US Embassy Manila Interview Experience 2019: K1 Fiancee Visa

[Del A. 44]

Just me sharing my embassy interview experience and some tips.
 

Disclaimer: Do not use this anecdote as a strict reference to determine your visa application process/needs. Please refer to the official sources and authorities.

My timeline (2019):
 

K1 Fiance(e) Visa
 

Sent I-129F - Jan. 24
NOA1 - Jan. 30 (6 days)
NOA2 - Apr. 18 (78 days)
Case# - May 9 (21 days)
Ready - Jun. 3 (25 days)
Eligibility Letter - Jun. 6 (dated), in the mail Jun. 14

Interview - Jul. 9 (visa approved)
 

My interview was scheduled for 7:45am. I arrived at the US Embassy Manila before 7:30am at the entrance near the footbridge on Roxas Blvd. (if you look across the street there's Ermita Center building, BPI and AUB). At that point they were already letting in applicants scheduled for 8:30am, but don't take this as a solid reason to come waaay earlier than your appointment because I had to fall in line behind about 60 people once I was inside anyway. NOTE: If you have companions, you may ask them to wait outside where there are monobloc chairs, but be prepared to pay Php30 per seat (unlimited hours). If your fiance(e) is accompanying you, they can come with you inside but some time in the middle of the process they would have to sit apart from the applicants. Also, remember the no-electronics rule applies to them, too. They may surrender phones or whatnot at the security guard post.
 

Before you go in somebody may also try to sell you a pen, telling you how it's necessary for whatever process you need inside. I would suggest you just bring your own pen to begin with. Most visa applicants don't need it (I didn't) but there are some cases when they do (I guess depending on your business there). I've had to lend my pen to some frantic people when I was there as the consul asked them to sign papers.
 

At the first point of security, they asked for my DS-160 confirmation page, appointment page, and they verified my visa type and interview schedule, then told me which numbered lane I should go to (this is still outside the building). I was in lane 3. At this point, prepare your DS-160 conf page and your passport. The staff would put a sticker bar code on your DS-160 conf page and place your passport in a ziploc bag. The building entrance is to the left, look for the door that looks quite heavy and durable. LOL
 

If you're bringing a bag, the guard would check it before you go through the scanner. Otherwise, you'll go through airport-type security next. Place your items in the plastic bin, onto the conveyor, and go through the body scanner. I followed the signs and exited accordingly. Turning right I saw the photo booth (for last minute passport photos, I assume), followed the signs until the area labeled "NIV" (lots of people seated on monobloc chairs - I think this is also a waiting area where you can get food and drinks) then turned left until the labeled door. If I remember correctly I think I entered the one with "K1" on it.
 

Once inside, a lady told me to fall in line for the Filipino consul and I was in line for maybe 30 minutes or more only to be told that I had to go to window 38 to have my 2x2 photo scanned first, LOL. Then I went back in line for the initial interview. The consul asked for my DS-160 conf page, birth certificate, NBI clearance, MRV receipt, CENOMAR, medical docs (sealed brown envelope from SLEC); then later on the affidavit of support, my fiance's divorce decree, W2s and 1040 (tax return). He asked me basic questions about myself and my fiance, how we met, marriage history, children, etc. Then he directed me to another window for the interview with the American consul (waiting in line again). On my turn, the consul asked for my DS-160 conf page and for me to raise my right hand, swear this and that (sorry I couldn't remember, I was a bit nervous and would say yes to anything at this point LOL), and I said "Yes". Then he asked me basically the same things that the previous consul asked, even fewer questions actually. Stuff I could answer briefly. Didn't even ask for proof of relationship or anything. A lot of silence as he went through my documents, I think he was going through the proof of relationship section of my I-129F (but I still brought my own copy). Guess I was lucky. After that he said my visa is approved and he's making it so it would be ready in 1-3 weeks. He gave me the 2 pamphlets on domestic violence plus the little embassy info sheet, then I was done. I exited the embassy at 9:30am (about 2 hours total, most of which was just waiting in line).
 

Other Notes:
 

1. Make sure the surface of your 2x2 photo is clean, or if you can't assure this, bring extra copies because the scanner there won't work if it has dirt and such.
2. If you're hungry or thirsty there's a mini-store outside the building near the 30-Peso waiting area (apart from the one inside).
3. I would suggest for you to just bring a clear long envelope to put your documents in so that you can go through security quickly.
4. I didn't see any clocks so maybe wear a watch if you wanna keep track of the time, just make sure it's not digital/electronic.
5. If you have kids with you, there's a play area for them inside, too.
 

After the interview you may check your visa application status here:
 

https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/

 

For K1 visa it's under non-immigrant. Your application ID is the code found on your DS-160 confirmation page. (Mine was AA00****** format); Location - "PHILIPPINES, MANILA".
If you try to pull it up under immigrant you may see that it still says "Ready" like before, the "case last updated" details may change on the first day or two after the interview, and then eventually you won't be able to check it under immigrant. At least that's what happened in my case.
 

Again, please don't use my anecdote to strictly determine what documents you need, how easy/difficult the experience will be with you, or any other specifics. It's case-to-case basis, always. My aim is to provide an overview of the process because it's better than being clueless, LOL. And I just enjoy writing my visa experiences in detail. 😅
 

Good luck to everyone!


My CEAC Status Timeline:

Jul. 9-10 (Tue-Wed) - "No Status"
Jul. 11 (Thu) AM - "Application Received"
Jul. 11 (Thu) PM - "Administrative Processing"
Jul. 12 (Fri) PM - "Issued"

[Del A. 44]

Edit:

 

I forgot to mention the finger scanning. That happened between the two consul interviews, at a separate window. They scanned 4 fingers on each hand and then both thumbs. Make sure your fingers are pressed together and that you apply a bit of pressure during the scan. I had to repeat mine, which is why I know. 😂

[SteBen 12]

1 hour ago, Del A. said:

Just me sharing my embassy interview experience and some tips.
 

Disclaimer: Do not use this anecdote as a strict reference to determine your visa application process/needs. Please refer to the official sources and authorities.

My timeline (2019):
 

K1 Fiance(e) Visa
 

Sent I-129F - Jan. 24
NOA1 - Jan. 30 (6 days)
NOA2 - Apr. 18 (78 days)
Case# - May 9 (21 days)
Ready - Jun. 3 (25 days)
Eligibility Letter - Jun. 6 (dated), in the mail Jun. 14

Interview - Jul. 9 (visa approved)
 

My interview was scheduled for 7:45am. I arrived at the US Embassy Manila before 7:30am at the entrance near the footbridge on Roxas Blvd. (if you look across the street there's Ermita Center building, BPI and AUB). At that point they were already letting in applicants scheduled for 8:30am, but don't take this as a solid reason to come waaay earlier than your appointment because I had to fall in line behind about 60 people once I was inside anyway. NOTE: If you have companions, you may ask them to wait outside where there are monobloc chairs, but be prepared to pay Php30 per seat (unlimited hours). If your fiance(e) is accompanying you, they can come with you inside but some time in the middle of the process they would have to sit apart from the applicants. Also, remember the no-electronics rule applies to them, too. They may surrender phones or whatnot at the security guard post.
 

Before you go in somebody may also try to sell you a pen, telling you how it's necessary for whatever process you need inside. I would suggest you just bring your own pen to begin with. Most visa applicants don't need it (I didn't) but there are some cases when they do (I guess depending on your business there). I've had to lend my pen to some frantic people when I was there as the consul asked them to sign papers.
 

At the first point of security, they asked for my DS-160 confirmation page, appointment page, and they verified my visa type and interview schedule, then told me which numbered lane I should go to (this is still outside the building). I was in lane 3. At this point, prepare your DS-160 conf page and your passport. The staff would put a sticker bar code on your DS-160 conf page and place your passport in a ziploc bag. The building entrance is to the left, look for the door that looks quite heavy and durable. LOL
 

If you're bringing a bag, the guard would check it before you go through the scanner. Otherwise, you'll go through airport-type security next. Place your items in the plastic bin, onto the conveyor, and go through the body scanner. I followed the signs and exited accordingly. Turning right I saw the photo booth (for last minute passport photos, I assume), followed the signs until the area labeled "NIV" (lots of people seated on monobloc chairs - I think this is also a waiting area where you can get food and drinks) then turned left until the labeled door. If I remember correctly I think I entered the one with "K1" on it.
 

Once inside, a lady told me to fall in line for the Filipino consul and I was in line for maybe 30 minutes or more only to be told that I had to go to window 38 to have my 2x2 photo scanned first, LOL. Then I went back in line for the initial interview. The consul asked for my DS-160 conf page, birth certificate, NBI clearance, MRV receipt, CENOMAR, medical docs (sealed brown envelope from SLEC); then later on the affidavit of support, my fiance's divorce decree, W2s and 1040 (tax return). He asked me basic questions about myself and my fiance, how we met, marriage history, children, etc. Then he directed me to another window for the interview with the American consul (waiting in line again). On my turn, the consul asked for my DS-160 conf page and for me to raise my right hand, swear this and that (sorry I couldn't remember, I was a bit nervous and would say yes to anything at this point LOL), and I said "Yes". Then he asked me basically the same things that the previous consul asked, even fewer questions actually. Stuff I could answer briefly. Didn't even ask for proof of relationship or anything. A lot of silence as he went through my documents, I think he was going through the proof of relationship section of my I-129F (but I still brought my own copy). Guess I was lucky. After that he said my visa is approved and he's making it so it would be ready in 1-3 weeks. He gave me the 2 pamphlets on domestic violence plus the little embassy info sheet, then I was done. I exited the embassy at 9:30am (about 2 hours total, most of which was just waiting in line).
 

Other Notes:
 

1. Make sure the surface of your 2x2 photo is clean, or if you can't assure this, bring extra copies because the scanner there won't work if it has dirt and such.
2. If you're hungry or thirsty there's a mini-store outside the building near the 30-Peso waiting area (apart from the one inside).
3. I would suggest for you to just bring a clear long envelope to put your documents in so that you can go through security quickly.
4. I didn't see any clocks so maybe wear a watch if you wanna keep track of the time, just make sure it's not digital/electronic.
5. If you have kids with you, there's a play area for them inside, too.
 

After the interview you may check your visa application status here:
 

https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/

 

For K1 visa it's under non-immigrant. Your application ID is the code found on your DS-160 confirmation page. (Mine was AA00****** format); Location - "PHILIPPINES, MANILA".
If you try to pull it up under immigrant you may see that it still says "Ready" like before, the "case last updated" details may change on the first day or two after the interview, and then eventually you won't be able to check it under immigrant. At least that's what happened in my case.
 

Again, please don't use my anecdote to strictly determine what documents you need, how easy/difficult the experience will be with you, or any other specifics. It's case-to-case basis, always. My aim is to provide an overview of the process because it's better than being clueless, LOL. And I just enjoy writing my visa experiences in detail. 😅
 

Good luck to everyone!


My CEAC Status Timeline:

Jul. 9-10 (Tue-Wed) - "No Status"
Jul. 11 (Thu) AM - "Application Received"
Jul. 11 (Thu) PM - "Administrative Processing"
Jul. 12 (Fri) PM - "Issued"

Congratulations!

[Blessedme 8]

Hi there 😅 I was there today , same thing same process. I’m with my daughter processing her SB-1 Returning Residents visa . Just curious how long the passport will be in 2go branch? I decided to pick it up to the branch near me here in Manila area , instead of deliver to our province. So that we can easily booked our flight back to the states sooner. 

[MarryMe987654 244]

 

 

Quote

4. I didn't see any clocks so maybe wear a watch if you wanna keep track of the time, just make sure it's not digital/electronic.

I was wearing a digital watch and got through without a problem.

 

Good write-up, by the way

Congrats!

[Zach2015 211]

1 hour ago, Blessedme said:

Hi there 😅 I was there today , same thing same process. I’m with my daughter processing her SB-1 Returning Residents visa . Just curious how long the passport will be in 2go branch? I decided to pick it up to the branch near me here in Manila area , instead of deliver to our province. So that we can easily booked our flight back to the states sooner. 

My fiancé's timeline was this

June 28 interview

June 29 AP

July 2 issued

July 6 ready for pickup

July 9 she went and picked it up

 

@Blessedme, I am not sure if this will help you, but this was my fiancé timeline and she picked up her passport at a 2Go branch in Manila also to get faster service.

[Falcon Cara 378]

Good to see the NOA only took 78 days, I thought it was taking like 9 months from last time I checked a few months ago.

 

Congrats

[Blessedme 8]

On 7/12/2019 at 8:27 PM, Del A. said:

Just me sharing my embassy interview experience and some tips.
 

Disclaimer: Do not use this anecdote as a strict reference to determine your visa application process/needs. Please refer to the official sources and authorities.

My timeline (2019):
 

K1 Fiance(e) Visa
 

Sent I-129F - Jan. 24
NOA1 - Jan. 30 (6 days)
NOA2 - Apr. 18 (78 days)
Case# - May 9 (21 days)
Ready - Jun. 3 (25 days)
Eligibility Letter - Jun. 6 (dated), in the mail Jun. 14

Interview - Jul. 9 (visa approved)
 

My interview was scheduled for 7:45am. I arrived at the US Embassy Manila before 7:30am at the entrance near the footbridge on Roxas Blvd. (if you look across the street there's Ermita Center building, BPI and AUB). At that point they were already letting in applicants scheduled for 8:30am, but don't take this as a solid reason to come waaay earlier than your appointment because I had to fall in line behind about 60 people once I was inside anyway. NOTE: If you have companions, you may ask them to wait outside where there are monobloc chairs, but be prepared to pay Php30 per seat (unlimited hours). If your fiance(e) is accompanying you, they can come with you inside but some time in the middle of the process they would have to sit apart from the applicants. Also, remember the no-electronics rule applies to them, too. They may surrender phones or whatnot at the security guard post.
 

Before you go in somebody may also try to sell you a pen, telling you how it's necessary for whatever process you need inside. I would suggest you just bring your own pen to begin with. Most visa applicants don't need it (I didn't) but there are some cases when they do (I guess depending on your business there). I've had to lend my pen to some frantic people when I was there as the consul asked them to sign papers.
 

At the first point of security, they asked for my DS-160 confirmation page, appointment page, and they verified my visa type and interview schedule, then told me which numbered lane I should go to (this is still outside the building). I was in lane 3. At this point, prepare your DS-160 conf page and your passport. The staff would put a sticker bar code on your DS-160 conf page and place your passport in a ziploc bag. The building entrance is to the left, look for the door that looks quite heavy and durable. LOL
 

If you're bringing a bag, the guard would check it before you go through the scanner. Otherwise, you'll go through airport-type security next. Place your items in the plastic bin, onto the conveyor, and go through the body scanner. I followed the signs and exited accordingly. Turning right I saw the photo booth (for last minute passport photos, I assume), followed the signs until the area labeled "NIV" (lots of people seated on monobloc chairs - I think this is also a waiting area where you can get food and drinks) then turned left until the labeled door. If I remember correctly I think I entered the one with "K1" on it.
 

Once inside, a lady told me to fall in line for the Filipino consul and I was in line for maybe 30 minutes or more only to be told that I had to go to window 38 to have my 2x2 photo scanned first, LOL. Then I went back in line for the initial interview. The consul asked for my DS-160 conf page, birth certificate, NBI clearance, MRV receipt, CENOMAR, medical docs (sealed brown envelope from SLEC); then later on the affidavit of support, my fiance's divorce decree, W2s and 1040 (tax return). He asked me basic questions about myself and my fiance, how we met, marriage history, children, etc. Then he directed me to another window for the interview with the American consul (waiting in line again). On my turn, the consul asked for my DS-160 conf page and for me to raise my right hand, swear this and that (sorry I couldn't remember, I was a bit nervous and would say yes to anything at this point LOL), and I said "Yes". Then he asked me basically the same things that the previous consul asked, even fewer questions actually. Stuff I could answer briefly. Didn't even ask for proof of relationship or anything. A lot of silence as he went through my documents, I think he was going through the proof of relationship section of my I-129F (but I still brought my own copy). Guess I was lucky. After that he said my visa is approved and he's making it so it would be ready in 1-3 weeks. He gave me the 2 pamphlets on domestic violence plus the little embassy info sheet, then I was done. I exited the embassy at 9:30am (about 2 hours total, most of which was just waiting in line).
 

Other Notes:
 

1. Make sure the surface of your 2x2 photo is clean, or if you can't assure this, bring extra copies because the scanner there won't work if it has dirt and such.
2. If you're hungry or thirsty there's a mini-store outside the building near the 30-Peso waiting area (apart from the one inside).
3. I would suggest for you to just bring a clear long envelope to put your documents in so that you can go through security quickly.
4. I didn't see any clocks so maybe wear a watch if you wanna keep track of the time, just make sure it's not digital/electronic.
5. If you have kids with you, there's a play area for them inside, too.
 

After the interview you may check your visa application status here:
 

https://ceac.state.gov/CEAC/

 

For K1 visa it's under non-immigrant. Your application ID is the code found on your DS-160 confirmation page. (Mine was AA00****** format); Location - "PHILIPPINES, MANILA".
If you try to pull it up under immigrant you may see that it still says "Ready" like before, the "case last updated" details may change on the first day or two after the interview, and then eventually you won't be able to check it under immigrant. At least that's what happened in my case.
 

Again, please don't use my anecdote to strictly determine what documents you need, how easy/difficult the experience will be with you, or any other specifics. It's case-to-case basis, always. My aim is to provide an overview of the process because it's better than being clueless, LOL. And I just enjoy writing my visa experiences in detail. 😅
 

Good luck to everyone!


My CEAC Status Timeline:

Jul. 9-10 (Tue-Wed) - "No Status"
Jul. 11 (Thu) AM - "Application Received"
Jul. 11 (Thu) PM - "Administrative Processing"
Jul. 12 (Fri) PM - "Issued"

Hi there good morning! We have same status from JULY 12 case status in ceac ISSUED . How Long do you think we can get our passport back from 2go branch ? 

[payxibka 10,045]

4 minutes ago, Blessedme said:

Hi there good morning! We have same status from JULY 12 case status in ceac ISSUED . How Long do you think we can get our passport back from 2go branch ? 

Typically the following day after you get the sms from 2go

[Hank_ 9,174]

From issued status it can be 5-10 more days (business days)

Edited July 16, 2019 by Hank_

[Del A. 44]

11 hours ago, Blessedme said:

Hi there good morning! We have same status from JULY 12 case status in ceac ISSUED . How Long do you think we can get our passport back from 2go branch ? 

Congrats on getting Issued! As an added tip try to e-mail passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com with your passport number in the subject line. I e-mailed them 5 minutes ago and got a response just now saying:

 

"The current status of your passport is In Transit From Post"

 

I'm sure we'll get ours soon like the admins advised. Best of luck to you! 😊

[Blessedme 8]

1 hour ago, Del A. said:

Congrats on getting Issued! As an added tip try to e-mail passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com with your passport number in the subject line. I e-mailed them 5 minutes ago and got a response just now saying:

 

"The current status of your passport is In Transit From Post"

 

I'm sure we'll get ours soon like the admins advised. Best of luck to you! 😊

I did email them too..just now . It’s says No status available of the passport number you submitted. I Guess I’ll just wait . 😞☹️ We’ve stayed 5 days more here in Manila just to pick up the passport instead of delivering it to my province. I wish I can have that response too soon..oh well !! Congratulations to you ..And welcome to the US of A 🥰 soon ...

[Blessedme 8]

21 hours ago, Del A. said:

Congrats on getting Issued! As an added tip try to e-mail passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com with your passport number in the subject line. I e-mailed them 5 minutes ago and got a response just now saying:

 

"The current status of your passport is In Transit From Post"

 

I'm sure we'll get ours soon like the admins advised. Best of luck to you! 😊

Finally mine is also Transit from post . Did you get yours already? 

[Hank_ 9,174]

Next ... CFO   

[Blessedme 8]

2 hours ago, Hank_ said:

Next ... CFO   

We already have stickers from CFO 😅 . I’m waiting for our Returning Residents Visa ..in the passport