of his arrival for follow-up.  They may take another x-ray which will probably be negative also.  They will also offer you a 4 or 12 month treatment program that must be completed at a medical facility before declaring him tb free.  Ask them to do blood workup first which should find him tb free without any additional treatment.  Exact same scenario for my step-daughter.  Make sure you get a certificate from them for his future proof.

[Thozelle 16]

2 hours ago, Brassballs said:

Not sure where you picked up that quote or where the OP's wife heard it was 5 months but 2 years ago the policy was that the immigrant had to transit a POE within 6 months of the medical completion date.  The visa limit is based on the medical date not interview date.

 

Re positive skin, negative chest.... Your county health dept. will be contacting you within a month of his arrival for follow-up.  They may take another x-ray which will probably be negative also.  They will also offer you a 4 or 12 month treatment program that must be completed at a medical facility before declaring him tb free.  Ask them to do blood workup first which should find him tb free without any additional treatment.  Exact same scenario for my step-daughter.  Make sure you get a certificate from them for his future proof.

6 months from start of medical.  The date SLEC stamps the passport.  

[javadown2 308]

3 hours ago, Brassballs said:

Not sure where you picked up that quote or where the OP's wife heard it was 5 months but 2 years ago the policy was that the immigrant had to transit a POE within 6 months of the medical completion date.  The visa limit is based on the medical date not interview date.

 

Re positive skin, negative chest.... Your county health dept. will be contacting you within a month of his arrival for follow-up.  They may take another x-ray which will probably be negative also.  They will also offer you a 4 or 12 month treatment program that must be completed at a medical facility before declaring him tb free.  Ask them to do blood workup first which should find him tb free without any additional treatment.  Exact same scenario for my step-daughter.  Make sure you get a certificate from them for his future proof.

I got it from the guide, off top of this page...CR1?, sorry if I'm giving bad advice

[Sagot 1,548]

10 hours ago, jg121783 said:

Just to let you all know my step son's skin test was positive but the chest xray came back negative. Both my wife and step son have now completed the medical. My wife was told they have until June 5th to enter the US. That is only 5 months and I thought they were supposed to have 6 months from the date the medical exam was completed. 

 

On another note all the documents needed for the interview are on the way to my wife now via DHL. The interview is a week from Tuesday. Hopefully everything goes well. 

Who told you your wife and step only have 5 months to enter the USA, you have not completed your interview yet?

 

The ACTUAL expiration date for the visa will be printed right on the visa... clear POE BEFORE the expiration date.

 

Entering the United States

When traveling to the United States, the primary (or principal) applicant must enter before or at the same time as family members with visas. With your immigrant visa (before it expires), and sealed packet, you will travel to a U.S. port-of-entry (often an airport) and request permission to enter the United States. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.  The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials have authority to grant or deny admission. Learn about admission and entry requirements on the CBP website under Travel. When you are admitted, you will enter as a Lawful Permanent Resident, also called a green card holder, and will be permitted to work and live permanently in the United States.

 

https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate/immigrant-process/interview/after.html

 

Page 4 has the info on visa validity:   https://ph.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/82/2016/08/IV-Applicant-Interview-Preparation-Instructions-08112016-English-365KB.pdf

 

 

9 hours ago, javadown2 said:

I think you have 6 months from the date she receives the visa   but can get it extended I believe if you call or notify the embassy before hand.

 

Your relative will become a U.S permanent resident only when he/she enters the U.S at a port of entry, until this time, he/she only has an immigrant visa that is valid up to 6 months from the interview date. If your relative cannot immigrate to the U.S within the 6 month allotted time, then his/her immigrant visa will expire, and the I-130 process must start all over again. 

 

VISA VALIDITY: Generally, an immigrant visa is valid for six months from the date of issuance, unless its validity is limited by medical or other restrictions

 

https://ph.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/82/2016/08/IV-Applicant-Interview-Preparation-Instructions-08112016-English-365KB.pdf

Edited January 8, 2017 by Sagot

[jg121783 3,915]

Got a question. My wife's interview is at 9:30 am. What time should she get to the embassy? The embassy website says don't be there more than 15 minutes early. Also I am looking for reasonably priced hotel room near the embassy if anyone has any suggestions.

[javadown2 308]

20 minutes ago, jg121783 said:

Got a question. My wife's interview is at 9:30 am. What time should she get to the embassy? The embassy website says don't be there more than 15 minutes early. Also I am looking for reasonably priced hotel room near the embassy if anyone has any suggestions.

The Casa Bocobo hotel, It's not very fancy but the price is right and it's clean, my fiancee stayed there just before her interview and had no problems with it. I think she said it's like 10 or 15 minute walk to the embassy. I think 15-30 minutes prior to the interview is fine, no need to be any sooner because they just have you wait.

Edited January 11, 2017 by javadown2

[Brassballs 47]

We used Boulevard Mansion, Just beyond the pedestrian bridge. Less than 10 minute walk. Same price range as Casa Bocobo EXCELLENT view of Manila Bay if you request it.   

[Sagot 1,548]

5 hours ago, jg121783 said:

Got a question. My wife's interview is at 9:30 am. What time should she get to the embassy? The embassy website says don't be there more than 15 minutes early. Also I am looking for reasonably priced hotel room near the embassy if anyone has any suggestions.

From the embassy website:

 

** STAGGERED APPOINTMENT SYSTEM EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 01, 2016 **

 

In our continuing efforts to ensure the highest level of customer service, the Immigrant Visa unit will implement a new appointment system designed to minimize applicant wait time.

 

Effective February 01, 2016, Immigrant Visa interviews will be scheduled at 6:45 am, 7:30 am, 8:15 am and 9:00 am. Embassy personnel will facilitate entry of immigrant visa applicants 15 minutes prior to their respective interview time slot.

 

All applicants who arrive earlier than 15 minutes before their interview time will be asked to wait outside the Embassy premises.

Edited January 11, 2017 by Sagot

[jg121783 3,915]

Can you guys give me an idea of what questions might be asked at my wife's interview? I know it is hard to predict what might be asked but I want to give my wife a general idea of what to expect.