My Visa Interview Experience

[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

[kyle_lairic 0]

Congratulations

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

[smoke20 0]

awesome! congrats!

[Almi and Randy 0]

Congratulations

Thank you so much Kyle_lairic!

[BelwinMills 0]

way to go

[cutie2009 0]

Congratulations!Thanks for sharing your experience.

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

[Eddie&Mary 0]

Congrats to you and thanks for sharing your experience!!!!

[bluesalmon 1]

Congratulations

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Do they have parking somewhere near the embassy?

[jaynel 0]

hi....newbie here and just wanted to know to those who had an earlier medical appointment if u had to call slec to make an earlier appoinmetn or if u just showed up at slec showed the appoinment notice and went through with the medical check-up.....any advice!!!! .....thanks so much...........

[panda_ner 0]

Congratulations on your approval! And, thanks so much for your interview experience. It was very helpful and insightful. Congratulations again! I like reading threads like these!

[jessel chris 0]

Congrats!

Congratulations!Thanks for sharing your experience.

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

[Almi and Randy 0]

Thank you so much to mike/jennilyn; Belwin Mills; KCO11781; Eddie & Mary; bluesalmon; panda_ner, jessel Chris andy Jaynel.

Hope some members can gain some insights from my experience.

For Jaynel, yes you can go directly to SLEC for your medical appointment since u have your appointment letter from the embassy.

To bluesalmon, yes you can park across the USE ( in front of the hotels).

Almi[/size]

[jaynel 0]

thanks so much almi its so nice to know that people like you are around to help....congratulations and goodluck on your next endeavors......best wishes on ur wedding day

[rich_kathy 0]

Congratulations! And thanks for sharing your experience I've been a nervous wreck since I got packet 4, didn't know what to expect. But I am lightening up a bit, just have to take a day at a time, I know everything will end up well.

[Almi and Randy 0]

Congratulations! And thanks for sharing your experience I've been a nervous wreck since I got packet 4, didn't know what to expect. But I am lightening up a bit, just have to take a day at a time, I know everything will end up well.

Hello rich_kathy,

Just prepare all the documents needed. Review your I-129F, read the emails, cards you sent to the USCIS. Organize the documents needed during the interview. Gather sample questions and rehearse it.

Get enough sleep and have breakfast before going to the embassy. Do not worry.. Everything will be ok. Goodluck!!!

Almi