Manila Philippines K1 Visa Only - Status Ready but No Packet 3

[praisejourney 25]

I decided to create a new topic on this because the other topic that was created has a mixed discussion between those filing Spousal vs. and K1.  I think it's super important that the discussions do not get crossed otherwise it can really throw someone off.  I am not really looking for links to tutorials because I am not doing it myself.  I am receiving conflicting information about Packet 3. Both my NVC confirmation and our attorney says that we should wait for the Packet 3 letter before proceeding.  However, others on visajourney are saying you should never wait for it and act now.  Also, others are saying, you will never receive it.  I am getting mixed messages.  Did others who went through the K1 (only) process receive their packets within the 2 week window? I would love to hear your experience as I am lost and confused on what to do next.  Do they send packet 3 via AirMail?

 

Look at this packet 3 sample I found from Canada. It explicitly says don't schedule and interview:

https://ca.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/07/Packet3Instructions-IV.pdf

 

[geowrian 22,337]

* Moved from K-1 Progress Reports to Philippines forum. Question is about specifics of the K-1 process through Manila. *

 

PH does not have a packet 3. Packet 3 is a list of documents you need to provide and steps to do before they schedule the interview.

With Manila, there is only a packet 4 - basically the interview instructions. I'm not sure if it is even mailed, but there should have been a link to the instructions sent via email.

You will schedule your own interview.

 

Official instructions: https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee-visa/the-interview/

Unofficial (but better IMO) instructions:  https://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/us-embassy-usem.html

Don't forget CFO requirements (GCP requirement). Info in the link above.

[praisejourney 25]

14 minutes ago, geowrian said:

* Moved from K-1 Progress Reports to Philippines forum. Question is about specifics of the K-1 process through Manila. *

 

PH does not have a packet 3. Packet 3 is a list of documents you need to provide and steps to do before they schedule the interview.

With Manila, there is only a packet 4 - basically the interview instructions. I'm not sure if it is even mailed, but there should have been a link to the instructions sent via email.

You will schedule your own interview.

 

Official instructions: https://ph.usembassy.gov/visas/immigrant-visas/fiancee-visa/the-interview/

Unofficial (but better IMO) instructions:  https://www.visaconnection-philippines.com/us-embassy-usem.html

Don't forget CFO requirements (GCP requirement). Info in the link above.

I am not sure what the packet is called officially but the confirmation status says, "Please follow the appointment schedule provided to you by NVC. If you do not have a schedule from NVC, please wait for scheduling instructions or a notification from the US Embassy Manila."     It doesn't say at all to start the process without the schedule.

[geowrian 22,337]

5 minutes ago, praisejourney said:

I am not sure what the packet is called officially but the confirmation status says, "Please follow the appointment schedule provided to you by NVC. If you do not have a schedule from NVC, please wait for scheduling instructions or a notification from the US Embassy Manila."     It doesn't say at all to start the process without the schedule.

NVC does not provide instructions for K-1s. That's a generic message for any visa handled by the IV unit. K-1s are unique in that they are NIV but handled by the IV unit.

[Hank_ 9,174]

1 hour ago, praisejourney said:

I decided to create a new topic on this because the other topic that was created has a mixed discussion between those filing Spousal vs. and K1.  I think it's super important that the discussions do not get crossed otherwise it can really throw someone off.  I am not really looking for links to tutorials because I am not doing it myself.  I am receiving conflicting information about Packet 3. Both my NVC confirmation and our attorney says that we should wait for the Packet 3 letter before proceeding.  However, others on visajourney are saying you should never wait for it and act now.  Also, others are saying, you will never receive it.  I am getting mixed messages.  Did others who went through the K1 (only) process receive their packets within the 2 week window? I would love to hear your experience as I am lost and confused on what to do next.  Do they send packet 3 via AirMail?

 

Look at this packet 3 sample I found from Canada. It explicitly says don't schedule and interview:

https://ca.usembassy.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/27/2016/07/Packet3Instructions-IV.pdf                       <<<<<  DOESN'T MATTER WHAT IS DONE AT ANOTHER EMBASSY, YOU ARE IN THE PHILIPPINES

 

As stated earlier .. NVC does NOT schedule interviews for the K-1

 

 

Not sure how your expect your attorney to complete the process for you in the Philippines.    The DS-160 is the visa application form, he can fill in the information YOU provide to him, but HE can not click the submit button to submit the application, by LAW you are the only one that is to do this. 

 

https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

 

" 

Other people can assist you with your visa application. Note that under U.S. law (22 C.F.R. 41.103) you must electronically sign and submit your own application unless you qualify for an exemption. Even if someone else helped you complete the application, you (the applicant) must click the “Sign Application” button, or your application may not be accepted. "

 

You pay the visa fee at BPI  (after printing out the deposit slip)

 

I guess he could create your profile for you, but again YOU have to provide all the information to him.   Then he could, possibly, schedule your interview ... maybe.

 

An attorney can't complete the medical for you

 

An attorney can't attend the interview for you.  An attorney can not collect the required documents for you (as listed in STEP 5)

 

An attorney can't attend CFO-GCP with you

 

 

Guess what... YOU will be doing this.

 

You came onto a website that is based on DO IT YOURSELF, you got good suggestions and information.   If you want your attorney to handle everything that is cool ... sit back, relax and wait for the attorney to get everything completed.    

 

 

 

 

Edited February 5, 2020 by Hank_

[Hank_ 9,174]

[Carpe Vinum 2,327]

You are not getting mixed messages from here. Your Attorney is wrong....Attorneys are basically worthless for the vast majority of K1 filers. Especially for Manila. I hope your interview in Montreal goes well....😉

Edited February 5, 2020 by boris64

[Just Paul 4,595]

18 minutes ago, boris64 said:

I hope your interview in Montreal goes well....😉

Mary loves the poutine and the churches in Montreal.   She met me there last spring; traveling on her own as I was at a conference in Barbados.  It was snowing when she arrived.  I was tan and left Montreal with a cold.

 

OP, hopefully you have better sense than your lawyer. 

Fill out the DS-160, pay the fee, do the CFO, schedule the medical and interview.  Or wait for the lawyer if you are in no rush.

Edited February 5, 2020 by Paul & Mary

[praisejourney 25]

2 hours ago, Hank_ said:

As stated earlier .. NVC does NOT schedule interviews for the K-1

 

 

Not sure how your expect your attorney to complete the process for you in the Philippines.    The DS-160 is the visa application form, he can fill in the information YOU provide to him, but HE can not click the submit button to submit the application, by LAW you are the only one that is to do this. 

 

https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/

 

" 

Other people can assist you with your visa application. Note that under U.S. law (22 C.F.R. 41.103) you must electronically sign and submit your own application unless you qualify for an exemption. Even if someone else helped you complete the application, you (the applicant) must click the “Sign Application” button, or your application may not be accepted. "

 

You pay the visa fee at BPI  (after printing out the deposit slip)

 

I guess he could create your profile for you, but again YOU have to provide all the information to him.   Then he could, possibly, schedule your interview ... maybe.

 

An attorney can't complete the medical for you

 

An attorney can't attend the interview for you.  An attorney can not collect the required documents for you (as listed in STEP 5)

 

An attorney can't attend CFO-GCP with you

 

 

Guess what... YOU will be doing this.

 

You came onto a website that is based on DO IT YOURSELF, you got good suggestions and information.   If you want your attorney to handle everything that is cool ... sit back, relax and wait for the attorney to get everything completed.    

 

 

 

 

Thanks Hank that is great info! 

[praisejourney 25]

I called both NVC and visa office in Manila and they are both saying that we have to wait for the schedule which makes sense.  I don't know why everyone is saying, go for it now.

[Hank_ 9,174]

2 minutes ago, praisejourney said:

I called both NVC and visa office in Manila and they are both saying that we have to wait for the schedule which makes sense.  I don't know why everyone is saying, go for it now.

 

Of course they are.     You want to wait for the letter/email from the embassy then wait ..   it is that simple.    We don't care what you do, that is your decision

 

 

[Just Paul 4,595]

You will be waiting a very long time.

 

[praisejourney 25]

I will let you know what happens.  Thank you all for your help.

[Just Paul 4,595]

13 minutes ago, praisejourney said:

I will let you know what happens.  Thank you all for your help.

Do you have the case number yet?   MNL20XXXXXXXXX 

 

the website for scheduling: https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=Philippines

A video from 2017: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-appointmentschedule.asp

Edited February 6, 2020 by Paul & Mary

[praisejourney 25]

19 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

Do you have the case number yet?   MNL20XXXXXXXXX 

 

the website for scheduling: https://cgifederal.secure.force.com/?language=English&country=Philippines

A video from 2017: https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ph/ph-niv-appointmentschedule.asp

Yes. And our status is currently set at ready.