Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

[Pinay Wife 47]

Thank you for the big welcome dear old friends ~ Luz, Sheriff, Jazzy, StarProg, vsmtqhdy, Jelloshotgirl

Doug, John (my son) and I are temporarily staying with Doug’s parents here in WA state until we find a house of our own. Regarding phone chika, while Mom (Doug’s mom) told me it’s okay to make phone calls and to receive calls, medyo dyahi pa ako to abuse their kindness. I’ll make chika-chika with you my amigos and amigas once Doug and I have our own place. Okay ba yun? Right now, I’m using Dad’s computer so I can’t be on-line everyday because dyahi rin to Doug’s Dad. They are super-duper nice to me but I don’t want to impose on them.

Updating list. Sorry to hear about the ARs of JeffK and crambajoy. So to those who are yet to be interviewed, get those Cenomar regardless of your civil status. Embassy may or may not require it from you during interview but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared.

Legend:

OK - Visa approved

AR - Admin Review/Add'l Docs Required

ME - Military Expedite

AO - Age-Out (Derivative approaching age 21)

Name..................NOA2....MNL REC'D..PACKET...INTERVIEW..MNL CASE#..STATUS..DELIVERED/#OF DAYS/PLACE DLVRD

K1 LIST

01..Skeeter211......01-17-07..02-27-07..04-02-07..05-03-07..2007-52xxxx..OK..May 11/08 days/Davao

02..chadandlira.....01-25-07..xx-xx-xx..04-02-07..05-09-07..2007-536xxx..OK..May 16/07 days/Gen. Santos

03..Honeysweet......02-01-07..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..05-10-07..2007-540xxx..OK..Jun 01/22 days/??

04..chadmides.......02-12-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..05-17-07..2007-547xxx..OK..May 24/07 days/??

05..gracy_byron.....02-08-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-18-07..2007-xxxxxx..OK..May 23/05 days/Pick up

06..joemaria........02-12-07..02-28-07..xx-xx-xx..05-22-07..2007-55xxxx..OK..May 28/06 days/Manila

07..Jeng............02-13-07..02-28-07..03-31-07..05-22-07..2007-554xxx..OK..May 28/06 days/Manila

08..imaskin.........02-21-07..xx-xx-xx..03-30-07..05-24-07..2007-xxxxxx..OK..Jun 06/13 days/CDO

09..princess sutil..02-20-07..xx-xx-xx..04-02-07..05-24-07..2007-xxxxxx..OK..Jun 01/08 days/??

10..orion44.........02-22-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-05-07..2007-xxxxxx..OK..Jun 12/07 days/Muntinlupa

11..David-MaeForev..02-27-07..03-14-07..xx-xx-xx..06-07-07..2007-564xxx..OK..Jun 14/07 days/Laguna

12..JeffK...........03-08-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-18-07..2007-573xxx..AR..Cenomar

13..Almi and Randy..03-07-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..06-19-07..2007-57xxxx

14..elmasguapo......12-15-06..01-08-07..xx-xx-xx..07-03-07..2006-xxxxxx

15..CountryBoy......03-29-07..04-23-07..xx-xx-xx..07-04-07..2007-608xxx

16..dave&evan.......04-12-07..04-25-07..xx-xx-xx..07-05-07..2007-60xxxx

17..trakon2002......04-05-07..xx-xx-xx..04-25-07..07-11-07..2007-613xxx

18..happyinlove.....04-14-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..07-11-07..2007-xxxxxx

19..C&M14...........05-03-07..xx-xx-xx..05-25-07..07-11-07..2007-62xxxx

20..Intelek.........04-19-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..08-02-07..2007-xxxxxx

21..2hearts1beat....05-03-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..08-03-07..2007-xxxxxx

22..busycharlie.....05-03-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..08-03-07..2007-xxxxxx

23..rea.............05-01-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..08-06-07..2007-xxxxxx

24..Bernie4Bien.....05-01-07..05-18-07..xx-xx-xx..08-06-07..2007-xxxxxx

25..Anthony Julie...05-xx-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..08-07-07..2007-63xxxx

26..shaggy474.......xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..08-10-07..2007-xxxxxx

27..Novelyn&Gragg...05-10-07..06-06-07..xx-xx-xx..08-13-07..2007-xxxxxx

28..JoanBill........06-09-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..08-14-07..2007-xxxxxx

K3 LIST

01..AnneiyandJacky..11-28-06..xx-xx-xx..02-27-07..04-17-07..2006-685xxx..AR..Co-sponsor

02..CherylandMike...02-05-07..02-26-07..05-03-07..05-16-07..2007-546xxx..OK..May 23/07 days/Cebu

03..Robor007........02-06-07..02-26-07..03-30-07..05-16-07..2007-546xxx..OK..May 23/07 days/Mandaluyong

04..jeffry..........02-07-07..02-26-07..xx-xx-xx..05-16-07..2007-546xxx..OK..May 18/02 days/??

05..luvbugs4ever....12-14-06..12-21-06..03-02-07..07-03-07..2006-8xxxxx

06..islandprincess..05-21-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..08-03-07..2007-xxxxxx

IR-1/CR-1

Name.................NOA2.....CASE CMPLT..PACKET..INTERVIEW...MNL CASE#..STATUS

01..orimai..........10-16-06..03-08-07..02-19-07..05-30-07..2006-xxxxxx..

02..Gobruins........12-20-06..04-03-07..xx-xx-xx..05-23-07..2007-50xxxx..OK

03..crambajoy.......09-19-06..05-10-07..05-23-06..06-20-07..2007-xxxxxx..AR..Cenomar

04..StarProg........12-28-06..05-10-07..xx-xx-xx..06-28-07..2007-508xxx

05..islandprincess..05-21-07..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..xx-xx-xx..2007-xxxxxx

06..DogWood Poet....11-07-06..05-03-07..05-26-07..08-09-07..2007-xxxxxx..Interview reset

[Almi and Randy 0]

I was scheduled for my visa interview yesterday, June 19, 2007. I woke up at 4AM. Randy sent me a sweet SMS message and a wake up call. I took a shower. I applied what I have learned from my satorial savvy class and that is how to look smart and pleasantly pleasing to others. I went to the USE at 5AM though my scheduled appointment was for 7AM.

Upon my arrival at the waiting area, I was ushered by the vendor. He asked if I would like to rent a chair while waiting. I rented a monoblock chair for 30 pesos while waiting for our turn to be called. The vendors were giving instructions to the applicants like do not bring your cell phone and other electronic gadgets, If you do not have your ID picture, do not worry. They will take picture. But of course, the price is higher.

I was conversing with other K-1 applicants (Eden from Cebu, Lani of Laguna, Maggie of Bago City, ladies from Surigao and General Santos). I checked and helped Eden with her DS forms.

At 6:30 AM, the 7 AM K-1 applicants were ushered by the security guard to the next gate and inside the embassy premises. Please be ready with your appointment letter and ID and present that to the guard upon entry.

There were two lines, one for the immigrants and the other one for the non-immigrants. For the immigrant visa, we were directed by the guard to the right side of the embassy. Upon entry, your things will be scanned. So if you a have cell phone, digital cam or scissors, please leave them behind.

We were directed by the guard to the immigrant visa section and asked to be seated while the receiving booth was accepting the application of the 6:00 AM K-1 Applicants.

So while waiting, I read the instructions flashed on the TV monitor and at the same time conversed with my fellow k-1 applicants.

After 30 minutes of waiting, the 7:00AM batch was called up by the guard. I went to the receiving booth. I took out my appointment letter, 2 copies of DS-156 & 157 and one copy of DS 156K. The embassy personnel gave me a number. Mine was 7002. Then I went back to where I was seated.

Then I was waiting for the fingerprint scanning/biometric schedule. After waiting for 30 minutes, my name was called out. When it was my turn for the fingerprint scanning, the lady in-charge was RUDE. Maybe she woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I saw that she took out a different folder/file (7022) and the picture appearing on the screen was not mine. I called out her attention. Instead of listening, she chided me and the guy assisting her. I went back to where I was seated. However, my gut feeling was telling me to approach the guy and inform him that my file was screwed up. I approached the guy and informed him of the incident. I told him that my number is 7002 and not 7022. He, too, was insisting that the lady in-charge was correct. But at the back of mind, I knew that they had messed up my file.

After waiting for an hour, my number was flashed on the queuing board indicating where to go. I went to see the Filipina Pre-screener at Window 26. She asked me to submit my NBI and Birth certificate. I then asked her if she needed my CENOMAR, which she accepted, then the Affidavit of Support ( I gave her the notarized I-134 Affidavit of Support, Employment Letters, 3 years F-1040 & W-2, bank statements, pay stubs), and the pictures of Randy’s visit in the Philippines.

She then asked me the following questions:

1. Who is your petitioner?

2. When, where and how did you meet?

3. When did you meet personally? How long?

The Filipina pre-screener raised her eyebrows when I informed her that we met for 4 days only. I was alarmed when I saw her reaction and she noted my answer on the paper she was holding.

While waiting for the final interview with the consul, my name was called up for a second fingerprint scanning. So my hindsight was correct. The lady in-charge made a mistake because she subjected me to another fingerprint scanning. This time the lady in-charge was kind and courteous.

While waiting for the final interview, I was scared due to the reaction of the pre-screener. But I told myself that I have to prove to the consul that our relationship is genuine.

The final call came. I was ushered to cubicle #29. I waited outside since the consul was still interviewing an applicant. The applicant was denied outright by the consul. The applicant had been petitioned by his parents. However, he was past the age limit of 21. The guy was insisting. I know that the consul was pissed off. I was scared then that the consul might not be in a good mood when it was my turn.

I went inside and greeted the consul with a smile. He greeted me "HELLO". That eased my tension. He asked my name and I stood up to take the Oath.

I had an engaging interview with the consul. He was very kind and very accommodating. He was not intimidating. Here are the questions he raised:

1. Who is your petitioner? How do you pronounce his name? (I pronounced it and informed him that the stress is on the first syllable. He then asked me if he is a Slovak or....... I graciously told him that he is a .......)

2. “Have you been petitioned before?” NO sir, this is the very first petition. The consul made comment that based on the data uploaded from the computer, I had also petitioned previously. He asked me for my birth date.

While he was encoding and checking the file, I told him about the fingerprint scanning incident. He informed me that there was a mix up on my file. Somebody's file was encoded on my file. But he assured me not to worry. So he continued interviewing me.

3. “Were you married before?” No I never have been...

4. “Do you have children?” NO biological children but I have 1017 children under my tutelage. He made a follow up question? “Have you adopted them?” NO sir. I am ……. and I have 1017 children under my guidance and supervision.

5. “Was he married before? With whom?”

6. “What is his work? How much does he earn? Is he living alone? Is he supporting his parents?” NO. “So you will be the only one he will be supporting?” Exactly, Sir.

8. “Do your parents approve of your relationship with him?”

9. “Did he visit you? When? How long?” Yes. For four days. “Why?” His company granted him a 7-day vacation leave.

At this point, I showed him our folder on the Evidence of Genuine Relationship. The consul readily accepted the folder and commented that it was well-organized and neatly arranged. I just smiled .His comment boosted my confidence.

He took a look at the emails (I printed out my email address inbox showing our daily emails from the beginning of our relationship till June 7, 2007). He read our emails. He made comments.. “ah you have subjected yourself to compatibility test and handwriting analysis...you have postal mail from his family, shipping invoices and several money transfers. Now I am convinced that you have a genuine relationship and I know you will not be a public charge in the US. You can easily work in there with your educational attainment and profession.”

At this time, I politely and graciously asked the consul if I am approved and if there is anything wrong with my papers. He enthusiastically said… “YOU are APPROVED! Everything looks fine. Your file will be corrected later. You can now book your ticket! Congratulations!”

With a beaming smile I said... “THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR and GOD BLESS!”

I was smiling when I went out from the cubicle. I could not contain my happiness.

I was asked to return at 1pm for the release of the pink slip since they had not yet finished correcting the entry on the computer. I waited till 1:45 P.M. After long and agonizing hours of waiting, I received the most elusive PINK SLIP at Window #38. I paid DELBROS P 665.00.

I am so thankful that I was able to survive the punches and emerged victorious!

To All VJers waiting to be interviewed.

Be confident because your relationship is genuine not fraud.

Volunteer the documents which you think can support and establish your claim.

Smile and overcome your tension.

Be polite and gracious at all times. Greet them and do not expect to be greeted back.

Know your weakest link and prepare yourself on how to tackle it.

If you think the embassy employee made a mistake, graciously call her/his attention.

Most importantly, Ask God’s blessing and guidance.

Almi

[jerrylee 0]

:dancing:Congrats!!!! :dancing:

[Sheriff Uling 3]

Almi and Randy - Good deal... and many congrats to you. The most difficult and stressful part is over. Enjoy it... Cheers!!! - Sheriff Uling

[busycharlie 0]

I was scheduled for my visa interview yesterday, June 19, 2007. I woke up at 4AM. Randy sent me a sweet SMS message and a wake up call. I took a shower. I applied what I have learned from my satorial savvy class and that is how to look smart and pleasantly pleasing to others. I went to the USE at 5AM though my scheduled appointment was for 7AM.

Upon my arrival at the waiting area, I was ushered by the vendor. He asked if I would like to rent a chair while waiting. I rented a monoblock chair for 30 pesos while waiting for our turn to be called. The vendors were giving instructions to the applicants like do not bring your cell phone and other electronic gadgets, If you do not have your ID picture, do not worry. They will take picture. But of course, the price is higher.

I was conversing with other K-1 applicants (Eden from Cebu, Lani of Laguna, Maggie of Bago City, ladies from Surigao and General Santos). I checked and helped Eden with her DS forms.

At 6:30 AM, the 7 AM K-1 applicants were ushered by the security guard to the next gate and inside the embassy premises. Please be ready with your appointment letter and ID and present that to the guard upon entry.

There were two lines, one for the immigrants and the other one for the non-immigrants. For the immigrant visa, we were directed by the guard to the right side of the embassy. Upon entry, your things will be scanned. So if you a have cell phone, digital cam or scissors, please leave them behind.

We were directed by the guard to the immigrant visa section and asked to be seated while the receiving booth was accepting the application of the 6:00 AM K-1 Applicants.

So while waiting, I read the instructions flashed on the TV monitor and at the same time conversed with my fellow k-1 applicants.

After 30 minutes of waiting, the 7:00AM batch was called up by the guard. I went to the receiving booth. I took out my appointment letter, 2 copies of DS-156 & 157 and one copy of DS 156K. The embassy personnel gave me a number. Mine was 7002. Then I went back to where I was seated.

Then I was waiting for the fingerprint scanning/biometric schedule. After waiting for 30 minutes, my name was called out. When it was my turn for the fingerprint scanning, the lady in-charge was RUDE. Maybe she woke up on the wrong side of the bed. I saw that she took out a different folder/file (7022) and the picture appearing on the screen was not mine. I called out her attention. Instead of listening, she chided me and the guy assisting her. I went back to where I was seated. However, my gut feeling was telling me to approach the guy and inform him that my file was screwed up. I approached the guy and informed him of the incident. I told him that my number is 7002 and not 7022. He, too, was insisting that the lady in-charge was correct. But at the back of mind, I knew that they had messed up my file.

After waiting for an hour, my number was flashed on the queuing board indicating where to go. I went to see the Filipina Pre-screener at Window 26. She asked me to submit my NBI and Birth certificate. I then asked her if she needed my CENOMAR, which she accepted, then the Affidavit of Support ( I gave her the notarized I-134 Affidavit of Support, Employment Letters, 3 years F-1040 & W-2, bank statements, pay stubs), and the pictures of Randy's visit in the Philippines.

She then asked me the following questions:

1. Who is your petitioner?

2. When, where and how did you meet?

3. When did you meet personally? How long?

The Filipina pre-screener raised her eyebrows when I informed her that we met for 4 days only. I was alarmed when I saw her reaction and she noted my answer on the paper she was holding.

While waiting for the final interview with the consul, my name was called up for a second fingerprint scanning. So my hindsight was correct. The lady in-charge made a mistake because she subjected me to another fingerprint scanning. This time the lady in-charge was kind and courteous.

While waiting for the final interview, I was scared due to the reaction of the pre-screener. But I told myself that I have to prove to the consul that our relationship is genuine.

The final call came. I was ushered to cubicle #29. I waited outside since the consul was still interviewing an applicant. The applicant was denied outright by the consul. The applicant had been petitioned by his parents. However, he was past the age limit of 21. The guy was insisting. I know that the consul was pissed off. I was scared then that the consul might not be in a good mood when it was my turn.

I went inside and greeted the consul with a smile. He greeted me "HELLO". That eased my tension. He asked my name and I stood up to take the Oath.

I had an engaging interview with the consul. He was very kind and very accommodating. He was not intimidating. Here are the questions he raised:

1. Who is your petitioner? How do you pronounce his name? (I pronounced it and informed him that the stress is on the first syllable. He then asked me if he is a Slovak or....... I graciously told him that he is a .......)

2. "Have you been petitioned before?" NO sir, this is the very first petition. The consul made comment that based on the data uploaded from the computer, I had also petitioned previously. He asked me for my birth date.

While he was encoding and checking the file, I told him about the fingerprint scanning incident. He informed me that there was a mix up on my file. Somebody's file was encoded on my file. But he assured me not to worry. So he continued interviewing me.

3. "Were you married before?" No I never have been...

4. "Do you have children?" NO biological children but I have 1017 children under my tutelage. He made a follow up question? "Have you adopted them?" NO sir. I am ……. and I have 1017 children under my guidance and supervision.

5. "Was he married before? With whom?"

6. "What is his work? How much does he earn? Is he living alone? Is he supporting his parents?" NO. "So you will be the only one he will be supporting?" Exactly, Sir.

8. "Do your parents approve of your relationship with him?"

9. "Did he visit you? When? How long?" Yes. For four days. "Why?" His company granted him a 7-day vacation leave.

At this point, I showed him our folder on the Evidence of Genuine Relationship. The consul readily accepted the folder and commented that it was well-organized and neatly arranged. I just smiled .His comment boosted my confidence.

He took a look at the emails (I printed out my email address inbox showing our daily emails from the beginning of our relationship till June 7, 2007). He read our emails. He made comments.. "ah you have subjected yourself to compatibility test and handwriting analysis...you have postal mail from his family, shipping invoices and several money transfers. Now I am convinced that you have a genuine relationship and I know you will not be a public charge in the US. You can easily work in there with your educational attainment and profession."

At this time, I politely and graciously asked the consul if I am approved and if there is anything wrong with my papers. He enthusiastically said… "YOU are APPROVED! Everything looks fine. Your file will be corrected later. You can now book your ticket! Congratulations!"

With a beaming smile I said... "THANK YOU SO MUCH SIR and GOD BLESS!"

I was smiling when I went out from the cubicle. I could not contain my happiness.

I was asked to return at 1pm for the release of the pink slip since they had not yet finished correcting the entry on the computer. I waited till 1:45 P.M. After long and agonizing hours of waiting, I received the most elusive PINK SLIP at Window #38. I paid DELBROS P 665.00.

I am so thankful that I was able to survive the punches and emerged victorious!

To All VJers waiting to be interviewed.

Be confident because your relationship is genuine not fraud.

Volunteer the documents which you think can support and establish your claim.

Smile and overcome your tension.

Be polite and gracious at all times. Greet them and do not expect to be greeted back.

Know your weakest link and prepare yourself on how to tackle it.

If you think the embassy employee made a mistake, graciously call her/his attention.

Most importantly, Ask God's blessing and guidance.

Almi

First off, CONGRATS!!!!!!!!!!! that was a great story and I'm definitely passing this along to MJ. She will enjoy reading this.

Good Luck,

Charlie

[island_princess 2]

To those who have done their interview:

My interview is scheduled at 7:30am. What time is it advisable to go to the embassy? I do not want to wait really for so long outside..

[Christine n Carl 0]

Hello

Quick question...While filling out DS-156 online, My fiancee's Philippine passport has an expiration of "Jan 26, 3002" yes 3002!! 995 years from now. We are in a time crunch!! She flys to Manila in a few days for medical. I sent her right now to check this out at DFA. What does everyone think. Is this a screwup by the DFA? If so will it mess us up?

Thanks

Carl

[island_princess 2]

definitely screwed up.

phil passport has expiry date after 5 years from date of issuance.

Hello

Quick question...While filling out DS-156 online, My fiancee's Philippine passport has an expiration of "Jan 26, 3002" yes 3002!! 995 years from now. We are in a time crunch!! She flys to Manila in a few days for medical. I sent her right now to check this out at DFA. What does everyone think. Is this a screwup by the DFA? If so will it mess us up?

Thanks

Carl

To all August interviewees:

Here is another good news from Cebu Pacific...Php.99.00++ per way!

http://www.cebupacificair.com/

[Dakine 26]

Mae had her interview on the 18th but she didn't receive her CENOMAR in time, so we knew she most likely wouldn't get the visa immediately. However, she did pass the interview (!) and needs to return with the CENOMAR to continue processing the visa (technically, I assume this is AR? She said something about a blue flag?).

JeffK: USEM CO are not consistent with what they asks from their applicants and it is always best to have all the possible documents at hand for the interview. CENOMAR is required (as listed in the appointment packet) for Immigrant Visa Applicants but even if the applicant have this for the interview, they still do their own NSO checks which takes about 10 working days to process with NSO (according to Lorraine). Don't worry too much, the good thing is that you paid for DELBROS (always a good sign). You just need to wait until they received a copy of the CENOMAR from NSO, then CO will review the case again, and then the visa will be delivered to you in due time. You just have to follow-up it with them, call once a week just to check the status.

My wife just got back from her interview and was told by the consul if she had prior marriages and said she will check nso. She did not have a CENOMAR- is that required for a cr-1 visa?They gave her a paper saying, "if there are documents (affv of sup, passport, a long list, etc. ) if checked, they will send you a letter to come back & "wait till you hear from us" the problem is there was nothing checked. They also said notify her if there are needed documents if not the visa will be sent.So whats the deal?

crambajoy: The appointment packet for Immigrant Visa (CR/IR) states there on number 6 is CENOMAR. That all documents listed (including the CENOMAR) have to be ready to submit at the time of the interview. Although they don't usually asks for CENOMAR during the interview, since they do their own NSO checks, it is always better to have all the necessary documents at hand to avoid these things-> going back there to submit more documents.

For those who will still have their interview, this could help you in some ways:

CENOMAR for single: NSO will give the CRS Form No. 4 - which will state that the applicant does not appear in their National Indices of Marriages based on the records of 1945-2007 marriages enrolled in their database as of ______.

CENOMAR for married or previously married: NSO will give the CRS Form No. 5 (Advisory on Marriages) - which will state the date and place of marriage and the name of the bride and groom. All marriages whether annulled/spouse died will still appear on the records. For those with annulled cases, applicant should bring a copy of the MC with annotation of annulment and the court's order. For those who are widow/er, bring a copy (NSO) of the death certificate.

Helen you should forget about going back to blood and guts but consider being an immigration lawyer for the Philippines.

You're the best I've seen at giving 'mostly"accurate information on the immigration process and I've seen a LOT!

[Almi and Randy 0]

Thank you so much Busy_charlie and Sheriff Uling.

[David-and-Mae 15]

Thank you so much Busy_charlie and Sheriff Uling.

CONGRATS sis Almi! I'm really hoping you could fly with me on July 1st. It would be so much enjoyable! Keep me informed, ok? Happy for you sis!

Mae

[vsmtghdy 2]

Helen you should forget about going back to blood and guts but consider being an immigration lawyer for the Philippines.

You're the best I've seen at giving 'mostly"accurate information on the immigration process and I've seen a LOT!

Beckypua : Thanks for that comment, I learned from reading at forums like this and doing some research (and through experience). I started doing research and joining forums when our Attorney screwed up. I try to help with what I know with the process and hope I can help in some ways.

Almi and Randy: Congratulations!!!

[RonMay 1]

To those who have done their interview:

My interview is scheduled at 7:30am. What time is it advisable to go to the embassy? I do not want to wait really for so long outside..

well i had my 6:30 sked back then and i noticed the guard allowed the 7:30 sked get in around 6:00 or so... i think its good to be there 5:30am for you just so to avoid too much crowd coz even at 3 am theres already lining up for a 7:30 sked. lol... that heavy...

[island_princess 2]

Thank you. I'll note that.

To those who have done their interview:

My interview is scheduled at 7:30am. What time is it advisable to go to the embassy? I do not want to wait really for so long outside..

well i had my 6:30 sked back then and i noticed the guard allowed the 7:30 sked get in around 6:00 or so... i think its good to be there 5:30am for you just so to avoid too much crowd coz even at 3 am theres already lining up for a 7:30 sked. lol... that heavy...

[crambajoy 0]

QUOTE(soulm8z0928 @ Sep 13 2006, 07:53 AM) *

hey fellow Philippine VJ'ers, another quick q as we get all our docs ready to submit. we are doing the IR1/CR1. will my wife be asked to submit a CENOMAR? we r thinking no based on what we read on the manila embassy site, but don't want to assume anything and avoid any unnecessary delays. thx, bernie and sherwin

If the embassy thinks it's necessary they will make their own request to the NSO and normally that holds things up.

Actually this policy has changed. They now ask K-1s to bring the CENOMAR with them to the interview. It's on their new instructions letter.

Since the CENOMAR doesn't apply for the OP, they won't be asked for it.

So you are saying the embassy no longer puts people on admin review while they check with the NSO for any unended or unreported marriages?

That's not what I said. I said they changed their policy. When we went for the interview, the consulate would not accept a CENOMAR submitted by us and sent for their own. Now the CENOMAR is accepted at the interview and is even on the list of documents to bring. I'm also saying the consulate won't be looking for a CENOMAR for a married person--it wouldn't make any sense. They may request evidence that any former marriages have been terminated and may put people on admin review while they check for unended or unreported marriages.

The OP asked specifically about CENOMAR. For them, it is N/A because they are married.