Manila Embassy Interview/Visa Status

[Skeeter211 2]

Just a quick question about "advanced parole". I understand that a K-1 cannot leave the US while the AOS is pending without an "advance parole" being filed, right? What if my wife has no plans to go back before then? If there is an emergency, can she still go back and request "forgiveness" to come back due to the family emergency? I'm just trying to justify the extra expense in my head when she has no plans to go back for at least a year or two...barring an family emergency. Can someone please explain or give some advice?

Thanks.

Scott

If she leaves the US without advance parole prior to approval of the AOS, there will be no forgiveness. You will have to file a I-130 petition for spouse and start over again.

Thank you for the response. I guess we'll have to talk about it together more, but I guess for the $170 its not worth the risk.

Scott

[RonMay 1]

hi peeps!!!

we'll be having an AOS interview this coming monday, july 9th, and i know they have listed about what to bring during the interview which on this case we've had already send it to them when we applied for AOS right? now my question lol, what should we exactly bring, or what did you guys bring during your AOS interview? we have the copies on things that we sent to them, meaning we'll just have to bring it anyways? and yea some photos of our travels too, together with families and friends? noa2, passport, and the appoitment letter itself?

anything else??? im back to cramming again

God bless you guys and good luck to all

ronmay

[jerrylee 0]

With the end of this phase in sight and the upcoming fee increase for the next stage of this process...

I would like to get some thoughts from all of you on how far in advance to purchase plane tickets...

I vaguely recall reading that Delbros delivers visas in the Metro Manila area in 7-10 business days (or I may be engaging in wishful thinking!) B)

With an interview date of August 13, would it be safe to buy plane tickets for Sept. 1?

Thoughts, ideas, suggestions will be gladly and graciously accepted!

[StarProg 0]

Visa received!!!!!

Shortly after my last post, Fely received a text message from the Delbros courier telling us to stay home and wait for delivery. That was at about 1:30 pm. We waited what seemed like forever. At 5:30 pm he rode up on his bike. Apparently ours was his last visa delivery of the day, our of a total of 58 from Manila to Olongapo to Palauig. We fed him soda and cookies, and I even gave him a tip. I figured it out--one delivery every 12 minutes from early morning.

I will post an interview review shortly if I have time before Fely and her sister return from the bank. Good luck to those still waiting for their visas from their June interviews.

Gary and Fely

[rea 1]

Visa received!!!!!

Shortly after my last post, Fely received a text message from the Delbros courier telling us to stay home and wait for delivery. That was at about 1:30 pm. We waited what seemed like forever. At 5:30 pm he rode up on his bike. Apparently ours was his last visa delivery of the day, our of a total of 58 from Manila to Olongapo to Palauig. We fed him soda and cookies, and I even gave him a tip. I figured it out--one delivery every 12 minutes from early morning.

I will post an interview review shortly if I have time before Fely and her sister return from the bank. Good luck to those still waiting for their visas from their June interviews.

Gary and Fely

wow that was fast! 8 days from interview date you got your visa! congratulations gary and fely!

[StarProg 0]

Embassy Interview June 28th.

Arrived at 5:10 am, there was short line. Instructed to sit in waiting area, we were in third row. At 6:00 they started letting 6:30 appointments in, we got inside at about 6:30. At 7:00 the pre-interviews started. Our number appeared at 7:30. The Filipino pre-interviewer was a woman, maybe in her 40's. She was not unpleasant but strictly business, collecting our papers and asking these questions of Fely: What is your name? Who is your petitioner? How did you come to know him? When did he visit you? Who is Merlita (joint sponsor)? How many kids do you have? Were you married before? She asked for a baptismal certificate because of Fely's late registered birth certificate, which we had. She also asked for a newer NBI clearance, which we did not have. We gave her 3 letters from me, money transfers, cell phone load records, about 18 pictures of us traveling around the Phils and Hong Kong. After that Fely had her fingerprints taken, and we sat and waited 2 hours for our number again. The CO in room 30 was a blonde in her mid 30's. She asked the same questions, and also asked me what happened with my first marriage (just wanted me to say we divorced.

The interview was quick, after the questions she quickly scanned the documents. I saw a piece of paper which was titled "Administrative Review", which she wrote on and place to the side. Then she stamped "Approved" on the packet of papers, and said we should go be seated and wait for our number to pay the visa delivery fee. I asked her if there was to be a review period, she said "no its finished." I asked if we were approved, she said "Yes".

We paid P415 for visa delivery and were out by 10:10. We then went to the Mall of Asia to celebrate.

I had expected to be questioned about the birth certificate and the marriage certificate, which both had errors. They were both non-issues.

[StarProg 0]

wow that was fast! 8 days from interview date you got your visa! congratulations gary and fely!

4 days actually!

[JeffK 0]

Just an update for anyone who happens to be paying attention, lol. Mae got her CENOMAR and apparently there was a problem with her NBI (misspelling) and turned them in. The only information she received was to "go home and wait for the visa". I guess we are in the rest of the AR boat and it could come later rather than sooner.

I wasn't able to get through to the Immigrant Visa unit, but I assume they won't be able to tell me much but the party line. I have us booked on a flight August 4th in 4 weeks (I'm coming to visit and hope to go back together). I would guess this is overly optimistic and I'll have to rebook her (again). Anyone have any words of encouragement? discouragement? Sigh.

[JeffK 0]

Congratulations Mae! Thanks again for all your help! I'm not sure where we would be without you. Despite everything I think we will be ok. I really do. Take care!

Hello everyone! I'm here now with my future husband! Boy, it was a long way to be here... 28 hours, Jesus! But thank God, I made it here safe and sound and seeing David at the airport made me forget about the long and tiring trip... and oh, the jetlag. He's worth everthing to me! It seems so surreal that I am here with him. I had to pinch myself till I got bruised just to make sure I wasn't dreaming. Anyway, it's going to be a busy month for me with all the adjustments to make, meeting my future in-laws, some new friends, plus the wedding preparations on top of everything.

I wish you all the best for those who will have their interview appointments for this month! And have a happy marriage to those who just got married!

--Mae

[soulm8z0928 0]

hello all fellow philippine vj'ers! well, sherwin and i arrived in the states march 28, POE guam. and we have been very busy since! but we have been reading this forum from time to time trying to keep up. PW, welcome!! to all those approved, congrats! to all those with upcoming interviews, best of luck!

well, a bit about our arrival in the USA. as i said, POE was Guam, very uneventful, didn't take too long. sherwin carried her x-ray but it was not asked for. our next stop was honolulu, and as we were going from gate to gate we had to go thru security again. well, after we got thru the screening area i set her x-ray on the floor leaning against the chair so i could put my shoes back on.....and left it there. we were already boarded and doors were closing when i remembered it...too late! so we thought, oh well, gone for good, but no big deal, it wasn't really needed anymore after that point. after we were home about 1 week a big envelope arrives for sherwin from hawaii office of US health dept. it was her X-ray! and postage paid too! we were amazed, and pleased that somebody took the time to mail it to us.

one thing that didn't go as planned...when we filled out the ds-230 sherwin checked the block to apply for SSN at the same time. but it never arrived so we had to go to the local SSA office and apply for it. once we did she had her SSN in abt 4 days.

i am a truck driver and sherwin is with me in the truck now. we have been to almost all of the continental states so far, except MN, ND, SD, NE, IA, WY, ID, WA, OR, VT, and RI. and i guess we did all the paperwork right bcz we did have to go to canada 2 times already and had no problem with immigration either time.

anyway, just wanted to give a quick update and to let you all know we do still check in here from time to time.

P.S. to the person that asked about getting Phil mangos in the US, if you find any, PLEASE let us know!

thx, God Bless and take care, Bernie and Sherwin

[rea 1]

wow that was fast! 8 days from interview date you got your visa! congratulations gary and fely!

4 days actually!

i actually miscounted it and it's shorter than i thought! wow!! congrats again

[luvbugs4ever 0]

Hi to all,

Just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for including me in your prayers. My daughter and I arrived here in the USA just yesterday. Interview went so smoothly and it was a very quick interview. During the pre-screening hubby and the filipino interviewer had a nice small talk about hubby's height , he asked the primary documents required from me & daughter then, only the I-134, 2006 Form 1040, and copy of divorce decree. When he started asking snail mails, emails pictures and showed to him all what we got he already said the email was already enough and just our wedding picts hehehe (i was too prepared and have lots of evidences since 1st - 5th visit of my hubby dear really lots of docs to present) He also looked on our previous K1 application and about our flight itinerary which was July 06 already. he said he is afraid that it might not be possible that we can have our visa right away (considering it will be a holiday the next day July 04), then told us to have our seats and wait for the final interview... just after a real few minutes our # flashed on the monitor and we went to room #28. I was nervous but glad that my hubby is there with me so i feel confident plus my lil daughter helps a lot... gesshh kids really have this special natural karisma. The consul was very nice and not so strict, she just asked a few question and my hubby and i already knew we are approved since she right away said that she cant guarantee yet that we can have our visa right away but all she can do is give us the pink stub so we can pick up the visa and asked my # so embassy will just call us when it is already ready. Our interview ended very very nicely with my daughter's sweet goodbye to the consul and vice versa. We waited for their call on July 5 up to 11 AM then we decided to go to the embassy instead of calling to ask for a follow up and then we waited until 1 PM until Window X opens. They told us that our papers still needs the sign of release from the consul and told us to just wait and if 30 min passed without an action yet we should call their attention. So we waited and then finally they called us and went to Window 34 and from there we were told that it still needs the signature from the releasing officer and the normal process for them after the consul sign, it will be forwarded to the releasing department and it takes 1 day before it could be done, but the man told us that they will do the best they can to have it signed and be released within the day. We also told him that we still need to go to CFO office for the stamp so we need it before the CFO office closes, We waited a lil longer and finally at 3:30+ we got our visa... :dance: . I right away went to CFO office and had our passport stamped and it cost me 400 only to have the stamp for my daughter alone since i already have the certificate of counselling and as far as i remember on 2003 the cost was 250 something only. Gesshhh saved a lot!

We had a nice flight to Japan and at the Detroit POE we were sent to their office because our petition will already expire since we postponed our interview before and since we right away picked-up the visa i think the embassy weren't able to notice the expiration. The POE officers were nice and good thing i have our lil daughter helps a lot to lessen my tension, one officer started talking to her and said they all like babies in their office and she gave her juice and biscuit... yummm And finally we arrived safely in my dear hubby's nest

Again Thank you so much for all your prayers. ( Arranging our flight right away somehow helped us to have our visa too soon).

by the way, the consul said that she does so much appreciates it when the petitioner comes during interview because it helps a lot when it comes to explaining. Good luck to all those who will have their interviews soon. Prayers helps a lot! God bless!

Hi to all,

Just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for including me in your prayers. My daughter and I arrived here in the USA just yesterday. Interview went so smoothly and it was a very quick interview. During the pre-screening hubby and the filipino interviewer had a nice small talk about hubby's height , he asked the primary documents required from me & daughter then, only the I-134, 2006 Form 1040, and copy of divorce decree. When he started asking snail mails, emails pictures and showed to him all what we got he already said the email was already enough and just our wedding picts hehehe (i was too prepared and have lots of evidences since 1st - 5th visit of my hubby dear really lots of docs to present) He also looked on our previous K1 application and about our flight itinerary which was July 06 already. he said he is afraid that it might not be possible that we can have our visa right away (considering it will be a holiday the next day July 04), then told us to have our seats and wait for the final interview... just after a real few minutes our # flashed on the monitor and we went to room #28. I was nervous but glad that my hubby is there with me so i feel confident plus my lil daughter helps a lot... gesshh kids really have this special natural karisma. The consul was very nice and not so strict, she just asked a few question and my hubby and i already knew we are approved since she right away said that she cant guarantee yet that we can have our visa right away but all she can do is give us the pink stub so we can pick up the visa and asked my # so embassy will just call us when it is already ready. Our interview ended very very nicely with my daughter's sweet goodbye to the consul and vice versa. We waited for their call on July 5 up to 11 AM then we decided to go to the embassy instead of calling to ask for a follow up and then we waited until 1 PM until Window X opens. They told us that our papers still needs the sign of release from the consul and told us to just wait and if 30 min passed without an action yet we should call their attention. So we waited and then finally they called us and went to Window 34 and from there we were told that it still needs the signature from the releasing officer and the normal process for them after the consul sign, it will be forwarded to the releasing department and it takes 1 day before it could be done, but the man told us that they will do the best they can to have it signed and be released within the day. We also told him that we still need to go to CFO office for the stamp so we need it before the CFO office closes, We waited a lil longer and finally at 3:30+ we got our visa... :dance: . I right away went to CFO office and had our passport stamped and it cost me 400 only to have the stamp for my daughter alone since i already have the certificate of counselling and as far as i remember on 2003 the cost was 250 something only. Gesshhh saved a lot!

We had a nice flight to Japan and at the Detroit POE we were sent to their office because our petition will already expire since we postponed our interview before and since we right away picked-up the visa i think the embassy weren't able to notice the expiration. The POE officers were nice and good thing i have our lil daughter helps a lot to lessen my tension, one officer started talking to her and said they all like babies in their office and she gave her juice and biscuit... yummm And finally we arrived safely in my dear hubby's nest

Again Thank you so much for all your prayers. ( Arranging our flight right away somehow helped us to have our visa too soon).

by the way, the consul said that she does so much appreciates it when the petitioner comes during interview because it helps a lot when it comes to explaining. Good luck to all those who will have their interviews soon. Prayers helps a lot! God bless!

[vsmtghdy 2]

Hi everyone!

I would just like to let everyone that my girl got approved at her interview yesterday!!!

CONGRATS!!!

Visa received!!!!!

Gary and Fely

Congrats and thanks for sharing your interview experience. Have a safe trip!

luvbugs4ever: Thanks for sharing. Have fun!

[wayne and christine 0]

Gary and Fely you both have gone through so much to be together....Good luck to you both in California.

Embassy Interview June 28th.

Arrived at 5:10 am, there was short line. Instructed to sit in waiting area, we were in third row. At 6:00 they started letting 6:30 appointments in, we got inside at about 6:30. At 7:00 the pre-interviews started. Our number appeared at 7:30. The Filipino pre-interviewer was a woman, maybe in her 40's. She was not unpleasant but strictly business, collecting our papers and asking these questions of Fely: What is your name? Who is your petitioner? How did you come to know him? When did he visit you? Who is Merlita (joint sponsor)? How many kids do you have? Were you married before? She asked for a baptismal certificate because of Fely's late registered birth certificate, which we had. She also asked for a newer NBI clearance, which we did not have. We gave her 3 letters from me, money transfers, cell phone load records, about 18 pictures of us traveling around the Phils and Hong Kong. After that Fely had her fingerprints taken, and we sat and waited 2 hours for our number again. The CO in room 30 was a blonde in her mid 30's. She asked the same questions, and also asked me what happened with my first marriage (just wanted me to say we divorced.

The interview was quick, after the questions she quickly scanned the documents. I saw a piece of paper which was titled "Administrative Review", which she wrote on and place to the side. Then she stamped "Approved" on the packet of papers, and said we should go be seated and wait for our number to pay the visa delivery fee. I asked her if there was to be a review period, she said "no its finished." I asked if we were approved, she said "Yes".

We paid P415 for visa delivery and were out by 10:10. We then went to the Mall of Asia to celebrate.

I had expected to be questioned about the birth certificate and the marriage certificate, which both had errors. They were both non-issues.

[rea 1]

Hi to all,

Just wanted to say THANK YOU SO MUCH for including me in your prayers. My daughter and I arrived

hi luvbugs4ever! congratulations to your visa, thank you for sharing your interview experience and it's good that you have a safe trip to US..goodluck to your life there with your love ones

elmasguapo, congrats to your girl's successful interview!