Singapore K1 filers (2017-18)

[tiggermuffin 41]

On 11/21/2018 at 1:34 AM, Duane & Haney said:

Here is Haney's review of her embassy visit on November 20th, 2018:

 

My appointment was at 1:30PM, but I arrived about 40 minutes early just to be safe. I ended up having to wait outside, the guard wouldn't let me in, even after I showed him my appointment letter. It was warm, but I suppose that's better than being late. There was no line, just a family waiting for a non-immigrant visa, so we waited together.

 

At 1:20PM the guard called us both to him for the usual security checks. I had my bag with the documents for the interview, and otherwise my phone and headset. The phone and headset were collected, and I was given a token for later. There was a short X-ray machine, similar to the airport. They found an electronic bank token in my bag, which they also collected for later. I had to pass through a metal detector, and that was it.

 

As instructed, I went down the hall to the left. When I arrived, the room was as many have described, with teller windows, and seats marked for immigrant visas or non-immigrant visas. There were machines to take a number, but there was a woman sitting at the entrance of the room who asked for my appointment letter, and told me to take a seat until I was called. I did not take a number. She told me to prepare all the documents that had been mentioned in the checklist in packet 3.

 

She didn't give me anything, and since I was the only one there, I suppose it was obvious who I was for when they called me up.

 

I waited for about 45 minutes until the first person called me to window 7, a middle-aged Singaporean. He asked me the following questions, and collected the listed documents:

 

1. What is your legal status in Singapore?
2. Does your fiancé have children?
3. Is he single?
4. Do you have children?
5. Are you single?

 

1. Birth Certificate (original and copy)
2. Divorce Certificate (fiancé) and translations (original and copy)
3. Police Certificate- Singapore (original copy)
4. Police Certificate- Philippines (original copy)
5. Registry of No Marriage in Singapore (original and copy)
6. CENOMAR (he said they’ve received it)
7. 2 US-sized passport photographs
8. I-134
9. tax returns

 

After I submitted all the documents, I sat down for another 10 minutes until my name was called at window 8. This was the consul and he performed my final interview. He was middle-aged and caucasian, and was very nice. I don't know if the fact that this was the Thanksgiving holiday week in the USA meant that the woman mentioned in other reviews was not present, or maybe explained the lack of people there, but either way I was glad he was my interviewer.

 

He asked me the following questions:

1. How did you meet?
2. When did you meet in person?
3. When was the second time you saw him?
4. When did you meet again?
5. For how long?
6. Did you meet after that?
7. How do you communicate?
8. How often?
9. How did he propose to you?
10. What was the engagement like?
11. When are you going to get married?
12. What are your wedding plans?
13. How many times did your fiancé get married?
14. What does your fiancé do for a living?
15. Explained the IMBRA leaflet

 

BTW, before the questions I also had to be fingerprinted and take an oath.

 

The interview took about 10 minutes, after which the consul returned all the original documents that he did not require (my fiancé's divorce certificate) and told me that I was approved and would receive my visa in a week.

He also gave me a form sheet in case I had not yet signed up for the Aramex delivery online, which I already had, so I didn't need it.

 

The whole process took 1 hour and 20 minutes. The consul did not ask to see any pictures or collect any evidence of communication, although my fiancé had prepared about 50 pages with boarding passes, visa stamps, vacation pictures, WhatsApp examples and Skype logs.

 

I was fortunate because I scheduled my medical exam before I received the packet 3, which meant that I had 3 weeks between the exam and the interview in the embassy to contact Fullerton to make sure the exam report was on time. This ended up being important, because it took them around 14 days to deliver it, not the 6-10 days they tell you.

 

The CENOMAR (Filipinas only) only took about 3-5 days from the moment of ordering, so was not a problem. I opened a FedEx account with my own credit card, so I did not have the issues other have spoke of trying to use their fiancé's credit card.

Otherwise, the new requirement for the Singaporean Record of No Marriage caught us by surprise, but I was able to take care of this in less than a week. In fact, the first time they provided the record based on passport number, not my name, so I had to ask for a second record search using my name (per embassy instructions) and had to pay twice.

 

I wish you all the luck in the world. As you can see, my experience was relatively painless, except for the waiting. Hope that yours is equally unproblematic!

Hi Haney,

 

Thank you so much for sharing this information! Glad that your interview went very smoothly. Just want to ask, how did you schedule your medical appointment without packet 3? Can I schedule it now while i wait for my NVC number? I have a copy of my NOA2 from my fiance, thank you!

[Duane & Haney 95]

31 minutes ago, tiggermuffin said:

Hi Haney,

 

Thank you so much for sharing this information! Glad that your interview went very smoothly. Just want to ask, how did you schedule your medical appointment without packet 3? Can I schedule it now while i wait for my NVC number? I have a copy of my NOA2 from my fiance, thank you!

Hi tigermuffin,

We scheduled our medical exam as soon as the case file left the NVC. From this point everything is trackable (see my signature) and you can more or less estimate how long each step will take. I'm attaching a screenshot of what we used as a predictor, and it ended up being really accurate. BTW, for this reason please fill out your timeline!

So we guessed, but we ended up receiving packet 3 the day before the medical exam, so had the interview letter in hand. Previous to the medical, we e-mailed them the letter you will receive from the NVC once your visa is in transit to the embassy, as a placeholder, and they accepted it.

BTW, don't take my prediction as accurate for you. The timelines changed drastically depending on the season, and how busy the embassy was. For example, in the summer when a lot of people were vacationing, it was taking the Singapore embassy an extra month just to schedule the interview. During the time when Haney had her interview, things were very fast, so we were fortunate. Towards the Christmas season, when your interview will be scheduled, I would expect things to slow down again.

Hope that helps you!

Haney & Duane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[tiggermuffin 41]

15 minutes ago, Duane & Haney said:

Hi tigermuffin,

We scheduled our medical exam as soon as the case file left the NVC. From this point everything is trackable (see my signature) and you can more or less estimate how long each step will take. I'm attaching a screenshot of what we used as a predictor, and it ended up being really accurate. BTW, for this reason please fill out your timeline!

So we guessed, but we ended up receiving packet 3 the day before the medical exam, so had the interview letter in hand. Previous to the medical, we e-mailed them the letter you will receive from the NVC once your visa is in transit to the embassy, as a placeholder, and they accepted it.

BTW, don't take my prediction as accurate for you. The timelines changed drastically depending on the season, and how busy the embassy was. For example, in the summer when a lot of people were vacationing, it was taking the Singapore embassy an extra month just to schedule the interview. During the time when Haney had her interview, things were very fast, so we were fortunate. Towards the Christmas season, when your interview will be scheduled, I would expect things to slow down again.

Hope that helps you!

Haney & Duane

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much for the timeline! 

 

I have included my own timeline in the signature portion below so I can let everyone know.

[Y & J 37]

useful! cannot see a lot who applied from Singapore.... thanks guys!

[tiggermuffin 41]

Hello all,

 

I have started filling in my DS-160 with my current petition number. Quick couple of questions for DS-160:

 

1) For passport information, I renewed my passport the last time when I was in the US (San Francisco where my embassy was at, to be specific) , do I put San Francisco as the location where my Passport/Travel Documents were issued? Is this section asking when did I renew my passport the previous time or what nationality is my passport from?

 

 

2) For employment status, I am planning to quit my job a month before the interview (probably after I get my K3 packet) so I will not be employed by the time I submit this form. Will this be a factor for getting an approval for the K1 visa interview? Shall I quit my job only after the interview?

Thank you!

Edited November 23, 2018 by tiggermuffin

[Duane & Haney 95]

On 11/23/2018 at 10:59 AM, tiggermuffin said:

Hello all,

 

I have started filling in my DS-160 with my current petition number. Quick couple of questions for DS-160:

 

1) For passport information, I renewed my passport the last time when I was in the US (San Francisco where my embassy was at, to be specific) , do I put San Francisco as the location where my Passport/Travel Documents were issued? Is this section asking when did I renew my passport the previous time or what nationality is my passport from?

 

 

2) For employment status, I am planning to quit my job a month before the interview (probably after I get my K3 packet) so I will not be employed by the time I submit this form. Will this be a factor for getting an approval for the K1 visa interview? Shall I quit my job only after the interview?

Thank you!

The authority issuing the passport is your home country, the location where is was issued is San Fransisco in your case. In Haney's case the location where here passport was issued is on her passport (PE Singapore = Philippines Embassy Singapore).

 

If you are a Singaporean, having a job or not shouldn't matter for the interview. @AL-MJD also quit her job before the interview. To be sure you can ask her.

 

On the other hand, if you're like Haney, a non-Singaporean, Haney had to keep working up to the interview in order to maintain her legal status in Singapore. She has an S-Pass, and the only way to 100% maintain the S-Pass for the interview (they will ask) is to keep working. You cannot interview in Singapore unless you have residency in the country.

[tiggermuffin 41]

4 hours ago, Duane & Haney said:

The authority issuing the passport is your home country, the location where is was issued is San Fransisco in your case. In Haney's case the location where here passport was issued is on her passport (PE Singapore = Philippines Embassy Singapore).

 

If you are a Singaporean, having a job or not shouldn't matter for the interview. @AL-MJD also quit her job before the interview. To be sure you can ask her.

 

On the other hand, if you're like Haney, a non-Singaporean, Haney had to keep working up to the interview in order to maintain her legal status in Singapore. She has an S-Pass, and the only way to 100% maintain the S-Pass for the interview (they will ask) is to keep working. You cannot interview in Singapore unless you have residency in the country.

 

Thank you so much for this!

 

I am actually Indonesian but I have a Singapore PR and have been living here since I was a kid. If that is the case, then I am plan to quit my job beforehand to prepare for my interview

[AL-MJD 144]

9 hours ago, Duane & Haney said:

If you are a Singaporean, having a job or not shouldn't matter for the interview. @AL-MJD also quit her job before the interview. To be sure you can ask her.

Yup, I quit my job much before the interview. I was one of the thousands who were unlucky enough to have applied just after the K1 process took much shorter to complete for low-risk countries such as Singapore. The waiting game used to be 6 months max, and became 8 months minimum for those who applied after somewhere in June 2017, or it could have been May as well. *shrugs*

 

I just sent in my resignation because my previous company has an unusual policy for 2 months notice.

[Y & J 37]

Hi all, we just received NOA2 last week 12/11 (silent approval by mail). Then i have online applied COC from my home country - Malaysia since it takes 2 months max to get it and i need translation once i got it too. Here are my Questions:-

1) For Singapore COC i guess i need to wait until i receive the packet?

2) Same for Medical appointment? only able to proceed after the packet?

3) Understand that there are some documents need to be responded immediately once you receive the packet. may i know any deadline for this immediate action? 

4) Is the interview scheduled by Embassy or applicants get to choose the date?

5) do we need Certificate of No Marriage (Single Certificate) to bring along to the States? 

6) k1 visa holders have to get married within 90 days once entered US. so can we do the registration of marriage at Malaysia Embassy in US?

 

Sorry for multiple questions....

[CCCCCF 174]

21 minutes ago, JunYun said:

Hi all, we just received NOA2 last week 12/11 (silent approval by mail). Then i have online applied COC from my home country - Malaysia since it takes 2 months max to get it and i need translation once i got it too. Here are my Questions:-

1) For Singapore COC i guess i need to wait until i receive the packet?

2) Same for Medical appointment? only able to proceed after the packet?

3) Understand that there are some documents need to be responded immediately once you receive the packet. may i know any deadline for this immediate action? 

4) Is the interview scheduled by Embassy or applicants get to choose the date?

5) do we need Certificate of No Marriage (Single Certificate) to bring along to the States? 

6) k1 visa holders have to get married within 90 days once entered US. so can we do the registration of marriage at Malaysia Embassy in US?

 

Sorry for multiple questions....

1. Yes. You need to wait for the packet.

2. Yes. You need to wait for the packet. 

3. Your NOA2 has an expiry date on it. Don’t be too late. And while you wait for your packet3, start to prepare your documents. You can refer to the list of items in previous pages.

4. By embassy

5. No. Only if you are from Philippine, you need single certificate.

6. Not sure if Malaysia embassy can do that for you. But just go to the courthouse for the marriage certificate. That won’t do any harm. As I am not sure if USCIS accepts the registration from Malaysia embassy. You can do more research on VJ.

[tiggermuffin 41]

Hello!

 

Does anyone know how long does it take to get COC for a Singapore PR? Do I need to wait for Packet 3 to arrive first or can I apply with NOA2 as prove?

[AL-MJD 144]

On 12/30/2018 at 8:18 AM, tiggermuffin said:

Hello!

 

Does anyone know how long does it take to get COC for a Singapore PR? Do I need to wait for Packet 3 to arrive first or can I apply with NOA2 as prove?

Do wait for the packet 3 to arrive first because the application for COC will require you to submit proof of valid reason for a COC. I doubt NOA2 is sufficient for Singapore COC. It took less than 3 days for me. 

 

Despite what I said, you can surely try to apply for the Singapore COC online with your NOA2, the worse thing that can happen is that they reject your application and you can apply again when you get packet 3. Singapore police is very trustworthy, I'm sure you will be refunded the cost if they reject your application.

Edited January 2, 2019 by AL-MJD

[tiggermuffin 41]

12 hours ago, AL-MJD said:

Do wait for the packet 3 to arrive first because the application for COC will require you to submit proof of valid reason for a COC. I doubt NOA2 is sufficient for Singapore COC. It took less than 3 days for me. 

 

Despite what I said, you can surely try to apply for the Singapore COC online with your NOA2, the worse thing that can happen is that they reject your application and you can apply again when you get packet 3. Singapore police is very trustworthy, I'm sure you will be refunded the cost if they reject your application.

Awesome thanks for the info! Also I am getting ready my documents even though I have not received Packet 3 yet, can I ask my fiance to send over his bank statement, letter of employment, etc now? Will the document still be valid when I date it next week even if I have my interview next month?

[Y & J 37]

On 12/19/2018 at 8:33 AM, CCCCCF said:

1. Yes. You need to wait for the packet.

2. Yes. You need to wait for the packet. 

3. Your NOA2 has an expiry date on it. Don’t be too late. And while you wait for your packet3, start to prepare your documents. You can refer to the list of items in previous pages.

4. By embassy

5. No. Only if you are from Philippine, you need single certificate.

6. Not sure if Malaysia embassy can do that for you. But just go to the courthouse for the marriage certificate. That won’t do any harm. As I am not sure if USCIS accepts the registration from Malaysia embassy. You can do more research on VJ.

thank you! awesome! anyway NOA2 12/11 and still waiting for NVC updates...

same question as @tiggermuffin can i ask my fiance to send over documents now?

[lecoqmarie 1]

Thank you guys for all the details. I had difficulty to find people applying from Singapore as well. 

I now know that I need to wait for this Package 3. 

To be honest, I already pay the visa fee and did DS-160, copy of I-134 and his financial proofs, birth certificate translated, COC and so on.. 

I just need to receive this paper and then I can send everything. 

 

Hopefully receiving the package won't take long and the interview as well.. 

 

 

Marie